Mexico open Group A, Algeria shock Dutch in World Cup tune-ups
Ex-Newcastle defender Paul Dummett hails ex-St Mirren teammates John McGinn and Kenny McLean, backing them to shine as Scotland start their World Cup campaign against Haiti.
Brentford’s Igor Thiago, in Brazil’s squad under Carlo Ancelotti, has 2 goals in 3 caps and targets 2026 glory, crediting his faith as his ‘superpower’ and citing idols Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale views Christian Pulisic as non-transferable and will open post-World Cup talks over a contract extension with a salary increase.
Free sweepstake tool for the expanded 48-team World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. Mexico open vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca on 06/11, final on 07/19 at MetLife Stadium.
Aston Villa eye Roma’s Manu Kone, valued up to €50m, with Champions League lure. The France international is set for the World Cup, while Roma may sell to ease finances.
Look back at Scotland’s World Cup misfortunes, including Carlos Borges’ hat-trick in Uruguay’s 7-0 win in 1954, their heaviest international defeat.
Hadj Moussa’s late curler beats the Netherlands 1-0 in Rotterdam. Malen hits post and misses chances, Summerville debuts. Koeman calls it a ‘wake-up call’. Algeria head to Group J, Dutch to Group F.
AFC Lewisham seek a temporary licence to show World Cup games, sell alcohol and stay open until 11:30pm, with extra 15 minutes after key matches if kick-off is no later than 11pm.
New Zealand end a 16-year wait, target a first World Cup win in Group G with Iran, Egypt and Belgium. Chris Wood captains. Open vs Iran on 16 June in Inglewood. Full 26 named.
Ryanair mock Italy on X with ‘To where exactly?’ after the Azzurri post ‘en route’ for Luxembourg, highlighting Italy’s absence from recent World Cups. Italy beat Luxembourg 1-0 in a friendly.
Co-hosts Mexico name Ochoa for a record sixth World Cup. Group A: South Africa, South Korea, Czechia. Fixtures at Estadio Azteca and Akron, opening vs South Africa on 11 June. Full 26-man squad listed.
Lee Dong-gyeong’s free-kick seals a 1-0 win in Utah. Son Heung-min comes on after the goal. South Korea head to Group A to face Czech Republic, South Africa and co-hosts Mexico on 11 June.
Three Lions Pride and others will not attend due to US policies affecting LGBTQ fans, citing visa and safety risks. FIFA promises inclusion, Pride Houses planned across 16 host cities.
Diogo Dalot targets World Cup glory with Portugal, praising Roberto Martínez and squad depth. He aims for his first World Cup goal and says winning the trophy is a major career ambition.
Paraguay qualify sixth in CONMEBOL, beating Brazil and Argentina en route. Group D with USA, Türkiye and Australia. Open vs USA on 13 June. Squad features Miguel Almirón and Julio Enciso.
South Korea make an 11th straight World Cup, drawn with Mexico, South Africa and Czechia. Fixtures in Mexico, opener vs Czechia on 12 June. Squad led by Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae.
Emile Heskey says Harry Maguire is England’s biggest World Cup squad omission, calling him an asset in both boxes.
England face Croatia on 06/17 at AT&T Stadium, Arlington. Group games also vs Ghana in Foxborough on 06/23 and Panama at MetLife, East Rutherford on 06/27. Warm-ups: New Zealand 06/06, Costa Rica 06/10.
South Africa return to the World Cup, in Group A with co-hosts Mexico, Czechia and South Korea. Open at Azteca on 11 June. Ronwen Williams and Lyle Foster headline the squad.
Morocco, 2022 semi-finalists and 2025 AFCON winners, enter Group C with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. Open vs Brazil on 13 June. New boss Mohamed Ouahbi leads a squad featuring Hakimi and Brahim Díaz.
Monterrey prepare for 2026 with 11 helicopters, 2 Black Hawks, 90 armoured vehicles, robotic dogs and a central command to secure four World Cup matches in Nuevo León.
Belgium top qualifying unbeaten, drawn with Egypt, Iran and New Zealand. Lukaku included despite fitness issues. De Bruyne and Courtois return. Fixtures start vs Egypt on 15 June.
Deschamps says William Saliba is fit and ‘would have played’ if needed, easing France fears before World Cup in the USA. The Arsenal defender is expected to be managed but available.
Crystal Palace send 12 players to the 48-team World Cup co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada, a record 104 games over about five weeks starting 06/12.
France enter 2026 as favourites under Didier Deschamps’ last tournament, pivoting to 4-2-3-1 with Mbappe, Dembele and Olise. Kante remains key cover. Aim is clear: win the World Cup.
Scotland return to the World Cup after 28 years, in Group C with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti. Open vs Haiti on 14 June. Billy Gilmour ruled out, Tyler Fletcher called up. Full squad and kick-off times.
Sir Geoff Hurst urges England to win the 2026 World Cup, saying ‘we can win it’ and anything less than a semi-final would disappoint. He praises Tuchel’s team ethic amid selection debate.
