Spain tune up, Mexico opener set as referee denied US entry
John McGinn says no pre-tournament antics as Scotland set up in Charlotte. Targets group progress, promises Lederhosen dance only if they advance. Reflects on past lessons and rising expectations.
World Cup opener at Azteca: Mexico vs South Africa, 8pm BST, 11 June. ITV1 and ITVX in UK. Rangel set to start in goal, Jimenez to lead line. Lyle Foster expected to start for Bafana Bafana.
Daily World Cup game: guess the footballer in as few tries as possible, with clues revealed after each miss.
With China absent, fans rally behind referee Ma Ning, the ‘Card Master’. His World Cup trip trends on Weibo, with brand tie-ins. He is China’s only match referee, joined by Zhou Fei and VAR Fu Ming.
BBC pundits highlight 2026 World Cup breakout picks, including Mexico’s 17-year-old attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora, youngest player at the tournament and Liga MX’s youngest scorer.
Spain beat Peru 3-1 in Puebla as Oyarzabal, Pedri and a Gallese own goal score. Jairo Velez replies. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are expected back for the World Cup opener vs Cape Verde on 15 June.
England fans in Tampa baulk at World Cup drink prices, with pints up to £13.50 and cocktails over £20. England beat New Zealand 1-0 and face Croatia on 17 June at AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
Adidas x Coca-Cola drop a 25-piece World Cup 2026 fan collection, with retro jerseys, tees, track tops, shorts, hats and six sneaker models, available via Adidas online.
Somali referee Omar Artan is denied US entry and will miss World Cup 2026. FIFA say immigration is a host decision. Artan thanks FIFA and CAF, vows to focus on future as CAF seek a replacement.
England assistant Anthony Barry, a Liverpool-born tactician linked with Thomas Tuchel, is billed as a key backroom figure for World Cup 2026.
