Cape Verde pulled off a World Cup shock by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in the opening game of Group H on Monday, where the European champions and one of the tournament favourites could find no way past the debutants and their keeper Vozinha.
Carlo Ancelotti has spent weeks warning that grit and resilience would decide a long, complicated World Cup. On this evidence, Brazil have been listening -- even if, for much of the match against Japan, they seemed determined to test the theory to destruction.
Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.
Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, expected to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup match, was denied entry into the United States due to "vetting concerns" by US Customs and Border Protection.
Nicolas Pepe justified his World Cup selection with two goals on Thursday, coming out of the cold to restore his reputation as a key striker for the Ivory Coast.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre downplayed his team's achievement of topping their World Cup group, stating that true success would be measured later in the tournament. He highlighted the importance of playing at home and the team's improved maturity, while also reflecting on his own calmer coaching style. Aguirre expressed his ambition to guide Mexico into the world's top 10.
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his 6th FIFA World Cup, headlines the Portugal squad that has a glittering supporting cast that includes Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes.
With Mariachi costumes, trumpets, and a sea of dark green support, Mexico City has opened the World Cup on Thursday, as fans packed the famous Azteca stadium ahead of the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, amid a backdrop of protests around the capital.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live in India after FIFA and 'Z' group reached an agreement. The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live in India after FIFA and 'Z' group reached an agreement. The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Brazil forward Neymar will not travel with the squad for their second World Cup group game against Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday as he continues to recover from a calf injury, the Brazilian football association said.
The complete schedule of FIFA World Cup 2026 in IST.
'It's really easy to get into and the kids love it.'
Indian boxer Minakshi, a former world champion, has advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup (Stage 2) in the 51kg category after a dominant victory.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was not too keen to discuss it on Thursday but finally conceded he was very happy his mother had obtained a U.S. visa and would be able to watch him play against Uruguay in the World Cup this weekend.
Cape Verde's heroic goalkeeper Vozinha will have his mother in the stands when he next takes to the pitch at the World Cup on Sunday, after US officials moved to ensure she could obtain a visa in time.
Spain arrive into their Group H clash against Saudi Arabia needing a sharper attacking display after being held to a shock 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde in their opening match in Atlanta.
The Portugal squad are shutting out criticism of the team and captain Cristiano Ronaldo following an underwhelming draw in their World Cup opener against Democratic Republic of Congo, defender Ruben Dias said on Friday.
Brazil have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over the disallowing of a Vinicius Jr goal during their 3-0 FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage victory over Scotland, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also requesting that Mexican referee Cesar Ramos no longer officiate the team's matches.
Former captain Diana Edulji believes openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma finding form quickly will be imperative and crucial to India's chances of winning the Women's T20 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening Group K match.
England midfielder Jordan Henderson has publicly defended teammate Jude Bellingham, highlighting his crucial role and 'X-factor' for the team despite media scrutiny. Henderson also discussed his own controversial selection for his fourth World Cup and the challenge of facing Luka Modric.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have all described the risk of Ebola to World Cup host countries as low, citing measles, COVID-19 and influenza -- which spread when large crowds gather -- as the most likely threats.
Esha Singh won gold in the women's 25m pistol final at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, setting a new world record score of 43. This is India's first medal at the Munich World Cup.
Norway's success at the World Cup has triggered euphoria at home, but the team's trademark "Viking row" celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbours, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.
With Kylian Mbappe's depth and experience, economists predict France are tipped to edge Spain to lift World Cup.
Luka Modric is expected to lead Croatia at what could be his final World Cup as Zlatko Dalic's side aim to continue their remarkable record of success on football's biggest stage despite fitness concerns over their captain.
Australia put in a commanding all-round display to beat West Indies by eight wickets and book their place in Sunday's final, chasing down 126 in just 13 overs.
Colombian singer Shakira has released 'Dai Dai', the official song for the 2026 World Cup, featuring Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
Kerala police have issued a warning about a sophisticated cyber fraud targeting football fans. Scammers are using fake OTT apps and social media advertisements promising free access to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. These malicious apps gain control of users' phones and illegally withdraw money from bank accounts. The police advise downloading apps only from official stores and being cautious of suspicious permissions.
Thousands of Colombian football fans transformed Mexico City into a vibrant yellow sea, celebrating their national team's 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their World Cup opener. The city's streets and restaurants buzzed with supporters enjoying Colombian food, music, and a strong cultural connection, making the Estadio Azteca feel like a home venue for the victorious team.
Harry Kane struck twice while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford delivered the knockout blows as England survived a back-and-forth battle to beat Croatia 4-2 on Wednesday and launch their World Cup campaign in a heavyweight clash that lived up to its billing.
Erling Haaland struck a dramatic last-gasp winner to send Norway through to the next round of the 2026 World Cup, knocking Ivory Coast out in heartbreaking fashion.
Germany, aiming to repair its international reputation after two consecutive first-round exits, begins its World Cup campaign against minnows Curacao.
Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that this Friday's World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has announced an eight-year partnership with FIFA to broadcast all its matches, including the World Cup 2026, in the Indian market. The deal includes 39 FIFA global football events, with live coverage available on ZEEL's sports network and streaming platform ZEE5.
Sweden's star strike partnership of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres faces a stern challenge against Tunisia's rock-solid defence as the two sides begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F campaign.
High costs, visa hurdles, and logistics for the World Cup are deterring fans, leading to a disappointing boost for US hotels, airlines, and the travel industry.
Germany's 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in the World Cup knockout stage sparked a disagreement between coach Julian Nagelsmann and players Joshua Kimmich and Deniz Undav. While the players felt Ecuador 'wanted it more', Nagelsmann strongly rejected this assessment, urging the team to learn and improve for their next match.
An emotional Lionel Messi was wiping his tears with his shirt after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria in the World Cup, a strike that marked the beginning of a memorable performance where he netted thrice to secure a 3-0 win.
