FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius Jr speaks on emotional bond with grandmother, racism and WC journey
Zee Entertainment said on Monday it had secured the rights to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 38 other FIFA events through 2034.
Portugal's World Cup squad will wear commemorative wristbands in tribute to their late former teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last year. Midfielder Vitinha discussed the team's approach to the upcoming tournament, acknowledging logistical challenges and expressing his personal ambition to win the World Cup.
Football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have taken to social media to share their preparations for crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches. Messi, fresh off a hat-trick, is fine-tuning for Argentina's clash against Austria, while Ronaldo, after a frustrating draw, is refocusing for Portugal's game against Uzbekistan.
Spain face Belgium on Friday in a World Cup quarterfinal that pits one of the tournament's smoothest operators against a side emboldened by a thunderous 4-1 win over the United States that followed one of football's most bizarre political interventions.
It is only the second time a tournament run by world football's governing body FIFA has featured as many as 48 teams.
Portugal and their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw by Group K rivals Democratic Republic of Congo in their World Cup clash in a sodden Houston.
A first World Cup win for seven-times African champions Egypt, 92 years after their debut, put them in charge though Iran's dogged performances in draws with Belgium and New Zealand means victory could also see them top Group G.
Brazil is preparing for their World Cup opener against Morocco without star forward Neymar, who is recovering from a calf injury.
Harry Kane rose to rescue England, striking twice in the span of 11 minutes as the former champions fought back from a goal down to beat a a gritty Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup last-32 clash in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Substitute Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute after goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubars's long-range effort, restoring Spain's lead and putting the 2010 champions 2-1 ahead of Belgium.
Videos circulated online showed Senegal players being screened by airport security before travelling from Raleigh, North Carolina to San Antonio, Texas for a warm-up friendly against Saudi Arabia ahead of the tournament.
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.
Mohamed Salah scored and assisted as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, securing the country's first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and moving top of Group G.
England captain Harry Kane missed a crucial opportunity against Ghana, blazing a close-range shot over the bar, which denied his side an immediate spot in the World Cup round of 32. The 0-0 draw means England must now wait to confirm their progression.
Norway made history at the FIFA World Cup by fielding three sons of former World Cup players in the same match: Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth, and Kristian Thorstvedt. This mirrored a 1994 World Cup match where their fathers played together. Erling Haaland marked his debut with a brace, leading Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq.
Croatia secured their first points in the World Cup Group L by defeating Panama 1-0, thanks to a second-half goal from substitute Ante Budimir. The victory eliminated Panama from the tournament. The match also saw captain Luka Modric achieve his 200th cap for Croatia.
South Africa has made history by securing their first-ever World Cup knockout stage berth after a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, leading to jubilant celebrations and setting up a clash with co-hosts Canada. This marks a significant achievement for the team, overcoming previous group stage exits.
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.
Germany's 2014 World Cup winner Sami Khedira sees no identity crisis in his brother Rani playing for Tunisia at FIFA World Cup 2026.
It happened in 2017, two years after Scaloni ended his playing career. De la Fuente, then in charge of Spain's youth teams, was among the figures who helped guide a recently retired player taking his first steps towards management.
'I'm truly sorry for not meeting your expectations'
Egypt's players and Coach Hossam Hassan blasted FIFA and accused the governing body of blatantly 'favouring' Lionel Messi and his team.
Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been given a five-match ban after receiving a red card for a tackle which seriously injured Canada midfielder Ismael Kone, FIFA said on Wednesday.
Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament but was later sent off, becoming only the fourth player to score and receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
Egypt secured their first-ever World Cup knockout victory, defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in a last-32 match at Dallas Stadium, advancing to the last-16.
Uruguay winger Maximiliano Arajo, whose grandfather hailed from Goa's Loutolim village, scored a late equaliser to earn his side a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in their FIFA World Cup opener.
After a stellar performance in the World Cup, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland enjoyed an incognito break in New York City with his partner. Despite his global fame, he managed to explore Times Square and Katz's Deli largely unnoticed, attributing his disguise to a baseball cap and sunglasses. His team, Norway, is preparing for an upcoming match against Senegal.
Harry Kane has surpassed Gary Lineker's long-standing record to become England's all-time leading goal scorer at World Cups.
France's formidable attack has propelled them through the World Cup group stage, but coach Didier Deschamps is focused on resolving issues on the team's left side before their Round of 32 match against Sweden.
Carlos Ancelotti's Brazil commence their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against plucky Morocco, who come into the mega event on the back of some pre-tournament turbulence.
Lionel Messi's family has confirmed that his father, Jorge Messi, 68, is receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed health issue. They stated he is recovering well and responding positively to treatment, while also expressing frustration over media speculation and requesting privacy for the family during this time. The statement follows emotional scenes involving Lionel Messi during a recent World Cup match, which he later clarified were unrelated to football but due to difficult personal days.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos said his side are prepared to face Mexico's quality and home-crowd advantage in Thursday's World Cup opener.
Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory as Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in a 2-0 win over Ecuador, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 amid emotional scenes at the Azteca Stadium.
Iran threatened to halt its matches at the World Cup if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at stadiums, Iranian media reported, citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, following criticism of the team's presence at the tournament.
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.
South Africa has made history by qualifying for the World Cup knockout phase for the first time, thanks to a decisive second-half goal from Thapelo Maseko against South Korea. This 1-0 victory places them on four points in Group A, securing their progression, while South Korea still has a chance to advance as a best third-placed team.
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.
England defender Djed Spence will play in the upcoming World Cup wearing a protective mask after sustaining a broken jaw in a recent Premier League match. The Tottenham Hotspur player confirmed he will need to wear the mask for three months.
Scotland captain Andy Robertson has announced he will dedicate his performance at the upcoming World Cup to his late former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, following an emotional letter from Jota's widow.
