Spain cannot meet Argentina and France will not face England before the World Cup final - provided they win their groups - after FIFA on Tuesday announced the draw procedure.
The 2026 World Cup will kick off-on June 11 with joint-hosts Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium - iconic venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals - followed by South Korea against a play-off winner after the complex draw was made on Friday.
Lionel Messi is aiming for the Golden Boot and a record third Golden Ball at the World Cup final against Spain.
Former India internationals analyse Spain's dominant performance and tactical discipline that led them to the FIFA World Cup final, highlighting their defensive solidity and adaptability.
Next year's 48-team World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Italy face the shocking possibility of failing to reach the World Cup for a third consecutive time.
France coach Didier Deschamps heaped praise on his players after they reached the World Cup final with a 1-0 win over Belgium on Tuesday, saying the lost final at Euro 2016 was still on his mind.
The focus has very much been on the game between two countries that share a sporting rivalry.
France return to No.1 in FIFA rankings after wins over Brazil and Colombia, while Spain drop to second and Argentina slip to third in the latest standings.
Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president faces challenges from traditional football powers, but his strategy relies heavily on the support of smaller, emerging nations that benefit significantly from FIFA's development grants.
India's Lakshya Sen will miss the Thomas Cup semifinal against France due to a swollen elbow sustained during the quarterfinal match. Ayush Shetty will replace him in the opening singles.
Brazil take on bogey team Norway in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, aiming for their first-ever victory over the Scandinavians as Erling Haaland leads Norway's bid for another historic upset.
Germany's World Cup misery continued as Paraguay stunned the four-time champions on penalties in the Round of 32, extending a decade-long decline marked by defensive frailties and major tournament disappointments since 2014.
England spent little time celebrating Sunday's 3-0 World Cup win over Senegal before turning their thoughts to an intimidating quarter-final next Saturday against reigning champions France.
Ayush Shetty suffered a straight-game loss to Christo Popov as India trailed France 0-1 in the semifinals of the Thomas Cup Finals.
Ayush Shetty suffered a straight-game loss to Christo Popov as India trailed France 0-1 in the semifinals of the Thomas Cup Finals.
India face a tough challenge in the Thomas Cup semifinal as France take a 2-0 lead, with Kidambi Srikanth losing to Alex Lanier and Ayush Shetty falling to Christo Popov.
Debutants, heat and distance shape mood ahead of 2026 World Cup draw
India are clubbed alongside Pakistan in Pool B in Junior Men's Hockey World Cup to be held in Chennai and Madurai.
FIH Men's World Cup: India beat Switzerland 5-0 to qualify for quarterfinals
The teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Pakistan's men's hockey team, led by Captain Ammad Shakeel Butt, is preparing to face India in the upcoming FIH Pro League and the 2026 Hockey World Cup. Butt acknowledges India's strength but asserts Pakistan's readiness for a tough competition, focusing on rectifying past mistakes and enhancing key areas like attack and fitness.
France's probable starting line-up for World Cup final
While Catalina Usme fired Colombia to a 1-0 win over Jamaica, France entered the quarters with a win over Morocco.
Lamine Yamal exploded into view at 16 and became an integral part of Spain's record fourth European Championship triumph in 2024.
Lakshya Sen's swollen elbow forces him to miss India's Thomas Cup semifinal against France, with Kidambi Shrikant stepping in. India aims for a spot in the final after a strong quarterfinal win.
Five Indian boxers have secured podium finishes at the World Boxing Futures Cup in Bangkok, with Gunjan, Joyshree Devi, Ambekar Meetei, Chandrika Pujari, and Radhamani Longjam all advancing to the semi-finals.
India will face Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals of the Thomas Cup Finals, aiming to continue their quest for a second title. India progressed to the quarterfinals after finishing second in Group A. Chinese Taipei, led by world No. 6 Chou Tien Chen, topped Group C.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi said defending champions France and Brazil are the favourites to win the World Cup in Qatar as they have a core group of players who have played together for a long time.
France, World Cup winners in 1998 and finalists in 2006, missed out on a place in the eight top seeds for Friday's draw, announced by FIFA on Wednesday.
Picking a World Cup team isn't just about football. Somewhere between the colours, the players and the vibe of a team, you end up revealing a little bit about your own personality too.
Sterling did not play a part in England's 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16, leaving Qatar last weekend to return to his family.
A brief history of previous World Cup semi-final appearances by England and Croatia, ahead of their last four match at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday.
Australia beat France 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the last four of the Women's World Cup for the first time.
England dumped Nigeria out of the Women's World Cup in a last-16 penalty shootout
Spain defeat England in final of record-breaking Women's World Cup
Jos Buttler, who travels to India this week to join Gujarat Titans ahead of the new Indian Premier League season, which begins on March 28, hopes to return to the England side despite a poor T20 World Cup, backing the team's leadership and targeting the India series.
Lakshya Sen's remarkable comeback, Satwik-Chirag's gritty doubles win, and Ayush Shetty's decisive victory propelled India into the Thomas Cup Finals semifinals with a 3-0 triumph over Chinese Taipei.
An overview of contenders in the race for top scorer at the 2022 World Cup.
France captain Amandine Henry came to the rescue as the hosts scraped into the women's World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win against Brazil after extra time.
