FIFA World Cup 2026: Latest news and updates

Find out all the latest news ahead of the 2026 World Cup kick-off live, including the latest news as confirmed by the team or competition.

Follow the preview of the major tournament every day on AfricaSoccer.com. 

Curacao keeper Room jokes he deserves statue after World Cup heroics

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room joked that he deserves a statue on the Caribbean island after a jaw-dropping display that earned the team their first-ever World Cup point.

Spain target convincing win to dispel World Cup doubts

A wounded Spain will aim to get their World Cup challenge firmly back on track when they face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday.

Marmoush aims to emerge from Salah’s shadow as Egypt’s hero

Omar Marmoush once rejected the chance to play for Canada, but in Vancouver on Sunday will aim to become a national hero back home in Egypt by making World Cup history.

France’s Saliba says playing through the pain at World Cup

France centre-half William Saliba said Saturday he has been “gritting his teeth” and playing through the pain at the World Cup after suffering from a back problem for the past few months.

Potter says ‘harsh’ World Cup hammering will make Sweden better

Coach Graham Potter said his Sweden team will learn and be better for their 5-1 World Cup hammering by a rampant Netherlands on Saturday.

Japan stroll to victory over Tunisia in World Cup’s 1,000th game

Japan marked the 1,000th game in the history of the World Cup with a 4-0 thrashing of Tunisia on Saturday to close in on a place in the last 32.

Room heroics earn Curacao World Cup point against Ecuador

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero on Saturday as the tiny Caribbean island claimed their first-ever World Cup point in a goalless draw against toothless Ecuador.

Top World Cup news from 20th June

Nagelsmann: Schlotterbeck may have suffered ligament injury

Following the final whistle, manager Julian Nagelsmann voiced his concern regarding the player’s condition

‘Fired up’ Spain ready to hit back, says De la Fuente

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said his players have been stung by the criticism that followed a shock 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, but will put that right against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Undav double sinks Ivory Coast as Germany reach Round of 16

Germany recovered from a goal down to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in a demanding Group E contest, with Kessie giving the Elephants the lead before second-half goals from Undav turned the match around. Nagelsmann’s substitutions proved decisive as Germany found the response they needed after a frustrating first half.

Raphinha blow for Brazil as hamstring injury rules winger out of upcoming fixtures

The Barcelona forward was forced off against Haiti and faces a race against time to be fit for the knockout stages.

Netherlands run riot as Brobbey and Gakpo dismantle Sweden

The Netherlands produced one of the standout performances of the World Cup so far as they swept Sweden aside 5-1 in a dominant Group F display on Saturday.

Vinicius Jr voices concern as Raphinha suffers injury recurrence: “It’s the same one”

The Brazil forward lamented his teammate’s latest setback after the winger was forced off during the first half against Haiti.

Zubimendi baffled by scrutiny of Spain’s midfield tempo

Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Saudi Arabia, Martin Zubimendi has hit back at suggestions that Spain’s midfield lacks pace, admitting he finds the ongoing debate “strange”.

Cristiano Ronaldo calls for unity following Joao Neves controversy

The Portugal captain moves to diffuse tensions within the camp after a disappointing opening draw and controversial comments from the young midfielder.

Scotland remain bullish despite Morocco World Cup setback

Scotland players led by star John McGinn retained the belief that they can secure a historic qualification for the knockout phase of the World Cup despite going down 1-0 to Morocco in their second match on Friday.

Tunisia ask how Sweden World Cup star Ayari slipped its net

When Yasin Ayari scored two spectacular goals in Sweden’s emphatic opening World Cup victory, it left a bitter taste in Tunisia, the country he could have represented.

Hakimi ‘calm’ despite facing rape trial, says Morocco World Cup coach

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is “very calm” despite confirmation that he faces trial in France on rape charges, his national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi said after the 1-0 win over Scotland at the World Cup on Friday.

Iran’s treatment at World Cup ‘a dark point’ for football: official

Iran’s treatment at the World Cup in North America is a “dark point” in the history of the competition, a leading Iranian football official said Friday.

Advocaat urges realism as Curacao live World Cup dream

Dick Advocaat said World Cup minnows Curacao had given “unprecedented joy” to the people of the small Caribbean island but tempered expectations on the eve of their clash against Ecuador.

Maguire embraces World Cup spotlight despite England snub

Harry Maguire may not be part of England’s World Cup squad, but the Manchester United defender has still found a way to steal the spotlight in New York.

Germany meet Ivory Coast in high-stakes World Cup clash, Sweden face Dutch

High-scoring Germany face a powerful Ivory Coast side at the World Cup on Saturday with the winner guaranteed a place in the last 32, while Sweden can also book their ticket.

Dutch star De Jong a doubt for World Cup clash with Sweden

Key midfielder Frenkie de Jong is a doubt for the Netherlands’ World Cup group match against free-scoring Sweden on Saturday after colliding with a teammate, coach Ronald Koeman said.

Ancelotti hails ‘complete game’ as Brazil sink Haiti at World Cup

Coach Carlo Ancelotti said Brazil produced a “complete performance” in Friday’s 3-0 World Cup win over Haiti and will continue to improve ahead of the knockout phase.

Nightmare evening for Raphinha: Disallowed goal, squandered chances and injury woe

The forward saw an early strike chalked off after being set up by Bruno Guimaraes on a frustrating night in Philadelphia.

Paraguay’s Almiron first sent off under new FIFA ‘mouth-covering’ rule

Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron claimed an unwanted piece of football history on Friday after becoming the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an on-field confrontation under new FIFA rules.

Turkey become first team eliminated from World Cup after Paraguay defeat

An early strike from Matias Galarza proved enough for Paraguay, who dug deep with 10 men for an entire half to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Turkey and stay firmly in the hunt for the knockout rounds.

Canada star Kone to miss rest of World Cup after surgery

Canada midfielder Ismael Kone has undergone surgery after suffering a broken leg in his team’s defeat of Qatar and will miss the remainder of the World Cup, the Canadian team confirmed Friday.

Tunisia coach says ‘I am no wizard’ after World Cup SOS call

New Tunisia coach Herve Renard said Friday only hard work and unity will save their World Cup, adding: “I am no wizard.”

World Cup scorer Freeman follows NFL father’s footsteps

Alex Freeman said scoring a World Cup goal for the USA in Seattle where his father once scored two touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers was a “full circle family moment.”

World Cup warning with Sweden star Isak ‘getting stronger and stronger’

Striker Alexander Isak will get “stronger and stronger” and is smiling again, Sweden coach Graham Potter said Friday in a World Cup warning to defences.

Pochettino backs ‘high IQ’ players to block out World Cup hype

US coach Mauricio Pochettino backed his “high IQ” players not to get carried away after they secured progress to the World Cup knockouts with Friday’s win over Australia and sent fans’ hopes soaring.

Nagelsmann eyes same German lineup against Ivory Coast

German coach Julian Nagelsmann said Friday he sees no reason to change a lineup that hammered World Cup debutants Curacao last week for his side’s second match against Ivory Coast.

Top World Cup news from 19th June

Brazil cruise past Haiti to re-ignite World Cup campaign

After a much-criticised display in their opening 1-1 draw with Morocco, the five-time world champions underlined the gulf in class with outsiders Haiti, who became the first country to exit this World Cup.

Saibari early strike gives Morocco World Cup win over Scotland

Saibari scored in Morocco’s opening 1-1 draw with Brazil last weekend and his clinical finish with just over a minute gone settled a hard-fought, physical contest watched by a crowd of 64,146 at the Gillette Stadium near Boston.

United States ease past Australia to maintain strong World Cup start

The United States advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds with a game to spare following an impressive 2-0 win over Australia Friday, stoking the hopes of an already hyped host nation.

Kane hails World Cup ‘Wonderwall’ singalong as England highlight

Harry Kane says England’s emotional “Wonderwall” singalong with fans after their opening World Cup win against Croatia was one of his top moments in the national shirt.

Lula jokes Neymar is ‘working remotely’ at World Cup with Brazil

Brazil President Lula da Silva poked fun at Neymar Jr’s peripheral role at the 2026 World Cup, jokingly labelling the Santos star the first player ever to be “called up while working remotely.”

Lamine Yamal: ‘Playing 90 minutes against Saudi Arabia is unnecessary’

The Spain starlet reflects on his recovery and dismisses concerns over La Roja’s opening stalemate as they prepare for a vital World Cup qualifier.

The game that halted a war: Brazil and Haiti set for emotive World Cup reunion

Two decades after a legendary friendly briefly silenced a civil war, the two nations meet again in 2026, balancing a poignant history with a shared quest for peace.

French court confirms Moroccan football star Hakimi will stand trial for rape

A French appeals court on Friday confirmed that Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi will face trial for the alleged rape of a woman in 2023, which the Paris Saint-Germain defender denies.

Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup restrictions

Iran’s World Cup team will lodge a complaint with FIFA claiming they are being subjected to travel restrictions during the tournament in North America, the Iranian football federation spokesman said on Thursday.

‘Pico’ Lopes — Cape Verde defender’s journey from Ireland to World Cup

Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes might have been whiling away his time as a mortgage advisor in Ireland instead of preparing to face Uruguay in the World Cup on Sunday had Shamrock Rovers not come calling.

Australia seek ‘respect’ from US amid World Cup ‘layup’ row

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic said victory over the United States on Friday would earn his side “respect,” in the wake of disparaging comments by US pundits about the Australian side that have triggered a long-brewing row.

Ivory Coast’s Diomande living World Cup dream, dealing with tragedy

Two years after leaving the United States following a series of unsuccessful MLS tryouts, Yan Diomande is shining at the World Cup for Ivory Coast — and still grieving a family tragedy.

Canada bench ‘heard bone snap’: Marsch on Kone horror injury

Canada coach Jesse Marsch said midfielder Ismael Kone was in hospital with a suspected broken leg after the horrific injury that marred the World Cup co-hosts’ 6-0 thrashing of Qatar on Thursday.

Horror injury overshadows Canada’s first World Cup win

Canada thrashed nine-man Qatar 6-0 to clinch their first ever World Cup victory on Thursday in a Group B match marred by a horrific injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.

Co-hosts Mexico first team into World Cup knockout rounds

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over South Korea at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

New Zealand’s Payne joins Paraguayan powerhouse after Instagram fame

New Zealand’s World Cup social media sensation Tim Payne has capitalised on his newfound fame, with the defender announcing on Friday that he has signed for Paraguayan powerhouse Club Olimpia.

Morocco’s Saibari focused on World Cup not Bayern move, says coach

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi insists that star forward Ismael Saibari remains fully focused on the World Cup amid reports he is close to completing a big-money transfer to German champions Bayern Munich.

Sweden boss Potter eyes redemption at World Cup

Graham Potter took charge of Sweden in October with both coach and team in need of a reset. Now they are one game from the World Cup knockouts.

Swiss wonderkid Manzambi scores ‘childhood dream’ brace

Swiss wonderkid Johan Manzambi on Thursday described coming off the bench at the World Cup to score twice in a 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina as a “childhood dream come true.”

Top World Cup news from 18th June

Subs send Swiss to World Cup rout of Bosnia-Herzegovina

Super subs Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas fired Switzerland to a 4-1 win over 10-man Bosnia-Herzegovina in a late rush of goals in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Bafana Bafana held Czech Republic to late draw

Czechia were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa at the start of Matchday 2 of the 2026 World Cup, with Bafana Bafana rescuing a crucial point thanks to a late penalty.

Wahi denied Canadian visa for Ivory Coast World Cup clash with Germany

Forward Elye Wahi will miss Ivory Coast’s second World Cup match against Germany after he was denied a visa to enter Canada, the Ivorian federation said on Thursday.

The standout statistical leaders from the 2026 World Cup matchday 1

The first matchday of the 2026 World Cup group stage has come to an end, and BeSoccer takes a look at the statistical leaders who have stood out at the start of the competition.

Ambivalent World Cup for Gaza’s football fans

In the darkness of a market in the central Gaza Strip, where power outages are a part of daily life, a brightly lit screen showing a World Cup match holds everyone’s gaze.

Mexico, Korea eye World Cup knockout spots

Mexico and South Korea will aim to punch their ticket to the World Cup knockout rounds on Thursday when they meet in Guadalajara knowing a win would guarantee a last 32 berth.

South korea manager slams ‘unfortunate’ drone incident at training

Coach Hong Myung-bo on Wednesday said a drone was spotted flying over South Korea’s training session before their eagerly awaited clash with World Cup co-hosts Mexico, calling the incident “unfortunate.”

Tartan Army takes over Boston as they relish World Cup return

From drinking the bars dry to lustily serenading an iconic baseball stadium with a rendition of “Flower of Scotland”, the bagpipe-playing, kilt-wearing hordes of the Tartan Army have captivated Boston since arriving at the World Cup.

Bellingham hopes goal-scoring World Cup display will silence ‘noise’

Jude Bellingham hopes his pivotal goal in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia at the World Cup on Wednesday will silence the “noise” surrounding him, admitting: “I’ve got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder.”

Tuchel team talk transformed ‘nervy’ England in World Cup win

Captain Harry Kane credited Thomas Tuchel with delivering a half-time team talk that propelled England to a 4-2 win over Croatia to launch their World Cup title bid on Wednesday.

Historic World Cup goal brings rare joy to DR Congo Ebola epicentre

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s first ever World Cup point on Wednesday gave their compatriots in Bunia, the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak, a rare chance to celebrate.

What we learned after the first round of World Cup games

From Lionel Messi rolling back the years to full stadiums and a Cape Verde team that shocked Spain, here is what we learned after the first round of games at the World Cup.

Colombia overcome newcomers Uzbekistan to close opening round on top

The Cafeteros were made to work for their victory at the Estadio Azteca, eventually seeing off debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 to begin their Group K campaign with three valuable points.

Ghana leave it late to sink Panama in World Cup opener

Caleb Yirenkyi struck in the 95th minute to hand Ghana a dramatic victory over Panama and deny the Central Americans a historic first point on football’s biggest stage.

Czechs eye World Cup liftoff against South Africa

Czech Republic captain Ladislav Krejci said Thursday’s showdown with South Africa will determine the World Cup fate of both teams after they lost in the opening round.

South Africa’s Broos hits out at ‘trash’ talk, targets World Cup redemption

South Africa coach Hugo Broos said he will take no notice of the “trash” criticism he has faced as Bafana Bafana try to get their World Cup back on track against the Czech Republic on Thursday.

Danilo backs Brazil to get over World Cup ‘fright’

Danilo admitted on Wednesday that Brazil’s lacklustre start to the World Cup was “frightening”, but said he was confident the team would improve.

Casemiro, Ancelotti’s lieutenant and symbol of Brazil troubles

Recalled by Carlo Ancelotti, Casemiro became an untouchable figure for Brazil — until a disappointing World Cup start made him a prime target for criticism at home.

Top World Cup news from 17th June

England sink Croatia in frantic six-goal thriller

England made a superb start to their World Cup campaign, securing a 4-2 victory over Croatia in a thrilling and frantic encounter.

Portugal forced to settle for a point against DR Congo

On Wednesday, Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening World Cup Group K match in Houston.

Norway coach hails Haaland after World Cup double

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said star striker Erling Haaland proved the World Cup “wasn’t too big” for him as he scored two goals in the 4-1 win over Iraq on Tuesday.

Ruben Dias to miss Portugal’s World Cup opener

Portugal will be without Ruben Dias for their opening World Cup match against DR Congo after the defender was ruled out through injury.

Adidas runs out of letter ‘V’ as German fans snap up World Cup shirts

Replica World Cup shirts of several German players were temporarily unavailable due to a shortage of the letter “V” following high demand from fans, Adidas said Wednesday.

England enter World Cup fray as Ronaldo makes history

England begin their bid to end a 60-year wait for a trophy when they take on Croatia in their World Cup opener on Wednesday, while Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in a record-equalling sixth tournament.

Ronaldo as excited for sixth World Cup as his first, says Martinez

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for his sixth World Cup as if it were his first, said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez as he hailed the 41-year-old as “an example and a reference for football.”

Mbappe has World Cup history in sights after breaking France scoring record

Kylian Mbappe’s renewed his remarkable relationship with the World Cup on Tuesday as he scored a double in his team’s 3-1 win over Senegal, meaning he has a strong chance of becoming the tournament’s all-time top scorer at this year’s edition.

Kane tells England ‘be free in the mind’ for World Cup title bid

Captain Harry Kane told his England team-mates to “go for it” and be “free in the mind” when they launch their World Cup title charge Wednesday against Croatia in Texas.

Deschamps hails ‘extraordinary’ Mbappe as France win on World Cup bow

France coach Didier Deschamps toasted “extraordinary” Kylian Mbappe after the France captain scored twice in the team’s opening game at the World Cup on Tuesday to become his country’s all-time top marksman.

Iranian forward Torabi gets US visa for World Cup

Iranian forward Mehdi Torabi has received a visa for the United States that will allow him to play the rest of the tournament there, a team official said Tuesday.

Ghana’s Partey loses bid to enter Canada for World Cup

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial on rape charges in Britain, lost a court challenge on Tuesday that would have allowed him to enter Canada for his side’s World Cup opener in Toronto.

Lack of concentration cost us against France, says Senegal’s Mendy

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy said his side had paid for taking their eye off the ball at critical moments in the 3-1 defeat by France in their opening World Cup match on Tuesday.

Messi equals World Cup goalscoring record in Argentina romp

Lionel Messi scored a dazzling hat-trick for Argentina on Tuesday to equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time record of 16 goals at World Cups as the defending champions swept Algeria aside 3-0.

Haaland double powers Norway to World Cup win over Iraq

Erling Haaland struck his first World Cup goals as Norway beat Iraq 4-1 on Tuesday in their first game at a major tournament in 26 years.

Messi salutes ‘beautiful moment’ after tying World Cup goals record

Lionel Messi saluted a “beautiful moment” after becoming the World Cup’s joint all-time leading goalscorer in his record-breaking sixth finals appearance on Tuesday.

Austria survive Jordan scare

Austria were forced to work much harder than expected before securing a 3-1 victory over World Cup debutants Jordan in their opening Group I match. The final scoreline flattered the Europeans, who struggled for long periods against a spirited and fearless opponent.

Teenager Bouaddi gives Morocco reason to dream at World Cup

Less than three months ago, Ayyoub Bouaddi was captaining France’s Under-21 side in a European Championship qualifier. Now, he is a central figure underpinning Morocco’s World Cup ambitions.

Elijah Just: ‘skinny kid’ lights up World Cup, makes New Zealand history

He has been repeatedly written off as too small and skinny, but Elijah Just has now emerged as a World Cup star after his two clinical goals made New Zealand football history.

Top World Cup news from 16th June

Ghosts of Moscow – Only 11 survivors remain from Croatia & England’s 2018 classic

England and Croatia lock horns in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Dallas, facing each other again in the tournament eight years after the Croatians left the Three Lions on the brink of the 2018 final in Moscow.

Mbappe double fires France past Senegal

France claimed a 3-1 victory over Senegal on Tuesday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice and Bradley Barcola adding another as Les Bleus eventually turned their dominance into goals.

Kylian Mbappe equals Olivier Giroud: 58 goals and a seat at the legends’ table

A landmark moment for French football. At just 27 years of age, Kylian Mbappe has drawn level with Olivier Giroud’s all-time goal-scoring record, further cementing his legacy with Les Bleus.

Roberto Martinez set to step down as Portugal boss after World Cup

Roberto Martinez is expected to leave his role as Portugal head coach following the 2026 World Cup, according to reports from talkSPORT.

The World Cup record Cristiano Ronaldo cannot break in 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to chase football immortality. The Portugal captain is edging ever closer to the extraordinary milestone of 1,000 career goals, a landmark that feels increasingly inevitable given his relentless appetite for finding the net.

Brazil can’t expect easy win over Haiti, says Douglas Santos

Brazil defender Douglas Santos said the five-time World Cup winners cannot afford to take Haiti lightly after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener.

Spain must put Cape Verde World Cup ‘grief’ behind them, says Merino

Mikel Merino said Spain have to react to the “grief” of failing to beat debutants Cape Verde in their World Cup opener, but is confident the European champions are still contenders to win the competition.

Chess legend Carlsen backs Norway to go far at World Cup

Chess legend and avid football fan Magnus Carlsen predicted on Tuesday that Norway would “hammer” Iraq in their World Cup opener – and could go on to reach the quarter-finals.

Heavyweights Argentina and France start World Cup quests

Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Kylian Mbappe’s France, the two teams who contested a thrilling World Cup final four years ago, roar into the 2026 tournament on Tuesday.

‘Jurgen should know better’: Klopp criticised for Nagelsmann jibe

Former Germany players have hit out at Jurgen Klopp for comments he made about national coach Julian Nagelsmann while working as a pundit covering the 2026 World Cup.

OFFICIAL: England’s Livramento set to miss World Cup with injury, Tuchel call up Chalobah

England’s preparations for their World Cup campaign have been dealt a blow by Tino Livramento’s hamstring injury. The full-back will miss the World Cup and is replaced by Trevoh Chalobah.

‘Competitive animal’ Messi set for record sixth World Cup

The whole world is waiting to see Lionel Messi, said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, when the defending champions begin their World Cup campaign against Algeria on Tuesday.

Haaland poised for ‘big impact’ at World Cup, says Norway coach

Norway coach Stale Solbakken says star striker Erling Haaland is poised to make a “very big impact” as his country returns to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

England eager to take final step at World Cup: Saka

Bukayo Saka says England have the “talent, passion and confidence” to finally win the World Cup after a series of agonising near-misses in major tournaments.

Cape Verde hero Vozinha sheds ‘tears of resilience’ after keeping Spain at bay

Spain failed to find a way past inspired Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as the 40-year-old secured a stunning 0-0 draw for the World Cup debutants and was reduced to tears at his heroics.

200 up for Messi: Argentina icon leaves Ronaldo’s numbers behind

Lionel Messi will make his 200th appearance for Argentina when the Albiceleste face Algeria on Thursday in their World Cup opener. The Argentine superstar will reach this milestone boasting better statistics than Ronaldo did when the Portuguese player also reached the same milestone with his national team.

Herve Renard appointed as new Tunisia coach during World Cup campaign

The Tunisian Federation announced Tuesday morning the hiring of Herve Renard as the new manager. The North African side sacked Sabri Lamouchi after losing 5-1 in the first match day of the 2026 World Cup.

France come into this year’s World Cup as one of the leading contenders for the trophy having reached the final of the last two editions, but Tuesday’s opponents in their opening game, Senegal, serve as a warning of the dangers of over-confidence.

Four notable World Cup upsets

Cape Verde’s memorable World Cup debut in holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw on Monday is one of the great upsets in the tournament’s history.

We pick out four upsets prior to the the side from the tiny volcanic archipelago of just 525,000 people proving more than a match for a football super power:

Senegal aim to overcome ‘regrettable’ absence of fans in the US

The secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation has told AFP he is confident his country can have a big impact at this year’s World Cup despite the “regrettable” decision of US authorities to refuse to issue visas to their supporters.

Uruguay held by solid Saudi Arabia in World Cup draw

Uruguay dominated but had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia in the sweltering heat of Miami on Monday to leave an intriguing Group H wide open.

Iran begin World Cup with New Zealand stalemate

Iran twice battled back for a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday in their frenetic opening match of a World Cup campaign that has been utterly overshadowed by war, politics and protests.

Top World Cup news from 15th June

Egypt hold Belgium to a draw in World Cup opener

Monday’s Group G encounter ended in a 1-1 draw as Egypt took a first-half lead through Ashour before Belgium battled back after the break, with Lukaku helping force an own goal to secure a share of the spoils in Seattle.

Can Dembele defy the Ballon d’Or curse at the 2026 World Cup?

Fresh from a second Champions League triumph and clutching the Ballon d’Or, Ousmane Dembele heads to the 2026 World Cup in the form of his life. We examine the chequered history of those who arrived on the world stage as the planet’s pre-eminent player.