Germany's 2026 World Cup hopes suffer a blow as 18-year-old Bayern Munich forward Lennart Karl is ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury. RB Leipzig's Assan Ouedraogo replaces him.

In Group F, the Netherlands are favorites but face injury woes. Japan and Sweden battle for second spot, with Tunisia as a dangerous wild card. A tight race with knockout implications.

Thomas Tuchel says Harry Kane is in 'top shape' and 'ready to go' for the 2026 World Cup. The England head coach praised Kane's leanness and high pressing, a contrast to past tournaments where fitness was a concern.

England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed concern over the patchy playing surface at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium before the New Zealand friendly. He said he saw a photo that worried him but has heard it will be OK, and confirmed the pitch issue will not affect his team selection plan of using two different XIs for 45 minutes each.

Didier Deschamps, with 14 World Cup wins as France manager, needs just three more to break Helmut Schön's all-time record of 16. A deep run in 2026 would cement his legacy, as France, led by Mbappé, remains a top contender despite a recent warm-up loss to Ivory Coast.

Portugal will use a fixed US base camp for the 2026 World Cup to reduce travel fatigue for 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, manager Roberto Martinez explains. The squad and Ronaldo support the science-driven approach aimed at maximizing recovery and performance.

The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams, featuring debutants Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Argentina, France, Spain, and Brazil lead the favorites, while off-field politics and travel logistics add complexity.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 48 teams, is set to break long-standing records including most titles, appearances, and goals. Brazil leads with five titles, while Messi, Ronaldo, and Ochoa aim for a sixth tournament. Klose's 16-goal record is under threat.

Atlanta hosts eight World Cup matches including a semifinal. The city blends Olympic legacy with modern fan culture but faces criticism over high ticket costs making the event inaccessible for many locals.

Group C features Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. Brazil's Neymar injury concerns shift focus to Vinicius Junior, while Morocco aims to top the group after their 2022 semi-final run. Scotland's McTominay and Haiti add unpredictability.

England's World Cup preparation in Florida focuses on heat acclimatisation and tactical clarity. A friendly against New Zealand tests match-day conditioning, while squad numbers reveal Tuchel's hierarchy with Kane and Bellingham as focal points.

Shakira and Burna Boy will headline the first of three World Cup opening ceremonies in Mexico City, performing the official song 'Dai Dai' alongside Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin, Maná, and more. The tri-nation event also features ceremonies in the US and Canada.

Group I features France, Norway, and Senegal in a high-stakes collision. Can a 48-team World Cup produce a group of death? Yes, says The Independent, as this trio promises tension from the opening match.

England aim to end 60 years of hurt in Group L, facing Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Thomas Tuchel leads the Three Lions, with Croatia's ageing stars, Ghana's turmoil, and Panama's resilience shaping a tricky path to the knockout stages.

Co-hosts USA head Group D at World Cup 2026, but just 18 ranking spots separate them from Turkey, Australia and Paraguay. Pochettino leads USMNT under home pressure in a fiercely competitive group.

Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen says the team's defence is among the best in the world as they target the 2026 World Cup, with a mathematical model predicting victory over Portugal in the final.

Just over a week before Scotland's 2026 World Cup opener against Haiti, dozens of tickets are being sold on resale sites like StubHub at a fraction of face value, sparking accusations of mismanagement and fan anger.

Egypt heads to the 2026 World Cup unbeaten in qualifying, driven by Mohamed Salah. Key group stage clash vs Belgium on June 15. Coach Hassan's pragmatic 4-3-3 system and 18-year-old talent Hamza Abdel Karim add intrigue.

All 48 nations have submitted their final 26-man squads for World Cup 2026, with Neymar’s shock inclusion for Brazil and a record 44 MLS players among key talking points.

Manchester City dominates World Cup 2026 with a record 19 players from 12 nations. The Premier League also shows strong global influence, while veteran stars seek final glory.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams with 104 matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico. England faces Croatia, Ghana, and Panama; Scotland takes on Brazil, Haiti, and Morocco in a historic tournament.

Mexico begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against South Africa at the iconic Azteca, seeking a deep run after 2022 disappointment. Teen sensation Gilberto Mora is set to dazzle in Group A alongside Czech Republic and a fourth team.

Bournemouth's Alex Scott is poised to make his senior England debut in pre-World Cup friendlies against New Zealand or Costa Rica, as part of a supplementary squad strategy by manager Thomas Tuchel.

Internal discord over player ticket allocations has emerged in the French national team just days before the 2026 World Cup, stirring memories of the 2010 mutiny. Despite being the most expensive squad, questions about unity persist.