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.

A White House official confirmed Iranian players have received US visas just 10 days before their World Cup match. The team, which had to relocate training due to visa delays, will now compete in Group E against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.

FIFA's $355m Club Benefit Programme compensates clubs for releasing players during World Cup qualifying and finals, with Manchester City expected to receive millions due to having 19 players in the tournament.

IFAB confirms sweeping rule changes for 2026 World Cup: red cards for covering mouth during confrontations, tighter VAR protocol with pitchside reviews only on VAR recommendation, abolition of cooling breaks, strict 8-second goalkeeper limit, and nearest-line subs.

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.

FIFA canceled approximately 60 World Cup tickets accidentally issued for free due to a website error on May 21st. Affected fans must now pay the original price to keep their reservations, sparking backlash amid ongoing scrutiny over FIFA's ticketing practices.

Iran's World Cup participation is uncertain due to unresolved US visa applications for its delegation. Despite relocating training base to Mexico and strong on-field form, the team faces potential exclusion if visas are denied, impacting Group G.

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.

The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams across the US, Canada, and Mexico. A new 16-groups-of-3 format promises more drama but raises concerns over skyrocketing fan costs, corporate influence, and whether the tournament will remain accessible to ordinary supporters.

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.

FIFA demands payment from fans who got free World Cup tickets due to a glitch, as investigations into pricing and sales practices escalate ahead of the 2026 tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 teams with 104 matches. New format includes 12 groups, a Round of 32, and eight best third-place teams advancing, altering tactics and schedule.