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Mexico and Korea Republic can secure a spot in the Round of 32 with wins on Thursday, while South Africa and Czechia face elimination after opening losses. The second round of Group A and B fixtures also features Canada vs Qatar and Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon are expected to start on either side of Jude Bellingham in England's opening 2026 World Cup match against Croatia, supporting captain Harry Kane as Bukayo Saka's fitness is managed.
Uzbekistan secured its first-ever World Cup berth on June 5, 2025, ending decades of near-misses. The Central Asian nation, long labeled Asian football's 'nearly men,' will face Colombia, Portugal, and DR Congo in Group K. Domestic football has already seen a 36% rise in professional clubs.
Erling Haaland scored two goals as Norway began their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-1 win against Iraq.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice to become France's all-time leading scorer with 58 goals, leading Les Bleus to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their World Cup 2026 opener. Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye also scored in a thrilling second half.
FIFA profiles Hwang Inbeom's journey from a teenage debutant in South Korea to a World Cup star, featuring insights from former teammates who witnessed his growth. The midfielder's standout performance in Korea Republic's 2-1 win over Czechia in the 2026 World Cup opener earned him Player of the Match honors.
Austria captain David Alaba says his team will rely on momentum from their first World Cup victory since 1990 to challenge defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in their second group match.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz praised his team's commitment ahead of their World Cup opener against Panama. The veteran manager, preparing for his fifth finals, emphasized the unpredictability of football and the importance of making the right decisions. He also highlighted the support of Ghanaian fans, whose drums he hopes will inspire the team.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France began their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I.
England face Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 semi-final, while Portugal, Colombia, and other teams begin their World Cup 2026 campaigns. Group L and K matches feature heavyweights and debutants across North American host cities.
Lawrence, Kansas, population 100,000, has adopted Algeria as its home team for the World Cup. The city held 'Soccer 101' classes, created art installations, and residents even host Algerian fans, reflecting a powerful cross-cultural connection.
Up to 15,000 England fans are expected in Dallas for their World Cup opener against Croatia. Official ticket allocations have sold out, with resale prices soaring to over £3,600, sparking controversy among supporters.
The 2026 World Cup has seen a record number of draws in the opening 16 matches, with eight games ending level. European teams have struggled, winning only three of their first ten matches, while South American sides remain winless. The expanded 48-team format may reduce jeopardy, as three points could be enough to advance.
Lionel Messi enters his sixth World Cup at age 38, a vastly different player from the teenage winger who debuted for Barcelona in 2003. His evolution through multiple reinventions—from false nine to deep-lying playmaker—has kept him dominant as Argentina aim to defend their title.
Sixteen nations entered the 2026 World Cup seeking to end goal droughts spanning at least one tournament. Sweden, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Côte d'Ivoire, Paraguay, New Zealand, Czechia, and Scotland have all broken their dry spells so far.
Tunisia have sacked head coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their World Cup 2026 opener. Hervé Renard has been appointed as his replacement. Lamouchi becomes the first manager in World Cup history to be dismissed after just one game.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken says Erling Haaland is the world's best goalscorer as his side prepares for their first World Cup in 28 years. Norway face Iraq in their opener on Tuesday, with Haaland and Martin Odegaard leading a talented squad aiming for a deep run.
BBC Sport pundits Micah Richards, Theo Walcott, and Olivier Giroud discuss how hydration breaks are affecting the 2026 World Cup.
Egypt's Emam Ashour scored the opening goal in their Group G match against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup with a long-range strike.
Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez says the team can make history at the 2026 World Cup despite the absence of veterans Suarez, Cavani and Godin. The 31-year-old, set for his fourth World Cup, leads a transitional side under coach Marcelo Bielsa.
