
Shearer's World Cup Group Stage Picks
Alan Shearer selects his standout players and moments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage.
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Alan Shearer selects his standout players and moments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage.

BBC Sport's Chris Sutton and AI predict the World Cup last-32 ties, with France emerging as favorites. Users outperform both in predictions so far. Key matches include England vs DR Congo and Argentina vs Cape Verde.

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is expected to miss an extended period after sustaining a knee ligament injury during Uruguay's World Cup loss to Spain. The severity is still being assessed, but the 25-year-old faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell says the search for Steve Clarke's successor as national head coach begins immediately, with 'nothing off the table' as the SFA seeks the right candidate. Clarke stepped down after Scotland failed to advance from the World Cup group stage.

Argentina won their group and advanced to the Round of 32 alongside Austria and Algeria. Jordan have been eliminated from the tournament.

Algeria will play Switzerland in the World Cup Round of 32. A poll of over 96,000 votes shows 56% favor Switzerland to advance, while 44% back Algeria.

Austria will play Spain in the World Cup Round of 32. A poll shows 89% of voters favor Spain to advance, while 11% back Austria.

Jordan and Iran have been officially eliminated from the FIFA World Cup. The two nations will not advance further in the tournament.

A pitchside camera operator's perspective shows Harry Kane scoring for England against Panama in the World Cup group match.

Lionel Messi has become the first player in history to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches, setting a new tournament record.

Jesse Marsch has led Canada to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after a 6-0 win over Qatar. The American coach overcame setbacks at Leeds United and being passed over for the USMNT job to achieve this milestone.

England defeated Panama at New York New Jersey Stadium to finish top of Group L in the FIFA World Cup. BBC 5 Live's coverage includes post-match analysis with Alan Shearer, Matthew Upson, Paul Robinson, and interviews with Jude Bellingham, Thomas Tuchel, Marcus Rashford, Ezri Konsa, and Harry Kane.

Crystal Palace and Sunderland have scored the most World Cup goals among Premier League clubs after the group stage, with seven each. Only Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have more goals from their players in the tournament.

With the 2026 World Cup adding a round of 32, penalty shootouts are expected to increase. Analysis of 320 spot-kicks since 1982 shows Argentina leads with six shootout wins, while Spain holds the record for most misses. Players going central score at a lower rate (61.6%) than those picking a side (over 71%).

FIFA President Gianni Infantino took 27 flights on a private jet to attend 24 matches across North America during the 2026 World Cup group stage, producing an estimated 516 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The jet traveled over 31,000 miles, with the climate impact comparable to 78 people's annual emissions.

Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland head coach shortly after the team's World Cup elimination. His seven-year tenure included three major tournament qualifications, but a sense of relief among some fans and pressure on the Scottish FA to find a suitable successor mark his departure.

BBC reporters pick their standout team, player, match and moment from the 2026 World Cup group stage, highlighting France's dominance and Lionel Messi's brilliance.

South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, 16 years after hosting the tournament. The 2010 campaign ended in group-stage elimination, and domestic football stagnated afterward. Now, under coach Hugo Broos, the team aims to start a new era.

The World Cup knockout stage begins with 16 ties featuring big names, dark horses, and intriguing subplots. From England's path to the final to clashes like Brazil vs Japan and Netherlands vs Morocco, here's why each match matters.

England, having won their group, face DR Congo in the last 32. A potential last-16 match against co-hosts Mexico awaits, with Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast, or Norway as possible quarter-final opponents. The Three Lions aim for their third major final of the decade.