News & analysis
Live headlines from trusted outlets, plus our own previews, features and explainers covering every angle of the 2026 World Cup.
Latest headlines
- Fields of the Gods: Mexico’s football pitches from above – photo essayThe Guardian ↗ · 36m ago
- World Cup predictions: 19 ESPN experts make their ...ESPN ↗ · 44m ago
- World Cup Daily: Live updates as Mexico prepare f...ESPN ↗ · 44m ago
- Messi, Maradona or Pele? Ranking the top 10 World Cup legendsBBC Sport ↗ · 45m ago
- Mohamed Touré, Nestory Irankunda and the thing tha...ESPN ↗ · 47m ago
- Who am I? Guess World Cup star No 4BBC Sport ↗ · 50m ago
- FIFA prez: People should 'chill' over WC visa issu...ESPN ↗ · 2h ago
- Aguirre embraces Azteca's pressure for WC openerESPN ↗ · 2h ago
- Spain, France open World Cup as betting favoritesESPN ↗ · 2h ago
- Richards 'ready' for USMNT opener after injuryESPN ↗ · 2h ago
- Tuchel: England ready to 'come alive' at World Cup...ESPN ↗ · 2h ago
- Fourth World Cup still has Son 'feeling like a kid...ESPN ↗ · 2h ago
Headlines link to the original publishers: The Guardian, BBC Sport and ESPN.
Features & guides
PreviewIt begins: Mexico vs South Africa opens the 2026 World Cup at the Azteca
The biggest World Cup in history kicks off Thursday at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, the first stadium ever to open three World Cups. Everything you need to know about Match 1.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 · 4 min read
The new World Cup format explained: 48 teams, 12 groups and a Round of 32
More teams, more games, more knockout drama. How the expanded 48-team World Cup actually works — and how teams qualify from the groups.
Monday, June 8, 2026 · 5 min read
FeatureThe last dance: Messi, Ronaldo and the legends saying goodbye in 2026
Lionel Messi plays a record sixth World Cup at 38. Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first man to appear at six. This is the farewell tour of football's greatest generation.
Sunday, June 7, 2026 · 6 min read
PreviewPochettino's moment: can the USMNT deliver at a home World Cup?
The United States open against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium with the deepest squad in program history — and the heaviest expectations. A Group D preview.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 · 5 min read
FeatureCuraçao, Cape Verde, Jordan, Uzbekistan: the debutants ready to shock the world
The expanded World Cup has opened the door to first-timers — including the smallest nation ever to qualify. Meet the newcomers nobody wants to face.
Friday, June 5, 2026 · 5 min read
AnalysisWho wins it? Power ranking the contenders for the 2026 World Cup
Spain arrive as the world's No. 1, Argentina want a repeat, France have reached the last two finals, and England finally look like favourites. Our pre-tournament power ranking.
Thursday, June 4, 2026 · 7 min read
FeatureHaaland, Yamal, Güler: the new stars set to own this World Cup
Erling Haaland has never played a World Cup. Lamine Yamal hadn't been born for three of Messi's five. Meet the players about to inherit the biggest stage in sport.
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 · 5 min read
GuideFrom the Azteca to SoFi: the complete guide to all 16 World Cup stadiums
Three countries, 16 stadiums, 104 matches. Where every game is played — and which venues host the biggest nights of the tournament.
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 · 6 min read