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What to expect from the 48-team format at the World Cup 2026

Cape Verde taking on the might of UEFA Euro 2024 champions Spain risks turning those fixtures into a route for the European nations. ![TOPSHOT - Curaçao players and fans celebrate World Cup 2026 qualification after

Which World Cup 2026 stadiums will host matches in US, Canada and Mexico?

play two group games here. The venue, called the Mercedes-Benz Stadium due to sponsorship, hosted six FIFA Club World Cup matches last year. It boasts a retractable roof and a 360-degree halo video

Any early shocks? Sutton's World Cup 2026 score predictions - opening group games

Cape Verde topped their qualifying group by being attack-minded and playing possession football. I doubt that will work for them against Spain, though, My one concern about Spain is Rodri, really, and what level

Video vault and Leeds litter picking - inside the mind of Bielsa

World Cup - where his Uruguay side will face Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Spain in the group stage. ## The making of Bielsa Born in Rosario, Argentina, Bielsa hails from a family of educated minds, with

'A World Cup for them not us': Fans' anger at US travel bans and visa restrictions

played in the US cities of Boston and Philadelphia this month. "To go to a match, a stadium, a crowd, cheering, and see my team - that is worth the world to me," he says

Ranking the Middle East and North African teams at World Cup 2026

Cup believing they can again surprise the football world. The Saudis produced one of the [greatest upsets in tournament history](/sports/2026/5/25/what-are-the-biggest-fifa-world-cup-upsets-in-history) by defeating eventual champions Argentina in 2022, a result that reinforced their reputation

A World Cup guide for new football fans

Cape Verde. With a population of about 500,000 people, they are the third smallest country ever to make it the World Cup. Jordan has had recent footballing success that have culminated in their maiden

World Cup 2026: Full match schedule, groups, teams and start times

played in an expanded 48-team tournament, begins its 104 matches with Mexico against South Africa on Tuesday. Argentina are the defending champions, having lifted the trophy at Qatar 2022, but who will claim

Friday briefing: How Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have found themselves caught in an escalation without end

Cape Verde’s Laros Duarte, our sports desk have made an [amazing guide](https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide) to all 1,248 players at the 2026 **World Cup**. ***Patrick*** - I‘m a huge admirer of [Dave Grimstead

ACLU, Amnesty lead 120 rights groups issuing US World Cup ‘travel advisory’

Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia – are also subject to Trump’s “Visa Bond Program”, which requires citizens of 50 countries to post a $15,000 bond before travelling to the US. Trump, meanwhile

Spain cruise past Peru in final World Cup 2026 warm-up match

Cape Verde on June 15. World Cup fever was evident around the stadium in Puebla, where Spain shirts dominated the stands alongside Barcelona jerseys, reflecting the club’s strong representation in Luis de la Fuente

How the 1994 World Cup kicked off America's love affair with soccer

playing for [top European clubs](https://www.npr.org/2024/06/19/nx-s1-5011959/what-to-expect-in-the-copa-america-soccer-tournament). The controversies leading up to the games are also quite different. In 1994, the uncertainty was whether many Americans would attend the matches. This year, the question

Monday briefing: Trump’s late-night deal with Iran

Cape Verde, 5pm on ITV* *Belgium v Egypt, 8pm on BBC* *Saudi Arabia v Uruguay, 11pm on ITV* *Iran v New Zealand, 0200 on BBC* ## The front pages ![The Guardian front page 15 June

World Cup hydration breaks - who are the winners and losers?

World Cup, by size and population, were not the same when play resumed and [lost 7-1](/sport/football/live/c621jz79r3jt) after the drinks break allowed the Germans to regroup. The Czech Republic were on top during

39 World Cup teams will be based in the U.S. Here's which squad will be closest to you

played.) Out of the 48 competitors, 39 will be based in the U.S. [![Players of the United States pose for a team photo on stage during the U.S. Soccer World Cup roster reveal on Tuesday

What is happening with World Cup ticket prices?

play. According to the subpoena, some fans who were successful and paid for tickets in one price category were ultimately issued tickets of a lower value further away from the pitch. Even those

To find the World Cup's Cinderellas, we have to start with the group stage

Cape Verde](https://www.npr.org/2026/05/10/nx-s1-5796264/cape-verde-tiny-nation-massive-world-cup-dream) and [Curacao](https://www.npr.org/2025/11/19/nx-s1-5614157/curacao-to-cape-verde-small-nations-make-big-world-cup-history) are making their World Cup debut. Meanwhile, Scotland, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand (just to name a few) have never made it past

4 states head to the polls. And, global conflicts are on the rise, new report says

Cape Verde](https://www.npr.org/2026/05/10/nx-s1-5796264/cape-verde-tiny-nation-massive-world-cup-dream) and [Curacao](https://www.npr.org/2025/11/19/nx-s1-5614157/curacao-to-cape-verde-small-nations-make-big-world-cup-history) are making their World Cup debut. Meanwhile, Scotland, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand (just to name a few) have never made it past

Why super-sized and politicised World Cup comes at a cost

Cape Verde and Tunisia were granted exemptions from having to pay a deposit of up to $15,000 (£11,000) before obtaining a US visa. At the weekend, the International Sports Press Association complained about

Which European nation has the best chance to win World Cup 2026?

play. For a third successive season, the striker has also finished as the Bundesliga top scorer – netting 36 times in this campaign. At 32, this could be his last shot at handing England their second