Stories
Features, rankings and analysis on the road to 2026.
BettingHow to Bet on the World Cup 2026: A Beginner's Guide
Odds formats, the main markets and the steps to place a bet — plus the honest math on why the bookmaker is built to win. Read this before you risk a cent.
BettingBest Betting Sites for World Cup 2026: An Honest Buyer's Guide
Forget the fake top-10 lists with invented star ratings. Here is the only thing that actually keeps your money safe: a checklist for choosing a licensed World Cup 2026 betting site, and the red flags that scream "walk away."
BettingWorld Cup 2026 Odds Explained: How to Read Them
Decimal, fractional and American odds, implied probability and the bookmaker margin — and why Spain and Argentina top our own model. Learn to think in probability, not hype.
BettingBetting Deposit Methods for the 2026 World Cup, by Region
Pix, cards or e-wallets — how to deposit and withdraw safely for the World Cup, with honest notes on speed, fees and limits.
AnalysisWorld Cup 2026 Favorites: Who Will Win, Ranked 1-8
Spain and Argentina are the genuine co-favorites at MetLife. Here is our opinionated power ranking of the eight teams who can actually lift the trophy on July 19.
FeatureBest Players to Watch at the World Cup 2026: Our Top 10
From Mbappé and Yamal to the last dance of Messi and Ronaldo — the 10 names who will decide the 2026 World Cup, and one rule for the list: every nation here actually qualified.
AnalysisWorld Cup 2026 Best Matches: 9 Group Games to Circle Now
From the Azteca opener to Spain vs Uruguay, here are the must-watch group-stage fixtures of the 2026 World Cup — ranked, with the storylines and our model's lean.
FeatureHaaland at World Cup 2026: Norway's 28-year wait ends
Erling Haaland finally gets the one stage he has never played — and Norway are back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998. How far can they really go?
FeatureWill Messi and Ronaldo Play the 2026 World Cup? The Verdict
Both are in. Lionel Messi (39) and Cristiano Ronaldo (41) are set for a record sixth World Cup — almost certainly the last for each. Here is how far we think they go.
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World Cup 2026 Bracket: The Full Knockout Path to MetLife
From the brand-new Round of 32 to the July 19 final, here is the complete 2026 World Cup knockout bracket — every round, every date, and why Spain and Argentina can only meet in the final.
AnalysisDid Italy Qualify for World Cup 2026? The Big Names Who Missed
Forty-eight places, and Italy still couldn't grab one. Here are the biggest nations that failed to qualify for World Cup 2026 — ranked, with a clear verdict on which absence stings most.
GuideWorld Cup 2026 Ticket Prices & How to Buy: Full Guide
Sales phases, dynamic prices, the official resale marketplace and the per-buyer limits — everything you need to actually land a seat at the 2026 World Cup.
ExplainerWorld Cup 2026 Round of 32 Explained: How 32 Teams Advance
The 2026 World Cup debuts a brand-new Round of 32. Here is exactly who qualifies, when it starts, and how the bracket flows to the final at MetLife.
AnalysisWorld Cup 2026 Debutants: The 4 First-Time Teams
Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan reach a World Cup for the first time ever. The 48-team expansion opened the door — here is how each got there and what to expect.
AnalysisCan Argentina Win World Cup 2026 and Defend the Title?
The reigning champions arrive with Messi, a deep squad and a kind group. But history says back-to-back is brutally hard — no nation has done it since 1962.
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World Cup 2026 Qualification Slots: How 48 Places Split
Europe takes 16, Africa nine, Asia eight — and a six-team playoff in Mexico decided the final two. Here is exactly how the 48 places break down by confederation.
GuideWorld Cup 2026 Heat: Which Venues Run Hottest
A North American summer means real heat for players and fans. Here is where it will bake, which stadiums have roofs, and how FIFA plans to cope.
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How Accurate Are World Cup Predictions? An Honest Look
Can a model really tell you who will win the World Cup? We pulled back the curtain on our own track record — the hits, the limits, and what "accurate" even means in a sport built on upsets.
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Curaçao at World Cup 2026: The Smallest Nation Ever to Make It
A 156,000-strong Caribbean island drew with Jamaica to top its group — and now it lands in Group E with Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
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Cape Verde at the World Cup 2026: the Blue Sharks debut
An island of 500,000 people qualified for a first-ever World Cup. Now the Blue Sharks face Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H.
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Haiti at the World Cup 2026: 52 Years in the Making
Les Grenadiers end a half-century wait and land in Group C with Brazil, Morocco and Scotland. Here is the story and the road ahead.
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Ghana at World Cup 2026: Black Stars Eye Group L Escape
Carlos Queiroz inherited a qualified side. Now the Black Stars must survive a Group L with England, Croatia and Panama — without the injured Kudus.
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Uzbekistan at the World Cup 2026: A Historic Debut in Group K
Asia's quiet overachievers reach a first-ever World Cup and land in a brutal Group K with Portugal and Colombia. Can the White Wolves spring a round-of-32 shock?
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Jordan at the World Cup 2026: dreaming big on debut
Jordan reach a first-ever World Cup after a fairytale qualifying run — but Group J, headlined by holders Argentina, is about as cruel as draws get.
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Australia at the World Cup 2026: can the Socceroos escape Group D?
Tony Popovic's Socceroos are back for a sixth straight World Cup. In a wide-open Group D, the round of 32 is realistic — the title is not.
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Iran at the World Cup 2026: Can Team Melli Finally Escape?
Seven World Cups, never a knockout round. In Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, Iran chase the round of 32 their history has always denied them.
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Iraq at the World Cup 2026: 40 years later, the group of death
Graham Arnold's Lions of Mesopotamia ended a 40-year wait by claiming the last ticket to 2026. The reward? France, Senegal and Norway.
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Algeria at the World Cup 2026: Can the Desert Foxes escape Group J?
Vladimir Petkovic's Desert Foxes are back at the finals for the first time since 2014. In a group ruled by Argentina, the real fight is for second place.
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Tunisia at World Cup 2026: can the Carthage Eagles finally escape the group?
A flawless African qualifying run earned Tunisia a seventh World Cup. The hard part starts in Group F, against the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden.
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Austria at the World Cup 2026: Rangnick ends a 28-year wait
Ralf Rangnick has dragged Austria back to football's biggest stage for the first time since 1998. In a Group J headlined by Argentina, can Das Team reach the round of 32?
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Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup 2026: the long shots of Group B
Edin Džeko's penalty-shootout heroes are back at a World Cup for the first time since 2014. In Group B with Switzerland, Canada and Qatar, can the Dragons reach the round of 32?
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Czechia at the World Cup 2026: back after 20 years
Two penalty shootouts dragged Czechia to a first World Cup since 2006. Now a 74-year-old caretaker turned saviour must navigate Group A. Our model sees a long shot.
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DR Congo at World Cup 2026: the Leopards' 52-year wait ends
Sébastien Desabre's side ended a half-century absence the hard way, surviving Nigeria and Jamaica. Now Group K with Portugal and Colombia awaits.
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New Zealand at World Cup 2026: All Whites Back After 16 Years
The All Whites end a 16-year wait through Oceania's first-ever direct qualifying slot. Now Chris Wood and friends face a brutal Group G with Belgium, Egypt and Iran.
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Panama at the World Cup 2026: can Los Canaleros escape Group L?
Thomas Christiansen's side reaches a second World Cup and lands with England, Croatia and Ghana. A fairytale long shot for the title — but the round of 32 is not a fantasy.
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Qatar at the World Cup 2026: A First Qualification on Merit
Four years after hosting, Qatar reach the World Cup the hard way. In a Group B with Canada, Switzerland and Bosnia, can the Asian champions reach the round of 32?
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South Africa at the World Cup 2026: Can Bafana escape Group A?
Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana open the entire tournament against hosts Mexico at the Azteca. After a 16-year wait, is the round of 32 realistic?
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Canada at the World Cup 2026: can the co-hosts escape Group B?
Jesse Marsch's Canada open at home in Group B against Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland. With Jonathan David firing and Alphonso Davies racing back from injury, a round-of-32 run is realistic — the title is not.
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Norway at the World Cup 2026: Haaland, Odegaard and a Brutal Group
Norway are back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998 — and the draw handed them the group of death. Can Haaland and Odegaard drag them into the round of 32?
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Türkiye at World Cup 2026: Can the Crescent-Stars Escape Group D?
Back at a World Cup for the first time since 2002, Vincenzo Montella's young, talented Türkiye landed a winnable Group D. The title is out of reach, but the round of 32 is squarely on the table.
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Scotland at the World Cup 2026: Can the Tartan Army escape Group C?
After 28 years away, Scotland are back at football's biggest stage. Drawn with Brazil, Morocco and Haiti, the real prize is a round-of-32 ticket.
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Egypt at the World Cup 2026: Can Salah's Pharaohs escape Group G?
Egypt return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018 with Mohamed Salah as captain. In a wide-open Group G, second place is a genuine target.
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Saudi Arabia at World Cup 2026: can the Falcons escape Group H?
The team that stunned Argentina in 2022 lands in a brutal Group H with Spain and Uruguay. A new coach, an old hero, and a steep climb to the round of 32.
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Ivory Coast at World Cup 2026: Can the Elephants survive Group E?
Africa's reigning champions return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. In a group with Germany, Ecuador and Curacao, the real fight is for second place.
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Sweden at the World Cup 2026: Can Blågult Survive Group F?
Graham Potter's Sweden took the long road to North America. Now Isak, Gyökeres and the rest must climb out of a brutal group with the Netherlands and Japan.
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Who Qualified for World Cup 2026 — and Did Italy Qualify?
All 48 nations are set for the first 48-team World Cup. The biggest story is who is missing: four-time champions Italy failed to qualify yet again.
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Uruguay at the World Cup 2026: Bielsa's Outsiders in Group H
Two-time champions Uruguay land in a tough Group H with Spain. Our model makes Marcelo Bielsa's side rank outsiders to lift the trophy.
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Ecuador at the World Cup 2026: Outsiders With a Plan
La Tri reached the USA-Mexico-Canada finals on the back of the best defence in South American qualifying. Our model still rates them rank outsiders — here is why, and how far they can really go.
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Paraguay at the World Cup 2026: Outsiders Back at Last
After 16 years away, La Albirroja return under Gustavo Alfaro. Our model rates them rank outsiders for the title, but Group D is wide open.
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Senegal at World Cup 2026: Mané's Lions in the Group of Death
Sadio Mané's golden generation lands in the toughest group in the tournament. We give the Lions of Teranga only a slim shot at the title, so manage your expectations honestly.
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Belgium at the World Cup 2026: Outsiders With a Soft Group
Rudi Garcia's side qualified unbeaten and drew a kind Group G, but our model still rates the Red Devils as long-shot outsiders for the trophy. Here's the honest case.
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Switzerland at the World Cup 2026: A Reliable Outsider
Murat Yakin's Swiss landed a winnable Group B alongside hosts Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar. Our model gives them only a long-shot chance to lift the trophy, but the round of 16 is a fair target.
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South Korea at the World Cup 2026: Group A Outsiders
Son Heung-min leads an unbeaten Asian qualifier into a winnable Group A — but our model still rates the Taegeuk Warriors a long shot to lift the trophy.
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Spain at the World Cup 2026: Favourites With a Point to Prove
Reigning European champions, model front-runners and drawn into a tricky Group H. Here is how far Luis de la Fuente's La Roja can realistically go.
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France at the World Cup 2026: Deschamps' Last Dance
Our model rates France the third-most likely champion — but a brutal Group I draw means Les Bleus must earn it from day one.
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England at the World Cup 2026: A Realistic Title Shot?
Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions arrive in Group L with a perfect qualifying record. Our model rates them fifth favourites — here's why that feels fair.
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Netherlands at the World Cup 2026: Can Oranje Finally Deliver?
Ronald Koeman's Netherlands cruised through qualifying and drew a kind Group F. Our model still pegs them as outsiders to lift the trophy.
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Germany at the World Cup 2026: Group E and the Real Ceiling
Nagelsmann has his 26 names and a kind draw — but our model still ranks Germany well outside its favourites for the trophy. Here is the honest case.
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Portugal at the World Cup 2026: a 3.6% shot at glory
Roberto Martinez has a golden generation and a kind Group K draw. Our model still rates Portugal a clear notch below the favourites to lift the trophy. Here is why.
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Colombia at the World Cup 2026: A Dangerous Outsider
James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz lead a deep, experienced Colombia into Group K. Our model gives them only an outsider's title shot — but a quarter-final run is realistic.
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Croatia at the World Cup 2026: Modric's Last Dance
Zlatko Dalic's veterans land in a winnable Group L with England, Ghana and Panama. Our model gives Croatia only an outsider's shot at the title.
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Morocco at the World Cup 2026: Can the Atlas Lions Repeat?
Semi-finalists in 2022, Morocco arrive with a new coach and a long-shot title chance in our model. Here is the realistic ceiling.
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Japan at the World Cup 2026: A Dark Horse in Group F
Hajime Moriyasu's Samurai Blue land in a brutal Group F with the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia. Our model rates them a title dark horse, but the ceiling is higher than ever.
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World Cup 2026 Schedule: Every Round, Date and Kick-Off
From the June 11 opener in Mexico City to the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium, here is the full World Cup 2026 schedule and how to track your team's fixtures.
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How to Watch World Cup 2026: TV and Streaming by Region
FOX has the English-language rights and Telemundo carries every match in Spanish. Here is the honest, region-by-region guide to watching all 104 games.
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World Cup 2026 Kits: Every Confirmed Jersey, Ranked by Buzz
Brazil's poison-dart-frog away shirt, the USA's wavy stripes and Mexico's redesigned Aztec kit lead the most-talked-about jerseys of the 2026 World Cup. Here is what is actually confirmed.
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World Cup Winners by Titles: The All-Time List for 2026
Brazil still lead with five, but our 2026 model backs Spain and Argentina to climb the ladder. Here is the full ranking of World Cup champions.
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World Cup 2026 Groups: All 12 Groups From A to L, Drawn
The December 5 draw in Washington carved 48 teams into 12 groups. Here is every group from A to L, plus which one is the tournament's group of death.
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World Cup 2026 Group of Death: France's Brutal Group I
Group I throws holders-class France, an elite Senegal and Haaland's Norway into one bracket. Here is why it is the toughest draw in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
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World Cup 2026 Host Cities: All 16 Stadiums Mapped
Sixteen cities across the USA, Mexico and Canada will stage the first 48-team World Cup. Here is the full venue map, from the Estadio Azteca opener to the MetLife final.
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World Cup 2026 Stadiums: All 16 Venues and Capacities
From the Estadio Azteca opener in Mexico City to the MetLife final near New York, here is every host venue, its size and what it stages.
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World Cup 2026 Opening Match: Mexico vs South Africa
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. Everything about the opening match and ceremony — teams, kickoff time, how to watch, tickets and our prediction.
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World Cup 2026 Final: Date, Venue and Who Reaches It
The 2026 World Cup final lands on July 19 at MetLife Stadium near New York. Our AI model already has a clear read on who gets there.
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How Does the 2026 World Cup Work? Format Explained
The 2026 tournament rips up the old blueprint: 48 teams, 12 groups, a brand-new round of 32 and 104 matches across three host nations. Here is exactly how it all fits together.
- Culture
World Cup 2026 Sticker Album: Panini's Biggest Ever
Panini's official 2026 World Cup sticker album is the largest in history, with 980 stickers across 48 teams. Here is how it works and why it matters.
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Brazil World Cup 2026: Ancelotti's Selecao Preview
Carlo Ancelotti leads a five-time champion chasing a sixth star — but our model rates Brazil a clear notch below the favourites. Here is why the numbers stay cautious.
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Argentina World Cup 2026: Can the Champions Repeat?
Defending champions, second-favourites in our model, and Messi is in the squad at 38. Here is everything pointing to a back-to-back run.
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Mexico at the World Cup 2026: Host With a Point to Prove
El Tri kicks off the whole tournament on home soil in Mexico City. Our AI model rates Javier Aguirre's side a long shot for the title — so what is the realistic ceiling?
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USMNT World Cup 2026: Host Nation Banks on Home Soil
Mauricio Pochettino's United States open the tournament they are hosting in Group D against Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye, with Christian Pulisic leading a young, home-grown squad.
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World Cup 2026 Dark Horses Our Model Loves
Spain and Argentina lead the odds, but four outsiders punch above their reputation. Here is why Morocco, Colombia, Croatia and Japan are worth a second look.
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World Cup 2026 Top Scorer: Who Wins the Golden Boot?
Mbappé defends his crown, but Kane, Lamine Yamal and a wave of in-form strikers are circling. Here is the real Golden Boot race once the unqualified pretenders are stripped out.
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World Cup 2026 Prize Money: Winner Banks a Record $50M
FIFA has approved its richest payout ever for North America 2026, with $871 million on the table and the champions taking home a record $50 million. Here is exactly who gets what.
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2026 World Cup predictions: who our AI model says will win
We simulated all 104 matches 10,000 times. Spain edges Argentina at the top, France leads the chasers, and the model is colder on Brazil than the bookmakers. Here is the full title-odds board — and how it is built.
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When does the 2026 World Cup start? Dates, opening match and final
The biggest World Cup ever kicks off on June 11, 2026 and runs to July 19. Here are the dates that matter — the opening match, the final, and the record this tournament breaks.
- Explainer
Trionda: the adidas 2026 World Cup match ball, explained
adidas unveiled Trionda for the three-host World Cup — four panels, a chip inside, and colours for Canada, Mexico and the USA. Here is what is new and why it matters.
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Maple, Zayu and Clutch: the three 2026 World Cup mascots
For the first time the World Cup has a trio of mascots — a moose, a jaguar and a bald eagle, one for each host nation. Meet them and the positions they play.
MusicThe 2026 World Cup theme song, explained: Shakira, Burna Boy and the whole FIFA Sound album
There is no single anthem this time. FIFA built a seven-track album — led by Shakira and Burna Boy's “Dai Dai” — that pulls Afrobeats, reggaetón, country, cumbia and K-pop onto one stage. Every song, artist and video, in one place.
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The 10 Most Valuable Players at the 2026 World Cup
From Mbappé's €200M crown to Haaland watching at home, here is how football's richest talent lines up against our AI's title odds.
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Why Is the 2026 World Cup Hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico?
For the first time, three countries share football's biggest event. The reasons run from a 48-team format and a record 104 matches to a 2018 vote, ready-built stadiums, and decades of World Cup history.