The games that show the flaws in a 48-team World Cup

Two matches in the final round of group games present the chance for two teams to simply play out a draw to qualify.

Half-time report! It’s the 11 best TV moments of the World Cup so far

From Merlin the duck to Thierry Henry’s panic and the goalie who broke the internet, here are the tournament’s most glorious TV moments The schedule-dominating football tournament has reached its midway mark, which means it’s time for isotonic drinks, orange segments and in-depth TV analysis. From weepy cult heroes to watery bloopers, from panto villain to potty-mouthed pundits, here’s our highlights of the World Cup coverage so far … Continue reading...

By Michael Hogan

The Viking chant that became Norway's World Cup rallying cry

Norway's long-awaited World Cup return is being powered by a viral Viking "rowing" chant that's sweeping the world, from Boston train stations to Times Square — and the heart of Norway's parliament.

By William Jones

Norway vs France at World Cup 2026: Mbappe vs Haaland, team news, lineups

Norway and France face off in final Group I match with top spot in the group to be decided in Boston Stadium.

Qatar's Assim Madibo handed five-match FIFA World Cup ban after tackle broke Canada star's leg

Qatar's Assim Madibo received a five-match FIFA World Cup ban after his tackle broke Canada's Ismaël Koné's leg during their group stage match.

Long lunches and sickies on the cards as fans prepare for World Cup clash

The countdown is on for Australia's World Cup match against Paraguay, and some football fans are preparing to happily put work on the backburner.

By Larissa Ham

World Cup 2026: More MENA countries competing than ever before

More Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries are competing in the 2026 World Cup than at any previous tournament, much to the delight of fans from Morocco to Jordan. But as always with sports, politics is never far from the pitch. Iran, of course, springs to mind. Never before has a country hosted a World Cup while at war with one of the competing nations.

By Rachael Griffiths

The World Cup's Overnight Successes Were Years In The Making - Forbes

The World Cup's Overnight Successes Were Years In The Making  Forbes

Friday’s sport: What’s on and where can I watch it?

European powerhouses France and Spain have work to do to be assured of top spot in their World Cup groups.

By Press Association Sport Reporters

Is the World Cup ball making it hard for goalkeepers?

Heroic goalkeepers have repeatedly stepped up at this World Cup. Curacao keeper Eloy Room made a record-equalling 15 saves as his side also claimed their first ever World Cup point. Iran's Alireza Beiranvand produced a string of superb stops to keep Belgium at bay in a goalless draw.

FIFA World Cup: How the best eight third-placed teams will be determined — Explained

The FIFA World Cup 2026's group stage is nearing its end, with 13 teams already securing spots in the Round of 32. A thrilling race is underway for the eight best third-placed teams to also advance. FIFA's ranking system, prioritising points, goal difference, goals scored, conduct, and FIFA rankings, will determine these crucial qualifiers. Several high-stakes matches remain, promising to finalise the knockout picture by Sunday morning.

By TOI SPORTS DESK

World Cup 2026: Who will Brazil face in Round of 32? Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden?

Three days in limbo: Scotland fans left on tenterhooks to see if the Tartan Army will progress at the World Cup

AEL’s cult hero Ochoa given hero’s farewell at home World Cup

AEL goalkeeper and football cult hero Guillermo Ochoa was given a hero’s farewell after playing the final quarter of an hour of Mexico’s 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic at the Azteca Stadium, which saw his team finish top of the World Cup’s Group A with a perfect record and advance to the competition’s last […]

With loss to S. Africa, Hong Myung-bo now Korea's most defeated World Cup coach

Head coach Hong Myung-bo took responsibility for South Korea's 1-0 loss to South Africa in the group-stage finale that left the team's World Cup hopes hanging in the balance on Wednesday. "On a stage as big as this, the head coach is responsible for all the results," Hong said at his post-match press conference. "Ultimately, I made the wrong decisions that led to this outcome." Following the loss at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, northeastern Mexico, South Korea finished third in Group A with t

By The Korea Herald

Bumper World Cup tipped to smash betting records

Debunked: Picture of Netanyahu supporting Argentina at the World Cup is AI-generated

The Israeli prime minister was in Jerusalem on the day of the match in Texas.

The Stage Was Global, The Journey Years in the Making for Arab Talent at World Cup 2026

The growing presence of Arab artists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reflects a musical movement that has been building for years.

By Joe Lynch

Montella rejects resignation calls after Türkiye’s World Cup exit

Türkiye coach Vincenzo Montella has rejected calls to resign after the team’s early exit from the World Cup. “If the question is whether I want to resign, the answer is no,” Monte...

Chinese Humanoids Take On Penalty Challenge As Messi, Ronaldo Light Up FIFA World Cup

Chinese Humanoids Take On Penalty Challenge As Messi, Ronaldo Light Up FIFA World Cup Authored by Jijo Malayil via Interesting Engineering, As the World Cup fever grows around stars like Messi and Ronaldo, Shanghai hosts a unique penalty shootout featuring humanoid robots. Humanoid robots are stepping up for a penalty shootout.Boston Dynamics/YouTube At MWC Shanghai 2026, humanoid robots are stepping up to the spot in the Humanoid Robot Football Penalties Challenge, testing t...

By Tyler Durden

World Cup 2026: Brazil through as Mexico gives Ochoa a fitting farewell

Brazil secured first place in Group E with a 3-0 win over Scotland, while hosts Mexico advanced with a perfect record and bid farewell to veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa La entrada World Cup 2026: Brazil through as Mexico gives Ochoa a fitting farewell se publicó primero en Buenos Aires Herald.

By Fernando Romero Nuñez

South Africans celebrate in the streets after World Cup advance

South African football fans took to the streets in the early hours of Thursday, honking vuvuzelas and singing in celebration at Bafana Bafana's first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout rounds. The post South Africans celebrate in the streets after World Cup advance appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Henry Oduah

Koeman rules out rotation as Oranje target top spot amid storm threat

Ronald Koeman says the Netherlands will be fully focused on securing first place in their World Cup group when they play their final group-stage match at 1 a.m.

By 89784

China's tech and logistical support: A key to Iran's World Cup brilliant performance - Tehran Times

China's tech and logistical support: A key to Iran's World Cup brilliant performance  Tehran Times

Netherlands vs. Tunisia odds, prediction, time: 2026 World Cup picks, best bets from expert on 31-13 roll - CBS Sports

Netherlands vs. Tunisia odds, prediction, time: 2026 World Cup picks, best bets from expert on 31-13 roll  CBS Sports

Emerse Faé has bigger ambitions for Ivory Coast than simply qualifying for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup - Dailysports

Emerse Faé has bigger ambitions for Ivory Coast than simply qualifying for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup  Dailysports

Egypt players unwind with basketball session ahead of Iran World Cup clash - Ahram Online

Egypt players unwind with basketball session ahead of Iran World Cup clash  Ahram Online