Canada enters the tournament hoping to finally secure its first-ever World Cup win and point, having lost all six previous matches across the 1986 and 2022 editions. Jesse Marsch’s side arrives in strong form, unbeaten in its last eight matches, and will rely heavily on key names such as Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, and Tajon Buchanan as it looks to open the tournament with a statement victory.

On the other hand, Bosnia and Herzegovina heads into the clash determined to spoil the party after producing one of the biggest surprises of qualification by eliminating Italy on penalties to reach its second World Cup. Sergej Barbarez’s side has built a reputation for being difficult to break down, with veteran striker Edin Dzeko still leading the attack at the age of 40 alongside rising talents such as Ermedin Demirovic and Esmir Bajraktarevic.

The European side is unbeaten in its last six matches and will likely rely on a compact defensive setup and dangerous counter-attacks against the Reds’ aggressive pressing style. Bosnia also arrives with strong support in Toronto, where fans have gathered in large numbers throughout the week to welcome the team ahead of this historic opener.

The 25-year-old left back suffered a hamstring injury on May 6 while playing for Bayern Munich against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Since then, he has focused on his recovery process in an effort to be in the best possible condition for the World Cup.

That process, while gradual, has progressed favorably. However, the player, head coach Jesse Marsch, and Canada‘s medical staff decided not to rush his return and risk any setbacks. As a result, Davies will not be part of the starting lineup against Bosnia and Herzegovina, although he will be available among the substitutes.

Davies himself had spoken about his priorities when planning his preparation for the start of the World Cup, explaining that if missing the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was necessary to ensure a full recovery, he would have no hesitation in doing so.

“The first game is coming up pretty quickly. I think we understand how important the first game is. But we understand recovery is always an important thing,” the Canadian defender said last week. “There’s no need to rush, just keep continuing the recovery.”

Alphonso Davies’ replacement

With Alphonso Davies still not at 100 percent physically or match-fit, Canada will have to face what is perhaps the most important game in the national team’s history without their biggest star. That is because of the significance of opening a World Cup on home soil and the importance of securing a positive result against Bosnia and Herzegovina to put themselves in a strong position to advance to the Round of 32.

With that in mind, head coach Jesse Marsch had to look for alternatives when putting together his lineup. In recent years, Alphonso Davies has played internationally both as a left back and in more advanced positions.

On Friday, Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea will occupy the left side of Canada’s defense. Meanwhile, Hull City player Liam Millar will take up a role on the left side of midfield.

Canada’s upcoming challenges

Alphonso Davies’ absence from the starting lineup on Friday will give him six additional days to continue building toward full fitness before the next match. Canada will face their second Group B test on June 18 against Qatar in Vancouver. Six days later, they will close out their World Cup group-stage campaign against Switzerland.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to see if Adrian can beat the machine.

In this special prediction feature, Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV sets out to test his football knowledge against automated data models. The episode centers on a direct experiment: comparing Adrian’s personal, human analysis against the statistical projections of a calculated supercomputer.

The episode goes group by group, evaluating the field from Group A all the way through Group L. Listeners will hear a direct contrast between pure mathematical probabilities and the qualitative, human factors.

For supporters looking to finalize their own tournament brackets or review the general expectations for each group, this side-by-side comparison offers a helpful baseline.

Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Predictions on Spotify to see who has the upper hand before the first round of matches completely shakes up the data.

The opening fixture comes with enormous pressure for Canada, which enters the competition hoping to secure its first-ever point and first-ever victory at a FIFA Men’s World Cup. Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, arrives carrying momentum after an emotional playoff run that stunned several European powers and secured a long-awaited return to the tournament.

The match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Toronto Stadium, just one day after the World Cup officially begins in Mexico City. The occasion marks the first-ever men’s World Cup match played on Canadian soil, adding even greater significance to an already emotional moment for supporters across the country.

Canada automatically qualified for the tournament alongside fellow co-hosts the United States and Mexico. After appearances in 1986 and 2022, the national team is still searching for its first positive result at soccer’s biggest tournament after losing all six previous World Cup matches.

There is, however, growing optimism surrounding Jesse Marsch’s side. Canada finished fourth at the 2024 Copa America and has steadily developed into one of the most aggressive pressing teams in Concacaf under the American coach.

Bosnia and Herzegovina returns after stunning Italy

Bosnia and Herzegovina enters the tournament as one of the more intriguing outsiders in Group B. The national team booked its place in North America after dramatic playoff victories over both Wales and Italy, defeating the four-time world champion in a penalty shootout to complete one of the biggest surprises of qualification.

That playoff success secured Bosnia’s first World Cup appearance since 2014. Under coach Sergej Barbarez, the side has developed a reputation for defensive organization and resilience in difficult matches.

The squad also combines experience and youth impressively. Veterans like Edin Dzeko and Sead Kolasinac remain key leaders, while younger talents such as Esmir Bajraktarevic and Kerim Alajbegovic provide creativity and pace in attack.

Will Alphonso Davies play?

Much of the buildup to the game has centered on the condition of Canada captain Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich star has been managing a hamstring issue during preparations, creating uncertainty around his availability for the opener.

Davies had been considered a serious doubt for the match and will thus miss the opening game entirely. Jesse Marsch and the Canadian staff appear cautious about risking their captain too early in the tournament, especially with additional group-stage matches still ahead.

Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Confirmed lineups

Canada confirmed XI (4-4-2): Crépeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustáquio, Koné, Millar; Jonathan David, Oluwaseyi.

Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed XI (4-3-3): Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Memic, Tahirovic, Basic; Lukic, Demirovic, Bajraktarevic.

As one of the automatically qualified FIFA World Cup 2026 teams, the roster boasts a talented generation led by elite European-based stars.

This Canada 2026 World Cup squad features a high-pressing identity designed to frustrate opponents and strike quickly in transition. With an experienced manager at the helm and a favorable group-stage draw, the team is primed to compete for a spot in the knockout rounds.

Team profile

How Canada play

For a complete Canada tactical analysis, it is clear that the national team has developed a distinct identity built on high-intensity pressing and rapid transitions.

The preferred Canada formation is typically a flexible 4-4-2 designed to force turnovers high up the field. This ball-oriented pressing system aims to disrupt the opponent’s build-up play and create immediate attacking opportunities.

In possession, the roster relies heavily on the elite pace of their wide players to launch devastating counter-attacks. Alphonso Davies and Tajon Buchanan provide significant width and dribbling ability, allowing the team to bypass defensive blocks quickly. The squad has proven defensively resolute in recent international fixtures, maintaining a compact shape that limits high-quality chances for the opposition.

While their transition game is a major strength, a potential tactical vulnerability lies in breaking down deep defensive blocks when forced to hold possession.

Opponents may look to exploit spaces left behind the advancing fullbacks during aggressive pressing sequences. Ultimately, this high-energy tactical approach makes the co-hosts a dangerous opponent capable of securing crucial results in the group stage.

Jesse Marsch: The coach behind Canada

Appointed in May 2024, the current Canada coach has quickly transformed the national team into a highly disciplined and aggressive unit. The American coach brings a wealth of top-flight experience, having previously won domestic titles with RB Salzburg before managing RB Leipzig and Leeds United in Europe.

His coaching philosophy is heavily influenced by the high-intensity, vertical style of play he honed throughout his career. Marsch is widely respected for his ability to instill tactical clarity and a relentless work ethic within his squads. During his playing days, he was a hard-tackling midfielder in Major League Soccer, a grit that now reflects in his managerial approach.

His leadership and tournament experience will be critical as he guides the co-hosts through the intense pressure of a home competition.

Key player: Alphonso Davies

Alphonso Davies remains the undisputed face of Canadian soccer and the central figure in their tactical system. The 25-year-old Bayern Munich star brings invaluable elite-level experience to the roster, having won multiple domestic titles and a Champions League trophy in Europe.

While he operates primarily as a left-back for his club, Davies assumes a much more expansive role for the national team. Often deployed further forward on the wing or as a central playmaker, he serves as the primary engine for the attack. His unrivaled pace and exceptional one-on-one dribbling ability allow him to break defensive lines effortlessly.

The team’s transition-heavy style relies heavily on his capacity to carry the ball out of pressure. If Davies were to miss time due to injury, the squad would lose their most dynamic attacking outlet and primary source of on-field composure.

Canada’s road to the 2026 World Cup

As one of the three host nations for the 2026 tournament, Canada secured automatic qualification. This guaranteed entry allowed the team to completely bypass the rigorous CONCACAF qualifying cycle.

Without the pressure of competitive qualifiers, the squad focused heavily on challenging international friendlies to test their tactical readiness. The team has performed exceptionally well in these preparation matches, losing just once in a recent 20-game stretch while maintaining a solid defensive record. This extended preparation period has given the coaching staff ample time to refine their system and integrate new talent.

Their impressive form in these exhibition matches suggests they are fully prepared for the intensity of the upcoming global competition.

Canada’s 2026 World Cup group stage outlook

Drawn into Group B as a Pot 1 seed, Canada faces a highly favorable path toward the knockout rounds. The co-hosts will compete against Switzerland, Bosnia, and Qatar, avoiding the traditional heavyweights of international soccer.

Switzerland represents the most challenging matchup, bringing significant tournament experience and tactical discipline to the group. Conversely, the fixtures against Qatar and Bosnia offer realistic opportunities to secure vital points, standing out among international soccer teams 2026 as less experienced opponents. Securing a strong result in the opening matches will be the key factor in determining their qualification chances.

Readers looking to follow every match involving the national team can also check our complete Canada TV schedule for the latest broadcast and streaming information. With home-field advantage driving them forward, expectations are firmly set on a top-two finish in the group.

Canada squad for 2026 World Cup

Final word on Canada

Canada enters the tournament in a remarkably strong position, bolstered by home support and a highly favorable group draw. Their devastating pace in transition and organized pressing system stand out as the primary strengths that could propel them to unprecedented success.

However, their historical lack of experience on this global stage remains a lingering challenge when facing seasoned European opposition. Ultimately, a realistic expectation for this talented squad is advancing out of the group stage and securing the nation’s first-ever knockout round appearance.

The Brazilian national team arrives in North America carrying momentum after a series of impressive friendly victories. However, with Neymar still recovering from injury and remaining absent from full training sessions, questions continue to grow over how much he will be able to contribute during the tournament’s early stages.

Carlo Ancelotti and his players enter the competition aiming to win a record-extending sixth World Cup crown. The national team has appeared at every World Cup in history and remains the most successful side the tournament has ever seen.

Recent friendly matches offered reasons for optimism. The Selecao won three consecutive warm-up games while scoring 11 goals, showcasing the attacking talent available to Ancelotti as he begins his first World Cup campaign in charge of the national team.

Their opening Group C clash against Morocco promises to be one of the standout matches of the first round. Morocco arrives with growing confidence after reaching the semi-finals in Qatar 2022 and continuing its strong form through qualification and recent international competitions.

Neymar remains the major concern

Despite the excitement surrounding Brazil’s World Cup campaign, much of the attention has focused on Neymar’s recovery. The 34-year-old forward has been battling a calf injury sustained while playing for Santos shortly before the tournament.

Santos’ captain has travelled with the squad and continues to follow an individual rehabilitation program. However, he has yet to return to full team training, creating uncertainty over his availability.

According to Reuters, Neymar missed another training session shortly before Brazil’s opening fixture. While he attended celebrations for Ancelotti’s birthday and remained involved with the group, his recovery timeline remains unclear.

The worrying update reportedly emerging from Brazil’s camp

The situation has now become more concerning than initially expected. Reports from Brazil and Spain suggest that there are now fears Neymar could miss all three group-stage matches against Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.

That possibility represents the nightmare scenario Ancelotti and Brazilian supporters hoped to avoid. Initial expectations centered on Neymar missing the opener against Morocco before returning later in the group stage, but recent updates have cast doubt on that plan.

Brazilian journalist Nico Diaz Menendez of Spanish outlet Teledeporte reported that the Santos forward could face a longer absence than first anticipated. Other reports have indicated that even if he is medically cleared before the Haiti match, a lack of match fitness could prevent him from being thrown directly into competitive action.

The concern stems from the fact that Neymar has gone several weeks without on-field soccer activity since suffering the Grade 2 calf injury. Although his recovery continues to progress, tournament action offers little room for experimentation.

For the Canadian national team, the occasion represents far more than a group-stage fixture. It marks the first men’s World Cup match ever played on Canadian soil, giving supporters a chance to witness a historic chapter in the country’s football journey.

The expanded 2026 tournament is the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 national teams competing across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. While Mexico opened the tournament with its own spectacular ceremony, Canada now prepares to take center stage in Toronto.

The match against Bosnia and Herzegovina will be played at BMO Field, also referred to as Toronto Stadium. Before the players step onto the pitch, fans inside the venue and viewers around the world will be treated to a celebration designed to showcase Canadian culture, music, and diversity.

FIFA has described the event as a reflection of Canada’s identity and its place on football’s biggest stage. The ceremony is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kickoff, creating an atmosphere worthy of the country’s first-ever home World Cup match.

Michael Bublé leads the celebration

Among all the performers, Michael Bublé stands out as one of the ceremony’s headline attractions. The five-time Grammy Award winner remains one of Canada’s most recognizable musical exports and is expected to play a central role in welcoming the world to Toronto.

Bublé’s involvement adds significant star power to an event already packed with talent. His international popularity ensures that the ceremony will attract attention well beyond soccer audiences.

Joining him is Alanis Morissette, another Canadian music icon whose career has spanned decades. The seven-time Grammy winner will also perform Canada’s national anthem before kickoff, adding another emotional layer to the occasion.

Full list of artists performing before Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

FIFA has confirmed an impressive collection of performers from different musical backgrounds. The artists scheduled to appear at the Toronto opening ceremony are:

• Michael Bublé
• Alanis Morissette
• Alessia Cara
• Jessie Reyez
• William Prince
• Nora Fatehi
• Elyanna
• Vegedream
• DJ Sanjoy

In addition, actor and comedian Will Arnett will participate as an official FIFA World Cup 2026 ambassador during the pre-match festivities.

The lineup reflects Canada’s multicultural identity, bringing together internationally recognized stars and artists whose backgrounds connect with communities from around the globe.

For the Canadian national team, the occasion represents a landmark chapter in its soccer history. With Alanis Morissette taking the spotlight before kickoff, the atmosphere in Toronto is expected to match the significance of the country’s first men’s World Cup match on home soil.

Toronto’s BMO Field, expanded specifically for the World Cup, will host the opening Group B encounter between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match carries enormous importance for both national teams as they seek a strong start in the competition.

The pre-match ceremony has been designed as a celebration of Canadian culture and identity. Music, entertainment, and soccer will come together before the action begins on the pitch, creating one of the most anticipated spectacles of the tournament’s opening week.

Among the performers announced for the event, one name stands above the rest due to her influence on Canadian and international music. That artist is Alanis Morissette.

Who is Alanis Morissette?

Alanis Morissette is a seven-time Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter who became one of the most influential artists of the 1990s. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, she rose from a teenage performer into a global superstar whose music has sold more than 60 million records worldwide.

Her breakthrough arrived in 1995 with the release of Jagged Little Pill, an album that transformed her career and established her as one of the defining voices of her generation. The record produced iconic songs such as “You Oughta Know,” “Ironic,” and “Hand in My Pocket,” helping it sell more than 33 million copies globally.

The success of the album reshaped alternative rock and earned Morissette worldwide recognition. Decades later, those songs remain staples of radio playlists and concert performances around the globe.

Recognition continues decades later

Morissette’s influence has remained strong long after her commercial peak. Her work inspired the successful Broadway production Jagged Little Pill, which received multiple Tony Award nominations and introduced her music to a new audience.

She has also built a reputation as an advocate for mental health awareness, women’s empowerment, and artists’ rights. Throughout her career, she has balanced commercial success with a willingness to address personal and social issues through her work.

Adding to her list of achievements, Morissette was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The honor placed her alongside some of the most respected names in modern music and recognized the lasting impact of her songwriting.

Why FIFA chose Alanis Morissette for this moment

The decision to have Morissette perform “O Canada” before the country’s opening World Cup match carries symbolic importance. Few artists are more closely associated with Canadian musical success on the world stage.

Her presence helps connect different generations of supporters while reinforcing the national pride surrounding the event. For many fans, hearing a Canadian icon perform the anthem before such a historic match creates an emotional link between sport and culture.

The ceremony itself will feature a broader lineup that includes Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Elyanna, Vegedream, William Prince, and DJ Sanjoy. Actor and comedian Will Arnett will also participate as a World Cup ambassador.

The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kickoff in Toronto. Alongside Morissette’s rendition of the Canadian national anthem, Serbian-born violinist Aleksandar Gajic will perform the anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ranked 65th globally, the national team arrives as a confident underdog. The roster features a compelling mix of seasoned veterans and emerging young talent from the diaspora.

Fans can expect a resilient squad that thrives under pressure. This World Cup 2026 team preview explores how the European side plans to navigate the group stage, highlighting their Bosnia and Herzegovina tactical analysis, the leadership of their coach, and the enduring impact of a legendary striker.

Team profile

How Bosnia and Herzegovina play

Under their current leadership, the Dragons typically deploy a 4-4-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina formation. The system relies heavily on a dual-striker partnership, often pairing a veteran target man with a mobile forward.

The team generally concedes possession against stronger opponents. Instead of dictating the tempo in midfield, they prefer a direct approach, launching long balls to bypass the opposition’s press.

This strategy utilizes the physical presence of their forwards, allowing them to hold up play and bring wingers into the attack. Wide players then focus on delivering dangerous crosses into the penalty area.

Defensively, the squad is combative and willing to disrupt the rhythm of the game. They averaged a high number of fouls during qualifying to break up opposition attacks.

However, this defensive structure can be vulnerable to pace on the counterattack. This direct, physical approach ensures they remain competitive against other top international soccer teams 2026.

Sergej Barbarez: The coach behind Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sergej Barbarez took charge as the Bosnia and Herzegovina coach in the summer of 2024. Despite a challenging start to his tenure, he successfully guided the squad to North America in his first managerial role.

Before moving to the touchline, Barbarez enjoyed a stellar playing career. He captained his country and spent a decade in the German Bundesliga, notably finishing as the league’s joint-top scorer during the 2000-2001 season.

His coaching philosophy centers on resilience, belief, and direct attacking play. He has instilled a strong sense of togetherness within the locker room, a trait evident in their late-game heroics during qualification.

His leadership and legendary status within the country provide a unifying presence that could drive the team’s success this summer.

Key player: Edin Dzeko

Approaching the tournament at 40 years old, Edin Dzeko remains the undisputed focal point of the national team. The veteran striker brings unmatched experience and proven goalscoring pedigree.

Currently playing his club soccer for Schalke 04, Dzeko boasts an incredible international resume with 148 caps and 73 goals. His crucial late equalizer against Wales in the playoffs kept their qualification hopes alive.

Dzeko operates as a classic target man. His elite aerial ability, intelligent movement inside the penalty box, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat from crosses and set-pieces.

The team’s entire tactical identity revolves around his physical presence. If he were to suffer an injury, the squad would lose both its primary attacking outlet and its most respected locker-room leader.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s road to the 2026 World Cup

The Dragons navigated a grueling qualification journey that tested their resilience. They finished second in their UEFA group with a respectable record of five wins, two draws, and one loss, narrowly trailing Austria.

Forced into the playoffs, they faced a daunting path. They survived a hostile environment in Cardiff, defeating Wales on penalties after a dramatic late equalizer from their captain.

Days later, they stunned Italy at home. After falling behind early, they capitalized on an Italian red card, leveled the match, and triumphed in another penalty shootout.

This dramatic qualification campaign proved the squad possesses the mental toughness required for the global stage.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 2026 World Cup group stage outlook

The European side enters Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. This draw presents a highly competitive but balanced path to the knockout rounds.

By drawing Canada from the top pot, they successfully avoided the traditional tournament heavyweights. The matchup against the North American co-hosts will be their most challenging test, given the hostile away environment.

Conversely, the fixture against Qatar offers a favorable opportunity to secure vital points. Success in the group stage will depend on their ability to defend resolutely and capitalize on set-piece opportunities against Switzerland.

Readers looking to follow every match involving the Dragons can also check our complete Bosnia and Herzegovina TV schedule for the latest broadcast and streaming information.

Advancing past the group stage is a realistic and expected outcome for this squad.

Bosnia and Herzegovina squad for 2026 World Cup

Final word on Bosnia and Herzegovina

The national team arrives in North America with genuine momentum and a favorable group draw. Their physical attacking play and unmatched resilience make them a difficult opponent for any side.

However, their aging forward line and occasional vulnerability to quick counterattacks remain notable concerns. If they can maintain their defensive discipline, reaching the knockout rounds is an achievable goal.

For a nation that has waited over a decade to return to this stage, advancing past the group phase would mark a historic achievement.

Portugal heads into the tournament with one of its most talented squads in recent history, yet much of the spotlight remains fixed on its legendary captain. The debate surrounding Ronaldo has intensified in recent weeks, creating another chapter in a career that has often been defined by responding to doubters.

The discussion gained momentum after Portugal’s warm-up matches ahead of the tournament. While the national team secured victories over Chile and Nigeria, Ronaldo failed to find the net, something that immediately drew attention given his status as the country’s all-time leading scorer.

Against Nigeria, Portugal earned a 2-1 victory, but the veteran striker missed several clear opportunities. Despite remaining on the pitch longer than any other outfield starter, he was unable to add to his remarkable international tally of 143 goals, a record that remains unmatched in men’s international soccer.

For some observers, the performance raised concerns about whether Ronaldo can still be the decisive figure he has been throughout his career. Others pointed to the nature of friendly matches, arguing that the real test would come once the World Cup officially begins.

Ronaldo responds to fitness concerns

Just before Portugal left for its World Cup headquarters in Florida, Ronaldo laid to rest the rumors that had been circulating about his fitness. In fact, the veteran forward dismissed suggestions that he was struggling physically ahead of the tournament: “I feel very good. Haven’t you been watching the games?”

Ronaldo also expressed confidence to Sport TV about what lies ahead. “We’re approaching this competition with a lot of hope. The preparation has been very good, tiring, because we have worked hard,” he explained. “I am very positive, I believe things will go well and that we will put in a good performance.”

Confidence in Portugal’s new generation

While Ronaldo remains the face of the squad, Portugal arrives at the tournament with a talented supporting cast capable of challenging any opponent. Players such as Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Rafael Leao represent the present and future of the national team.

Ronaldo himself highlighted the quality surrounding him. “It’s a very good generation… which will bring a lot of joy to the Portuguese people.”

Portugal’s World Cup journey begins against DR Congo before further Group K encounters with Uzbekistan and Colombia. For the 41-year-old, the path forward is straightforward: “The most important thing is to start well, with the first match, then follow up with the second and third… finish top of the group and from there, take it one match at a time.”

Match Overview

As one of the host nations, Canada enters the 2026 tournament with the full force of home support behind them. However, their history in the competition is modest, having lost all six of their previous matches across two appearances in 1986 and 2022. Under the guidance of Jesse Marsch, the Canadians will be desperate to secure a historic first win on opening day and set a positive tone for their campaign.

Bosnia & Herzegovina arrive in North America as the underdogs, but they are a battle-hardened squad. Their path to the finals was forged through grueling playoff encounters against Wales and Italy, where they demonstrated immense grit and tactical discipline to advance. Unfazed by hostile crowds, the Bosnians possess the experience and resilience to spoil the party for the hosts in what projects to be a pivotal clash for knockout stage qualification.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The two nations enter this opening fixture from vastly different preparatory paths. Canada, having qualified automatically as hosts, has lacked competitive fixtures for over a year, relying on friendlies to implement Jesse Marsch’s high-energy system. In contrast, Bosnia & Herzegovina are sharp from a demanding European qualifying campaign that saw them overcome significant odds, building a cohesive and resilient unit along the way.

The tactical battle promises a fascinating clash of styles. Marsch’s Canada will look to press aggressively and win the ball high up the pitch. However, Bosnia & Herzegovina’s direct approach is the perfect antidote. Averaging 65 long balls per game in qualifying, they will aim to bypass the Canadian press entirely, targeting their physical forwards. The game could be decided in the wide areas, where Canada’s wingers will attempt to pin back the Bosnian full-backs and starve their strikers of service.

With Switzerland favored to top the group, this match carries immense weight. For both teams, it represents the most direct path to securing second place and advancing to the Round of 32. The urgency will be palpable from the first whistle, as neither side can afford to settle for a draw. A victory here would provide a massive boost and put the winner in a commanding position to make a deep run in the tournament.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This match will mark the first-ever meeting between Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina, adding a layer of unpredictability to the encounter. With no historical data to draw from, both teams will be entering uncharted territory. This lack of familiarity could lead to a cagey opening as they feel each other out.

While they haven’t faced Bosnia, Canada has historically struggled against European opposition at the global showpiece. In five previous matches against UEFA teams, they have lost every single one, posting a dismal goal difference of one scored and ten conceded. This trend underscores the challenge ahead for the host nation as they look to reverse their fortunes.

Bosnia & Herzegovina have proven to be a formidable opponent when cast as the underdog. In their decisive playoff matches against both Wales and Italy, they were unfavored but managed to secure draws in regular time before advancing on penalties. This resilience against stronger teams suggests they are well-equipped to handle the pressure of an opening match away from home and could prove tougher to break down than their odds suggest.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Canada enters their opening match with significant injury concerns surrounding several key players, while Bosnia & Herzegovina’s primary fitness issue revolves around a key forward.

The Canadian camp is anxiously monitoring the fitness of star player Alphonso Davies, who has been training individually and remains a major doubt. Key defender Moise Bombito is also being treated with caution, alongside Ali Ahmed and Jacob Shaffelburg. These potential absences could force coach Jesse Marsch into significant lineup adjustments and disrupt the team’s cohesion.

For Bosnia & Herzegovina, the main concern is striker Haris Tabakovic, who was included in the squad despite an ankle injury but will not be available for the opener. However, veteran captain Edin Dzeko is expected to lead the line after overcoming minor issues, providing a crucial focal point for their attack. Midfielder Ivan Sunjic is also expected to be fit to start.

Canada Projected XI (4-4-2): Crépeau; Laryea, Cornelius, De Fougerolles, Johnston; Millar, Koné, Eustáquio, Buchanan; David, Larin.

This lineup reflects Marsch’s preferred aggressive 4-4-2 system. The success of this formation will depend on the goal-scoring form of Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, while the midfield duo of Koné and Eustáquio will be tasked with executing the high press. The defense may be vulnerable, particularly if the team is missing key starters.

Bosnia & Herzegovina Projected XI (4-4-2): Vasilj; Kolašinac, Katić, Muharemovic, Dedić; Memić, Tahirović, Šunjić, Bajraktarević; Demirović, Džeko.

This setup pairs the legendary Edin Dzeko with the dynamic Ermedin Demirović, creating a powerful and physical front line. The team’s strategy will likely involve sitting in a compact defensive block and launching direct balls forward to their strikers, aiming to exploit their aerial prowess and clinical finishing. Their experience from the tough European qualifiers will be a significant asset.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.

In addition to the 2026 tournament, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a variety of other top soccer competitions from around the world. Enjoy coverage of leagues like Liga MX or LaLiga.

The service is available for a monthly fee of $14.99/mo, offering a comprehensive package for soccer fans. Special bundle offers may also be available, combining sports with other entertainment packages.

Beyond soccer, the platform boasts an extensive library of content. Subscribers can watch thousands of movies, popular TV shows, and live sports from other major leagues, making it an all-in-one entertainment solution.

SEE MORE: Complete World Cup TV schedule.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to discover the unique football history of Jordan.

In this edition of Curiosities, Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV examines the journey of the Jordanian national team. The episode looks closely at the country’s broader history alongside the specific development of its football infrastructure over the years.

After a 40-year wait to secure a World Cup qualification, the team has finally broken through to the finals. Their reward is a highly anticipated spot in the group stage, where they are scheduled to test themselves directly against the defending champions, Argentina.

Sousa breaks down the exact path the squad took to achieve this milestone, highlighting how previous generations laid the groundwork. It provides fans with a direct overview of how the team evolved into a competitive force capable of reaching the tournament.

You can stream the entire analysis right now. Check out the Rabona TV Jordan feature on Spotify to learn more about the history and qualification story behind one of the tournament’s newest competitors.

The first half offered few clear chances as both teams struggled to break through. Son Heung-min had a few chances but was not as precise as usual, sending South Korea and the Czech Republic into halftime tied 0-0.

All the excitement came in the second half. When South Korea were the better side, a long throw into the box from the Czech Republic put them ahead with a header from Ladislav Krejčí. That was not the end for South Korea, who pushed back with a great goal from Hwang In-beom and a finish from Oh Hyeon-gyu.

The European side struck first in the 58th minute when towering defender Ladislav Krejci found the back of the net, silencing the energetic South Korean contingent at the Guadalajara Stadium

However, the Asian powerhouse refused to back down; midfielder Hwang In-beom leveled the score with a clinical 66th-minute strike, setting the stage for a grandstand finish. The decisive blow came in the 80th minute when substitute forward Oh Hyeon-gyu turned his marker inside the box and slotted home a dramatic late winner to secure all 3 points for his country.

This result fundamentally alters the early balance of power in the group. While co-hosts Mexico still command first place on goal difference (+2), South Korea sits right alongside them at the top of the table with 3 points (+1).

Meanwhile, the Czech Republic and South Africa find themselves anchored to the bottom of Group A after matchday one, both facing a steep uphill battle to keep their knockout stage dreams alive.

What’s next for Group A?

With Matchday 1 officially in the books, the focus immediately shifts to a high-stakes second round of group fixtures, which will take place entirely on Thursday, June 18.

Kickstarting the action, South Africa and the Czech Republic will square off at the Atlanta Stadium. Both nations are desperately hunting for points after dropping their openers, making this a must-win scenario to keep their World Cup knockout stage hopes alive.

Later that evening, the two group leaders will go head-to-head as co-hosts Mexico take on South Korea at the Guadalajara Stadium. It’s an early battle for supremacy in Group A, and with both teams sitting on 3 points, a victory for either side could mathematically punch their ticket to the Round of 32.

To help fans get ready, Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV has launched a detailed, two-part audio preview of the entire tournament. This specific episode focuses entirely on the first half of the draw, breaking down the expectations for Groups A through F.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear the complete group preview.

The episode goes through every single country competing in these initial groups, ensuring that both massive football powerhouses and lower-ranked nations get equal analytical coverage. Listeners can expect an honest look at each team’s current standing ahead of the opening matches.

For soccer fans looking to familiarize themselves with the squads, tactics, and tournament layout, this guide serves as a straightforward baseline. It outlines the major storylines to watch as these first six groups prepare to battle for a spot in the knockout rounds.

You can stream the entire analysis right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Preview on Spotify and make sure to look out for part two, which will cover the remaining groups.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to discover the unique football history of Uzbekistan.

In the finale of his Curiosities series, Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV dives deep into this unique footballing landscape. The episode examines how the Central Asian nation had to completely rebuild its sports infrastructure after a devastating tragedy severely disrupted its early football development.

Decades of perseverance finally paid off during the Asian qualification rounds, culminating in a historic milestone. Exactly 25 years after gaining independence, the White Wolves successfully secured their first-ever World Cup berth, becoming the first Central Asian country to reach the finals.

Sousa provides listeners with the necessary historical context to understand how this team transformed into a rising power within the Asian confederation.

You can stream the entire deep dive right now. Check out the Rabona TV Uzbekistan breakdown on Spotify to get fully up to speed on one of the most fascinating dark horses competing in North America.

Their group opened with a Mexico victory over South Africa, putting pressure on these teams if they want to take the lead. While friendlies may not be the best indicator, it is true that both teams can feel confident about their form.

South Korea have picked up wins over Trinidad and Tobago, 5-0, and El Salvador, 1-0, while the Czech Republic beat Kosovo, 2-1, and Guatemala, 3-1, after securing their spot through penalty shootouts.

The lineups

Manager Hong Myung-bo opted for this lineup for South Korea: Kim Seung-gyu; Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae, Lee Gi-hyuk, Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Tae-seok, Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung, Son Heung-min (c).

For the Czech Republic, Miroslav Koubek picked this lineup: Matej Kovar; Stepan Chaloupek, Robin Hranac, Ladislav Krejci (c), Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Soucek, Alexandr Sojka, Jaroslav Zeleny, Lukas Provod, Pavel Sulc, Patrik Schick.

The group

Group A opened with a comfortable Mexico victory over South Africa, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, while three red cards were shown as Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off for South Africa and César Montes was sent off for Mexico.

During an interview with BBC Sport, a group of former soccer stars that included Alan Shearer and Olivier Giroud were asked for their predictions ahead of this summer’s FIFA tournament. Rooney was among them and made his stance on two of the leading contenders clear.

“England and Spain will make the final,” said the former Manchester United striker, who appeared in three World Cups with the Three Lions. He then added his preferred outcome for the title match: “Hopefully England will win it.”

Rooney’s prediction is backed by the recent form of Thomas Tuchel’s side, which have won all of their matches in the European qualifiers and arrive at North America 2026 with their key players in excellent form. “I’m going with Kane to get the Golden Boot,” Wayne added.

Rooney’s potential surprise teams at the 2026 World Cup

In the same conversation, Wayne Rooney was asked which teams could emerge as surprise packages during the tournament. “Norway could do quite well,” he began, referring to the team led by Erling Haaland. He then added another contender: “I like Ecuador too.”

In a separate interview with Daily Mail, Rooney answered a similar set of questions and expanded on several other predictions. For example, when asked about the tournament’s best goalkeeper, he named a Premier League star: “Maybe David Raya, if he plays.” That caveat is significant, as all indications suggest Unai Simon will start in goal for Spain.

Rooney defines what would qualify as a flop at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Finally, when asked which team could be the biggest disappointment of the World Cup, Wayne Rooney was cautious in his response. “It’s hard to flop, to be honest. Any of the big teams if they don’t go past the last 32, then I suppose that’s a flop,” he said.

That assessment is tied to the tournament’s expanded format. In addition to the top two teams from each group, eight of the 12 third-place finishers will also advance to the knockout stages. The new structure increases every team’s chances of progressing, and combined with the addition of 16 more teams than in previous editions, it means several lower-ranked nations are now in the field. Those factors should allow the traditional powerhouses to reach the Round of 32 without major difficulty.

The goalkeeper named in Scotland’s final 26-man squad is 43 years old, having been born on December 31, 1982, in Edinburgh. Gordon wears number 21 and is not expected to start, with Angus Gunn likely to get the nod between the posts.

His career includes spells at Cowdenbeath, Sunderland, and Celtic, but Gordon started and currently plays for Heart of Midlothian, the club that has recently come close to breaking the “Old Firm” dominance in Scotland.

Gordon’s career

For a player who made his professional debut in 2002, it is normal to see such a large number of matches. His club career totals 682 matches, with 84 more appearances for Scotland.

Unlike older players who still play a major role on the pitch for their teams at the moment, Gordon has not been very active recently and has played only three matches, mostly as a backup.

Gordon was called up for this competition by manager Steve Clarke because of the trust he has in him. He was chosen as the first option after an injury to Gunn for Scotland’s most important matches of the year, including the playoff games in which they beat Greece and Denmark.

Record for oldest player ever

Even if Gordon does not play this time, he would still not break the all-time record for the oldest player in World Cup history if he enters the field. That record belongs to Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, who played at 45 years and 161 days old on June 25, 2018.

The Real Salt Lake star arrived at the selection window fresh off a spectacular domestic campaign with his club, where he featured in 32 matches across all competitions, netting 10 goals and providing three assists.

Despite being a regular fixture in recent USMNT call-ups—including the Gold Cup and the final stretch of international friendlies—the Argentine manager ultimately made the tactical decision to leave the young playmaker out, opting to give his spot to Borussia Monchengladbach’s Giovanni Reyna.

The omission of the 22-year-old attacking midfielder is particularly shocking given how heavily Pochettino relied on him throughout 2025, utilizing him as a core piece across friendlies, the Gold Cup, and the CONCACAF Nations League.

Luna’s numbers with the USMNT

Pochettino first integrated Luna into his tactical setup in March 2025, calling him up for the CONCACAF Nations League finals. Luna watched from the bench during a tough semifinal loss to Panama but earned a starting nod in the third-place match against Canada, where he provided a clinical assist.

From that moment on, he became an indispensable asset for the manager. Luna started in high-profile friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland just before the Gold Cup kicked off.

During the tournament itself, Luna started five of the USMNT’s six matches, delivering an elite breakout performance with three goals and two assists to lead the United States to the grand final, which they narrowly lost to longtime rivals Mexico.

Following his tournament success, the Real Salt Lake attacker remained a staple in Pochettino’s squads for the remaining six friendlies of 2025, adding one more international goal to his resume.

Pochettino about Luna’s exclusion

There is no question that Luna’s absence is the most debated talking point of the roster release, arguably alongside Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann. Addressing the heavy media scrutiny, Pochettino opened up about his difficult choice to sideline the Real Salt Lake star during an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

“The final decision wasn’t based solely on individual talent, but rather on balance, specific roles, and collective chemistry,” Pochettino explained. “You don’t always pick the biggest names; you pick the right team. I also suffered the heartbreak of being left out of a World Cup”.

Pochettino’s justification draws from raw personal experience, as the former Argentine defender was famously cut from his country’s final squad for the 1998 World Cup in France during his playing days. While Luna’s vision and elite footwork will be missed on home soil this summer, the young playmaker will undoubtedly use this high-profile snub as fuel to lead the line for the 2030 cycle.

Ochoa first appeared on a Mexican World Cup roster in 2006 and has been part of every squad since, featuring in the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026 editions. While Messi and Ronaldo share the same journey and are expected to join him in the record books once their respective opening games are played, it was Ochoa who was first to formally claim the milestone.

Asked what it means to share such a distinction with two of the sport’s all-time greats, Ochoa was measured and gracious: “Well let’s see, they are extraordinary players, it’s not that I’m comparing myself to them, but well, at least in that particular World Cup category, it will be there for history.“

For Ochoa, the significance extends beyond personal pride. “It’s something difficult to imagine at the beginning, and I am very happy because the two of them are extraordinary. What they have done for football is wonderful, and I’m happy to share it with them and that a Mexican is up there,” he concluded.

Ochoa’s journey across six World Cups

The one distinction between Ochoa and his record-sharing counterparts is that, while he was part of Mexico’s squads in 2006 and 2010, he did not see a single minute of action in either tournament. In Germany in 2006, where Mexico were eliminated by Argentina in the Round of 16, Ochoa served as the backup to Oswaldo Sanchez, who started all three group stage matches. A similar role awaited him in South Africa 2010, with Oscar Perez occupying the starting position as Mexico again fell to Argentina in the Round of 16.

He made his mark on the game at Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, becoming one of the tournament’s most iconic goalkeepers in that stretch. With his return to action in 2026 still awaited, Ochoa’s tally stands at 11 World Cup appearances, 12 goals conceded and four clean sheets.

Ochoa back on the substitutes’ bench

Despite widespread expectations that Ochoa would start Mexico’s opening match against South Africa, head coach Javier Aguirre ultimately chose Raul Rangel as his starting goalkeeper. While Ochoa now holds the record for six World Cup appearances as a squad member, being kept out of the action once again gives the milestone a bittersweet edge.

For the first time since South Africa 2010, Ochoa finds himself back in the role of backup at a World Cup. But his spirit appears intact. “It’s part of life. We grow older and it’s natural in football and anywhere else. I take it in stride. These are different stages. In the other World Cups I was at a different moment, playing at a different moment, at a different age. Also, in my first World Cup I was very young. These are different stages,” he said in the mixed zone.

Like with some other absences, Osimhen’s omission is directly related to his country failing to qualify. Nigeria are not going to be featured in the competition after falling short in the road to the World Cup.

The expansion to 48 teams made it easier for most nations to make history, but that was not the case for Nigeria. They finished second behind South Africa, which sent them into the playoff route. With a semifinal and final for an inter-confederation spot, they beat Gabon before losing to DR Congo in a close penalty shootout.

Nigeria’s World Cup history

It is normal to see that African teams have far fewer World Cup appearances than others because they were not allocated as many slots. That is why Nigeria have only six participations.

What has been positive for them is that they became a regular presence from the 1990s onward, with a golden generation of players that put them on the map for many, led by Jay-Jay Okocha as their main name.

Even though they have kept producing talent for some of the best teams in the world, they have lost a step as a collective in recent years. This missed qualification also adds to their absence in Qatar, leaving them out of the World Cup for eight years.

Their best performance

In their six appearances, Nigeria advanced past the group stage three times. In all of those years, they were eliminated in the round of 16. Their best performance came in 1994, when they lost to eventual finalists Italy in extra time. In 1998, they fell 4-1 to Denmark in that round, while France beat them 2-0 in 2014.

“The game was expected to be 4-0…the nerves were a huge problem… I didn’t like the first half. They had the ball a lot. One more goal should have come. The sending-off of (César) Montes complicated things a bit. We lost the ball up front in a naïve way that irritates me. Then César had to take the risk,” Mexico‘s Javier Aguirre said in the post-game interview.

Despite Mexico’s victory, there were several phases of the match that were quite evenly contested, something that did not please the head coach. With South Korea as their next opponent in the 2026 World Cup, they are looking for a much more dominant performance, especially in midfield, where they were unable to establish superiority. In addition, the defensive gaps were exploited by their opponents, something that could prove costly against the Asian side.

César Montes’ red card did not destabilize Mexico’s victory, but it does expose defensive issues ahead of the match against South Korea. With their high press, they gain control, but they also leave space behind their defense, allowing quick teams to shine. Because of this, the 29-year-old defender’s red card exposes how fragile their stability can be against a dribbling, fast, and clinical team like the Asian side, their next opponent.

Head coach Aguirre picks Montes replacement for South Korea game

Even though Mexico managed to secure their first victory at the 2026 World Cup, they now have to face one of the toughest opponents in their group: South Korea. Without César Montes as the leader of the defensive line, they could struggle more than expected. While they have Luis Romo as a quality alternative, head coach Javier Aguirre has chosen Edson Álvarez as his replacement in central defense.

“After César (Montes)’ red card, it is very likely that Edson (Álvarez) will play as a center-back,” said Aguirre in the latest press conference. With the 28-year-old star, they would gain incredible ball progression, defensive solidity, and brilliant tactical awareness. Although he does not arrive with much competitive rhythm from Fenerbahçe, he already impressed in the limited minutes he played and could do so again against South Korea.

“Nicolas Tagliafico is dealing with a physical issue, and it remains unclear whether he will be available next Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City for the first Group J match,” prominent Argentine outlet Infobae reported on Thursday, in a story also cited by TyC Sports and ESPN.

The 33-year-old left back suffered a knock to his calf during last Saturday’s friendly against Honduras, forcing him to leave the match at halftime. The issue persisted in the following days, preventing him from playing against Iceland on Tuesday. The slow pace of his recovery has raised concerns within the Argentina camp.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that one of Tagliafico’s potential replacements is also dealing with fitness problems. Nicolas Gonzalez filled in at left back during the second half against Iceland and is now facing physical concerns of his own.

“Nico Gonzalez is also not fully fit and has become another question mark, considering his recent injury history,” Infobae added. The Atletico Madrid player missed the final stretch of the season in Spain with a muscle injury that also prevented him from training alongside his Argentina teammates during the first days of camp.

Argentina’s options at left back

For the past four years, Nicolas Tagliafico has been Argentina’s first-choice left back. He started the 2022 World Cup final against France and has remained a regular fixture in Lionel Scaloni’s squad ever since.

With his availability for the match against Algeria now in doubt, the head coach must consider alternatives on the left side of defense. The leading option is Facundo Medina, who played there against Iceland. However, his natural position is center back, and using him as a fullback is viewed primarily as an emergency solution.

Argentina have three other players in the squad capable of filling Tagliafico’s role. One is the aforementioned Nicolas Gonzalez, although his availability for next Tuesday is also uncertain due to fitness concerns. Another option is Valentin Barco, who originally played as a left back but was converted into a midfielder at RC Strasbourg, where his performances earned him a place in the national team.

The third possibility is the most recent addition to Argentina’s World Cup roster: Marcos Senesi. The defender, who impressed for Bournemouth last season, received a late call-up from Scaloni to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi and is expected to join Argentina training in the coming hours. Although he is primarily a center back, being left-footed also gives him the ability to play at left back, undoubtedly one of the reasons behind his selection.

The first round of pre-tournament friendlies last week delivered some notable upsets that reshuffled the rankings. Spain’s 1-1 draw with Iraq and France’s surprising 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast caused both La Roja and Les Bleus to slide from the positions they had been occupying as Europe’s dominant sides.

Those results, combined with Argentina‘s win over Honduras, were enough to push Messi’s side back to the summit. A subsequent 3-0 victory over Iceland then cemented the Albiceleste’s hold on first place, and despite Spain and France bouncing back with 3-1 victories over Peru and Northern Ireland respectively, neither European powerhouse could claw their way back above Argentina.

Portugal‘s position was largely unaffected by the pre-tournament activity. After the March international window, the Selecao had accumulated 1,763.83 points, and back-to-back 2-1 wins over Chile and Nigeria nudged that total up to 1,767.85 points, though Ronaldo‘s side remained in fifth place in the global standings.

When will the next FIFA ranking update be released?

As FIFA confirmed on its official website, the most recent update was published on June 11, ahead of the tournament’s opening game between Mexico and South Africa. The changes reflected results from the pre-World Cup international window, building on the movements that had already been recorded during the March break.

The next official FIFA ranking update is scheduled for July 19, 38 days after the World Cup kicked off in North America. That date coincides with the tournament’s conclusion, with the championship match taking place at MetLife Stadium, and the outcome of the competition will instantly produce significant movement across the rankings.

Final FIFA ranking top 10 before the 2026 World Cup

• Argentina — 1877.27 points.
• Spain — 1874.71 points.
• France — 1870.70 points.
• England — 1828.02 points.
• Portugal — 1767.85 points.
• Brazil — 1765.86 points.
• Morocco — 1755.10 points.
• Netherlands — 1753.57 points.
• Belgium — 1742.24 points.
• Germany — 1735.77 points.

Match Overview

South Korea enters the 2026 tournament with a legacy to uphold, having secured an 11th consecutive appearance after a dominant, unbeaten 16-match qualifying campaign. However, recent form against tougher opposition has raised questions, with losses to Ivory Coast and Austria creating a sense of urgency. While they registered commanding friendly wins against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador, this opening match is the true test of their readiness to compete on the global stage.

For Czechia, this match marks a momentous return to the world’s biggest soccer tournament after a 20-year absence. They arrive with a clear identity built on physicality, work-rate, and a formidable threat from set-pieces. Having lost just one of their last five competitive fixtures, the Czechs view this clash as a virtual playoff for advancing from a balanced group. The stakes could not be higher, as both nations know that a victory here could pave the way to the knockout rounds.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The paths these two teams took to North America could not be more different. South Korea navigated the Asian qualifiers with technical superiority, often commanding over 75% possession. In contrast, Czechia fought through tense European playoffs, relying on grit and organization to advance. This contrast sets the stage for a classic tactical battle where South Korea’s fluid, possession-based style will test Czechia‘s disciplined, low-block defensive structure.

The game will likely be won or lost in the transition phases. South Korea will aim to use its creative talents, like Son Heung-Min and Lee Kang-in, to unlock a compact Czech defense. Meanwhile, Czechia will look to disrupt their rhythm and capitalize on dead-ball situations, where they scored a qualification-high 11 goals. The high altitude of the stadium in Guadalajara could also be a major factor, potentially slowing the pace and favoring the more physically imposing Czech side.

Motivation is razor-sharp for both squads. With hosts Mexico favored to top the group, this fixture is widely seen as a direct contest for the crucial second and third-place spots. A loss for either side would create a difficult path to the knockout stage, meaning a cautious, strategic approach is expected. Neither team can afford to start their campaign with a defeat, transforming this opening match into a high-stakes tactical chess match from the first whistle.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This match will be the first-ever competitive meeting between South Korea and Czechia, adding a layer of unpredictability to the encounter. While they have no shared tournament history, they have faced each other three times in international friendlies, with the results perfectly balanced.

Their most recent clash was in 2016, a 2-1 victory for South Korea. Prior to that, Czechia secured a dominant 5-0 win in 2001, and the two nations played to a 2-2 draw in 1998. This split record, with one win apiece and a draw, suggests that on any given day, either side is capable of securing a result.

While the high-scoring friendlies of the past averaged 4.0 goals per game, the intense pressure of a tournament opener makes a repeat unlikely. South Korea holds a mixed record against European opponents at the finals (6 wins, 6 draws, 12 losses), but their 2-1 victory over Portugal in 2022 proves they can compete with the best. Czechia‘s only tournament match against an Asian nation was a 1-1 draw against Kuwait in 1982 when they played as Czechoslovakia.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers face key fitness decisions as they prepare their squads for this pivotal opening match, with several star players managing injuries leading into the tournament.

South Korea’s hopes rest heavily on the fitness of their core stars. Key figures like Son Heung-Min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in have been battling injuries, while Stoke City’s Bae Jun-Ho is a doubt for the opener. Manager Hong Myung-bo is expected to deploy a 3-4-3 formation, which relies on the creative spark of his forwards and the defensive stability provided by Bayern Munich‘s Kim Min-jae. All eyes will be on Son, who is just two goals away from becoming his country’s all-time leading scorer.

Czechia also has injury concerns, with striker Jan Kuchta in a race to be fit. Coach Miroslav Koubek is likely to stick with the 3-4-3 system that proved effective in their final warm-up matches. The attack will be spearheaded by Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick, a clinical finisher who has consistently outperformed his expected goals tally in the Bundesliga. He will be supported by a hard-working midfield and defense featuring experienced Premier League players like Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal.

South Korea Projected XI (3-4-3): Seung-gyu; Min-Jae, Han-Beom, Gi-Hyuk; Tae-Seok, Jae-Sung, In-beom, Young-Woo; Kang-in, Heung-Min, Hee-Chan.

This lineup is built around a dynamic attacking trio led by captain Son Heung-Min, with support from PSG’s Lee Kang-in and Wolves’ Hwang Hee-Chan. The formation’s success will depend on the fitness of defender Kim Min-Jae to anchor the backline against Czechia‘s physical forwards.

Czechia Projected XI (3-4-3): Kovar; Krejci, Hranac, Chaloupek; Jurasek, Soucek, Sadilek, Coufal; Provod, Sulc, Schick.

This is a physical and organized lineup designed to be defensively solid and dangerous on set-pieces. Patrik Schick provides elite finishing up front, while West Ham‘s Tomas Soucek brings power and aerial prowess to the midfield, making them a threat from every dead-ball opportunity.

More details on how to watch

You can find the South Korea vs Czechia live stream on Fubo. The service is compatible with most devices, including computers, smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, ensuring you can watch the match from anywhere.

In addition to the 2026 tournament, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other top soccer competitions. You can watch the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, Serie A, and more, all in one place.

A subscription to Fubo costs $14.99 per month. You can also explore bundle options for a comprehensive entertainment package.

SEE MORE: For the full tournament broadcast information, check out our complete World Cup TV schedule page.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

Led by an experienced coach and anchored by a core of European-based talent, Czechia present a difficult challenge for any opponent. This World Cup 2026 team preview explores how the European side plans to navigate the group stage.

We will break down the Czechia 2026 World Cup squad, highlight the Czechia key players capable of making a difference, and provide a detailed look at their strategy on the field.

Team profile

How Czechia play

The Czechia tactical analysis reveals a team built on defensive organization and physical dominance. Operating primarily in a disciplined 4-2-3-1 Czechia formation, the side prioritizes a compact low block over high possession numbers. They are comfortable absorbing pressure and frustrating technically superior opponents.

When winning the ball, the team transitions quickly but relies heavily on dead-ball situations to generate scoring opportunities. During their qualification campaign, they led all European nations by scoring eight goals from set-pieces. The towering presence of players like Tomáš Souček and Patrik Schick makes them exceptional aerial threats.

However, a lack of central creativity outside of Pavel Šulc can leave the attack looking one-dimensional. Opponents who defend set-pieces well may find it easy to stifle their forward momentum.

Furthermore, a tendency to concede early goals remains a vulnerability that other international soccer teams 2026 will look to exploit. Ultimately, their rigid defensive structure and set-piece mastery make them a tough out, which could help them grind out crucial results during the tournament.

Miroslav Koubek: The coach behind Czechia

Appointed in late 2025, Miroslav Koubek brings decades of experience to the Czechia coach role. At 74 years old, he will become the oldest manager in tournament history when he leads the team in North America.

Koubek stepped in after a turbulent qualifying period to restore belief and intensity within the squad. His coaching career spans over 40 years, largely in domestic soccer, including a recent successful stint with Viktoria Plzeň where he reached the later stages of European club competitions.

His philosophy centers on pragmatism, defensive solidity, and maximizing the physical traits of his roster. Rather than overhauling the system, Koubek focused on instilling a resilient mentality.

His ability to organize a fractured team quickly and navigate high-pressure situations will be the defining factor in how far this squad progresses this summer.

Key player: Patrik Schick

Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick is the focal point of the Czech attack. The forward recently became the first Czech player to score 100 goals across Europe’s top five leagues, cementing his status among elite goal scorers.

Schick operates as the primary target man, utilizing his size and mobility to hold up play. His technical proficiency and lethal left foot make him dangerous inside the penalty area, while his aerial dominance perfectly complements the team’s set-piece strategy. He showcased his value by scoring a crucial penalty against Ireland during the qualification playoffs.

Without Schick, the team lacks a reliable finisher and a central outlet for their direct style of play. His ability to convert limited chances will dictate whether Czechia can threaten the strongest defenses in the competition.

Czechia’s road to the 2026 World Cup

Czechia secured their ticket to North America through a dramatic and tense qualification process. They finished second in UEFA Group L with a 5-1-2 record, trailing only Croatia. While they scored 18 goals during the group stage, 10 of those came against Gibraltar, highlighting some struggles against stronger opposition.

After advancing to the playoffs, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience. Under newly appointed coach Miroslav Koubek, Czechia navigated two high-pressure matches against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark.

Both games ended in 2-2 draws, requiring back-to-back penalty shootout victories to secure advancement. This ability to survive tense, knockout-style scenarios suggests the team is mentally prepared for the grueling nature of the upcoming tournament.

Czechia’s 2026 World Cup group stage outlook

Drawn into Group A, Czechia face a challenging but manageable path to the knockout rounds alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa. The opening match against South Korea on June 11, 2026, will likely serve as the defining moment of their group stage campaign.

Securing points in that initial fixture is critical to keep pace with the other FIFA World Cup 2026 teams in their bracket. The most daunting matchup will be against Mexico, where the European side will have to contend with a hostile, pro-Mexican crowd. Conversely, the game against South Africa presents their most favorable opportunity to control possession and dictate the tempo.

Readers looking to follow every match involving the national team can also check our complete Czechia TV schedule for the latest broadcast and streaming information. Success in Group A will hinge entirely on their defensive discipline and ability to execute set-pieces under pressure.

Czechia squad for 2026 World Cup

Final word on Czechia

Entering the tournament ranked 41st, Czechia are positioned as a difficult, defensive-minded opponent rather than a title contender. Their greatest strength lies in their physical organization and lethal set-piece execution, which can neutralize more talented attacking sides.

However, their lack of open-play creativity remains a significant hurdle. If they fall behind early, breaking down opposing defenses will be a major challenge. A realistic expectation for this squad is advancing past the group stage, but making a deep run into the later knockout rounds will require near-perfect defensive performances.

South Africa’s night got off to a difficult start when Julián Quiñones opened the scoring for Mexico just eight minutes into the match. The mountain became even steeper for the African nation early in the second half when Yaya Sithole received a direct red card in the 50th minute, severely handicapping their comeback efforts.

Exploiting the man advantage, Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez doubled the lead with a clinical header, putting the game seemingly out of reach. Any lingering hopes of a miracle comeback completely evaporated in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was also shown a red card, reducing South Africa to nine men and sealing their place in the tournament’s history books.

With those two ejections, South Africa became only the second team in World Cup history to suffer two red cards in a tournament-opening match. The only other team to achieve this unwanted feat was Cameroon during the 1990 World Cup opener in Italy. In that famous match, André Kana-Biyik and Benjamin Massing were both sent off against Argentina.

The crucial difference between the two historical milestones? While a nine-man Cameroon famously held on to secure a shocking 1-0 victory over Diego Maradona’s reigning champions in 1990, South Africa crumbled to a decisive defeat that leaves them facing an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages.

Most red cards in a World Cup opener

Just when the match at the Azteca looked like it had seen it all, a late flashpoint established a brand-new tournament milestone. Deep into stoppage time, South African defender Khuliso Mudau broke free on a dangerous counterattack to try and cut the deficit. In a desperate bid to stop him, Mexican center-back César Montes brought Mudau down with a reckless, harsh tackle.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio blew his whistle and immediately brandished a straight red card to Montes. With that third expulsion, Mexico and South Africa combined to set the ultimate disciplinary milestone, marking the first time in soccer history that three red cards have been handed out in a single World Cup opening match.

The record for the most red cards issued in a single World Cup match belongs to the infamous 2006 clash between Portugal and the Netherlands in Germany. In that chaotic Round of 16 showdown, the two European powerhouses combined for four red cards, two per side, in a brutal affair that ultimately saw the Selecao advance with a 1-0 victory.

Russian referee Valentin Ivanov sent off Costinha and Deco for Portugal, while Khalid Boulahrouz and Giovanni van Bronckhorst were dismissed for the Netherlands. Due to the relentless hostility and bad blood displayed on that fateful June 25 evening, the match was instantly baptized as the infamous “Battle of Nuremberg.“

Several other legendary matches sit tied for second place, each having witnessed three red cards:

• Czech Republic vs. Brasil in 1938.
• Hungary vs. Brazil in 1954.
• South Africa vs. Denmark in 1998.
• Italy vs. USA in 2006.
• Croatia vs. Australia in 2006.
• South Africa vs. Mexico in 2026.

2026 World Cup opens in a high note

The 2026 World Cup has officially kicked off with an absolute powder keg of a match, as tensions boiled over during the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa, yielding three red cards, two players from the African squad and one from the Mexican side.

Marking a historic first for a World Cup curtain-raiser, three players were shown straight reds and sent to an early shower, with South Africa’s Siphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, along with Mexico’s Cesar Montes, all leaving their respective teams shorthanded.

The attacking midfielder is the youngest player ever to represent Mexico at a FIFA World Cup, at just 17 years old. Born on October 14, 2008, he has already showcased his talent and influence on the field in a short professional career, earning a spot in the 26-man squad selected by head coach Javier Aguirre.

Mora made his professional debut for Club Tijuana in August 2024 against Santos Laguna before turning 16 years old. That achievement made him the third-youngest player to debut in Liga MX history, behind Victor Manon and Martin Galvan. He immediately made an impact, recording an assist in his first appearance.

Standing just 5-foot-6 (1.68 m), Gilberto is known primarily for his close control with his right foot and outstanding technical ability. He also stands out for his vision and ability to orchestrate his team’s attacks, a rare trait for a player of his age.

Since his debut in 2024, Mora has made 53 official appearances for Club Tijuana across Liga MX and Leagues Cup competition. In those matches, he has recorded 10 goals and two assists. During the most recent season, 2025-26, the midfielder scored six goals and added one assist in 20 appearances.

Gilberto Mora’s journey with the Mexico national team

His performances at club level earned Gilberto Mora an early opportunity with the Mexico national team. He represented the country at every youth level from the U-15 team through the U-20 side, with whom he competed at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where they were eliminated by Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Mora made his senior national team debut on January 16, 2025, becoming the youngest player in Mexico history to achieve that feat. Since then, he has made nine appearances in official matches and friendlies, recording one assist. He was also part of the squad that won the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, starting all three knockout-stage matches.

How much is Gilberto Mora worth?

Gilberto Mora quickly demonstrated the talent and potential to become a future superstar, attracting interest from several European clubs. In that context, Club Tijuana took an important step regarding his future.

On June 9, 2026, they signed Mora to a new three-year contract, while also granting him a significant salary increase and handing him the club’s No. 10 jersey. According to reports, the deal also included a €20 million release clause designed to facilitate a future move to Europe.

Among the FIFA World Cup 2026 teams, South Korea stands out for its disciplined approach and top-tier individual quality. Head coach Hong Myung-bo recently shifted the team to a back-three system, sparking discussions about their defensive stability and attacking fluidity.

With star forward Son Heung-min preparing for what could be his final international showpiece, expectations remain high. He is joined by standout players like Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in.

Drawn into Group A alongside co-host Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia, the team aims to advance past the initial phase. This World Cup 2026 team preview explores their tactical approach, personnel, and path to the knockout rounds.

Team profile

How South Korea play

A thorough South Korea tactical analysis reveals a team built on relentless work rate and quick transitions. Historically, the team does not dominate possession against top-tier opponents. They averaged just 48% possession during the 2022 tournament.

Instead, they rely on a disciplined mid-block that frustrates technical sides and creates counter-attacking opportunities. Under Hong Myung-bo, the South Korea formation has recently shifted toward a three-at-the-back system. This structure aims to maximize the offensive runs of their wing-backs while maintaining defensive solidity.

Kim Min-jae anchors the backline, providing the recovery speed necessary to execute a higher pressing game when required. In midfield, Lee Kang-in offers elite vision and passing range, giving the team a creative outlet beyond relying solely on fast breaks.

However, vulnerabilities exist within this setup. The team faces a perceived lack of depth in the full-back positions. Their defensive resilience will also face stern tests against the elite international soccer teams 2026 has to offer.

If they can balance their defensive shape with efficient counter-attacks, this tactical approach could make them a difficult opponent in the knockout rounds.

Hong Myung-bo: The coach behind South Korea

Hong Myung-bo returned for his second stint as the South Korea coach in July 2024. Widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest players, he famously captained the national team to a historic fourth-place finish in 2002.

His coaching resume includes leading the under-23 squad to an Olympic bronze medal in 2012. He also found domestic success with Ulsan HD, securing back-to-back league titles in 2022 and 2023.

Despite his status as a national icon, his recent appointment faced scrutiny from supporters demanding more transparency. Critics sometimes label him as tactically rigid, especially when his preferred systems fail to produce immediate results.

His leadership and tournament experience will be tested as he attempts to guide this talented roster deep into the competition.

Key player: Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min remains the undisputed focal point among South Korea key players. The 33-year-old forward, who moved to Los Angeles FC in 2025, brings immense experience to the national side.

Having debuted in 2010, Son has accumulated 142 caps and 54 goals. He has evolved from a rapid winger into a versatile attacker capable of dictating the offensive tempo. His two-footed finishing makes him a constant threat inside the penalty area.

As the longtime captain, he provides essential leadership for a squad that carries heavy expectations. The team’s tactical approach relies heavily on his ability to convert transition opportunities into goals.

The success of this campaign depends significantly on his fitness and form. If he is unavailable, the team loses its primary cutting edge in the final third.

South Korea’s road to the 2026 World Cup

The Taegeuk Warriors secured their spot in North America with an efficient and dominant qualification campaign. They finished atop Group B in the decisive third round of the Asian qualifiers.

The team amassed 22 points with six wins and four draws, remaining unbeaten in the final stage. Their offensive output was excellent, led by Son Heung-min, who scored 10 goals across the qualifying cycles.

Defensively, they were equally impressive, conceding just seven goals in the third round. A crucial 2-0 away victory against Iraq effectively sealed their direct qualification, demonstrating their composure in high-pressure environments.

This strong qualifying performance suggests the team is well-prepared for the challenges of the upcoming group stage.

South Korea’s 2026 World Cup group stage outlook

South Korea faces a competitive path in Group A alongside co-host Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia. This draw presents a balanced challenge, offering a realistic opportunity to reach the knockout rounds.

The most demanding matchup will likely be against Mexico, a team that brings significant quality and home-continent advantage. Conversely, their opening fixture against Czechia on June 12, 2026, serves as a crucial opportunity to secure early points.

Goal difference could become the determining factor in such a tightly contested group. The team must capitalize on their scoring chances against lower-seeded opponents while maintaining defensive discipline against Mexico.

Readers looking to follow every match involving the team can also check our complete South Korea TV schedule for the latest broadcast and streaming information.

Advancing past the group stage is the clear expectation for a squad boasting this level of top-tier talent.

South Korea squad for 2026 World Cup

Final word on South Korea

The South Korea 2026 World Cup squad arrives in North America with one of their most talented rosters in recent history. Their elite spine, featuring top-level European experience, gives them the ability to compete with formidable opponents.

However, a lack of depth beyond the starting eleven remains a pressing concern. If injuries occur, the drop-off in quality could hinder their progression.

A successful campaign for this group means navigating the initial phase and reaching the knockout rounds. With their current talent level, advancing past the group stage is a highly realistic expectation.

At 17 years and 240 days old, Mora broke a record set by Manuel ‘Chaquetas’ Rosas in 1930 that had stood for 96 years. The defender, born in 1912, had been Mexico’s youngest-ever World Cup player after appearing against France at the age of 18 years and 134 days at Uruguay 1930.

Other Mexican players near the top of that list include Alfredo Torres (19 years and 16 days at Switzerland 1954), Raul Arellano (19 years and 108 days at Switzerland 1954), Andres Guardado (19 years and 269 days at Germany 2006), and Hugo Sanchez (19 years and 326 days at Argentina 1978).

Mora earned the trust of head coach Javier Aguirre after standing out over the last two seasons with Club Tijuana, where he has made 53 appearances while recording 10 goals and two assists. Despite his young age, those performances have not only brought him international recognition but have also attracted interest from several European giants.

Other records held by Gilberto Mora

In just two years as a professional player, Gilberto Mora has become accustomed to breaking records. When he made his debut for Tijuana in 2024, he became the third-youngest player in Liga MX history, trailing only Victor Manon and Martin Galvan.

At the international level, he has achieved remarkable milestones as well. When he made his senior Mexico debut in January 2025, Mora became the youngest player in the nation’s history to accomplish that feat, at just 16 years old.

Javier Aguirre’s decision to include him in the squad for the 2026 World Cup has now allowed him to claim another Mexico record by surpassing Manuel ‘Chaquetas’ Rosas. In addition, Gil Mora is the youngest of the 1,248 players participating in this edition of the tournament.

Mora falls short of Pele record

If he scores a goal in any of Mexico’s upcoming matches, Gilberto Mora would move into second place on the list of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history. The record, which remains untouchable, belongs to Brazil legend Pele. He led his national team to the title at Sweden 1958 and scored at the age of just 17 years and 239 days in a quarterfinal match against Wales during that tournament.

Jimenez wears the specialized headgear as a direct result of a catastrophic skull fracture he suffered in late 2020. During a Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal, the Mexico striker rose for an aerial duel and suffered a sickening clash of heads with defender David Luiz, an impact that immediately left the soccer world fearing the worst.

The collision fractured his skull and left him unconscious, requiring medical staff to administer emergency oxygen on the pitch before rushing him to the hospital. Though the injury was initially considered life-threatening, Jimenez beat the odds and completed a grueling rehabilitation process to make a defiant return to professional soccer.

He remarkably made his way back to the pitch for the 2021-22 season, scoring an emotional first post-injury goal in September 2021 against Southampton. While he initially wore a full protective head band, medical clearance eventually allowed him to transition to a more streamlined headband designed specifically to shield the exact area of the original fracture.

In an interview with The Guardian during his recovery in 2021, Jiménez opened up about the severity of the incident: “I feel like a player again. They told me it was like miracle to be there. (There was) the skull fracture, the bone broke and there was a little bit of bleeding inside the brain. It was pushing my brain to the inside and that is why the surgery had to be quick. It was a really good job by the doctors.“

Beyond just saving his life, doctors initially warned Jiménez that he might have to hang up his boots for good. “Since the first moment, the doctors told me the risks. Because they are doctors, they have to tell you the truth and you have to take it. The skull fracture did take a little longer than we all expected to heal, but it is a miracle to be here.“

The K-pop sensation sharing the microphone with Bocelli was EJAE (born Kim Eun-jae). Widely celebrated in the industry for her brilliant songwriting and composition work for powerhouse groups like Red Velvet, Aespa, Twice, Nmixx, Le Sserafim, and Kep1er, the multi-talented artist recently skyrocketed to mainstream global fame by starring in and anchoring the soundtrack for the breakout animated hit movie K-POP: Demon Hunters.

The ceremonial spectacle kicked off with the flags of all 48 participating nations being paraded across the pitch in front of a completely packed Estadio Azteca. At the center of the field, EJAE and Bocelli brought the house down with the live debut of “DNA,” a genre-blending powerhouse that serves as the official sonic signature for the 2026 World Cup.

Lyrics of ‘DNA’ 2026 World Cup’s official song

And I say “Hey, it’s more than just a game. It’s our DNA.”
This is more than just a game. It’s our DNA. Tonight we live our destiny.
Only got one shot and I know, I believe, that we’ll keep on fighting, while the world is watching.
I know everything is meant to be. We’ll stand together.
We’ll stand the pressure. Wave your flags up in the sky. Let fate decide. So we say “Hey, we’re not going to break, we’re standing here today cause it’s more than just a game. It’s our DNA.” Yeah we’ll shoot it from the stars, got the fire in our hearts, this is more than just a game, it’s our DNA.

This is more than just a game.
Yeah, we will never break. Everybody winning.
Come and kick it with the grave. Flowers at my feet. Time to pull it out the base. Dripping down my face. If I run a race, it’ll be a base. The hottie got a win.
Haters throwing stones. Turn the diamonds on the wrist. Give it all you got. Taking shots, never miss.

Walking on the field, I die before I quit. We’ll stand together.
We’ll stand the pressure. Wave your flames up in the sky. Let fate decide.
So we say, “Hey, we’re not going to break, we’re standing here today cause it’s more than just a game. It’s our DNA.” Yeah we’ll shoot it from the stars, got the fire in our hearts, this is more than just a game, it’s our DNA.

As South Africa attempted to build possession out from the back, midfielder Siphephelo Sithole was suffocated by a high press from Erik Lira, who forced a crucial turnover deep in the attacking third.

Quiñones pounced on the loose ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a low, powerful strike that nutmegged goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, opening the tournament’s scoring account in the 8th minute.

By finding the back of the net early, Quiñones accounted for the fastest goal scored in a World Cup opening match since Germany’s Philipp Lahm famously curled one past Costa Rica in the 6th minute back in 2006. The gold standard for the earliest goal in a tournament curtain-raiser still belongs to 1934, when Argentina’s Ernesto Belis struck in just the 4th minute against Sweden.

Quiñones breaks scoring drought with Mexico

Julian Quiñones arrived at the World Cup carrying some of the most scorching club form on the planet, having found the back of the net a stunning 37 times across 35 total appearances for Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah.

In fact, the dynamic forward completely stole the headlines by outlasting global heavyweights Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo in a thrilling Golden Boot race, claiming the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League’s top-scorer crown with 33 goals in 31 domestic matches.

In stark contrast, his track record with El Tri had been far less clinical, as he entered the tournament with just two goals in 22 international caps. With his early strike against South Africa, Quiñones not only successfully translated his blistering club form to the international stage, but he also snapped an agonizing national team drought dating back to June 8, 2024, when he last scored in a 3-2 friendly defeat against Brazil.

*Developing story…

Alvarez has been left out of the lineup against South Africa due to a purely tactical decision by manager Javier Aguirre. While the West Ham standout has fully recovered from a recent ankle injury, a lack of game fitness and competitive minutes ahead of the tournament prompted the head coach to opt for other options to open the tournament.

Against South Africa, Erik Lira will anchor the spine of the midfield in Alvarez’s place, while center-back Cesar Montes will assume leadership duties on the pitch, wearing the captain’s armband. Nevertheless, expectations remain high that the veteran midfielder will come off the bench to see some action in the second half, a strategy Aguirre mirrored during the team’s pre-World Cup warm-up friendlies.

Alvarez’s ankle injury, a constant concern throughout the 2025-26 season

Despite his status as the anchor of the engine room and captain of the Mexican national team, Edson Alvarez’s right ankle has turned into a major obstacle on his road to top fitness for the World Cup. His problems began to compound in early 2026, to the point that he was limited to just a handful of appearances for Fenerbahçe during the calendar year.

In mid-February, in order to resolve his recurrent discomfort and save his World Cup dream, Alvarez underwent corrective surgery on his ankle. The midfielder finally made his long-awaited return to the pitch nearly three months later on May 2 against Istanbul Basaksehir, where he was eased into action for just a single minute.

Forgoing any post-season vacation, Alvarez immediately flew to Mexico to join Aguirre’s training camp in mid-May to focus entirely on his rehabilitation. He gradually built up his match fitness by featuring in all three of Mexico’s pre-World Cup international friendlies leading up to the tournament.

He was subbed on at halftime during the clash against Ghana on May 22, logged 60 crucial minutes as a starter in a 1-0 victory over Australia, and completed his warm-up cycle by coming off the bench in the second half of a 5-1 rout against Serbia.

At 41, Ronaldo is still delivering on the pitch, but speculation around his future has intensified as Al-Nassr reportedly prepares a post-playing role for its captain within its soccer leadership structure. The timing of the speculation has added even more intrigue following the team’s Saudi Pro League title-winning campaign, where the veteran once again proved decisive in the biggest moments.

Al-Nassr’s 2025-26 campaign ended with a dramatic Saudi Pro League title victory, sealed on the final day with a 4-1 win over Damac, where Ronaldo scored a decisive brace. The Portuguese forward finished the season with 28 league goals, once again proving decisive in key moments. The triumph marked a major milestone for the club, which also saw contributions from Sadio Mane and Joao Felix in a season defined by consistency and late pressure.

Alongside the league success, Ronaldo’s individual brilliance was also recognized, including a spectacular overhead kick that earned him the Saudi Pro League Goal of the Season. The title success also marked the end of an important cycle for the club. Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus stepped down after guiding Al-Nassr to the championship, leaving the Saudi side preparing for another major transition heading into the new season.

At the same time, league organizers confirmed that the upcoming campaign will be one of the most demanding in Saudi soccer history. The 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season will run from August 13, 2026, until May 29, 2027, featuring 34 rounds and 306 matches across the competition.

The hidden detail behind Ronaldo’s future

Amid preparations for another exhausting campaign, reports from Saudi Arabia have now revealed the detail that has sparked major discussion about Ronaldo’s long-term future.

According to former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie on X (formerly Twitter), Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to retire at the end of next season in the summer of 2027 when his current contract expires. However, the bigger revelation involves what may happen immediately afterward.

As per his reports, if the consortium attempting to acquire Al-Nassr succeeds, Ronaldo could transition directly into a senior executive role at the club as Football Executive Director (Sporting Director). The move would allow the Portuguese icon to remain deeply involved in shaping the sporting future of the organization.

The position would reportedly mirror the current responsibilities handled by Simao Coutinho, the club’s current sporting director and a close associate of Ronaldo. Coutinho officially assumed his role in July 2025 and has already become heavily involved in transfer planning and broader soccer operations.

What would Ronaldo’s executive role actually mean?

The proposed role would place Ronaldo at the center of Al-Nassr’s soccer structure. In modern soccer, executive directors or sporting directors oversee everything from recruitment and squad planning to coaching appointments and long-term development strategies.

That means Ronaldo could potentially influence:

• Transfer decisions and player recruitment
• Youth development structures
• Managerial appointments
• The club’s long-term soccer identity
• Sporting strategy across domestic and continental competitions

Given Ronaldo’s stature and influence inside Saudi soccer, the possibility of him moving into management behind the scenes feels increasingly realistic. His close relationship with senior figures at the club has already played a role in previous sporting decisions.

After an extraordinary season with Barcelona, the 18-year-old arrived at the tournament carrying enormous expectations. However, a hamstring injury suffered during the final stretch of the club campaign temporarily halted his momentum and raised concerns about whether he would be ready to make an impact on soccer’s biggest stage.

On Thursday, though, Spain’s coaching staff finally received encouraging news after Yamal returned to full training with his teammates in the United States. The winger has been sidelined since late April, missing both the end of Barcelona‘s season and Spain’s pre-World Cup warm-up matches. His return comes at a crucial moment for the national team as preparations intensify ahead of the opening group-stage clash against Cape Verde.

It’s safe to say that La Roja views the young star as one of the most influential players in the squad, particularly after he produced another remarkable campaign that included 24 goals and 18 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. The teenager’s performances earned him the La Liga Player of the Year award for the 2025-26 season and strengthened his credentials as one of the leading young talents in world soccer.

The reason behind Spain’s cautious approach

While Yamal’s return to training is a major positive, Spain has made it clear that caution remains the priority. The coaching staff, medical team, and Barcelona have been working closely together to ensure his recovery progresses without unnecessary setbacks. “It will be seen when is the best time for him to return,” Spain technical director Aitor Karanka explained while discussing the winger’s situation.

Karanka also emphasized the close cooperation between the federation and Barcelona. “My relationship with Bojan and Deco is fantastic from the first moment. It is important that there is transparency. We were with the Barca medical services, and we are all seeing when is the best time.”

Spain’s World Cup plan for Yamal revealed

According to various reports, Spain has designed a gradual return plan aimed at having the winger at peak fitness when the knockout rounds begin. Rather than rushing him back into the starting lineup immediately, the coaching staff intends to increase his workload step by step throughout the group stage.

Spanish outlet Sport indicates that the initial objective is to give him limited minutes against Cape Verde before increasing his involvement in subsequent matches. The proposed roadmap would see Yamal play between 15 and 20 minutes against Cape Verde, at least 30 minutes against Saudi Arabia, and potentially start the final group-stage match against Uruguay.

Spain believes this measured approach will allow the youngster to regain rhythm while minimizing the risk of aggravating his injury.

Following the opening ceremony, the official lineups for both teams were announced ahead of the tournament opener. Among Mexico’s starting eleven, the absence of Ochoa stood out, as he will not begin the World Cup as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Instead, Raul Rangel will get the nod, a decision that comes as little surprise considering he started Mexico’s last eight friendlies during the team’s preparation for the FIFA tournament. As a result, Ochoa and Carlos Acevedo will serve as backup goalkeepers.

Ochoa still reaches a World Cup record

Even though he is not part of Mexico’s starting lineup, Guillermo Ochoa will still achieve a FIFA World Cup milestone on Thursday while sitting on the bench—one that no other player has reached before in the tournament’s history.

Ochoa is the first player ever to be part of six different FIFA World Cup editions. His first experience came at Germany 2006, and he has been included in every Mexico squad at the tournament ever since.

In the coming days, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will match that mark, though with one key difference: the stars of Argentina and Portugal have played matches in all six of their World Cup appearances and, barring any unforeseen issues, will do so again this summer. Ochoa, meanwhile, was an unused substitute in both 2006 and 2010 and appears likely to remain without minutes in 2026 as well.

Santiago Gimenez awaits his opportunity off the bench

Just like Guillermo Ochoa, Santiago Gimenez will begin the 2026 World Cup among the substitutes and will have to wait for his opportunity to make an impact in the FIFA tournament. The 25-year-old striker appears to have fallen behind Raul Jimenez in Aguirre’s pecking order, with the veteran forward earning the starting role on Thursday.

The 2025-26 season was a difficult one for Gimenez. He managed just 18 appearances for AC Milan due to physical setbacks, recording one goal and three assists across Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the Supercoppa Italiana. That lack of playing time also affected his standing at the international level, allowing Raul Jimenez to move ahead of him in the battle for the starting spot.

The South American giant had been finalizing its plans ahead of the tournament opener when an injury setback forced the coaching staff into action. As a result, one player’s World Cup dream came to an abrupt end while another received an unexpected opportunity to join the squad at the last moment. The major setback involved Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi, who suffered a muscle injury during Argentina’s training camp in Texas.

The center-back had been dealing with muscular discomfort in recent weeks before aggravating the problem during preparations. “Defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg and will not be part of the squad that will compete at the World Cup,” the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed in an official statement.

The injury was severe enough to rule him out of the entire group stage, with reports suggesting a recovery period of around three weeks. Given the timing and the uncertainty surrounding his availability later in the competition, Scaloni and his staff decided they could not afford to take any risks.

Balerdi had gradually established himself as an important member of Argentina’s defensive rotation. The former Boca Juniors academy product arrived in North America hoping to contribute to another World Cup campaign, but fate had different plans.

Scaloni moves quickly to find a replacement

FIFA regulations allow participating nations to replace injured players before their opening match if the injury is officially verified. That rule gave Argentina a narrow window to adjust its final roster.

Attention immediately turned to the preliminary 55-man list submitted earlier in the year. Several names were considered, including Lucas Martinez Quarta, German Pezzella, Zaid Romero, Lautaro Di Lollo, and Marcos Senesi.

As speculation intensified, one candidate quickly emerged as the leading option. Senesi, who had narrowly missed the original squad despite enjoying another strong season at club level, suddenly found himself back in contention.

The coaching staff evaluated the available alternatives and ultimately decided that Senesi offered the best combination of experience, form, and familiarity with the national team setup.

Senesi receives the call

Argentina has now officially confirmed that Marcos Senesi will replace Leonardo Balerdi in the final 26-man World Cup squad. The defender arrives with valuable international experience and is already familiar with Scaloni’s tactical system.

Having previously been involved with the national team during recent international windows, he can integrate quickly without disrupting preparations. His inclusion also strengthens a defensive unit that already features established names such as Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, and Facundo Medina.

Reports surrounding Senesi have also generated attention outside the international stage. The defender is expected to begin a new chapter in his club career following his departure from Bournemouth to Tottenham, making this late World Cup call-up an especially significant moment in his professional journey.

Igniting a raucous, sellout crowd at the iconic Estadio Azteca, legendary Mexican rock band Mana kicked off the musical festivities by performing their timeless anthem “Oye Mi Amor” (Hey My Love), fronted by the unmistakable vocals of Fher Olvera.

Originally unveiled on September 7, 1992, as the lead single from the band’s breakthrough third studio album, the track has long since cemented its status as an iconic staple of pop-rock history, dominating airwaves both across Mexico and the entire Latin American landscape.

Oye Mi Amor’s lyrics in Spanish

No sabes cómo te deseo
No sabes cómo te he soñado
Si tú supieras que me muero
Por tu amor, por tu amor y por tus labios
Oh-oh, eh
Si tú supieras que soy sincero
Que yo soy derecho y no me rajo
Si tú supieras lo que te quiero
Podría darte todo hasta mis ojos
Hey
Pero tú ya tienes otro
Un tipo frío y aburrido
Un tonto que es un reprimido
Eso no te pega a ti
No te va
Oye mi amor
No me digas que no
Y vamos juntando las almas
Oye mi amor
No me digas que no
Y vamos juntando los cuerpos
Oh-oh
Contigo yo me perdería
Contigo yo me perdería
Contigo yo hasta el fin del mundo
Contigo yo me perdería
Contigo yo quiero todo y nada a medias, hey
Pero tú ya tienes otro
Un tipo frío y aburrido
Un tonto que es un reprimido
Eso no te pega a ti
No te va
Oye mi amor
No me digas que no
Y vamos juntando las almas
Oye mi amor
No me digas que no
Y vamos juntando los cuerpos, hey
Oye (oye)
Oye (oye)
Oye (oye)
Ye, ye, ye (ye, ye, ye)
Oh-oh-oh (oh-oh-oh)
Oh-oh-oh (oh-oh-oh)
Ye, ye, ye (ye, ye, ye)
Eh-eh-eh-eh-eh

Oye mi Amor’s lyrics in English

You don’t know how much I desire you
You don’t know how much I’ve dreamed of you
If you only knew that I am dying
For your love, for your love and for your lips
Oh-oh, eh

If you only knew that I am sincere
That I’m a straight shooter and I won’t back down
If you only knew how much I love you
I could give you everything, even my eyes
Hey

But you already have someone else
A cold and boring guy
A fool who is repressed
That doesn’t suit you
It doesn’t fit you

[Chorus]
Hey, my love
Don’t tell me no
And let’s bring our souls together
Hey, my love
Don’t tell me no
And let’s bring our bodies together
Oh-oh

With you, I would lose myself
With you, I would lose myself
With you, even to the end of the world
With you, I would lose myself
With you, I want everything and nothing halfway, hey

But you already have someone else
A cold and boring guy
A fool who is repressed
That doesn’t suit you
It doesn’t fit you

[Chorus]
Hey, my love
Don’t tell me no
And let’s bring our souls together
Hey, my love
Don’t tell me no
And let’s bring our bodies together, hey

Hey (hey)
Hey (hey)
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Despite not having stood out in Africa, South Africa arrive at the World Cup as one of the most defensively solid teams. Acknowledging their attacking shortcomings, head coach Hugo Broos could opt for a more cautious approach, relying on Khulumani Ndamane and Nkosinathi Sibisi at the back. In addition, Lyle Foster could be tasked with providing the goals, as he has been a regular performer for Burnley.

Javier Aguirre has managed to build a very balanced roster. Led by Julián Quiñones, Raúl Jiménez, and Álvaro Fidalgo, they aim to implement a more dominant style of play, relying on creativity in possession. In addition, Mexico have players such as Alexis Vega, Santiago Giménez, and Gilberto Mora who can adjust the game from the bench, making them clear favorites to secure the victory in the 2026 World Cup opener.

Mexico confirmed lineup vs South Africa

After shining in CONCACAF, Mexico arrive as one of the clear candidates to make an impact at the 2026 World Cup. To achieve this, head coach Javier Aguirre has a deep and competitive roster at his disposal, featuring players such as Santiago Giménez and Obed Vargas. In addition, they are placing their hopes in Julián Quiñones’ excellent goalscoring form as they look to advance to the knockout stages.

Considering this, Mexico will lineup: Rangel; Reyes, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Lira, Fidalgo, Gutiérrez; Alvarado, Jiménez, Quiñones.

South Africa confirmed lineup vs Mexico

South Africa are looking to spring a surprise at the 2026 World Cup. Relying on a defensive strategy, they are aiming to reach the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in their history. To achieve this, head coach Hugo Broos could place his trust in Lyle Foster, who comes into the tournament after playing for Burnley and will be looking to lead the scoring efforts in an attempt to upset Mexico.

With this in mind, South Africa will play with: Williams; Mudau, Sibisi, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Shitole, Adams; Rayners, Foster.

Currently ranked 60th in the world, Bafana Bafana arrive at the 2026 World Cup eager to reach the knockout stage for the first time. Expectations are measured but optimistic following a disciplined qualification campaign and a strong recent run in continental competition.

A new generation of talent has emerged, anchored by a reliable domestic core. This preview breaks down the South African roster, examining their tactical approach, the influence of their head coach, and their group-stage outlook as they prepare for a highly anticipated opening fixture against Mexico.

Team profile

How South Africa play

Bafana Bafana rely on a pragmatic, well-organized tactical system built around a solid defensive structure. The team prefers to absorb pressure before launching quick attacking transitions to exploit space left by opponents.

A significant portion of the starting lineup features players from Mamelodi Sundowns, providing built-in chemistry and cohesion. This familiarity helps the squad maintain possession when needed, though their primary threat remains fast breaks.

Defensively, South Africa is extremely difficult to break down. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams anchors a backline that conceded just six goals in active play during their recent 10-match qualification cycle.

However, offensive production remains a concern. The team averaged only 1.7 goals per match during qualifiers, highlighting a lack of elite finishing in the final third. Opponents will likely challenge South Africa to dictate play, knowing their vulnerability when forced to break down a low block.

Ultimately, this disciplined defensive approach gives them a realistic chance to grind out results against technically superior opponents in the 2026 tournament.

Hugo Broos: The coach behind South Africa

Hugo Broos took charge of the national team in May 2021 and successfully orchestrated a remarkable revival of South African soccer. The Belgian manager initially faced criticism for prioritizing youth over established veterans, but his methods have since earned widespread respect.

Before arriving in Africa, Broos built a strong managerial resume, winning multiple league titles in Belgium and leading Cameroon to continental glory in 2017. As a player, he reached the semifinals of the 1986 tournament in Mexico, providing him with valuable experience navigating the unique challenges of high-altitude competition.

This summer marks his debut managing on the global stage, and he has confirmed he will retire following the competition. Broos’s pragmatic leadership and tournament experience will be vital as he attempts to guide his squad out of the group stage.

Key player: Lyle Foster

Lyle Foster serves as the focal point of the South African attack and is one of the few squad members competing in Europe. The 25-year-old Burnley forward offers a physical presence and an understanding of high-pressure environments refined in the English leagues.

Tactically, Foster’s movement and link-up play are essential for the team’s transition-heavy system. Standing at 1.85 meters, he provides an aerial outlet and occupies central defenders, allowing his teammates to push forward into space.

While his work rate is exceptional, goal-scoring consistency remains a slight concern, as he often operates more as a facilitator than a pure finisher.
Without Foster on the field, the roster lacks a physical reference point capable of challenging elite international defenders.

South Africa’s road to the 2026 World Cup

Bafana Bafana navigated a challenging path through CAF Group C to secure their ticket to North America. They finished at the top of the standings with 18 points, edging out a talented Nigerian squad.

The campaign was defined by exceptional defensive resilience and an impressive home record. South Africa collected crucial victories while earning two vital draws against Nigeria to maintain their group advantage.

Despite an administrative error that resulted in a forfeited match against Lesotho, the team maintained their composure and closed out the cycle with a decisive win over Rwanda. This hard-fought qualification campaign demonstrated the defensive consistency required to compete at the upcoming tournament.

South Africa’s 2026 World Cup group stage outlook

South Africa enters Group A facing a challenging slate against Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea. This is widely considered one of the most balanced groups in the tournament, meaning every point will be critical for advancement.

The opening match on June 11, 2026, against co-host Mexico will likely dictate the trajectory of their campaign. Securing a positive result in a hostile environment would provide massive momentum.

The subsequent matchups will test their ability to handle physical play and technical speed. Readers looking to follow every match involving Bafana Bafana can also check our complete South Africa TV schedule for the latest broadcast and streaming information.

To advance, South Africa must rely on their defensive structure to grind out results, exploiting the group’s parity to secure a knockout stage berth.

South Africa squad for 2026 World Cup

Final word on South Africa

Bafana Bafana head to North America with a clear identity and realistic ambitions. Their organized defensive structure and tactical discipline make them a frustrating opponent for any side.

However, their lack of clinical finishing in the final third remains a significant hurdle. If they struggle to convert their limited scoring opportunities, advancing out of the group stage will be extremely difficult.

A disciplined performance against Mexico in the opener is essential. If they can secure an early result, South Africa has the defensive resilience needed to finally break their knockout stage drought.

Ahead of the highly anticipated match, FIFA confirmed that Mexican icon Alejandro Fernández will have the distinct honor of singing the Mexican national anthem immediately following the conclusion of the opening ceremony. Joining him on the pitch will be global breakout star Tyla, who is scheduled to perform the national anthem for South Africa.

Fernández stands as one of the most successful and influential figures in the history of Mexican music. Over his storied career, he has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide, taken home two Grammy Awards, earned multiple Latin Grammys, and received the prestigious Premio Lo Nuestro Excellence Award.

The 55-year-old superstar also holds the incredible distinction of being the first artist to top the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart across four separate decades (the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s), a testament to his enduring global appeal cemented by his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The royalty of Mexican regional music

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco—the literal birthplace of mariachi—Alejandro Fernández is music royalty by blood. He is the son of the late, legendary Vicente Fernández, who is universally considered the greatest cultural icon of ranchera music to ever live.

Stepping out from the shadow of such a global star is a challenge that has broken many legacy artists, but Alejandro successfully carved out his own unparalleled career. Affectionately nicknamed “El Potrillo” (“The Colt”), he has spent over three decades blending traditional mariachi roots with contemporary pop ballads, transforming himself into one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time.

No stranger to the big stage

While the 2026 World Cup opening match will draw one of the largest global television audiences of his life, Fernández is a seasoned veteran when it comes to massive, high-pressure sporting events.

Way back in 1996, he was selected alongside iconic voices like Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, and Julio Iglesias to record “Puedes Llegar,” the official Spanish-language theme song for the Atlanta Olympic Games.

Additionally, he has regularly stepped into the ring to perform ahead of major international boxing championship fights, meaning he knows exactly how to command the electric, high-stakes energy of a packed stadium.

Diego Lainez managed to regain consistency after joining Tigres UANL. Although he failed to shine in Europe, he became an undisputed starter for his club, excelling as a right winger. Across 49 matches, the 26-year-old star has recorded 6 goals and 9 assists, establishing as a fairly consistent player in the league. However, he has not returned to the Mexico national team since January 2026.

Head coach Javier Aguirre has decided to radically change his attacking approach, leaving out Lainez, who failed to stand out within his roster. While he has enjoyed plenty of playing time at Tigres UANL, he has not been a notably productive player. In addition, he is not a player who particularly shines at a collective level, meaning his last appearance for the national team came in the friendly against Bolivia.

Who will take Diego Lainez’s place on the Mexican national team?

Throughout Mexico’s most recent matches, Javier Aguirre has favored players who provide a strong pressing presence. Because of this, Diego Lainez’s absence becomes quite understandable. In his place, the head coach has decided to rely on Roberto Alvarado, who shines for Chivas Guadalajara and contributes significantly to the collective play, helping to elevate the performances of his teammates.

Ahead the 2026 World Cup, Aguirre could also rely on César Huerta as the backup option on the right wing. At just 25 years old, he has shone at Anderlecht and adapted impeccably to Mexico’s collective needs. However, both players need to step up and increase their productivity, as there does not appear to be an undisputed starter in that position.

If Diego Lainez wants to regain his place in the Mexico under Javier Aguirre, he would need to improve his defensive work rate, which has been quite limited with the national side. In addition, he may need to recover his best form in terms of end product. At just 26 years old, he still has a chance of returning to the team in the future, but he would need to evolve his game to better fit the collective needs of the squad.

The iconic Estadio Azteca underwent a major renovation that began in May 2024 and has since been officially renamed Estadio Banorte. For the duration of the World Cup, however, FIFA is using the venue’s official registered name, and the governing body lists the stadium’s tournament capacity at 80,824 spectators.

While tickets for some World Cup matches remain available, including the Group A contest between South Korea and Czech Republic, the opening match between Mexico and South Africa is completely sold out. The stadium’s total capacity of approximately 87,000 seats means the remaining spots are reserved for media and commercial partners. For fans still looking to attend, resale prices for the opener range anywhere from $2,800 to $17,000, a dramatic markup from FIFA’s official pricing.

South African Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie spoke to the level of anticipation on his country’s side. “8,000 fans in the stadium for the opening match, lots of vuvuzelas, and I think 50,000 more are excited to travel,” he told Diario AS.

A special venue for a special occasion

The Estadio Azteca has been the backdrop for some of the most iconic moments in soccer history, from the legendary 1970 “Game of the Century” between Italy and West Germany to Diego Maradona’s unforgettable performance against England in 1986. Now it will host a World Cup opening game for the third time, the most of any stadium in history.

The Mexico vs. South Africa matchup also carries its own distinct footnote in the record books. It will be the first time in World Cup history that two nations have faced each other in an opening game twice, the two sides having met in the very first match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, a contest that ended 1-1. Sixteen years on, they meet again to kick off a new chapter.

Other games scheduled at the Azteca

Beyond Thursday’s opener, the Estadio Azteca is set to host several additional matches during the 2026 World Cup:

• Wednesday, June 17th: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia (Game 24)
• Wednesday, June 24th: Czech Republic vs. Mexico (Game 53)
• Tuesday, June 30th: 1º Group A vs. 3º Group C/E/F/H/I (Game 79 – Round of 16)
• Sunday, July 5th: Winner Game 79 vs. Winner Game 80 (Game 80 – Round of 16)

Argentina enters the competition in outstanding form after years of consistency under coach Lionel Scaloni. The national team has already enjoyed remarkable success during the current cycle, yet a historical trend suggests that one particular achievement before a World Cup has rarely been a blessing.

La Albiceleste arrives in Kansas City, Missouri, aiming to defend the title won in Qatar four years ago. Having built a squad that combines experienced leaders with emerging talent, the South American giant is widely considered among the strongest teams in the tournament.

Recent performances have only reinforced that reputation. Victories in competitive matches and impressive results in friendlies have helped Argentina climb to the summit of international soccer, while Messi continues to inspire, approaching the final stages of his legendary career.

A convincing 3-0 friendly victory over Iceland helped Argentina secure its place at the top of the FIFA rankings ahead of the tournament. The result confirmed the country’s rise above several other elite nations and strengthened the belief that another deep World Cup run could be possible.

The curious World Cup ‘curse’

In the middle of all the optimism surrounding Argentina lies a remarkable statistic that has persisted for decades. According to FIFA’s statistics, no country has ever won the World Cup while entering the tournament ranked No. 1 in the FIFA World Ranking system.

The ranking system was introduced by FIFA in 1992, and since then, every nation that arrived at a World Cup as the world’s highest-ranked side ultimately failed to lift the trophy. That trend has survived numerous tournaments despite several dominant teams appearing capable of breaking it.

The statistic has become one of soccer’s most fascinating modern curses. While rankings are designed to reward consistency and excellence, history suggests that being the top-ranked side entering a World Cup may bring added pressure rather than a competitive advantage.

How all previous No. 1-ranked teams fell short

Several giants have attempted to overcome the trend, only to fall short when the tournament began. Brazil entered the 1998 World Cup as the top-ranked nation but lost in the final to France. Four years later, France arrived at the 2002 tournament as both defending champion and the highest-ranked side, only to suffer a shocking group-stage elimination.

Brazil once again topped the rankings before both the 2006 and 2010 editions. Despite possessing squads filled with world-class talent, the South American powerhouse failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals on both occasions.

The pattern became even more surprising in 2014 when Spain arrived in Brazil after dominating international soccer for years. The European champion was expected to challenge for another title but was eliminated in the group stage in one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.

Germany suffered a similar fate in 2018. Ranked No. 1 before the competition, the defending champion crashed out in the group phase. Brazil then inherited the unwanted burden in 2022 and was eliminated before reaching the final.

That history now places Argentina in a unique position heading into the 2026 World Cup. The national team currently occupies the No. 1 position in the FIFA rankings after overtaking rivals including Spain and France. While that status highlights Argentina’s strength, it also means Messi and his teammates are attempting something that no nation has accomplished since the ranking system was introduced.

With a record 104 matches scheduled between June 11 and July 19, fans around the world are preparing for a month of soccer that will dominate conversations, daily routines, and television screens. Whether following a favorite national team or keeping an eye on the entire tournament, having the complete schedule close at hand has become more important than ever.

The 2026 edition marks a historic moment for FIFA and international soccer. For the first time, 48 national teams will compete for the trophy, expanding the competition far beyond the traditional 32-team format used in recent decades.

That expansion has created a tournament unlike any before it. More countries have qualified, more cities are involved, and supporters have an unprecedented number of matches to follow throughout the competition.

The three host nations have also made history. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are jointly staging the tournament, while Mexico becomes the first country ever to host World Cup matches in three separate editions.

Download FIFA’s official 2026 World Cup schedule PDF

For supporters looking to stay organized throughout the tournament, the World Cup TV Schedule and official fixture chart provide a convenient way to track every game from start to finish.

Here is where you can download the PDF and keep the full tournament schedule available throughout the competition. Whether you print it for your wall, keep it at your desk, or save it on your phone, the chart serves as a valuable companion during the month-long soccer festival.

What’s more, our 2026 World Cup TV Schedule is particularly useful because it includes every stage of the competition, helping supporters monitor results and identify upcoming matches with ease.

Why fans need the full schedule

The World Cup only comes around once every four years, which is why supporters often plan entire weeks around the tournament. From early group-stage clashes to knockout-round drama, every fixture can influence the road to the final.

This year presents an even greater challenge because of the increased number of matches. Keeping track of kickoff times, venues, standings, and potential knockout pairings can quickly become overwhelming without a complete fixture chart.

A printable wall chart or PDF schedule allows supporters to follow results, update standings, and visualize every national team’s potential route to the championship match.

The winger’s absence comes as Mexico enters the tournament with high expectations after winning the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and earning the privilege of opening the tournament against South Africa. While attention is focused on the squad selected by coach Javier Aguirre, questions surrounding Lozano continue to dominate conversations ahead of kickoff.

Mexico enters the 2026 World Cup carrying both opportunity and pressure. The national team has qualified for 18 World Cup tournaments, and this year marks the first time the country has hosted the competition three times, having previously staged the event in 1970 and 1986.

Under veteran coach Javier Aguirre, the national team hopes to capitalize on home advantage and finally move beyond the barriers that have frustrated generations of supporters. Mexico’s best World Cup performances came during those previous home tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals on both occasions.

The squad features experienced names such as Raul Jimenez, Edson Alvarez, and Guillermo Ochoa, while younger talents, including Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas, are expected to play important roles. However, one familiar name is missing from the roster.

Why Hirving Lozano was left out

The main reason behind Lozano’s exclusion was a lack of regular competitive play in the months leading up to the World Cup. As per ESPN’s reports, the winger experienced difficulties at San Diego FC following a reported disagreement with head coach Mikey Varas. The situation ultimately led to Lozano falling out of the club’s sporting plans and spending a prolonged period away from regular first-team action.

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre made it clear throughout the selection process that consistent playing time would be a requirement for World Cup consideration. With Lozano unable to meet that standard, his omission became increasingly likely.

The decision was first signaled when the winger failed to make Aguirre’s preliminary 55-man squad. Once his name was absent from that list, a place in the final 26-man roster became virtually impossible.

Aguirre’s firm selection policy

Aguirre adopted a strict approach during the buildup to the tournament. The veteran coach insisted that every player selected must be fully committed and actively competing at club level. The manager even issued a strong warning regarding attendance at pre-World Cup training camps: “Whoever doesn’t come will be out of the World Cup. That is something we cannot be flexible about, not in the least.”

That philosophy extended beyond training attendance and influenced the entire squad-building process. Players who were competing regularly and maintaining strong form received preference over established veterans lacking match rhythm. As a result, Mexico’s final squad reflected current form rather than past achievements.

Lozano’s legacy with Mexico remains secure

Although he will miss the tournament, Lozano’s contributions to Mexican soccer remain significant. Since making his senior debut in 2016, the winger scored 18 goals in 75 appearances for the national team and became one of the country’s most dangerous attacking players. His pace, direct running, and eye for goal helped Mexico compete against some of the world’s strongest teams.

His most memorable moment arrived during the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Lozano scored the winning goal in a stunning 1-0 victory over Germany, a result widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in modern Mexican soccer history. That performance elevated his reputation worldwide and cemented his place among the standout players of his generation.

Mexico enters the competition after a successful period that included a 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph and encouraging performances under head coach Javier Aguirre. The national team opens its campaign against South Africa before facing the Republic of Korea and Czechia in Group A, aiming to create another memorable chapter on soccer’s biggest stage.

El Tri have long been one of the most recognizable names in international soccer. The national team will make its 18th World Cup appearance in 2026, placing it among the most frequent participants in tournament history.

What makes this edition even more special is that Mexico becomes the first nation ever to host or co-host the FIFA World Cup three times, having previously staged the tournament in 1970 and 1986. Those two competitions remain deeply woven into the country’s soccer identity.

The home crowd has often provided a significant boost, transforming stadiums into intimidating venues for visiting teams. That support helped Mexico produce some of its finest World Cup performances.

Mexico’s greatest World Cup runs

The answer to the question that many fans continue to ask is straightforward: Mexico has never won the World Cup. However, the national team has come closer than many realize. Its best performances arrived during the tournaments hosted on home soil, when El Tri reached the quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986.

In 1970, Mexico advanced from the group stage and established itself among the competition’s strongest teams. The journey ended in the quarter-finals with a defeat against Italy, which would eventually finish as runner-up.

The 1986 tournament remains one of the proudest moments in Mexican soccer history. Playing in front of home supporters, Mexico topped its group and defeated Bulgaria in the Round of 16 before being eliminated by West Germany after a dramatic penalty shootout. Those quarter-final appearances remain the deepest runs Mexico has ever achieved at a World Cup.

The ‘fifth match’ dream

For decades, Mexican soccer has been associated with the phrase “Quinto Partido” or “Fifth Match.” The term refers to the desire to move beyond the Round of 16 and reach the quarter-finals, which would represent a fifth game in the traditional World Cup format. From 1994 through 2018, Mexico consistently advanced from the group stage but was eliminated in the first knockout round every single time.

That remarkable streak demonstrated consistency but also created frustration among supporters. While many nations struggled simply to qualify, Mexico repeatedly found itself one victory away from breaking through to the tournament’s final stages. The streak finally ended at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Mexico failed to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since 1978.

Each national team will continue to have five substitutions available per match, a rule that became standard during the COVID-19 period and was subsequently made permanent across soccer’s major competitions given its widespread adoption.

Those five substitutions must still be used within three tactical windows during the 90 minutes, a restriction designed to prevent excessive time-wasting. Substitutions made at halftime do not count against a window, giving coaches up to four opportunities throughout a standard match to make their five changes.

Additional substitutions are available under specific circumstances. Any player who suffers a head injury and cannot continue will be replaced without that change counting against the original five. An additional substitution and window are also granted if a match goes to extra time, meaning knockout stage games could see up to six substitutions per team, or seven in the event of a concussion during the additional period.

The new 10-second substitution rule

One of the most significant rule changes approved for the 2026 World Cup governs how quickly substitutions must be completed. The player coming off now has a maximum of 10 seconds to exit the field from the nearest touchline once the substitution is signaled.

If that 10-second window is exceeded, the team is penalized. The departing player must still leave the pitch, but the incoming substitute will not be permitted to enter. Instead, the replacement must wait a minimum of 60 seconds on the sideline before being allowed onto the field, leaving the offending team down to ten men for at least that duration.

Exceptions exist for situations where a player is injured and requires medical assessment or needs to be stretchered off, as well as any security-related concerns about where a player can safely exit. The latter scenario is unlikely to be a factor at the World Cup.

Critically, the 60-second minimum waiting period only begins once the substitution violation is identified, and the replacement cannot enter until play stops. This means that even after the minute has elapsed, the substitute must wait for the next stoppage, potentially leaving their team a man short for significantly longer than 60 seconds.

The rule was already applied in practice during the international friendly between Japan and Iceland on May 31. When Kristian Hlynsson failed to leave the pitch within the 10-second window during a substitution in the 84th minute, Isak Thorvaldsson was held on the sideline and Iceland were reduced to ten men. Play did not stop for two full minutes, during which Japan capitalized and Koki Ogawa scored the winning goal.

Match Overview

As a host nation, Mexico enters the opening match of the 2026 tournament with the full weight of expectation on its shoulders. Coming off a dominant 2025 Gold Cup victory, El Tri is under immense pressure to kick off its campaign with a statement win in front of a passionate home crowd at the legendary Estadio Azteca. Anything less than three points will be seen as a significant setback.

South Africa arrives in Mexico City as the clear underdog, tasked with silencing nearly 90,000 fans. However, the Bafana Bafana are not to be underestimated, having navigated a tough African qualification group that included Nigeria. Their disciplined and organized approach could frustrate the hosts, as they look to absorb pressure and spring a historic upset in the competition’s first game.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The two teams arrive via different paths. As a co-host, Mexico bypassed the grueling qualification process, instead proving its mettle by winning the 2025 Gold Cup. That tournament run showcased an attacking, possession-heavy style. In contrast, South Africa earned its spot through a rigorous campaign, building a resilient defensive identity that saw them concede very few goals.

The tactical battle will likely pit Mexico‘s offensive firepower against South Africa‘s disciplined defensive block. During their Gold Cup triumph, Mexico averaged over 61% possession and 14 shots per game, demonstrating a clear intent to dominate opponents. South Africa will likely cede possession, stay compact, and look to exploit any openings on the counter-attack, a strategy that served them well in qualifying.

For Mexico, the motivation is simple: capitalize on home advantage and set the tone for a deep run in the tournament. The pressure to perform at home is immense, as is the desire to avoid the fate of past hosts who stumbled early. For South Africa, a positive result would be monumental, providing a crucial foundation in a competitive group where a third-place finish could be enough to advance to the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

Historically, this has been an incredibly tight fixture, though the teams have only met twice in official competitions. Surprisingly, Mexico has never defeated South Africa. The Bafana Bafana hold a narrow advantage with one win and one draw across their two encounters, giving them a psychological edge despite their underdog status.

The most recent and memorable clash was the opening match of the 2010 tournament in South Africa, which ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw. That day, a spectacular goal from Siphiwe Tshabalala was canceled out by an equalizer from Rafael Márquez. Prior to that, the teams met at the 2005 Gold Cup, where South Africa secured a 2-1 victory.

Key trends show that goals are a feature of this matchup, with both teams finding the net in each of their previous meetings. Mexico‘s overall tournament record against African nations is modest, with just one win in four attempts. Meanwhile, South Africa‘s only game against a CONCACAF opponent in this competition was that famous 2010 draw against Mexico.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers are expected to have nearly full-strength squads available for this crucial opening match, setting the stage for a high-stakes tactical showdown.

For Mexico, coach Javier Aguirre reports no significant injury concerns, allowing him to field a strong and familiar lineup. The team is expected to mirror the formation that proved successful in their final warm-up matches, with veteran forward Raul Jimenez set to lead the line and serve as the focal point of the attack.

South Africa faces a minor concern with left-back Aubrey Modiba, who suffered a hamstring injury recently, but he is expected to be fit to start. The attack will likely be spearheaded by Lyle Foster, with creative midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng playing a key role in linking the midfield and orchestrating counter-attacks.

Mexico Projected XI (4-5-1):

Rangel; Gallardo, Montes, Vásquez, Sánchez; Lira, Quinones, Gutierrez, Fidalgo, Alvarado; Jimenez.

This formation allows Mexico to pack the midfield, control possession, and create chances from the flanks. The system is designed to provide consistent service to Jimenez while ensuring defensive stability against counter-attacks.

South Africa Projected XI (4-2-3-1):

Williams; Modiba, Mbokazi, Okon, Mudau; Mbatha, Mokoena; Moremi, Mofokeng, Appollis; Foster.

This setup prioritizes a solid defensive foundation with two holding midfielders shielding the backline. The formation is built to absorb pressure and transition quickly, using the pace and creativity of the attacking midfielders to support the lone striker.

More details on how to watch

You can watch Mexico vs South Africa on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.

In addition to the 2026 tournament, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to other major soccer competitions, including Liga MX or LaLiga.

A subscription costs $14.99/mo, giving you live and on-demand access to every match of the tournament without needing a cable subscription. You can stream the action from anywhere in the United States.

SEE MORE: Complete tournament TV schedule.

How to watch anywhere with VPN

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as Nord VPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming.

The opening celebration has already been described as one of the most ambitious in World Cup history. FIFA is introducing several firsts during the 2026 tournament, and the opening festivities are expected to showcase the cultural diversity of the three host nations while setting the tone for the month-long competition.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the first edition of the tournament to be hosted by three countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Mexico will have the honor of staging the opening match when the national team takes on South Africa in Mexico City. The ceremony is scheduled to begin approximately 90 minutes before kickoff, transforming the iconic Estadio Azteca into a global entertainment stage.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the celebrations as a unique opportunity to unite soccer, music, and culture. The governing body hopes the event will reflect both the individuality of each host nation and the shared spirit of the World Cup.

Shakira returns to the World Cup stage

Few artists have become as closely associated with the World Cup as Shakira. After memorable appearances in 2006, 2010, and 2014, the Colombian superstar is preparing for her fourth overall World Cup performance. The singer will debut ‘Dai Dai’, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Nigerian superstar Burna Boy.

The track has been designed to capture the energy and global spirit of the tournament while also supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. According to FIFA, royalties generated by the song will contribute to efforts aimed at expanding educational opportunities and soccer access for children around the world.

The full lineup revealed

While Shakira’s participation has generated enormous anticipation, she will not be the only major attraction on opening night. The official lineup performing before Mexico vs South Africa includes:

• Alejandro Fernandez
• Belinda
• Burna Boy
• Danny Ocean
• J Balvin
• Lila Downs
• Los Angeles Azules
• Mana
• Shakira
• Tyla

Mexican music legend Alejandro Fernandez is expected to perform the Mexican national anthem, while Grammy Award-winning Tyla will perform the South African anthem before kickoff.

The lineup combines Latin music icons, international chart-toppers, and artists representing both participating nations, creating a celebration designed to reflect the global reach of the tournament.

The tournament has always blended soccer and entertainment, but few artists have become as closely associated with the competition as Shakira. From unforgettable anthems to spectacular live performances, her presence has helped shape the musical identity of several World Cups across two decades.

The 2026 edition will be unlike any other in FIFA history. For the first time, the competition is being hosted by three countries, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with each nation staging its own opening ceremony.

Mexico will launch the tournament with a star-studded celebration before facing South Africa in the opening match. Among the biggest attractions will be Shakira and Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, who are set to perform ‘Dai Dai’, the official song of the 2026 World Cup.

How many World Cup opening ceremonies has Shakira performed at?

While Shakira has appeared at several FIFA World Cups throughout her career, the 2026 event will mark only her second appearance at an official World Cup opening ceremony. Her first opening ceremony performance came at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where she introduced ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’.

It has since become one of the most successful and recognizable World Cup anthems ever produced. The 2026 ceremony in Mexico City will therefore be her second World Cup opening ceremony appearance, more than 16 years after her memorable performance in South Africa. Although she has been involved in four World Cups overall, her appearances have been divided between opening and closing celebrations.

Why FIFA continues to turn to Shakira

Shakira’s connection with the World Cup began long before 2026. In 2006, she performed ’Hips Don’t Lie’ during festivities surrounding the tournament in Germany, introducing herself to soccer audiences around the globe.

Four years later, she reached another level with ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’. The song became a global phenomenon, turning into one of the defining tracks of the South Africa tournament and remaining popular long after the final whistle.

Her World Cup journey continued in 2014 when she performed ‘La La La (Brazil 2014)’ during celebrations linked to the tournament in Brazil. The song quickly became another fan favorite and further strengthened her connection with FIFA’s biggest event. Now, 2026 represents her fourth World Cup appearance overall and her second appearance at an opening ceremony.

FIFA’s decision to place Shakira at the center of the opening festivities is hardly surprising. Her music has consistently transcended borders, cultures, and languages, making her one of the most recognizable entertainers in the world.

France‘s last pre-tournament friendly came against Northern Ireland at the Decathlon Arena in Lille, a match designed in part as a farewell to the home fans ahead of the trip to North America. While Mbappe featured in the game, his departure from the training camp just hours after the final whistle drew scrutiny once it became public.

The exit itself had been authorized by the federation, as Mbappe had personal matters to attend to, but the discomfort only grew when images began circulating on social media showing him in Madrid with his girlfriend, Ester Esposito. To many French supporters, the timing, coming so close to the team’s departure for the World Cup, read as a signal of misplaced priorities.

The episode adds fuel to a controversy that had already been building following a report from L’Equipe, which claimed that Dembele confronted Mbappe in the locker room, urging him to take a more active role in pressing and ball recovery. The conversation reignited the long-running debate surrounding Mbappe’s commitment to the defensive phase, a part of the game that has never been a hallmark of his style, particularly in contrast to his former PSG teammate.

A feud between Mbappe and Kante?

Beyond the Dembele episode and his post-camp excursion, the atmosphere within France’s dressing room has raised further eyebrows. One moment in particular went viral after footage captured what appeared to be a noticeably cold exchange between Mbappe and N’Golo Kante.

In the tunnel before taking the field against Ivory Coast, Kante was seen warmly greeting every player in the squad, but when he reached Mbappe, both men visibly looked away from each other, with no handshake or acknowledgment exchanged. One reported source of the tension dates back to March 29, 2026, during the France vs. Colombia match, when Kante, wearing the captain’s armband for the first time on his birthday, was asked to hand it over when Mbappe entered the field with roughly ten minutes remaining.

France takes off to the United States

Despite the turbulence surrounding their captain, France have departed for the United States and are preparing to make their presence felt at the 2026 World Cup. The squad flew out of Le Bourget airport near Paris, and after an eight-hour flight, Les Bleus are landing in Boston on Wednesday night, which will serve as their base of operations throughout the tournament.

Following a 2-1 defeat against Ivory Coast and a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in their warm-up games, France open their World Cup campaign on Tuesday, June 16, against Sadio Mane’s Senegal in Group I. With Iraq and Erling Haaland’s Norway also in the group, Deschamps will need the best version of Mbappe to navigate what is widely considered the most difficult group of the tournament.

Wilton Sampaio will be the referee in charge of officiating the match. With this being his third edition of the tournament, the Brazilian referee has become one of the most consistent referees, having held his FIFA badge since 2013. However, he faced significant controversy over his decisions in the France vs. England match at Qatar 2022, even drawing criticism from Harry Maguire.

Accompanying Sampaio, FIFA has decided to assign Bruno Boschilia and Bruno Pires as his assistant referees, both of whom are also Brazilian. In addition, Paraguayan referee Juan Gabriel Benítez will serve as the fourth official. Finally, Colombian referee Nicolás Gallo will be in charge of VAR. With this officiating team in place, Mexico and South Africa will be hoping for a dynamic match in which the focus remains on the soccer rather than on refereeing decisions.

Wilton Sampaio’s last World Cup match ended in controversy

Following his extensive experience, Wilton Sampaio has been appointed as the central referee for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup. While the Brazilian has accumulated considerable experience throughout his career, his most recent appearance at the 2022 World Cup was surrounded by controversy. During the match between France and England, he made decisions that were criticized by then-England captain Harry Maguire.

After deciding not to award England a penalty and not to give a foul near the box on Bukayo Saka, Sampaio faced heavy criticism. Maguire even had strong words for the referee: “I can’t really explain his performance; the number of decisions he got wrong was actually incredible. Really poor,” he said. Via ITV. However, the Brazilian referee now has the chance to reverse his criticized image in the match between Mexico and South Africa.

Who were the most recent referees for the World Cup opener?

As the World Cup opener is a highly anticipated event, FIFA usually selects its highest-rated referees, with Wilton Sampaio being the choice for 2026. In the two most recent editions, this approach was repeated, giving the responsibility to referees with extensive international experience.

For the opening match of Qatar 2022, renowned Italian referee Daniele Orsato was selected for the game between Qatar and Ecuador. Likewise, Argentine referee Néstor Pitana was chosen for the match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at the 2018 edition. With this approach, FIFA aims to keep the focus on the players rather than on refereeing decisions.

Cooling breaks were first trialed in a major FIFA competition last year during the 2025 Club World Cup, typically triggered when match-day temperatures reached 86°F (30°C) or higher. Following that pilot program, it will now be mandatory for every single match to feature two cooling breaks during regulation time regardless of weather conditions, with fixed slots already designated for each half.

Beginning with this World Cup, the cooling breaks will occur around the 22nd minute of each half, excluding extra time. The concept, as explained by Chief Tournament Officer Manolo Zubiria in a FIFA release, is to essentially split both 45-minute halves into quarters, allowing a brief intermission midway through each period with slight flexibility based on the natural flow of play.

The intermission will be officially signaled by the referee and will last exactly three minutes, clocking in from the moment the whistle blows rather than when players finally reach the touchline. Once the period concludes, play will resume from the exact point of stoppage (goal kick, free kick, throw-in, etc.), and the three minutes allotted for the break will be tacked onto the end of the respective half as stoppage time.

“Obviously, if there’s an injury (stoppage) at the moment of the 20th or 21st minute and it’s ongoing, this will be addressed on the spot with the referee,” Zubiria added. While FIFA notes the primary focus of the hydration breaks is to “ensure the best possible conditions for players,” managers will undoubtedly leverage the time to deliver tactical adjustments, offering a lifeline to struggling teams or inadvertently icing the momentum of a dominant side in game-changing fashion.

What about the viewer experience during cooling breaks?

Cooling breaks have already been woven into pre-World Cup international friendlies to allow national teams to acclimate to the rhythm. During these tune-up matches, television spectators were treated to raw audio of managers barking instructions to their squads on the touchline, though this broadcast element could be tweaked ahead of the official tournament kickoff.

According to a report from The Athletic back in March, network broadcasters will have full autonomy over how they utilize the three-minute windows. Television networks can choose to remain on the pitch with live audio, throw the broadcast back to the studio team for quick tactical analysis, or cut away for a commercial break, entirely at their own discretion.

However, if networks do choose to squeeze in commercial inventory, they must adhere to strict guidelines mandated by FIFA. As previously reported, any television advertisements aired during live match windows, including these mid-half cooling breaks, must align exclusively with FIFA’s official World Cup corporate sponsors.

Furthermore, networks are prohibited from filling the entire three-minute window with commercials. Broadcasters must wait at least 20 seconds after the referee’s whistle before cutting to an ad break, and they must return to the live match feed no later than 30 seconds before play resumes, capping the maximum commercial window at approximately two minutes and 10 seconds per break.

Ahead of the group stage and knockout stage matches, FIFA is maintaining its standard 15-minute interval between halves. With this, both teams can readjust their tactics in the dressing room while following the traditional format in the group stage.

In the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, both teams will get 5-minute interval, in case they get into the extra time. If they are not able to break the tie, the winner will be decided into penalty shootout, they will have a 5 minute break.

Unlike previous editions, FIFA has proposed hydration breaks throughout matches. Prioritizing player health, the 2026 World Cup will feature breaks every 22 minutes in each half due to the extremely high temperatures in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Each break will last three minutes, giving players time to recover and readjust tactics if necessary.

The 2026 World Cup final will feature significant changes during halftime

Despite maintaining the standard halftime duration for most matches, the 2026 World Cup will introduce certain changes for the tournament final. Adopting the same format as the Super Bowl, halftime will last 25–30 minutes and will feature a musical performance at MetLife Stadium. With this change, FIFA hopes to attract a new audience, creating a distinctive impact, as they reached it in the Club World Cup 2025.

With another 45 minutes still needing to be played, FIFA could seek to protect the MetLife Stadium pitch by proposing a stage built over the grass. Likewise, they could adopt the same formula they used at the 2025 Club World Cup, placing the artists’ stage in the stands. Following this adjustment, the national teams may need to adapt their recovery processes in order not to lose the rhythm of the game.

World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show will feature Madonna, Shakira, BTS

As this will be the first time a halftime show is held during a World Cup final, FIFA has decided to partner with Global Citizen. With this, they are aiming to organize an event of the same caliber as the Super Bowl. For its first edition, they have decided to rely on three world-class artists: Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. To make this happen, Chris Martin will be responsible for directing the show.

Not only is FIFA aiming to deliver a historic halftime show, but it is also pursuing a social cause. With the involvement of Global Citizen, they hope to raise $100 million for children’s education and sports programs. In addition, they will donate $1 from every ticket sold worldwide. With these changes, they are aiming to revolutionize the event’s broadcast on a historic scale.

Due to its collectible value, the Adidas Trionda ranges from $25 to $170, depending on the different versions. The most affordable option is the Club Version, designed for casual games and unofficial matches. Adidas also offers the League Version for $45, which is designed for training sessions and recreational play. However, the 2026 World Cup has two other editions of much higher quality.

Seeking higher quality, the Adidas Trionda comes in the Competition Version for $65, featuring premium materials and a thermally bonded panel designed for professional matches. However, Adidas also offers its most advanced edition: The Pro Version, priced at $170. This edition will be used at the 2026 World Cup, as it features premium materials and cutting-edge technology such as the “connected-ball” sensor used for VAR.

Unlike previous World Cup editions, Adidas has decided to offer a collectible pack featuring 15 mini balls from different editions of the tournament for $250. While these versions do not include any technology like the Pro Version, they provide the opportunity to collect previous editions that were not possible to obtain a few years ago.

Adidas Trionda sets a new standard in World Cup technology

Adidas has been a long-term partner of FIFA, serving as the standard for every World Cup. However, the Adidas Trionda features only four panels, compared to the 20 panels used in the Al Rihla Pro 2022 edition. Far from being the only revolution, Adidas has also decided to reposition the sensor, moving it from the center to the side.

With fewer panels and a relocated sensor, the Adidas Trionda is designed to be a much more controlled ball and better suited to players’ needs. In addition, the sensor batteries last more than six hours and can be charged wirelessly. Alongside this, the sensors provide 3D spatial acceleration, spin velocity, and directional deflection in real time, giving VAR more detailed information to make decisions.

Where can you buy the 2026 World Cup ball?

If you want to buy the Adidas Trionda, the official ball of the 2026 World Cup, the safest places to purchase it are the Adidas official store, the FIFA official shop, and sports retailers. While it can be found on numerous websites, these are the only places that guarantee the authenticity of the product.

Being the direct manufacturers of the Trionda, the Adidas official store is the most common place to purchase the ball, as it offers much greater availability across all versions, including the Pro edition reserved for professional athletes.

As a direct alternative, the FIFA Official Store also has all four editions of the Trionda available, maintaining the same pricing as Adidas. However, they often have limited availability of certain editions, something that is less common with the previous option.

As a final alternative, the Adidas Trionda can be purchased through authorized sports retailers. However, these vary depending on the country, region, and city. Therefore, the availability of some editions of the ball may be limited. Nevertheless, they can be a good option if you find immediate availability.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Argentina is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, when La Albiceleste take on Algeria for Matchday 1 in Group J of the 2026 World Cup at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The forward is heading to the game after recovering from his muscle overload and performing in the last friendly against Iceland, where he found the back of the net from the penalty spot.

As for his next game with Inter Miami, Major League Soccer has implemented break for the World Cup, with the 2026 regular season slated to resume after the international tournament concludes in mid-July. To jumpstart their defense of the MLS Cup trophy, the Herons will return to action by hosting the Chicago Fire at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, July 22.

During the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far. The Argentine star most recently delivered a pair of brilliant assists against the Philadelphia Union, a match he was ultimately forced to leave early in the second half due to a minor hamstring strain.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Portugal is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, when they face Congo DR for Matchday 1 of the 2026 World Cup at the NRG Stadium in Houston. The forward is heading to the game after performing 65 minutes in the last pre-World Cup friendly against Nigeria.

The icon’s 2025-26 domestic campaign with Al Nassr has officially drawn to a close, meaning he won’t suit up for the Saudi Arabian powerhouse until next season. His club campaign ended on a high note on Thursday, May 21, when he secured the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 victory over Damac FC, emphatically snapping his silverware drought since arriving in the Middle East in late 2022.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 30 goals and provided 4 assists in 37 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 973 career goals. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final.

With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

Portugal defeated Nigeria 2-1 in their last pre-tournament friendly, with Ronaldo substituted off in the 65th minute in favor of Goncalo Ramos. The more concerning moment, however, involved Nuno Mendes, who entered at halftime before being replaced in the 80th minute, immediately raising alarm bells about a potential injury.

At his post-match press conference, Martinez moved quickly to clarify the situation: “The plan we had for Cristiano, based on the information we have, was for him to play 45 or 60 minutes. Nuno Mendes also had an individual plan for 30 minutes, Gonxalo Ramos as well, and Vitinha and Joao Neves for 45.“

Beyond the individual load management, Martinez highlighted the broader objective behind the approach. “The important thing is to work on the individual aspect, but to have a team that manages to finish the match stronger than it started. And that shows a job well done, focus, and clarity in executing the concepts. We are much better prepared.“

With goalkeeper Diogo Costa the only player to complete the full 90 minutes, Martinez rotated every outfield player against Nigeria. Ronaldo logged the most minutes among the outfield starters, while Mendes was given a tightly controlled stint given the physical toll of the UEFA Champions League final, with Vitinha and João Neves afforded just slightly more time on the pitch.

Martinez also took a moment to reflect on what the occasion meant beyond the tactical preparation. ‘It was fantastic to be with our fans; this last match had a special energy. I think we are prepared in every aspect to carry the pride and the dreams of our Portuguese people,” he added.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against DR Congo?

There is every expectation that Ronaldo will be in the starting lineup for Portugal‘s World Cup opener against DR Congo. The forward is in good physical condition, and his substitution against Nigeria was purely a matter of planned workload management rather than any fitness concern.

After the game, Martinez acknowledged that he has not yet locked in his starting eleven for the June 17 clash against DR Congo, noting that “the eleven is a consequence of the work up until the last day.” At the same time, he made clear that confidence within the squad is high. “After the friendlies, we are better prepared to face DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia,” the coach said.

Like some other players, Lewandowski’s absence is solely related to his country failing to qualify. Poland finished second in their group behind the Netherlands, which sent them to the playoffs.

This new format included 16 teams divided into four groups, with a semifinal and final in each group for a spot in the tournament. In the first match, Poland beat Albania before losing to Sweden on a late goal that eliminated them.

Poland’s World Cup history

Poland has a strong World Cup history, having appeared nine times since the tournament began. While they have not been close to their best in recent years, they were a regular presence in the 20th century, with the exceptions of 2010 and 2014, when they did not participate.

Even if the present has not been great for them, that does not mean their history was irrelevant. Poland were a strong team in several editions during a golden period that began in the 1970s.

With the expanded version of the competition, it was hard to imagine Poland being eliminated early, but their recent lack of success was driven by the inability to produce more talent in quantity outside of Lewandowski, who may leave a void for the future.

Their best performance

Poland’s history in the tournament includes two bronze medals, which shows how good they used to be. In 1974, they finished second behind West Germany in the final round group of four, where the winner advanced to the final and the runner-up went to the third-place match, which they won against Brazil. In 1982, they lost to Italy in the semifinals before defeating France.

While they no longer have names like Gareth Bale, Wales came close to earning a place. They did not perform well enough in their group, finishing behind Belgium, but they were able to reach the playoff round introduced for this edition.

A total of 16 teams were part of this round, divided into four groups that each offered one spot, with a semifinal and a final. Wales were drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the semifinal, which they lost on penalties.

Wales’ World Cup history

It has not been very common for Wales to take part in this competition when looking at their record of just two appearances in their long history since the sport was created. That makes it more understandable not to see them often in the final rounds.

Their first appearance came a long time ago, when far fewer countries were able to take part in the competition, since it was in 1958 in Sweden, when just 16 teams competed for the prestigious trophy.

Their qualification for the edition played in Qatar was celebrated across the country. Their participation in the latest tournament ended a 64-year drought at the highest level.

Their best performance

Their first appearance in this competition also brought their best performance, even in a strong run in their debut. They were able to move on from the group stage as the second team behind Sweden after beating Hungary in a tie-breaker match. Wales lost 1-0 to Brazil, with a goal from Pelé.

The reasons why such a traditional country is not taking part may be structural, but the format explanation is very simple. Italy finished behind Norway in their group, which forced them into a playoff for a spot.

This time it was a 16-team round divided into four groups, with a semifinal and a final to determine the last places. Italy were able to beat Northern Ireland before losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.

Italy’s World Cup history

For new fans, it may feel normal to see Italy out of the competition, as they have missed every edition since 2018. That sounds hard to believe for older fans who grew up watching excellence from them.

Their four titles are second only to Brazil’s five and tied with Germany among the countries with the most trophies, which makes this absence even more painful given their history.

They won titles early after the competition was created, lifting the trophy in 1934 and 1938. It took some time before they won it again, as their next title came in 1982 with a brilliant Paolo Rossi making his name unforgettable.

The record in finals

The tradition this country carries is clear from the six times they reached the final. In 1934, they beat Czechoslovakia 2-1 in extra time, and in 1938 they won 4-2 against Hungary. In 1970 came their most famous final, when they lost 4-0 to a legendary Brazil.

In 1982, they finished a glorious run that included Brazil and Argentina with a 3-1 win against West Germany. In 1994, they faced Brazil again in a 0-0 draw that ended in a penalty shootout loss, with Roberto Baggio’s miss still remembered by many. In 2006, they beat France in a penalty shootout in a match remembered for Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt on Marco Materazzi, which led to a red card.

In the first half, England looked much sharper, with a stronger focus on scoring goals. Even though they could not break through many times, they took the lead after Gordon made a good run down the left and set up Rice, who finished with his left foot.

The same rhythm continued in the second half as England dominated possession for most of the period until they were awarded a penalty for a handball, which Gordon converted into a goal. Later, Watkins added the third after a rebound inside the box, sealing the win.

SiriusXM will be one of the primary options in the United States for English-speaking listeners. A team of soccer analysts and commentators from Fox Sports will provide coverage of every match in the tournament, including those involving the USMNT.

Fans can access the broadcasts through SiriusXM‘s satellite channel 83, as well as through the SiriusXM app on smart devices. During the World Cup group stage, however, some matches will be played simultaneously. In those situations, one of the matches will air live on SiriusXM FC (Channel 157).

Some of the personalities who will be part of Fox Sports’ SiriusXM coverage of the 2026 World Cup include Bob Bradley, Walker Zimmerman, Wes Brown, Tony Meola, Eric Wynalda, Omar Gonzalez, Brian Dunseth and Dax McCarty.

How to listen to 2026 World Cup matches in Spanish in the United States

Fans in the United States who want to listen to live Spanish-language coverage of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches will also have an option. Coverage will be available through Futbol de Primera, the radio network that has held the broadcast rights for events of this kind for more than two decades.

Listeners will be able to access the broadcasts through the official FDP Radio website, the FDP Radio – Futbol de Primera smartphone app, and other platforms such as TuneIn and myTuner Radio.

Argentine-American broadcaster Andres Cantor will be the leading voice of Futbol de Primera‘s coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable figures in Spanish-language sports media in the United States.

Along with a completely revamped format—which introduces a high-stakes Round of 32 knockout stage immediately following the group stage—the tournament will debut another historic first: three distinct opening ceremonies.

Rather than a single celebration, a unique kickoff spectacle will take place ahead of the first home match in each host country, with Mexico starting the event at the Estadio Azteca. According to The Athletic, Mexico’s opening festivities will start 90 minutes before kickoff and are expected to run for approximately 16 minutes.

Following the initial curtain-raiser, Canada will host its own ceremony at Toronto Stadium on Friday, June 12, which is projected to be slightly shorter at around 13 minutes. Later that same evening, the United States will cap off the opening spectacles with its own 13-minute ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium.

Mexico’s opening ceremony

Mexico shoulders the honor of staging the tournament’s primary opening ceremony right before El Tri faces off against South Africa in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2018 tournament opener. Actress Salma Hayek will serve as the master of ceremonies, welcoming the world and introducing a massive multi-genre, international musical showcase.

Following the main production, and just before the players take the pitch, Alejandro Fernandez will perform Mexico’s national anthem, while Tyla will sing the national anthem for South Africa.

Artist lineup:

• Shakira
• Alejandro Fernández
• Burna Boy
• Belinda
• Danny Ocean
• J Balvin
• Ryan Castro
• Lila Downs
• Los Ángeles Azules
• Maná
• Tyla
• Andrea Bocelli
• EJAE

Canada’s opening ceremony

Following Thursday’s big kickoff, Canada takes center stage on Friday evening to host the second opening showcase just before Les Rouges take on Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Toronto Stadium in their Group B opener.

Actor Will Arnett will host the festivities, introducing a highly diverse list of performers. Before the game starts, Alanis Morissette will perform Canada’s national anthem, while Aleksandar Gajic will sing the national anthem for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Artist lineup:

• Alanis Morissette
• Michael Bublé
• Aleksandar Gajić
• Alessia Cara
• Elyanna
• Jessie Reyez
• Nora Fatehi
• Vegedream
• William Prince
• DJ Sanjoy
• The Beaches
• Bryan Adams

USA’s opening ceremony

The final opening ceremony will also take place on Friday night, setting the stage just before the USMNT kicks off its World Cup campaign against Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in a Group D clash.

Actor Jason Sudeikis will host the final star-studded show, which features a punchy lineup of pop and hip-hop stars. The musical duo Purahéi Soul will perform the national anthem for Paraguay, while country-pop duo Dan + Shay will sing the U.S. national anthem.

Artist lineup:

• Katy Perry
• Future
• Tyla
• Anitta
• LISA
• Rema
• Dan + Shay
• Purahei Soul
• BIA
• Major Lazer
• Davido

After finishing second in Group C of the African Qualifiers, they were forced to decide their qualification against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a short playoff. Even though they drew the game, they lost on penalties, being eliminated from World Cup participation for the second consecutive edition.

Despite having players such as Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams, they have failed to reestablish as one of the best teams in Africa. Unlike Senegal or Morocco, Nigeria have not developed a collective playing style, causing them to be consistently outperformed. In addition, head coach Eric Chelle has not managed to get the best out of his biggest star, Victor Osimhen.

As one of the best teams in Africa, Nigeria being surpassed by South Africa proved fatal to their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup. Not only do the Super Eagles possess more globally recognized stars, but they also were not in a particularly competitive group. Despite this, head coach Eric Chelle remains in charge, aiming to build a competitive project for the long term.

How many times have Nigeria played in the World Cup?

Throughout their history, Nigeria have become one of the most representative teams in Africa. Making their tournament debut in the 1994 edition, they have gone on to participate in a total of six World Cup editions. In addition, they were coming off a strong run, having secured their place in the 2010, 2014, and 2018 editions, where their best result was reaching the Round of 16.

Even though they failed to qualify for the 2026 edition, the Super Eagles have a strong opportunity to rebuild their squad and return for the 2030 World Cup. However, they may need to build their sporting project around Victor Osimhen, as he is one of the best players in Africa and could be a difference-maker. In addition, they have shown the ability to stabilize their performances, providing a solid foundation for the future.

After finishing second in Group C of the UEFA Qualifiers, they faced the Czech Republic in the playoff final, losing on penalties. While Højlund managed to score five goals across the matches, head coach Brian Riemer failed to establish defensive solidity, causing his side to trail on the scoreboard for much of the game.

Denmark qualified for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Therefore, failing to qualify for the 2026 edition, despite the expansion of available spots, represents a complete failure. Beyond Højlund and Mikkel Damsgaard, they also possess players such as Morten Hjulmand, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Joachim Andersen, Patrick Dorgu, and others who could have provided consistency in their play, but Brian Riemer failed to find the right path.

Rather than dismissing Brian Riemer, the Danish Soccer Association has decided to back the continuity of its project. With many young players in the squad, they are betting on their continued development and a return to the World Cup in 2030. However, their performance at UEFA Euro 2028 could determine the next steps of the project.

How many times have Denmark played in the World Cup?

Denmark have not managed to become a dominant force in UEFA competitions, with their most recent major titles being UEFA Euro 1992 and the 1995 Confederations Cup. However, they have been regular participants at the World Cup, appearing in six editions. Since the 2002 tournament, they have qualified for four of the last six editions, highlighting their status as a competitive national team.

Despite being frequent World Cup participants, they have not consistently emerged as true contenders. In their first-ever participation, Denmark reached the Round of 16, but Spain defeated them with a harsh 5-1. Then, they had their best performance in the 1998 edition, when they reached the quarterfinals, but Brazil defeated them 3-2.

In the 2002 edition, Denmark also reached the Round of 16, surprising everyone. However, England defeated them in a 3-0. After being left out of the 2006 edition, they disappointed in the 2010 edition, just reaching the group stage, being surpassed by Netherlands and Japan.

Denmark significantly improved their performances at the 2018 World Cup. After advancing from the group stage, they reached the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by Croatia on penalties. However, they disappointed once again in the 2022 edition, as they exited the tournament without winning a single match and finished bottom of their group.

After winning only two matches in 18 rounds, Chile finished 10th in the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Having failed to implement a gradual generational transition, they experienced a progressive decline in their biggest stars. In addition, they have not established a long-term sporting project, leaving them without direction and missing out on qualification for the third consecutive time.

Neither Alexis Sánchez nor Arturo Vidal are central figures in Chile’s setup anymore. While they were among the best players in CONMEBOL, they no longer stand out for the national team. After failing to qualify for the 2026 edition, head coach Nicolás Córdova has decided to carry out a major overhaul, betting on players such as Lucas Cepeda, Gonzalo Tapia, and others, prioritizing collective play.

Chile could take a long time to return to being one of the best teams in CONMEBOL. However, they have the 2028 Copa América, where they will aim to return to their high competitiveness. For this, La Roja could maintain its current focus: A project built around a playing idea, not star players. Unlike the previous decade, there are no players of the level of Vidal or Alexis, forcing them to readapt to their new reality.

How many times have Chile played in the World Cup?

Despite being one of the brightest national teams in CONMEBOL a few years ago, Chile are far from being a historic contender in the World Cup. In the 23 editions of the tournament, they have only qualified nine times. In addition, in the 21st century they have only played in two tournaments, which is quite far from being a powerhouse. However, they managed to deliver solid performances in their last two appearances.

After qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, Chile ended a 12-year drought, reaching the Round of 16. However, they were eliminated by Brazil in a convincing 3–0 defeat. They managed to replicate this performance in the 2018 edition. After reaching the Round of 16 again, Brazil once more eliminated them, this time on penalties. Since then, they have failed to qualify again, already accumulating an eight-year absence.

While the World Cup trophy is made of real gold, it is not entirely solid gold through to its core. The exterior is fashioned from pure 18k gold, but the trophy is actually hollow on the inside. Additionally, its base features two striking, circular bands made of a green gemstone known as malachite.

Designed by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga in 1971, the masterpiece stands 36.5cm (14.4 inches) tall and is crafted from 18-karat (75%) gold. Experts note that if the trophy were completely solid gold all the way through, it would weigh an estimated 70 to 80kg (150 to 175lbs), making it far too heavy for triumphant players to hoist over their heads during the post-match celebrations.

How much is the World Cup trophy worth?

The FIFA World Cup trophy is widely considered the most expensive prize in global sports.

• Material value: Based strictly on the weight of its gold and malachite, the raw materials alone are worth roughly $250,000 to $300,000, depending on the fluctuating market price of gold.
• Total valuation: Because of its immense historical, cultural, and sporting significance, the actual valuation of the trophy sits at an astronomical $20 million.

To put that into perspective, the famous Vince Lombardi Trophy awarded to NFL Super Bowl champions is valued at around $50,000.

How much does the World Cup trophy weigh?

The official weight of the FIFA World Cup trophy is 6.175 kilograms (13.61 pounds). Because it is hollow and incorporates the lighter malachite bands at its base, it remains perfectly balanced and light enough for players to easily lift into the air during the podium presentation.

Do the World Cup winners keep the trophy or do they have to return it?

The winning team does not get to keep the real gold trophy. The original prize is only present on the pitch for the official final whistle celebrations and the podium presentation. Immediately after the ceremonies conclude, FIFA officials take the authentic trophy back for strict security reasons.

In its place, the winning nation is permanently awarded a gold-plated bronze replica, officially known as the World Cup Winners’ Trophy. Meanwhile, the authentic, multi-million dollar original is quickly flown back to its permanent home at the FIFA World Football Museum in Zurich, Switzerland.

Why did FIFA stop letting teams keep the trophy?

FIFA changed the rules simply as a permanent safety and security measure to preserve the tournament’s history. Under the original regulations of the old Jules Rimet Trophy, any nation that won the World Cup three times was allowed to keep it permanently (a milestone Brazil achieved in 1970).

However, when FIFA commissioned the current trophy for the 1974 tournament, they decided that the new, iconic prize would remain the permanent property of FIFA. By keeping the authentic gold trophy locked away and giving winners a gold-plated replica instead, FIFA ensures the original masterpiece is kept entirely safe from damage, theft, or loss.

Who is officially allowed to touch the real trophy?

FIFA enforces an incredibly strict protocol regarding who can physically handle the authentic gold trophy without wearing protective gloves. According to FIFA regulations, the bare metal can only be touched or held by:

• Winning players and coaches: Members of squads who have actually won the FIFA World Cup.
• Heads of State: Sitting presidents, prime ministers, or reigning monarchs of nations.

Anyone else—including celebrity guests, stadium staff, and even FIFA delegates—must wear white gloves or refrain from touching the trophy entirely.

As players from both sides began exchanging handshakes at midfield, cameras caught Messi locked in a lively conversation with the young Icelandic attacker. Initially caught off guard, Messi’s face instantly lit up with a massive smile the second he realized he was speaking to the son of his former FC Barcelona teammate, Eidur Gudjohnsen.

When asked about the viral moment in the mixed zone, Messi happily shared details of their brief interaction. “He told me, ‘do you remember who I am?’. Truthfully, it surprised me at that moment. Then he told me he was Gudjohnsen’s son. I don’t really remember, to be honest, he was very small. I remember seeing him, being with his father at some training session. But I didn’t remember him, he was too young.”

Daniel Gudjohnsen was born in London in March 2006 during his father’s stint at Chelsea, just months before the family relocated to Catalonia. Now playing his club soccer for Malmo, the young forward originally crossed paths with Messi as a baby; fast forward nearly 20 years, and the historic playmaker has now gone from sharing a locker room with the father to competing against the son.

Messi and Gudjohnsen’s father at Barcelona

Arriving at the Camp Nou in 2006, Eidur Gudjohnsen spent four incredibly successful seasons with FC Barcelona before departing in 2010. During that golden era, the versatile forward helped the Blaugrana capture a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, two Spanish Super Cups, a UEFA Champions League trophy, and a UEFA Super Cup.

Throughout those formative years, Gudjohnsen had a front-row seat as Lionel Messi skyrocketed from a promising young talent to the best player on the planet. From his vantage point on the bench, the Icelandic striker watched Messi execute his iconic, gravity-defying header against Manchester United to seal a 2-0 victory in the 2009 Champions League final.

By lifting that trophy, Gudjohnsen became the first player in Iceland’s history to win a Champions League title, ultimately tallying 19 goals and 10 assists across 114 appearances for Barcelona. He later anchored the legendary Iceland squad that shocked Europe by reaching the Euro 2016 quarterfinals before hanging up his boots in 2017, a retirement that narrowly denied him a pitchside reunion with Messi at the 2018 World Cup where Iceland faced Argentina.

“Argentina weren’t favorites at the last World Cup, and they won,” Guimaraes said during a press conference this week when asked whether he believed Brazil could win the trophy despite their struggles in recent years and the team’s unconvincing performances.

However, the comparison with Argentina is open to debate. Four years ago, Lionel Messi and his teammates entered the 2022 World Cup as the reigning Copa America and Finalissima champions. They were playing convincing soccer and carried a 36-match unbeaten streak that ended in their opener against Saudi Arabia.

There was no unanimous agreement at the time regarding Argentina’s status as title contenders, but many observers did hold that view. By contrast, caution surrounding Brazil‘s chances now appears to be more widespread and supported by tangible evidence.

Brazil finished fifth in the World Cup qualifiers, 10 points behind Argentina, after a turbulent cycle that included the departures of two head coaches before Carlo Ancelotti arrived last summer. Under the Italian manager, they have played 12 matches across official competitions and friendlies, recording seven wins, two draws and three losses.

Guimaraes defends Brazil’s chances

At the same press conference, Bruno Guimaraes defended Brazil’s chances of competing for the title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He first pointed to the history and tradition of the national team. “No one has five stars on their chest,” he said, referring to Brazil’s record as the most successful team in World Cup history.

“We have great players shining at the best teams in the world, like Vini and Raphinha,” added the Newcastle midfielder while explaining his optimism about Brazil’s chances. “We must show proper respect to our players.”

Brazil face a tough challenge in their opener

As members of Group C, Brazil will be among the first teams to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. They will face Morocco on Saturday in a difficult test against a team that reached the semifinals in Qatar 2022 and finished as runners-up at the 2025 AFCON just a few months ago.

On paper, that will be Carlo Ancelotti’s team’s toughest challenge of the group stage. They will then face Haiti on Friday, June 19, before wrapping up that phase of the tournament five days later against Scotland.

“Today’s game against Costa Rica has been delayed due to weather conditions in Orlando,” England’s official national team account posted on Wednesday afternoon. “We’ll provide further updates as soon as we have them.”

The international friendly was originally scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. ET. However, heavy rain, the threat of thunderstorms and flood warnings in the area have prompted organizers to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of players and fans inside the stadium.

A few minutes after that initial statement, England provided an update on the situation: “Following a pitch inspection at the stadium, today’s match against Costa Rica will now kick off at 10pm (UK time) – subject to there being no further lightning strikes in the area.” That means kickoff has been pushed back by one hour from the original schedule. Instead of starting at 4 p.m. ET, the match is now set to begin at 5 p.m. ET.

What is the World Cup’s weather delay protocol?

Although England and Costa Rica are meeting in an international friendly rather than at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the match is subject to FIFA’s weather safety guidelines for dangerous conditions that may occur before or during games.

Given the time of year in which the World Cup will be played, officials expect weather-related disruptions to occur on more than one occasion across the United States between June 11 and July 19. As a result, FIFA will follow local safety protocols when dealing with these situations.

The first measure is the “8-Mile Rule,” which requires matches to be stopped immediately if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Once that happens, a waiting period of at least 30 minutes begins and is reset every time a new lightning strike is detected within that area.

That can, of course, lead to significant delays. FIFA have not established a strict limit on how long a match can be delayed before it is suspended. However, if a game is ultimately called off, it would likely be rescheduled for the following day.

England’s upcoming challenges

After Wednesday’s match against Costa Rica, England will have exactly one week before opening their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. On June 17, they will face Croatia in Group L, where Ghana and Panama are also part of the field.

In an interview with Argentine network TyC Sports, Trezeguet was asked whether the 2026 World Cup would be dominated by modern, hyper-athletic forwards like Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe: “The beautiful thing about this World Cup is that it is going to be the culmination of the generation of Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar, alongside this new one that includes Haaland, Mbappe, and Yamal as well. I have always been a lover of what my own characteristics were—I love the penalty-box number 9, and I think Haaland will be the type of player who makes the difference.“

The legendary striker then pivoted to how Ronaldo could still play a similarly pivotal role for his country over the next month. “But others will be too. Cristiano Ronaldo, when we look at the magnitude of the guy, what he has achieved with different characteristics compared to Lionel Messi. They are the kind of guys who deserve to win these types of titles,” Trezeguet candidly stated.

Compared to past iterations, this version of Portugal arrives at the tournament as a battle-tested powerhouse on the global stage. Bolstered by the championship DNA of winning the 2025 UEFA Nations League, combined with a core featuring several newly minted UEFA Champions League winners, the Seleção appear primed to finally take that elusive next step on the grandest stage.

Trezeguet went on to break down the sheer depth surrounding Ronaldo in the Portuguese camp. “Portugal is an interesting team with major individual talent, a midfield based on the PSG side that won the Champions League in recent years, meaning you are going to find a nation with a different kind of enthusiasm, with the awareness of knowing they are winners, and that can also be a deciding factor,” he concluded.

Historically, Portugal’s deepest World Cup runs came in 1966 and during Ronaldo’s tournament debut in 2006, both resulting in semifinal appearances. Back in 1966, the Selecao secured a third-place finish, whereas in 2006 they dropped the consolation match to Germany, meaning Ronaldo will be highly motivated to raise the bar from the fourth-place finish he achieved exactly 20 years ago.

Trezeguet’s own World Cup legacy

Despite his deep Argentine roots, Trezeguet chose to represent France internationally, qualifying by virtue of being born in Rouen, the capital of Normandy. After beginning his professional career with Argentine club Platense, he moved to AS Monaco in 1995, and at just 20 years old, he successfully cracked the star-studded French roster that went on to capture Les Bleus‘ historic first World Cup title on home soil in 1998.

During that legendary 1998 campaign, he scored against Saudi Arabia in the group stage and delivered two crucial assists, one in a 2-1 win over Denmark and another against Paraguay in the knockout rounds. While he watched the final victory over Brazil from the bench as manager Aime Jacquet favored Stéphane Guivarc’h as a lone target man, Trezeguet’s contributions throughout the tournament were vital to the championship run.

Following a disastrous group-stage exit in 2002, Trezeguet returned for his final World Cup rodeo in 2006, helping France reach the final before suffering a heartbreaking penalty-shootout loss to Italy, where he unfortunately hit the crossbar with his spot-kick. The prolific forward concluded his international tournament career with 12 total World Cup appearances, netting one goal and two assists along the way.

Cristiano Ronaldo is starting for Portugal, as he is in full physical condition. Despite this, Roberto Martínez could repeat the same approach and not allow him to play more than 45 minutes in order to avoid injuries. However, the 41-year-old striker arrives more motivated than ever, as he has not managed to score in his most recent matches with the national team and would be looking to end his goalscoring drought.

Alongside the veteran striker, head coach Roberto Martínez could opt for Pedro Neto on the left wing and Francisco Conceição. With this attack, they are looking for another victory to arrive at the 2026 World Cup in top form. Gonçalo Guedes could also have an opportunity to shine from the bench, just as he did against Chile. Nevertheless, they could have a huge task against Nigeria, putting their defensive line as their maximum.

While Nigeria did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, they could make life difficult for Portugal. With their last defeat coming on August 12, 2025, they have put together numerous matches ending in either victories or draws, proving to be a highly competitive team. In addition, Terem Moffi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alex Iwobi could trouble Roberto Martínez’s defensive line, as they are a brilliant team in attack.

Portugal confirmed lineup vs Nigeria

As one of UEFA’s best national teams, Portugal arrive as clear favorites to defeat Nigeria. However, head coach Roberto Martínez will not be able to count on Rafael Leão, who received a red card in the previous match. As a result, Pedro Neto could once again have a chance to shine, as his pace and dribbling would be key. Still, all eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is looking to end his goalscoring drought.

With this in mind, Portugal lineups as follows: Diogo Costa; Nelsom Semedo, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Diogo Dalot; Vitinha, João Neves; Francisco Trincao, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nigeria confirmed lineup vs Portugal

Nigeria have managed to build a highly competitive team. However, their attacking strengths are overshadowed by defensive mistakes, which caused them to miss out on the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Eric Chelle still has a squad full of stars capable of surprising Portugal. Therefore, they could arrive highly motivated for today’s match.

Considering this, Nigeria plays as follows: Maduka Okoye; Christian Akpan, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Onyemaechi Bruno; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Wilfred Ndidi; Alex Iwobi, Tochukwu Nnadi, Akor Adams, Moses Simon.

Currently ranked 15th globally, El Tri aims to erase the disappointment of their early exit in 2022 and reestablish themselves as the dominant force in North America.

Following a successful 2025 Gold Cup campaign, the team has found renewed stability. This World Cup 2026 team preview explores the squad’s realistic chances on home soil.

As one of the most closely watched international soccer teams 2026 has to offer, we will break down their defensive tactical setup, the leadership of their veteran coach, the depth of their roster, and their outlook in the group stage.

Team profile

How Mexico play

Under their current leadership, Mexico has transitioned away from a purely expansive attacking style toward a more pragmatic 4-3-3 Mexico formation.

This system is specifically designed to handle the grueling physical demands of international tournament soccer. In possession, the team relies heavily on their central striker dropping deep to hold up play and distribute the ball to direct, pacey wingers.

Defensively, El Tri prioritizes a solid structure over high-risk pressing. They showcased this defensive organization during the 2025 Gold Cup, allowing just 2.1 expected goals against (xGA) throughout the competition and keeping four clean sheets.

The team often struggles to generate central creativity from the midfield, placing a heavy burden on wide players like Roberto Alvarado to cut inside and create scoring opportunities.

Without a reliable link between the defense and the forward line, the attack can look disjointed against opponents utilizing a low defensive block. This pragmatic approach could make them tough to break down but might limit their scoring potential in tight knockout matches.

Javier Aguirre: The coach behind Mexico

Javier Aguirre is currently in his third stint managing the national team. Hired in mid-2024 to stabilize a struggling program, the Mexico coach immediately injected defensive discipline and a clear identity into the squad.

The veteran manager brings extensive international experience, having previously guided El Tri through two successful qualification cycles. As a player, he earned 59 caps and represented his country during the 1986 tournament on home soil.

Aguirre is widely respected for his pragmatic approach and ability to organize teams quickly. Under his direction, Mexico reclaimed regional dominance by winning the 2025 Nations League and Gold Cup.

His leadership will be crucial in helping the team navigate the immense pressure of playing in front of expectant home crowds.

Key player: Raul Jimenez

Raul Jimenez remains the most critical component of the Mexican attack. When discussing Mexico key players, the 34-year-old striker stands out, having earned 123 caps and scored 44 goals for his country, placing him third on their all-time scoring list.

Entering the summer tournament, Jimenez is in excellent form. He netted 24 goals across all competitions over his last two club seasons and scored seven times in seven competitive international matches in 2025.

His aerial ability, clinical finishing, and defensive work rate make him an ideal fit for the national team’s system.

Tactically, Jimenez is the focal point. His ability to pull opposing center-backs out of position creates crucial space for wide attackers. If he were to suffer an injury, the team lacks another proven goalscorer with the same physical presence, which would severely hinder their attacking output.

Mexico’s road to the 2026 tournament

As one of the three host nations for the 2026 tournament, Mexico received an automatic berth and bypassed the standard CONCACAF qualification cycle.

Without competitive qualifiers, the team utilized regional tournaments to test their readiness. They successfully proved their regional superiority by winning the 2025 Gold Cup, culminating in a satisfying 2-1 victory over the United States in the final.

Mexico’s 2026 tournament group stage outlook

El Tri faces a highly favorable draw in Group A, matching up against South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia. This balanced group provides a realistic path to the knockout rounds.

South Korea likely presents the most challenging matchup due to their pace in transition, while South Africa offers a more favorable opportunity to secure three points early.

Key to their progression will be breaking down organized defenses and capitalizing on home-field advantage in front of hostile crowds in Mexico City and Guadalajara.

Readers looking to follow every match involving Mexico can also check our complete Mexico TV schedule for the latest broadcast and streaming information.

Securing the top spot in the group is the minimum expectation for the 15th-ranked team in the world. Winning the group would also ensure a more favorable draw in the knockout rounds.

Mexico 2026 World Cup squad

Final word on Mexico

Mexico enters the summer competition with the distinct advantage of playing on home soil, backed by passionate supporters.

Their primary strength lies in a rigid defensive structure organized by a pragmatic, experienced coach.

However, an over-reliance on aging stars and a lack of depth in the midfield due to recent injuries present significant challenges for one of the premier FIFA World Cup 2026 teams.

Advancing past the group stage is a highly realistic expectation. Reaching the quarter-finals, however, will require secondary goalscorers to emerge and alleviate the attacking burden on their veteran forwards.

A tactical trend defining this cycle is the reliance on imported expertise. Out of the 48 nations competing in North America, an incredible 31 countries have chosen to utilize foreign head coaches.

This global exchange underscores a growing belief among international federations that tactical flexibility and seasoned, outside perspectives are worth paying a massive premium for, completely reshaping the landscape of international management.

The 10 highest-paid coaches at the 2026 World Cup

Driven by the high stakes of an expanded tournament, the top earners on the international stage are taking home massive paychecks. Leading the pack is legendary Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti, whom Brazil heavily recruited with a singular, multi-million dollar mission: deliver the Seleção’s historic sixth star.

• 1- Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – $11.3 million
• 2- Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – $7.9 million
• 3- Mauricio Pochettino (USA) – $6.8 million
• 4- Thomas Tuchel (England) – $6.5 million
• 5- Roberto Martinez (Portugal) – $4.5 million
• 6- Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan) – $4.5 million
• 7- Jesse Marsch (Canada) – $2.8 million
• 8- Javier Aguirre (Mexico) – $2.8 million
• 9- Gustavo Alfaro (Paraguay) – $2.8 million
• 10- Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) – $2.6 million

Full list of 2026 World Cup coaches

First, Argentina cruised to a 2-0 victory over Honduras at Kyle Field, a match where manager Lionel Scaloni opted to rest Messi completely on the bench, due to a physical issue that had cut short his last match with Inter Miami

In their final tune-up, the Albiceleste dismantled Iceland 3-0 at Jordan-Hare Stadium, where the captain made his return to the pitch, dazzled the crowd with a goal, and dictated the tempo of the comprehensive victory.

Argentina’s emphatic win over Iceland also served as official notice that Messi is entering this World Cup highly motivated. Following the match, he sent a clear warning to any opponent planning to snatch the reigning champions’ crown.

“This national team is incredibly competitive, and we’ve been proving that for many years,” Messi told Argentine outlet Olé in a post-match interview. “It is going to be very difficult for our opponents to face Argentina, because this is a squad that is in a great place—we are very strong, deeply united, and our hunger remains completely intact“.

Messi opens up on initial doubts about playing in 2026 World Cup

A few months ago, Messi had cast some doubt over his participation in the 2026 World Cup, previously stating that he would make a final decision closer to the summer based entirely on how his body felt physically.

Those initial comments naturally triggered a wave of anxiety across Argentina. However, as time progressed and Messi continued to showcase elite physical form with Inter Miami, it became increasingly obvious that he had no intention of missing what will likely be his final dance on the world stage.

With exactly one week to go before Argentina’s group-stage opener against Algeria, Messi explained his mindset during that period of uncertainty. “Everything happened so fast after Qatar, and I’ve had a lot of intense competition in between. But I kept feeling good,” Messi explained to Olé.

“Even though I am playing for Inter Miami, I never stopped competing or pushing myself, and over this past year, I prepared diligently to ensure I arrived here in the best possible shape,” he added.

The road ahead will not be easy, however. The expanded World Cup format presents new challenges, while rivals such as France, Spain, Brazil, and England are also among the favorites. Yet confidence remains high inside the Argentine camp as the players prepare to begin their title defense.

Argentina earned its place at the tournament in impressive fashion. Lionel Scaloni’s side finished first in the CONMEBOL qualification standings with 38 points from 18 matches, recording 12 victories and finishing with a goal difference of +21.

Those performances reinforced the belief that the team remains among the elite forces in international soccer. The squad has retained much of the core that captured the World Cup in Qatar while also introducing younger talents capable of contributing on the biggest stage.

The defending champion will begin its campaign in Group J against Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan. On paper, it is a favorable group, although Argentina knows from experience that there are no guarantees at a World Cup after its shocking defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 2022 tournament.

Argentina believes it can make more history

At 38 years old, Messi remains the central figure of the national side. The Inter Miami star is set to make a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance, extending a legacy that already includes a World Cup title, two Copa America trophies, and countless individual records.

His role may look different compared to previous tournaments. While he remains capable of producing decisive moments, Argentina now possesses a deeper and more balanced squad around him than at many stages of his international career.

Despite entering the competition as the defending champion, Argentina is trying to avoid looking too far ahead. The players understand that every opponent will view a match against the reigning world champion as a major occasion.

Messi acknowledged that reality while emphasizing the determination that exists within the squad. “We’re going to give it our best shot. People shouldn’t have any doubts that we’ll leave everything on the pitch, just like we’ve done all this time.”

He also delivered a message that will likely resonate with Argentina supporters everywhere. “Whether it happens or not, that’s soccer. But don’t doubt that our opponents will have a hard time beating us, because this is a very competitive national team.”

The key strength Messi believes can drive another title run

While discussing Argentina’s chances, Messi highlighted what he believes remains the defining characteristic of the squad. “This is a very winning group that always wants more. We’ll take it step by step as we always do, but with a lot of enthusiasm, excitement, and confidence in what we’re capable of.”

That mentality has become one of the foundations of Scaloni’s success. The squad has developed a reputation for remaining composed under pressure while consistently finding ways to deliver in major tournaments.

Messi also pointed to the consistency the team has shown, regardless of the opponent. “We’re very excited. I told you before that this group wasn’t going to let you down, and I think we’ve shown that throughout this year, no matter the opponent or the competition, we always compete.”

The latest recognition comes after a campaign filled with goals, decisive performances, and moments that reminded everyone why Ronaldo remains one of the sport’s most influential figures. While attention is increasingly turning toward the 2026 World Cup, one unforgettable moment from his club season has once again placed him firmly in the spotlight.

The 2025-26 campaign proved to be one of Ronaldo’s most productive seasons since arriving in Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese star played 30 league matches, scored 28 goals, and contributed two assists as Al-Nassr captured the Saudi Pro League title.

His influence stretched far beyond the numbers. Time and again, he delivered in crucial moments, helping the club maintain consistency throughout a demanding title race that was only settled on the final day of the season. Across all competitions, Ronaldo finished with 30 goals and four assists in 37 appearances, underlining his ability to remain among soccer’s elite scorers despite entering his fifth decade of life.

The title-clinching moment arrived with a convincing 4-1 victory over Damac. The 41-year-old forward scored twice in that decisive match, helping his side secure its first league crown in several years and giving supporters a season they will remember for a long time.

The moment that captured the imagination

Although Ronaldo produced numerous goals throughout the campaign, one stood above the rest. In November 2025, during a home match against Al-Khaleej, the Al-Nassr captain delivered a spectacular overhead kick that instantly became one of the most talked-about goals of the season. The strike came late in a 4-1 victory and left supporters inside the stadium in disbelief.

Meeting a cross from Nawaf Boushal inside the penalty area, the Portuguese superstar launched himself into the air before connecting perfectly with the ball. The finish combined athleticism, timing, and technique, creating a moment that quickly spread across social media platforms worldwide.

The goal became an instant favorite among fans and generated millions of views online. Even in an era where spectacular goals appear regularly, this effort felt different because of the player producing it and the stage of his career at which it arrived.

The accolade revealed

That unforgettable strike has now received official recognition. Cristiano Ronaldo’s overhead kick against Al-Khaleej has been named the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League Goal of the Season.

The award was decided through a public vote that featured every weekly goal winner from across the campaign. Ronaldo’s bicycle kick emerged as the clear winner, collecting 34 percent of all votes cast.

The recognition also means the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has secured back-to-back Goal of the Season awards, having previously won the honor for his stunning volley against Al Riyadh during the 2024-25 campaign.

According to the Saudi Pro League, Ronaldo’s overhead kick was described as one of the greatest goals of his career and one of the defining moments of the entire season. For a player who has spent more than two decades producing iconic moments, adding another goal to that collection is an achievement in itself.

According to BILD, José Mourinho is closely monitoring Schlotterbeck’s future, as he is very fond of the defender’s profile for the back line. Despite recently renewing his contract with Borussia Dortmund, he reportedly has a release clause worth between €50–60 million that applies to Real Madrid and Liverpool. Therefore, the Spanish side could move forward with a deal for him after the 2026 World Cup.

Despite Antonio Rüdiger renewing his contract, Los Blancos could view Nico Schlotterbeck as a safe long-term investment, hoping he can eventually take over his role and lead the team. However, he would have to rotate minutes with Huijsen and Konaté, which could make him hesitate about the move. In addition, the 26-year-old star could be tempted by Liverpool, where he could become an undisputed starter.

After losing Konaté on a free transfer, the Reds could push strongly to sign Schlotterbeck. Alongside Virgil van Dijk, the German defender would be key to rebuilding the team, as Giovanni Leoni and Jérémy Jacquet are still quite young. However, he does not appear to be in a hurry to decide his future, meaning both Real Madrid and Liverpool will need a strong proposal to convince him.

Schlotterbeck’s arrival may complicate Real Madrid’s defense rotation

Even though David Alaba left as a free agent, Real Madrid still have numerous defenders in their squad. José Mourinho can count on Raúl Asencio, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dean Huijsen in the team. Therefore, Nico Schlotterbeck may not have much room to become an undisputed starter, having to rotate to gain playing time. In addition, they would need to let at least one defender leave.

As one of the best defenders in Europe, Schlotterbeck would arrive as an undisputed starter alongside Ibrahima Konaté. As a result, Militão, Rüdiger, and Huijsen would have to compete for a place in the defensive line. This would create a major dilemma for Mourinho, who would need to rotate his star defenders. Because of this, the German defender could decide to remain at Borussia Dortmund, where he is an undisputed starter.

“I felt very good. I was eager to get started, play a little and get rid of those normal fears after dealing with some discomfort,” Leo said during the postgame press conference following the 3-0 win over Iceland. “I wanted to play to get rid of that fear, stop thinking about it and be able to play freely.”

The 38-year-old forward later admitted he had some concerns in the days leading up to the match about the possibility of a setback and needed to get back on the field to put those thoughts behind him. “In training, you think when the ball comes to you… In matches, you play more naturally. The reactions, the movements are different,” he explained.

Messi experienced muscle discomfort during his last match with Inter Miami on May 24 against Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, forcing him to leave the field early and preventing him from training normally during Argentina’s first camp sessions. That also kept him out of last Saturday’s friendly against Honduras.

“It hadn’t been long since the last match I played in Miami,” Lionel explained regarding his absence against Honduras. “We took it day by day and monitored how I was feeling. We kept talking,” he added about the joint decision-making process with Lionel Scaloni‘s coaching staff. “Now we have a week to get everyone fully ready and arrive in the best possible shape for the opener.”

Messi excited about Argentina’s chances

Although no team have successfully defended a World Cup title in the last 64 years, Lionel Messi expressed confidence in Argentina’s chances of competing for the trophy once again.

“As every time we start an official tournament, I’m very excited,” the forward said. “This group has shown that it can compete against any opponent and in any competition, and we’ve shown that we have the same hunger and always want more. We’ll take it step by step, but we’re very excited and convinced of what we’re capable of.”

Argentina’s path at the 2026 World Cup

After playing their final warmup match on Tuesday in Alabama, Argentina returned to Kansas City, which will serve as their training base throughout the World Cup. They will open their campaign there next Tuesday against Algeria in the Group J opener.

Lionel Scaloni’s team will then face two tests in Dallas, Texas. The first will come against Austria on June 22, while five days later they will wrap up their group-stage campaign against Jordan.

Match Overview

As the World Cup draws near, England remains one of the tournament favorites thanks to a talented squad led by Harry Kane. The Three Lions will wrap up their preparations against Costa Rica, a side looking ahead after missing out on qualification despite the absence of regional powers the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

For Los Ticos, the matchup provides an important opportunity to test themselves against one of Europe’s top teams and begin building for the future. Don’t miss this intriguing international clash before the World Cup gets underway.

The latest chapter of Almeria‘s season delivered excitement, tension, and a memorable late twist. After surviving an intense semifinal battle against Castellon, the club has moved one step closer to completing a remarkable journey that could transform its immediate future.

Almeria booked its place in the Primera Division promotion playoff final after an unforgettable victory over Castellon. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the return match appeared destined for extra time before a stunning stoppage-time winner changed everything.

The contest swung back and forth throughout the evening. Almeria initially took the lead through Adrian Embarba, only for Castellon to respond with goals from Calatrava and Sienra to put the visitor in control.

With the clock ticking down, the Rojiblancos looked to be heading for extra time. However, Alex Munoz restored parity in the 80th minute, setting the stage for a dramatic finale in front of a packed home crowd.

Unlikely hero emerges

The decisive moment arrived in the 94th minute when Serbian midfielder Marko Dzodic produced the most important goal of his career. Arriving at the far post, he connected with a difficult header that flew into the net and sparked celebrations throughout the stadium.

The goal was especially surprising given Dzodic’s limited scoring record. Before this season, he had managed only a single goal in his professional career, making his playoff winner even more remarkable.

The success Ronaldo is waiting for and the final obstacle

The dramatic victory means Almeria is now through to the La Liga promotion playoff final and sits just two matches away from securing promotion back to La Liga. That achievement represents the success that many around the club have been targeting throughout the season.  After finishing third in La Liga 2, Almeria earned a playoff place and now stands within touching distance of returning to Spain’s top flight.

For Ronaldo, who has been associated with the club’s ownership structure, promotion would represent another positive milestone in his growing influence off the pitch. The prospect of seeing Almeria compete among Spain’s elite clubs next season is now a genuine possibility rather than a distant ambition.

The Cowboys’ attention now shifts toward the playoff final, where promotion to La Liga will be decided across two legs. The club will face either Malaga or Las Palmas, who remain locked in their own semifinal battle.

Malaga currently holds a narrow advantage after securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg against Las Palmas. That tie remains open, meaning Almeria must wait to discover its final opponent. The playoff format leaves no room for mistakes. A strong season can quickly be forgotten if a team fails to finish the job in the final hurdle.

Match Overview

Portugal will make its final preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a friendly against Nigeria, one of Africa’s most talented national teams. While the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on qualification, they still boast plenty of quality and will look to make a statement against a European heavyweight.

Meanwhile, Portugal enter the tournament among the title favorites, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading a squad packed with talent across the field. Don’t miss this exciting matchup as both teams look to build momentum on the international stage.

Messi’s appearance, his sharpness on the ball, and a remarkable achievement reached during the match ensured that the evening in Alabama became far more significant than a routine pre-tournament friendly. Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in Auburn, Alabama, with goals from Valentín Barco, Lionel Messi, and Thiago Almada.

The world champion controlled large stretches of the match and ended its preparation schedule on a positive note. Lionel Scaloni opted to manage the workload of several key players. Messi, along with Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister, started the match on the bench as Argentina continued its cautious approach ahead of the competition.

Iceland threatened early when Mikael Ellertsson missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring. Argentina quickly took control afterward, and Barco broke the deadlock when a loose ball fell kindly for him on the edge of the area.

The South American side remained patient throughout the first half. Iceland defended with discipline, but Argentina continued to create opportunities and gradually increased the pressure.

Messi returns and changes the game

The biggest roar of the night arrived when Messi stepped onto the pitch during the closing stages. After concerns surrounding muscle fatigue suffered while playing for Inter Miami, supporters were eager to see whether the captain was fully ready for another World Cup campaign.

The answer arrived almost immediately. Within moments of entering the match, Messi played a superb pass that led to Lautaro Martínez being fouled inside the penalty area. The 38-year-old superstar stepped forward and calmly converted from the spot. The goal extended Argentina’s advantage and removed any lingering doubts about his readiness for the tournament.

His influence did not stop there. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner later helped create Argentina’s third goal, combining with Rodrigo De Paul before Thiago Almada finished the move to complete a convincing victory.

The historic record revealed

While the goal helped secure the result, it also carried historic significance. Messi’s strike was his 117th goal in an Argentina shirt and his 199th international appearance. More importantly, it made him the oldest goalscorer in Argentina national team history, breaking a record that had stood for 69 years.

The previous mark belonged to Angel Labruna, who scored for Argentina against Brazil in 1957 at the age of 38 years and nine months. Messi surpassed that achievement at 38 years, 11 months, and 18 days old, adding yet another milestone to an extraordinary international career.

The record further highlights the longevity that has defined Messi’s career. Nearly two decades after making his senior debut, he continues to deliver decisive moments for his country on football’s biggest stages.

According to Ferran Correas, via Diario Sport, the Blaugrana have already informed Rashford’s camp that they will not activate the €30 million purchase option, which expires in five days. Although they attempted to negotiate a reduced fee or a new loan deal, this was not possible. As a result, Marcus will have to return to Manchester United after the 2026 World Cup to define his next professional steps.

After this information became known, Rashford removed from his Instagram profile the description stating that he was a Barcelona player. With the World Cup just days away, his performance in the tournament could define his future, as several clubs appear to be monitoring his situation closely. In addition, the Blaugrana could still wait for the 28-year-old star to pressure the Red Devils into accepting a lower offer to return to Hansi Flick’s team.

Marcus Rashford is emerging as the favourite to start for England at the 2026 World Cup. Although head coach Thomas Tuchel has Anthony Gordon available, the 28-year-old star has had a more prominent role in recent matches, delivering very strong performances. Because of this, he could produce a standout tournament in an attempt to convince Barcelona to pursue his signing, as he appears to have a clear priority of remaining at the Spanish side.

Anthony Gordon’s arrival jeopardizes Rashford’s future at Barcelona

While Rashford delivered some good performances, he did not manage to secure a starting spot at Barcelona. In fact, he was often used as a substitute in the second half of the season, disappointing in the Champions League. Due to his inconsistency and being 28 years old, the Blaugrana decided to bet on Anthony Gordon, paying €80 million to Newcastle United. With this move, Marcus now appears to have no place in Hansi Flick’s team.

Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Raphinha re-emerges as the starter on the left wing, as he is key to the collective system. As his backup, Hansi Flick could rely on Gordon, as his high-pressing and pace makes him a huge asset for the future. Because of this, Marcus Rashford appears to be without a role, as he would have to play as a centre-forward or right winger, not on his natural left spot.

With no guaranteed place in Hansi Flick’s rotation, the Blaugrana could decide not to go ahead with his signing, as they would have to pay at least €20 million or even more. In addition, Marcus Rashford may be tempted to join any other top European clubs, where he could have much more prominence and play in his preferred left-wing position, something Barcelona do not seem able to offer.

Entering the match in the second half immediately following the cooling break in the 70th minute, Messi quickly asserted himself by controlling possession in midfield and slipping a clinical through ball to Lautaro Martinez. Finding himself one-on-one with Elias Olafsson, the striker saw his initial effort nearing the post but managed to draw a penalty after being brought down by the rushing goalkeeper.

On just his fourth touch of the match, Messi stepped up to take the spot-kick, and although Olafsson guessed the correct side, the Inter Miami star slotted a precise finish into the top right corner just out of the keeper’s reach. With the conversion, the forward doubled Argentina’s advantage just two minutes after his introduction.

With the strike, Messi inflated his staggering international tallies to 117 goals and 61 assists in 198 caps, while simultaneously reaching 911 all-time career goals. His impact didn’t stop there, either; the captain orchestrated Argentina’s third and final goal of the evening, dropping a perfectly weighted ball into the box to Rodrigo De Paul, who squared it for Thiago Almada to tap home and wrap up the 3-0 victory just one week before their World Cup debut.

Messi breaks 69-year-old record with Argentina

Messi has already claimed countless records throughout his legendary career for both club and country, and he stands a chance to shatter even more during the 2026 World Cup. Yet, even before the tournament officially kicks off, the talismanic forward has already rewritten the history books by eclipsing an international milestone that had stood for nearly seven decades.

By finding the back of the net against Iceland, Lionel Messi became the oldest player ever to score a goal for the Argentina national team. The legendary playmaker now claims sole possession of the record at 38 years, 11 months, and 14 days old.

The historic benchmark was originally established by iconic striker Angel Labruna back on July 7, 1957, and for the last 69 years, no one had been able to dethrone him until now. The legendary River Plate forward had set the record during a 2-1 friendly victory over bitter rivals Brazil, scoring at the age of 38 years, 9 months, and 8 days old.

The reason Szoboszlai will not be in the competition is that his country did not qualify. Hungary was a major part of the sport in its early days, with some memorable names, though not so much in recent years.

In UEFA qualifying, they finished third in their group behind Portugal and the Republic of Ireland. With only the group winner earning a direct spot and the runners-up reaching a playoff, Hungary were out of contention after a very poor campaign.

Hungary’s World Cup history

In the modern era, it is normal to see Hungary outside the World Cup after they have not been able to produce teams good enough in recent years, failing to qualify since 1986. However, that is not the full story of a country that once dominated the sport.

When looking at the list of finals since the tournament was created in 1930, Hungary is probably the most surprising country to feature in it given how often they have failed to qualify in recent decades.

Their nine appearances show that they were not always absent. During the 1950s, Hungary was the most dominant team, as Ferenc Puskás showed his talent, but he was not alone in the lineup of the Mighty Magyars, who revolutionized the way the game was played at the time.

The best performance

Their best performance came in 1954, when they made a brilliant run highlighted by an 8-3 group-stage win over strong Germany, only to lose to them in the final by 3-2 in the match known as the “Miracle of Bern”. They were also finalists in 1938 before losing 4-2 to Italy.

While reflecting on legendary locker room figures like Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini during his time at Juventus in an interview with The Athletic, Danilo addressed about how Ronaldo was like as a teammate: “I’d played with him at Madrid (too). In Turin, he was more experienced but still scoring a lot of goals, still professional all the time. He pushed you, made you perform at your best in training, in games.“

First at Real Madrid and later at Juventus, Danilo had the privilege of sharing a locker room with Ronaldo across two different clubs, lifting major silverware together including the 2015-16 and 2016-17 UEFA Champions League titles. Yet, beyond his game-winning performances on the pitch, it was Ronaldo’s daily intensity in training that truly made his presence felt.

The Brazilian full-back then offered some insight into the contrast between Ronaldo’s public persona and the man his teammates knew. “People think Cristiano is like an extraterrestrial, but he was a normal guy who would laugh and have a good time with his family. But of course, Cristiano lives for football, in almost everything that he does, to be better every day,” Danilo added.

Now 34 years old and playing out the twilight of his career with Flamengo, Danilo still managed to secure a spot on Brazil’s 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti holds Danilo in high regard, valuing the veteran right-back’s leadership qualities and tournament experience even if he is no longer at the absolute peak of his physical powers.

Having shared a locker room with one of the greatest players ever and now playing under one of the most decorated managers in soccer history, Danilo drew a striking parallel between the two: “Ancelotti is like Cristiano. One of the most famous people in football, yet he lives the days with us like a normal person. He’s humble, and this is one of the most important abilities of champions. He won a lot, but he works as if he has won nothing.“

Ronaldo’s lasting impact on Danilo

Upon arriving at Juventus in 2019, Danilo spent two more seasons alongside Ronaldo before the forward’s high-profile return to Manchester United in 2021. Even so, that window was more than enough for the Brazilian to forge a tight bond with the Portugal captain, leading to a heartfelt send-off when Ronaldo departed Italy.

In a past Instagram post, the veteran defender dedicated a special message to his longtime teammate: “It was a pleasure to share two successful years with you, and also to learn from you every day how to be stronger in every situation, to be a fighter and to be extremely professional! Thanks for the friendship that we have made during this time. I wish you all the best for the next step. Keep making people happy!“

The national team that represents Cameroon finished second in their final-round group. Only the winners of each of the nine groups qualified directly, with the best four runners-up heading to a playoff for a place in the intercontinental matches.

Their 19 points in 10 matches were behind Cape Verde’s 23, but enough for the next round. This brief playoff of four teams saw them eliminated in the semifinals against DR Congo, who ended up qualifying after an extra-time victory over Jamaica in the interconfederation playoff.

Cameroon’s World Cup history

This country has mostly been seen as a tough rival for anyone, as it is the African team with the most World Cup participations. Their total of eight appearances began in 1982 and gave them the record.

In the last editions, they have been plagued by inconsistency after qualifying, which can be seen in how early they returned from the competition, with only one run beyond the group stage.

They were especially notable in 1990, not just because of the presence of Roger Milla, who was 38 years old and had his famous celebrations, but also for defeating the defending champions Argentina in their opening match and putting themselves on the map for casual fans.

The best performance

Getting out of the group only once means that is their best performance, but it was not just a good one. Cameroon’s run in 1990 should remain in the history books for everything they did after their first match. They were able to reach the round of 16, where they beat Colombia with two Milla goals in extra time. This was followed by a 3-2 defeat to England in the quarterfinals also after extra time.

The game 7a0, or Sete a Zero in Portuguese, has taken over social media lately because it is so entertaining. The obvious goal is to become champion with a record of 7-0, which may seem outdated now that the expansion to 48 teams has added one more match.

To play this game in a browser or on mobile, you just have to go to 7a0.com.br. People can start playing right away with no need to create an account, which is another advantage, along with the fact that it is free.

The game

There is a very important background element because it features a lot of information. A total of 52 countries are part of it, with 250 teams and 5,729 players who were rated based on their performance at that moment.

The game itself is pretty simple. As with any team you build, you must choose a tactical setup between 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-2-4, 3-5-2, 5-3-2, 4-5-1, and 3-4-3, along with a defensive, balanced, or offensive style of play.

You must then roll a dice that selects a specific team like Brazil 1970. A full group of players appears for you to choose from. After selecting the player, users must click the position where they want to place him. Then comes the final part, which is the simulation of matches.

The bonus

Another part that adds some skill to counter the luck is the three bonus changes that are possible. If you do not like the team, you can choose to change the country or the year. For example, if France 1994 is rolled but you do not like it, you can change the team, which would select another team from 1994, or change the year, which would give another year for the same country that was rolled.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni made the decision to hold Messi back from the start as a precautionary measure, not because of any remaining physical issue, but to avoid any unnecessary risk with the World Cup opener just one week away. Despite the conservative approach, Scaloni confirmed that Messi will see action off the bench.

At Monday’s press conference, Scaloni addressed the situation directly. “He is going to play; what I don’t know is how many minutes. I still have to speak with him, we still have today’s training session. We will see how many minutes to avoid taking any kind of risk, and we will decide then. But in principle, yes, he will get minutes,” Scaloni said.

Messi had also been kept on the bench for the Honduras friendly on June 6, when he was not yet fully recovered from the muscular fatigue that had sidelined him late in the MLS season. With Argentina’s World Cup debut against Algeria set for June 16, the priority is ensuring the captain arrives at that game at full capacity.

Scaloni betting on youth

With Messi held back, Scaloni has used the Iceland game as an opportunity to rotate the lineup and give younger players a meaningful audition, particularly in the midfield and attacking positions. Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios and Valentin Barco are set to cover the midfield, with Giuliano Simeone expected to operate on one of the flanks.

In the forward positions, with Julian Alvarez still unavailable and both Lautaro Martinez and Messi waiting on the bench, Scaloni has placed his trust in two of the squad’s youngest attacking options. Nico Paz will operate in a creative role similar to the one typically occupied by Messi, behind central striker Jose Manuel Lopez, who is set for his fifth Argentina appearance in an attacking combination that has not been seen before.

Scaloni has made clear that Tuesday’s match will serve as the final audition before the official 26-man World Cup roster is confirmed, making it a decisive opportunity for those still on the fringes of the squad. Leonardo Balerdi’s replacement has yet to be officially announced, though Guido Rodríguez is the frontrunner for that spot, while the fitness of several other players continues to keep the door open for last-minute changes.

As has often been the case over the years, there are two names to watch when it comes to records: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Whether for longevity or pure talent, both legends could add new marks in this edition.

They are not the only players who could reach historic heights in the coming weeks. The main name after them chasing history is Kylian Mbappé, while Harry Kane and even Guillermo Ochoa could also leave their mark on the tournament.

Most all-time World Cup goals

This may be the most interesting record to watch. It is currently held by Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals for Germany in his career. The main challengers are Messi with 13 and Mbappé with 12.

Most World Cup match appearances

This record should be broken if nothing unusual happens, because it is held by Messi with 26 appearances. That means every time Argentina take the field with him in the lineup, the record grows.

Most individual World Cup match wins

While soccer is not usually viewed as an individual sport, it can still be revealing to see which players have won the most matches. Before the competition begins, the record is held by Klose with 17 wins for Germany, but Messi is right behind him with 16.

Most World Cup tournaments played

Player longevity has increased so much in recent years, thanks in part to advances in sports science and technology, that this record has two players ready to make their sixth World Cup in Messi and Ronaldo. Ochoa was called up for a sixth tournament, but he did not play in 2006 or 2010. This record also includes Lothar Matthäus, Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Márquez, and Andrés Guardado.

Oldest goalscorer in a knockout match

This record could be challenged by several players, because Pepe was 39 years and 283 days old when he scored for Portugal against Switzerland in the round of 16 in Qatar. However, this edition features several big names who could break it, including Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Edin Džeko. With the addition of an extra knockout round after the group stage, this record looks more reachable.

Most players over 40 in a single tournament

In the past, it was not common to see players over 40 at the biggest stage. However, that has become more normal. The record was just one in different editions, and it should be shattered this time. The players over 40 are Ronaldo, Modrić, Džeko, Manuel Neuer, Craig Gordon, Ochoa, Vozinha, and Fernando Muslera.

Oldest outfield player in a World Cup final

Goalkeepers were historically the position that allowed players to stay active until later ages. When focusing only on outfield players, Nílton Santos stands out. The legendary left back was in Brazil’s lineup in 1962 at 37 years and 32 days. Messi and Ronaldo are the obvious names that could break this record, while Otamendi would need a Messi absence in a hypothetical final.

Captaining back-to-back World Cup titles

This record could only be broken by Messi, as Argentina are the defending champions. There were two teams that repeated as champions in the past, but their captains did not remain the same for different reasons. Italy’s 1934 title was captained by Giampiero Combi, who retired afterward and passed the armband to Giuseppe Meazza. Brazil’s captain in 1958 was Hilderaldo Bellini as the central defender. For the country, it is traditional that only a player in the starting lineup can be captain, so even though he was in the squad in 1962, the captain that year was Mauro Ramos.

Winning the Golden Boot twice

No player in World Cup history has ever won the Golden Boot twice, which could happen in this edition. The list includes three players who could do it, as the active former winners are Mbappé, Kane, and James Rodríguez, the last three holders of the prize.

According to a report from ESPN Argentina insider Esteban Edul, Valencia defensive midfielder Guido Rodríguez has emerged as the frontrunner to claim the open roster spot left behind by the Olympique de Marseille center-back.

While Edul noted that midfielders Máximo Perrone and Emiliano Buendía remain on Scaloni’s radar, Rodríguez currently holds a significant edge. By selecting a natural holding midfielder, Scaloni would secure tactical insurance for Leandro Paredes, who continues to undergo intensive rehabilitation for a right hamstring strain.

Speaking at his Monday press conference ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Iceland, Scaloni indicated that a final decision will be made no later than Wednesday, June 10, factoring in how his remaining squad members recover physically from their final European warmup match.

“We can take these next few days, and by Wednesday, whoever we decide on will be with us,” Scaloni told reporters. “We feel well-covered in [Balerdi’s] position, so we will evaluate other options based on how the rest of the guys pull through physically”.

Why is Scaloni swapping a defender for a midfielder?

When Balerdi was ruled out with a muscle tear during training camp, conventional wisdom suggested Scaloni would simply call up a direct positional replacement or another versatile defender.

However, the coaching staff is highly confident in their current defensive depth, assuming no further injuries surface before the opening World Cup whistle in North America.

Argentina‘s final roster boasts a robust defensive unit featuring right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, a world-class central pairing of Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolás Otamendi, alongside Facundo Medina and Nicolás Tagliafico holding down the left side.

Furthermore, Scaloni has baked immense flexibility into his squad; versatile players like Nicolás González, Valentín Barco, and Giuliano Simeone are fully capable of dropping back into wing-back roles, which would allow Medina to shift centrally if extra cover is needed.

During a recent appearance on The Overlap podcast, Klinsmann was asked for his prediction on the next World Cup champion. He made it clear that he has at least two favorites and began by naming one of them.

“Portugal, because I see a little bit similarities to Argentina in Qatar, where everybody played for Messi,” said the German legend. “In Portugal, everybody plays for Ronaldo. Cristiano is fully supported by this incredible team.”

However, Klinsmann did not limit his praise of Portugal to Ronaldo‘s presence alone. He also highlighted other qualities that make the national team a serious contender: “It’s an incredible team of quality, with a very very good coach, Roberto Martinez.”

The other World Cup favorites, according to Klinsmann

In the same conversation, Jurgen Klinsmann named two other teams that, in his view, have just as much chance as Portugal of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “I think Brazil has also a shot at it,” said the former striker.

“And England has absolute qualit… if they have the believe,” added Klinsmann before joking: “I’m not saying that because they have a German coach. I’m saying that because they have the team to do that.” The joke was, of course, a reference to the fact that he shares his nationality with Thomas Tuchel.

Who is Jurgen Klinsmann?

Jurgen Klinsmann‘s comments carry weight given his status as one of soccer’s biggest stars of the late 20th century. He spent five seasons with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga before joining Inter Milan in 1989, where he enjoyed some of the best years of his career. He later played for clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, AS Monaco, and Bayern Munich.

Klinsmann is especially remembered for his performances with the Germany national team. He played a key role in Germany’s triumph at the 1990 FIFA World Cup and also represented his country at the 1994 and 1998 editions of the tournament.

Ronaldo arrives heading into what is arguably Portugal’s most promising World Cup cycle in recent memory, even if his own body is no longer operating at peak capacity at 41. Surrounded by a squad loaded with talent including Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes, the Selecao arrive as reigning UEFA Nations League champions after defeating Lamine Yamal’s Spain in the final, with the 2026 World Cup representing Ronaldo’s last realistic opportunity to claim the one trophy that has eluded him.

His legacy in the competition is already etched into the record books. Ronaldo holds the distinction of having scored in five different World Cup editions, a mark no other player in history has matched. With 22 appearances, eight goals and two assists across those campaigns, the 2026 edition will mark his sixth World Cup, a record he is expected to share with Messi.

As for the Argentine captain, he heads to North America carrying a responsibility no previous version of himself has had to bear: defending the title. Messi will turn 39 on June 24, right in the middle of the group stage, and with the 2030 World Cup arriving when he would be 42, this tournament is his farewell. He arrives as the player with the most World Cup appearances in history with 26, holding a record of 13 goals and eight assists, and with a realistic shot at chasing down Miroslav Klose’s all-time leading mark of 16 goals.

Luka Modric’s last World Cup

Luka Modric will also be taking his final bow on the world stage in 2026. Now 40, the Croatian legend is preparing for his fifth World Cup appearance, having featured in every edition since 2006 with the exception of South Africa 2010.

Modric holds the record for most World Cup appearances in Croatian history with 18, surpassing Dario Simic’s previous mark of 11. With two goals and an assist across those tournaments, and having led Croatia to the final in 2018 and a semifinal in 2022, the midfielder is chasing one final memorable chapter on the game’s grandest stage.

Neymar’s last World Cup

Neymar will also be making what is widely expected to be his last World Cup appearance in 2026. After suffering an ACL injury in October 2023, the forward went more than two years without representing Brazil at international level due to persistent fitness issues, but has earned his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad at 34 to pursue what has been one of the defining ambitions of his career.

Making his World Cup debut as the host nation’s standout star in Brazil 2014, Neymar is set to appear at the tournament for the fourth time, having registered 13 appearances, eight goals and four assists. After falling agonizingly short in the semifinals in 2014 and the quarterfinals in 2018 and 2022, the Canarinha will be pushing to reach the final for the first time since 2002.

Nicolas Otamendi’s last World Cup

Alongside Messi, Nicolas Otamendi stands as one of the defining veteran presences in Argentina’s squad, and 2026 will mark the end of his international journey as well. Having first appeared on the World Cup stage in 2010 and missing 2014, Otamendi became a cornerstone of Argentina’s golden era, winning two Copa Americas, the Finalissima and the World Cup.

The defender has already publicly stated that the tournament will be his last with the national team, with no farewell match planned after the fact, something that may still be considered for Messi. Across his World Cup career, Otamendi has appeared in 14 matches, contributing one assist and collecting five yellow cards.

Fernando Muslera’s last World Cup

Fernando Muslera will also be stepping onto the World Cup stage for the final time. The Uruguayan icon, who served as a backup during Qatar 2022, has fought his way back into Marcelo Bielsa’s plans, with the veteran coach handing the 39-year-old one last opportunity to compete at a fifth World Cup.

Since his debut in 2010, when Uruguay reached the semifinals, Muslera has appeared in 16 World Cup matches, conceding 17 goals and keeping seven clean sheets.

Manuel Neuer’s last World Cup

Manuel Neuer, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the sport, will also be playing his final World Cup. After an extended absence from the Germany national team following Euro 2024 where he announced his international retirement, Neuer is set to make his return following another standout season at Bayern Munich.

The only remaining player from Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, the 40-year-old will be appearing at a fifth World Cup. He has played 19 matches between 2010 and 2022, conceding 16 goals and keeping seven clean sheets, and will be hoping to help Germany break through after early exits in each of the last two tournaments.

Guillermo Ochoa’s last World Cup

Guillermo Ochoa will join Ronaldo and Messi in making history by competing at a sixth World Cup, though his first appearance came in Brazil 2014. Representing Mexico, the 40-year-old has played in 11 World Cup matches, conceding 12 goals and keeping four clean sheets.

Head coach Javier Aguirre has already confirmed that Ochoa will start El Tri’s opening game against South Africa in what is sure to be an emotional occasion for the veteran keeper.

Kevin De Bruyne’s last World Cup

Kevin De Bruyne, 34, will also be making his final World Cup appearance in North America. A central figure in Belgium’s golden generation, De Bruyne has featured at every tournament since 2014, accumulating 13 appearances, two goals and four assists for the Red Devils.

Tim Ream’s last World Cup

At 38, Tim Ream will be savoring his second and final World Cup on home soil. Already 35 when he played all four of the USMNT’s matches at Qatar 2022, Ream remains a trusted figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, and the coach has confirmed that the veteran center back will wear the captain’s armband throughout the 2026 tournament.

Craig Gordon’s last World Cup

Twenty-eight years after Scotland’s last World Cup appearance, iconic goalkeeper Craig Gordon will finally get the chance to experience it at 43 years old. After playing a key role in the team’s qualifying campaign, Gordon earned his place in the final roster and will now make history in more ways than one.

His inclusion will see him surpass Colombia’s Faryd Mondragon as the second-oldest player ever to appear at a World Cup, a record currently held at the top by Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary, who performed at Russia 2018 at the age of 45.

The tournament in North America is ready to welcome icons of the game like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappe. Yet, a striking list of world-class talent will be noticeably missing from the pitch this summer.

For some, an agonizingly timed injury shattered their World Cup dreams, as seen with Brazil’s Eder Militao and Rodrygo, or Germany’s Serge Gnabry. For others, the omission comes down to strict, high-stakes managerial decisions.

Powerhouse nations boast such intense roster competition that managers have ruthlessly left behind star names, highlighted by Thomas Tuchel’s shocking decisions to omit Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold from England’s final 26-man squad.

The 2026 World Cup Absent XI

Goalkeeper

• Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy): Despite racking up 64 caps and an Euros trophy for his country, the Manchester City star will incredibly miss his third consecutive World Cup after Italy once again failed to qualify.

Defenders

• Trent Alexander-Arnold (England): In one of the most controversial roster cuts of the year, England boss Thomas Tuchel opted to leave the elite playmaker out of his tactical plans for North America.
• Harry Maguire (England): Another high-profile casualty of Tuchel’s defensive overhaul for the Three Lions.
• Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands): The Manchester United center-back was forced to accept defeat and miss the tournament entirely after undergoing corrective back surgery in mid-May.
• Marcos Acuña (Argentina): A 2022 World Cup winner who will not be defending the crown, having been entirely excluded from Lionel Scaloni’s highly competitive squad.

Midfielders

• Sandro Tonali (Italy): Much like his compatriot Donnarumma, the dynamic Newcastle midfielder is trapped on the outside looking in due to Italy’s qualification failure.
• Eduardo Camavinga (France): In a testament to France’s terrifying midfield depth, the Real Madrid star was left out of Didier Deschamps’ final World Cup squad selection.
• Cole Palmer (England): Perhaps the most shocking tactical omission in the World Cup. Despite a sensational club season, Palmer was left off England’s flight to the United States by Tuchel.

Forwards

• Rodrygo (Brazil): The Seleção frontline takes a massive hit as the Real Madrid winger was officially ruled out due to a late physical injury.
• Robert Lewandowski (Poland): The legendary striker misses out on one final World Cup run after Poland suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Sweden in the UEFA playoff final.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia): The PSG star won’t bring his signature flair to North America, as Georgia was unable to navigate the brutal European qualifying cycles.