World Cup
2026 News
All the World Cup 2026 news, opinion and analysis from FootballPickr.
Salah Leads Egypt Into World Cup History With Penalty Heroics
Mohamed Salah has been absolutely central to everything Egypt have done in their World Cup campaign. When the pressure was at its highest, he was exactly where you'd want him to be.
Declan Rice Set to Start for England Against Mexico Despite Injury Concern
Declan Rice looks set to be fit enough to start for England when they take on Mexico at the World Cup, despite some ongoing injury concerns. Good news for England fans, and probably bad news for Mexico.
Farewell Cape Verde: The World Cup Underdogs Nobody Will Forget
Cape Verde may be heading home but they leave with heads held high after pushing defending champions Argentina all the way. The smallest nation at the World Cup made a lasting impression nobody saw coming.
Argentina vs Cape Verde: The World Cup Mismatch Nobody Expected to Love
On paper it looks like a foregone conclusion, but the World Cup has a funny way of making fools of paper. Argentina versus Cape Verde is the kind of fixture that sounds absurd until you actually think about it.
England vs Mexico Tickets Listed for £26K on FIFA Resale Portal
Tickets for England's last 16 clash against Mexico are appearing on FIFA's official resale portal for eye-watering amounts. Some listings are hitting £26,000, and honestly, it tells you everything about the state of football right now.
Portugal Want to Win the 2026 World Cup for Diogo Jota — and That's a Powerful Thing
One year on from the tragic death of Diogo Jota, Portugal are channelling his memory as motivation at the 2026 World Cup. It is a story that goes well beyond football.
Germany Crash Out to Paraguay in World Cup Shootout Nightmare — Is Nagelsmann Finished?
Germany have been knocked out of the World Cup by Paraguay in a penalty shootout, marking another painful chapter in their recent international history. The pressure on Julian Nagelsmann has never been greater.
Tuchel Promises England Will Rise to the Occasion as They Top World Cup Group L
England are through to the World Cup knockout stages as group winners after beating Panama 2-0, though it was far from pretty. Thomas Tuchel is promising bigger performances for bigger games, and fans will be hoping he's right.
Maestro Messi Breaks World Cup Record as Argentina Beat Jordan 3-1
Lionel Messi came off the bench and did what Lionel Messi does. Another goal, another record, another reminder that we are all just living in his world.
England Beat Panama 2-0 to Top Group L and Reach World Cup Last 32
England made it through to the World Cup last 32 with a fairly comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were the men who did the damage for Thomas Tuchel's side.
Cape Verde at the World Cup: How the Tiny Island Nation Earned an Argentina Showdown
Cape Verde have pulled off one of the great World Cup stories, making it to the knockout rounds against all the odds. Now they get Argentina. No pressure lads.
Pochettino Has USA Dreaming of World Cup Glory — And It Might Not Be Crazy
Mauricio Pochettino has done something genuinely impressive — he has made the United States believe they can win a World Cup. Whether the rest of the world agrees is another matter, but the belief is real and it counts for something.
Cape Verde Fan's Live BBC Reaction to First Ever World Cup Goal Is Pure Football Joy
Sometimes football delivers moments that remind you exactly why you fell in love with the game. A Cape Verde fan being interviewed live on BBC News when his country scored their first ever World Cup goal is absolutely one of those moments.
Saka Fitness Boost for England Ahead of Ghana World Cup Clash
Bukayo Saka has been spotted back in training with the England squad, lifting the mood in the camp ahead of their World Cup clash with Ghana. Thomas Tuchel will be quietly pleased with that one.
Lamine Yamal Is Already Making This His World Cup
Spain looked a completely different side with Lamine Yamal on the pitch. At just 18, he might be about to own the biggest stage in football.
Marsch Calls Kone Injury a 'Huge Loss' After Canada Thrash Qatar 6-0
Canada put six past Qatar in Vancouver to kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign in style. But the celebrations were tempered by a worrying injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.
Yoane Wissa Earns DR Congo Their First Ever World Cup Point in Portugal Draw
DR Congo made history at the World Cup after Yoane Wissa's equaliser earned them a draw against Portugal. It was a result that nobody outside of Kinshasa saw coming.
Ronaldo Struggles as Portugal Held by DR Congo While Other Superstars Shine
While other superstars were busy stealing headlines at the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo had a tough night as Portugal could only manage a draw against DR Congo. It's getting harder to ignore the gap between what Ronaldo once was and what he currently offers at international level.
Pogba Claims 2026 France Squad Is Better Than the 2018 World Cup Winners
Paul Pogba has stirred the pot by claiming the current France setup is better than the 2018 World Cup winning side he was part of. It's a bold take, but is he actually wrong?
Pulisic Subbed Off at Halftime Against Paraguay — How Worried Should USA Be?
Christian Pulisic was taken off at halftime during the USA's World Cup opener against Paraguay, with the Americans already 3-0 up. The nature of the substitution has raised a few eyebrows heading into the second half.
Bellingham Says England Players Need to Feel Loved to Succeed at the World Cup
Jude Bellingham has been speaking about what England need emotionally to succeed at this summer's World Cup. And honestly, he has a point worth listening to.
Canada's Best Ever Team Ready to Shine at Their Home World Cup in 2026
With all the noise around the US and Mexico as 2026 co-hosts, Canada have been flying quietly under the radar. That could be about to change in a big way.
Why Are So Many Footballers Wearing Pink Boots at the 2026 World Cup?
The opening match of the 2026 World Cup looked less like a football game and more like a bubblegum factory had sponsored the whole thing. Pink boots were absolutely everywhere, and there's actually a pretty interesting reason why.
McTominay Travels Separately With Doctor Ahead of Scotland's World Cup Opener
Scotland's most important midfielder travelled apart from the squad with a doctor by his side ahead of their World Cup opener. It's not the kind of news any Scotland fan wants to read in the build-up to their biggest game in years.
Germany Players Foot the Bill for 600 Fans to Travel to World Cup Group Game
Germany's players are putting their hands in their pockets to help 600 fans get to their final World Cup group game in New Jersey. It's a classy gesture that comes on the back of widespread criticism about the cost of getting around at this tournament.
Pochettino Says USA Can Surprise the World at 2026 – Is He Right?
Mauricio Pochettino is backing the USA to be taken seriously at their home World Cup in 2026. It sounds like a bold claim, but is he actually onto something?
Gordon Shines as England Breeze Past Costa Rica in World Cup Warm-Up
England eased past Costa Rica in their last warm-up game before the World Cup, with Thomas Tuchel giving a clear indication of his plans. Anthony Gordon was one of the standout performers on the night.
Tuchel Urges England to Dream Big But Treads Carefully With Saka
Thomas Tuchel has told England to dare to dream ahead of the World Cup while admitting Bukayo Saka is being handled with care. The Arsenal winger's fitness is becoming one of the bigger talking points around the national team.
Messi Set to Feature as Argentina Face Iceland in Final World Cup Warm-Up
Lionel Messi is set to feature for Argentina in their final friendly before the 2026 World Cup against Iceland on Tuesday night. Manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed the news while insisting the team will not take any unnecessary risks with their captain.
Djed Spence Eyeing World Cup Spot Despite Broken Jaw — Fair Play to Him
Djed Spence broke his jaw but is already talking up his chances of making England's World Cup squad. The defender's determination is hard not to admire.
Why Michael Olise Could Be France's Breakout Star at World Cup 2026
Gael Clichy thinks Michael Olise has what it takes to be one of France's best players at the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich forward has been turning heads, and it sounds like he's only just getting started.
Somali Referee Omar Artan Misses World Cup After Being Denied Entry to the US
Omar Artan was on the verge of making history as the first Somali referee at a World Cup finals. That dream has been shattered after he was denied entry into the United States.
Spain Rest Yamal and Williams for Peru Friendly Ahead of World Cup Opener
Spain are taking no chances with their two brightest young talents ahead of the World Cup. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will sit out Monday's friendly against Peru as the Spanish camp focuses on getting both players fully fit.
Man Utd-Bound Ederson Called Up as Brazil Lose Wesley to Injury
Brazil have been handed a fitness blow with Wesley ruled out of the World Cup through injury. Manchester United-bound Ederson has been called up to fill the gap in the squad.
Declan Rice Named England Vice-Captain for the World Cup
Declan Rice is set to wear the vice-captain's armband for England at the World Cup. It's a smart call from Gareth Southgate, and here's why it makes a lot of sense.
Dembélé Says France Squad Fired Up to Send Deschamps Off in Style
Ousmane Dembélé has spoken out about Didier Deschamps leaving his role as France manager, insisting the squad sees it as fuel rather than a problem. The winger wants Les Bleus to send their long-serving boss out with the biggest trophy in football.
NYC Mayor Mamdani Makes Bold African World Cup 2026 Prediction
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has thrown his weight behind an African side to win the 2026 World Cup. It is the kind of prediction that gets people talking, even if the odds are not exactly screaming agreement.
US Show Promise But Fall Short Against Germany in Final World Cup Warm-Up
The United States fell 2-1 to Germany in their last warm-up before the World Cup, with Antonee Robinson grabbing the only goal for the Americans. It wasn't the result they wanted, but there were signs of life that'll give the camp something to work with.
Could Messi Win a Second World Cup and Finally Eclipse Maradona?
Lionel Messi won the World Cup in Qatar and the footballing world went delirious. But could he actually go and do it again in 2026?
England Beat New Zealand 1-0 in World Cup Warm-Up as Kane Does What Kane Does
England got their World Cup preparations off to a winning start with a narrow 1-0 victory over New Zealand in Tampa, Florida. Harry Kane, as reliable as ever, got the only goal with a header.
Patient, Precise and Clinical — Are Scotland Ready to Make Their World Cup Mark?
Scotland put Bolivia to the sword in a performance that had fans daring to dream ahead of the World Cup. One week out from the biggest game of their international lives, are they actually ready?
England and Tuchel Must Get Serious Before World Cup 2026 Campaign Begins
England have treated their recent preparations a bit like a kickabout with mates, and that needs to change fast. Thomas Tuchel has one more chance to get things right before the serious stuff begins.
World Cup 2026 Rule Changes: VAR, New Red Cards and What It All Means
The 2026 World Cup is going to be bigger and longer than anything we've seen before, and it turns out the rulebook is getting a serious makeover too. From expanded VAR responsibilities to new red card offences, there's plenty to get your head around before the tournament kicks off.
Lightning Stops Saudi Arabia's World Cup Warm-Up Dead in Its Tracks in Texas
Saudi Arabia's World Cup preparations hit an unexpected snag in Texas when lightning forced their friendly against Puerto Rico to be suspended for nearly two hours. Not exactly the kind of drama anyone was expecting from this one.
Mr Irreplaceable and Ballon d'Or Contender — Is This Harry Kane's Time to Shine?
Harry Kane has been called irreplaceable for England, and with the World Cup on the horizon, the question is whether this is finally his moment. The Bayern Munich striker is playing some of the best football of his career, and the Ballon d'Or conversation is starting to get serious.
Messi 'Doing Well' and Could Feature in World Cup Warmup Games
Good news is coming out of the Argentina camp as Lionel Messi is said to be doing well and could feature in upcoming World Cup warmup matches. For football fans everywhere, that is about as welcome an update as you can get.
How Thunderstorms and Lightning Could Disrupt World Cup 2026 Games
The 2026 World Cup could face some seriously dramatic weather disruptions, and not the good kind of drama. Several host cities are bang in the middle of thunderstorm season when the tournament kicks off.
Superstar in Spain, Doubted in Brazil: Can Vinicius Win Over a Nation?
Vinicius Junior tears apart the best defences in Europe week after week, yet back home in Brazil he still divides opinion. Something has to give at the World Cup.
Spain Held by Iraq in Frustrating World Cup Warm-Up Draw
Spain were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Iraq in their opening World Cup warm-up match. Without Lamine Yamal, La Roja looked a very different proposition going forward.
Shakira Set to Light Up the 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico
Shakira is heading back to the World Cup stage, confirmed to perform her official 2026 tournament song at the opening ceremony in Mexico. It feels like a full circle moment for one of football's most iconic musical partnerships.
World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices Are All Over the Place — Should We Be Worried?
Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are dropping and nobody seems quite sure what is going on. With the tournament billed as the biggest ever, empty seats would be an embarrassing outcome.
Marcus Rashford Heads to the World Cup With His Future Still a Complete Mess
Marcus Rashford has shown plenty of his best stuff at Barcelona but his future is far from sorted heading into the World Cup. Between wages, transfer fees and Anthony Gordon's arrival, it's complicated.
Fifa Bans Fans From Bringing Water Bottles Into World Cup Stadiums
Fifa has confirmed that fans will not be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums, citing safety concerns. It's a late policy change that has left plenty of supporters frustrated.
Bellingham Gets the No 10 Shirt — England's World Cup Statement of Intent
Thomas Tuchel has handed Jude Bellingham the iconic England No 10 shirt ahead of the World Cup, with Trent Alexander-Arnold's positional partner Adam Wharton settling into midfield. It's a clear signal of where Bellingham sits in Tuchel's plans.
FIFA's New Offside Tech Could Change the World Cup 2026 Forever
FIFA has unveiled new offside technology set to be used at the 2026 World Cup, and it could finally put an end to those agonising delayed flag moments. Here is everything you need to know about what is coming.
Can Ancelotti Win Over Brazil and Deliver World Cup Glory in 2026?
Carlo Ancelotti has never been a man who shies away from a big job, but taking charge of Brazil might be the biggest ask of his entire career. Winning over a nation that bleeds football is one thing — actually delivering a World Cup is quite another.
Messi and Argentina Touch Down in Style for World Cup 2026 Title Defence
The reigning world champions are in town and they've arrived in proper style. Lionel Messi and Argentina touched down in the United States on a custom jet paying tribute to their 1978 World Cup win, with their title defence kicking off against Algeria on June 16.
End of an Era: Bielsa Leaves Suarez Out of Uruguay's 2026 World Cup Squad
Marcelo Bielsa has made one of the boldest calls of his Uruguay tenure by leaving Luis Suarez out of the 2026 World Cup squad. It is the end of an era for one of South American football's greatest ever players.
Christian Pulisic Back to His Best as USA Beat Senegal 3-2 in World Cup Warm-Up
Christian Pulisic ended a miserable six-month goal drought with a goal and an assist as the USA beat Senegal 3-2. With a home World Cup on the horizon, the timing could not be better for the AC Milan man.
France's World Cup Squad — The Most Complete Team at the Tournament
Didier Deschamps has been France manager for 14 years. He won the World Cup in 2018. He reached the final in 2022. He has now named his squad for what he has confirmed will be his last tournament as manager. If France win this one he goes down as one of the greatest international managers in history.
Spain's World Cup Squad — Reigning Champions and Ready to Do It Again
The story of Spain's World Cup squad announcement was supposed to be about Lamine Yamal's fitness. And it was. But then Luis de la Fuente read out the full list and people realised something extraordinary — there is not a single Real Madrid player in the squad.
World Cup 2026 Group by Group Predictions — Who Goes Through?
The groups are set. The squads are almost all confirmed. The tournament starts June 11 and it is time to make some predictions. Twelve groups, 48 teams, 32 qualification spots. Here is who we think goes through — and where the biggest upsets will happen.
World Cup 2026 Young Players to Watch — The Next Generation Takes the Stage
Every World Cup produces a young player who comes from nowhere and becomes a global star by the time the final whistle goes. In 1998 it was Thierry Henry. In 2006 it was a teenage Messi. In 2018 it was Mbappe. In 2022 it was Yamal's predecessor Pedri. In 2026 the conversation starts and ends with Lamine Yamal.
Neymar at the World Cup — Romance or Madness?
Nobody does drama quite like Neymar. Not on the pitch, not off it, and certainly not in a squad announcement. Carlo Ancelotti stood up in Rio de Janeiro and read out that name and the crowd lost their minds.
Joao Pedro's Brazil Snub — Ancelotti Got This One Wrong
Joao Pedro posted a statement on Instagram after being left out of Brazil's World Cup squad. He said he was calm and focused. He wished the squad good luck. He said he would be another fan cheering them on. It was a classy response to a brutal decision.
Brazil's World Cup Squad — Are They Actually Good Enough to Win It?
Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002. Twenty four years. Six tournaments. Quarter final exits, semi final heartbreaks, a 7-1 at home that still makes grown men wince. This is the year Ancelotti is supposed to fix all of that.
Portugal's World Cup Squad — 27 Players Plus One Forever
Roberto Martinez described Portugal's World Cup squad as 27 players plus one. The plus one is Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain last July at just 28 years old. Before a ball has even been kicked, that moment stopped everything.
Ronaldo at 41 — Respect or Embarrassment?
Cristiano Ronaldo is going to his sixth World Cup. Let that sink in. Six. He was at Germany 2006 as a 21 year old full of energy and potential. He will be at USA, Canada and Mexico 2026 as a 41 year old playing his football in Saudi Arabia.
Why England Will Bottle the World Cup Again
Let us start with the facts. England have one of the best squads at this World Cup. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden. Thomas Tuchel in the dugout. On paper this is a team that should be competing to win the thing.
Why Messi's Last World Cup Could Be His Greatest
In 2022 Lionel Messi did something that felt like it could not be real. He carried Argentina to the World Cup title with seven goals and three assists, produced some of the finest football ever seen at a tournament, and finally got the one thing his career had been missing.
Why the USA Are More Dangerous Than People Think
Everyone is focused on France, Argentina, England and Brazil. Understandably. But somewhere in the conversation about who can win this World Cup, people keep forgetting the hosts. The USA are going to be a serious problem for someone in the knockout rounds.