• The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico
• Recent hosts South Africa (2010) and Qatar (2022) both failed to reach the knockout rounds
• Five of the first eleven tournaments were won by the host nation
• Brazil continue their qualification campaign with a fixture against Haiti
• FIFA’s expansion to 48 teams aims to spread football to new global markets

Football tradition suggests that every World Cup needs a strong performance from the host country. When the home team progresses far in the competition, it creates incredible excitement among local supporters and adds passion to the tournament atmosphere.

The 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea provide a clear example. South Korea fought through difficult matches, including some disputed decisions, to reach the semi-finals. Eventually, Germany defeated them, but their courageous journey united the nation and demonstrated the power of home advantage.

In the early decades of the competition, host nations regularly lifted the trophy. The first eleven tournaments saw five victories by countries playing on their own soil. Uruguay started this trend in the inaugural 1930 event. Italy followed four years later, while England claimed glory in 1966. West Germany succeeded in 1974, and Argentina completed this golden era for hosts in 1978.

Today, the situation has changed completely. FIFA continues to push for football growth across new regions worldwide. Because of this global expansion, host nations now struggle to maintain past success rates. Both South Africa in 2010 and Qatar in 2022 failed to progress beyond the initial group phase, departing early despite massive home support.

As Brazil face Haiti in their latest qualifier, attention turns to whether the 2026 North American hosts can reverse this recent pattern. The United States, Canada and Mexico will hope to write their own success stories when the tournament begins.

• Vinicius Jr scores a stunning goal to rescue a 1-1 draw for Brazil against Morocco in Group C
• Carlo Ancelotti apologises after his team produce a disappointing display in his first World Cup match as manager
• The five-time champions avoid their first opening-game defeat since 1934 but look second best for long periods
• Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr reaches 10 goals for his country with his strike in New Jersey
• Brazil must improve quickly with matches against Haiti and Scotland coming next in the group stage

Vinicius Jr proved why he is Brazil’s most important player with a moment of magic that saved his country from embarrassment. The Real Madrid forward scored a brilliant equalizer to earn a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their World Cup opener at the New Jersey stadium.

Before the tournament, Vinicius Jr promised he was not chasing individual awards. “I am here to help Brazil get back to the top,” he said. He kept his word when his team needed him most. Brazil were losing 1-0 and playing poorly when Vinicius received the ball inside the penalty area. He cut inside from the left and fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net.

This was Brazil’s first match of the tournament, but they did not look like five-time world champions. Morocco controlled the game and took the lead through Ismael Saibari. The African side created more chances and looked fitter and sharper.

Carlo Ancelotti, who is managing at his first World Cup at age 67, had to make changes at half-time. He replaced the ageing Casemiro and defender Roger Ibanez. The Italian coach later apologised to the fans for the poor performance. “I am sorry we didn’t play as well as we hoped,” he said. “We have to do better. We must be more balanced and more aggressive.”

Football experts criticised Brazil’s display. Former England captain Alan Shearer called it “ragged”. Ex-Chelsea star Gus Poyet said he was surprised by Brazil’s technical mistakes. “They were missing simple passes,” he told BBC Sport. However, expert Tim Vickery warned that Brazil are dangerous because they can win even when they play badly.

Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002. Their qualifying campaign was difficult, with six defeats in 18 games. This result raises questions about whether they can end their 24-year wait for the trophy. They will face Haiti in Philadelphia on 19 June and Scotland in Miami on 24 June.

For Vinicius Jr, this was his 10th goal for Brazil. He hopes this tournament will make him a legend like Pele and Ronaldo. “I want to write the history of this country,” he said. “We must do everything to win.”

• Vinícius Júnior scores vital equaliser in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco
• Real Madrid forward earns man-of-the-match award in World Cup opener
• Neymar misses matchday squad through injury but remains centre of attention
• Carlo Ancelotti admits Brazil struggled with nerves during first half
• Morocco’s defence holds firm after taking early lead in Group D clash

The iconic Brazil number 10 shirt does not belong to Vinícius Júnior at this tournament. Instead, the legendary jersey once worn by Pelé, Zico and Ronaldinho remains with Neymar. The 34-year-old star managed to secure his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad despite spending two years in Saudi Arabia. However, he missed the match against Morocco due to a calf injury.

Vinícius stands as Brazil’s clearest talent at this World Cup. Yet the Real Madrid winger has struggled to make the national team his own. Before this match, he had scored only nine times in 49 appearances for his country. Many supporters still see Neymar as the true leader, and fans wore his shirt in large numbers at the stadium in New Jersey.

The stage was set for Vinícius to prove his worth. Brazil faced Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at the last World Cup. The match marked a crucial test for Ancelotti’s side.

Morocco shocked Brazil by taking the lead in the 21st minute. Ismael Saibari scored with a clever finish past the goalkeeper. The Brazilian players looked nervous and struggled to create chances.

Everything changed in the 32nd minute. Bruno Guimarães passed the ball to Vinícius inside the penalty area. The winger cut inside, beat his defender, and fired a powerful shot past Yassine Bounou. The equaliser gave Brazil new energy.

Vinícius continued to cause problems for Morocco’s defence. He beat Achraf Hakimi for pace several times and created chances for his teammates. One cross found Raphinha, who missed an easy opportunity. Morocco’s manager admitted after the match that defending against Vinícius was extremely difficult.

Ancelotti praised his team’s second-half performance. “The team was a bit anxious at the start,” he told reporters. “Nerves were all over the place. In the second half we did a lot better.”

The Real Madrid star was not perfect. He lost possession several times and some of his tricks did not work. However, he provided the spark Brazil needed when they were losing. Former Brazil legends Ronaldo, Kaká and Roberto Carlos watched from the stands as the 25-year-old took charge.

Vinícius remains humble about his display. “I believe I can improve a lot,” he said after the match. “I managed to score a goal, but I didn’t have 100% of my best technical part.”

Brazil must now prepare for their next group match. They will need Vinícius at his best if they want to win a sixth World Cup title. For now, the player nicknamed Vini has shown he can carry his country’s hopes, even on foreign soil.

• Vinícius Júnior scores his 10th international goal to earn Brazil a 1-1 draw against Morocco
• Ismael Saibari puts Morocco ahead with a brilliant lob over Alisson Becker
• Carlo Ancelotti admits Brazil played with nerves and must improve quickly
• Roger Ibañez struggles at right-back as Morocco target Brazil’s defensive weaknesses
• Neymar misses the match due to a calf injury

Vinícius Júnior saved Brazil from an embarrassing start to their World Cup campaign with a vital equaliser against a brilliant Morocco side. The Real Madrid forward struck from a tight angle to secure a 1-1 draw at the New York New Jersey Stadium after Ismael Saibari had given Morocco a deserved lead.

Carlo Ancelotti, who took charge of the national team last year, watched his players struggle badly during the first 45 minutes. Morocco controlled the midfield through the excellent teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães could not stop the North African attacks.

The problems started early for Brazil. Ancelotti surprised many fans by playing Roger Ibañez at right-back instead of his usual centre-back position. Morocco noticed this weakness immediately. Noussair Mazraoui attacked down the left wing several times, and Morocco created chances before Brahim Díaz sent a perfect long pass to Saibari. The midfielder calmly lifted the ball over the stranded Alisson to make it 1-0.

Brazil looked nervous and could not find their rhythm. However, Vinícius Júnior changed the game just before half-time. He received the ball from Guimarães on the left side, beat a defender, and smashed the ball past Yassine Bounou. This was his 50th appearance for Brazil and his 10th goal.

At half-time, Ancelotti made important changes. He replaced Casemiro and Ibañez with Fabinho and Danilo. This made the team more solid. Brazil looked better in the second half and created more chances. Lucas Paquetá forced a good save from Bounou, and substitute Luis Henrique nearly won the match during 10 minutes of added time.

Morocco also had opportunities to win. Achraf Hakimi chose to shoot when he could have passed to Díaz in a better position. Alisson also made a late mistake that almost cost Brazil dearly.

“We need to improve,” said Ancelotti after the match. “The team was anxious at the start. We cannot lose heart, but we must look at what we did wrong.” Morocco’s coach agreed that his players felt disappointed not to win against the five-time champions.

Brazil will hope to play better in their next match without the injured Neymar. For now, they must thank Vinícius Júnior for saving a point when defeat looked possible.

• Brazil and Morocco share the points in a 1-1 draw at the World Cup 2026 group stage
• Vinicius Junior scores a brilliant goal for the five-time world champions
• Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produces a solid performance between the sticks
• The result complicates Morocco’s path to the knockout stages of the tournament
• A fan mixes football commentary with clever references to famous U2 songs

A football supporter named Peter shared memories from Salvador’s 2006 Carnival. He recalled watching U2’s lead singer Bono attend the festival as a special guest. The Irish rock star appeared multiple times before large crowds. Local Brazilian artists welcomed him warmly. However, the hot weather clearly troubled the musician.

Today, another Bono faced Brazilian pressure. Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, nicknamed Bono, showed excellent calmness throughout the match. He stopped several attacks from the South American side. The only exception was a powerful strike from Vinicius Junior. This goal brought Brazil level. Yet the North African team remained steady against their opponents. As Peter noted, football moves in mysterious ways.

The result leaves Morocco in a difficult position. The team entered the tournament hoping to lift the trophy. However, one point from this match is not enough for their ambitions. They still have not found what they are looking for in this campaign.

• Neymar ruled out of Brazil’s opening World Cup fixture against Morocco on Saturday
• 34-year-old recovering from calf injury and yet to resume full training
• Manager Carlo Ancelotti expects him to return to squad sessions next week
• Record goalscorer could miss second group game against Haiti on 20 June
• Santos forward has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to fitness problems

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Neymar will miss Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco this Saturday. The 34-year-old forward is still recovering from a calf problem and has not returned to full training.

The Santos attacker will rejoin the squad for group sessions next week. This timeline makes him doubtful for Brazil’s second group fixture against Haiti on 20 June.

Brazil conclude their group stage against Scotland on 24 June. The team must manage their campaign without their record goalscorer for at least the first match.

Ancelotti praised the star’s importance to the squad. “Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible,” he said. “We call him up not only for his technical quality, which is indisputable, but also for his experience and the example he can set for the young players in this group.”

Neymar has not featured for the Selecao since 2023 because of ongoing injury struggles. Despite this, Ancelotti selected him ahead of Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison for the tournament.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has scored 79 goals in 128 caps for Brazil. He surpassed Pele’s record of 77 goals to become the country’s all-time leading scorer.

This tournament could mark Neymar’s fourth World Cup appearance. He has previously represented Brazil at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.

• France head the betting at -165, with Spain (-160) and England (-145) close behind as tournament favourites
• Brazil maintains a record of reaching the last eight in eight consecutive World Cup tournaments
• The three host nations—USA, Mexico and Canada—face long odds of +260, +280 and +490 respectively
• Reigning champions Argentina are priced at +100 to make the quarterfinals
• Morocco and Croatia appear as potential dark horses following their strong showings in Qatar 2022

Bookmakers have opened their markets on which nations will reach the last eight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. France sits at the summit of the odds board. Les Bleus are available at -165 to progress beyond the Round of 16.

Spain follows closely at -160, while England ranks third among the favourites at -145. These figures from FanDuel Sportsbook show strong confidence in European sides ahead of the North American tournament.

South American giants Brazil and Portugal share identical odds at -105. Current holders Argentina sit slightly further back at even money (+100). Belgium (+125), the Netherlands (+145) and Germany (+145) complete the leading pack of contenders.

The host nations face much steeper challenges according to the markets. The United States and Mexico both stand at +280 to reach the quarterfinals. Canada faces the longest odds among the hosts at +490. These prices reflect the historical struggles of Concacaf teams at this advanced stage of the competition.

Morocco (+340) and Croatia (+410) emerge as potential surprise packages following their impressive runs in the previous tournament. Asian representatives Japan and South Korea are priced at +500 and +850 respectively, while African champions Senegal appear at +650.

France boasts formidable recent form at this stage of the competition. The French have advanced to the quarterfinals in five of the last seven World Cups. They have also contested four finals during this period, lifting the trophy on two occasions.

Brazil maintains the most consistent record of any nation. The Seleção have reached the last eight in every World Cup since 1994. This remarkable streak now spans eight consecutive tournaments.

Spain’s recent history shows greater variation. La Roja have managed only two quarterfinal appearances in the past seven editions, though they did triumph in 2010.

Mexico and the USA will hope to defy their underdog status in front of home crowds. Mexico last reached this stage in 1986, while the Americans’ solitary quarterfinal appearance came in 2002. Canada seeks their first-ever World Cup victory after failing to win or draw in their previous two appearances.

• Endrick needs strong performances for Lyon to convince Carlo Ancelotti to include him in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
• The 19-year-old credits Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric for helping him through a difficult period at Real Madrid.
• Endrick and his wife Gabriely are expecting their first child, though he hopes his son or daughter chooses a career outside professional football.

Brazilian teenager Endrick is fighting to secure his spot at the 2026 World Cup as the deadline for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad announcement draws near. The 19-year-old striker has rediscovered his form while on loan at Olympique Lyonnais, yet his journey has been filled with personal struggles, injury fears, and moments of self-doubt.

Earlier this year, Endrick faced what he describes as “a night of doubts” before Brazil’s friendly match against Croatia in Orlando. The pressure mounted after Ancelotti suggested the young forward was a prospect for the future rather than the present tournament. “I prayed a lot that night,” Endrick recalls. “I understood that match could change everything for me.” Despite entering the pitch for only the final 15 minutes with Brazil holding a narrow 1-0 lead, he transformed the game. He won a penalty that Igor Thiago converted and later set up Gabriel Martinelli for the third goal in a 3-1 victory.

Endrick’s recent resurgence follows a challenging period at Real Madrid, where he managed just three appearances in six months before his loan move to France. At Lyon, he has contributed seven goals and seven assists across 18 matches, catching the national team manager’s attention. However, the player admits he previously struggled with mental health and public criticism. “I used to check Twitter immediately after matches,” he confesses. “I wanted people to praise me. Now I ignore social media completely. Football is not a friendly environment.”

The physical setbacks at Madrid also tested his resolve. A serious thigh injury kept him sidelined for three months, triggering fears about his future. “I cried many times in private,” he admits. “You worry about losing your strength or suffering another setback. But I knew I had to continue working.”

During those difficult months, England international Jude Bellingham provided crucial support. “Jude made me feel welcome even though my English was poor,” Endrick explains. “He tried speaking Spanish and offered valuable advice. He is not just a fantastic footballer but a true friend.” Veteran midfielder Luka Modric also left a lasting impression through his professionalism. “At 40 years old, he trained every single day,” Endrick notes. “He gave me tactical guidance and demonstrated what it takes to succeed at the highest level.”

Away from the pitch, Endrick is preparing for fatherhood. His wife Gabriely is due to give birth later this year, though the couple have chosen not to learn the baby’s gender. Surprisingly, the footballer hopes his child pursues a different profession. “I want them to become a doctor or lawyer,” he states. “Football is a tough world. I prefer they live peacefully away from this sport.”

Brazil have not lifted the World Cup trophy since 2002, placing additional pressure on the current generation. With the tournament opener against Morocco scheduled for 13 June, Endrick knows he has limited time to convince Ancelotti. “My priority is helping Brazil at the World Cup,” he concludes. “First, I must perform well in Lyon’s remaining matches. I will give everything to make that dream come true.”