Four Underdog Nations Ready to Shock the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup format opens doors for surprise contenders. We examine four underdog nations with the quality to exceed expectations in North America.
FIFA World Cup
2026 World Cup Set-Piece Guide: Every Nation’s Free Kick and Corner Takers Confirmed
Fantasy football managers can gain an edge with our comprehensive guide to every national team’s dead-ball specialists ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Liverpool FC Accelerate Push to Sign RB Leipzig Winger Yan Diomande Before World Cup
Liverpool FC have stepped up their pursuit of RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande and hope to secure the Ivory Coast winger before the World Cup begins. The Bundesliga club could demand over €100 million for the teenage talent.
Barcelona Captain Ronald Araujo Opens Up on Mental Health Battle: ‘I Knew Something Was Wrong’
Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has revealed how a red card against Chelsea forced him to confront long-standing mental health struggles that saw him miss two months of the season.
OGC Nice Defend Ali Abdi After Tunisia World Cup Call-Up Forces Play-Off Absence
OGC Nice have issued a strong defence of full-back Ali Abdi after he left the club to join Tunisia’s World Cup preparations, forcing him to miss a crucial Ligue 1 relegation play-off against AS Saint-Étienne.
Brazilian Referee Who Issued 23 Red Cards to Make International Debut in Germany vs Finland Clash
Controversial Brazilian official Matheus Delgado Candançan will take charge of his first international match when Germany host Finland in Mainz, just months after his record-breaking 23-red-card display in a Brazilian state final.
Palacios Earns Argentina World Cup Recall as Scaloni Names Defence Squad
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios has secured his place in Argentina’s squad for this summer’s tournament as the defending champions target back-to-back titles.
Nagelsmann: Newcastle Play Woltemade ‘Too Far From Goal’ Ahead of World Cup
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann says Nick Woltemade struggles at Newcastle United because he plays 70 metres from goal, but expects the striker to shine at the World Cup.
Flekken Flies Solo as Bundesliga’s Only Star in Dutch World Cup Squad
Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken is the only Bundesliga player named in Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands World Cup squad. The 32-year-old will battle with Brighton and Sunderland keepers for a starting spot in a challenging Group F.
Hannover Defender Ime Okon Named in South Africa’s World Cup Squad
Hannover 96 defender Ime Okon earns a place in South Africa’s World Cup squad as one of only five European-based players selected by coach Hugo Broos.