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World Cup 2026

Comprehensive coverage - match analysis and insightful commentary on the world's greatest sporting spectacle - including dates - schedule - fixtures and teams. Hosted across 16 cities in Canada - Mexico - and the United States - the historic 2026 tournament set a new benchmark for global football as the largest and most ambitious World Cup ever staged � featuring an expanded 48-team field competing across 104 matches. From thrilling group-stage drama to the climactic final - catch up on game recaps - tactically sharp analysis - squad updates and breaking player news. O -tern perspective on the tournament - tracking the performances and narratives of Arab and Gulf nations on the international stage alongside deep dives into global heavyweights and emerging footballing nations.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino is facing growing opposition to his plans. AP
Play

Uefa criticises Fifa for 'enriching themselves and friends' over World Cup plan

FootballJuly 29, 2026
Fifa president Gianni Infantino wants to sell stakes in the World Cup. Reuters
Play

World Cup for sale: What is Fifa's plan, reaction and what happens next?

FootballJuly 29, 2026
US President Donald Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino hand the World Cup trophy to Spain's Rodri. Reuters

Fifa's Infantino plans to sell stakes in World Cup

FootballJuly 28, 2026
Fifa President Gianni Infantino issued a statement via social media on Monday. AFP

Infantino hits back at World Cup critics: 'You were consumed by hate'

FootballJuly 27, 2026
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 - Australia v Egypt - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U. S. - July 3, 2026 Egypt's Trezeguet and Egypt's Emam Ashour celebrate after the match as Egypt qualify for the Round of 16 stage of the World Cup IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters / Maria Lysaker
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World Cup 2026 final rankings: All 48 teams rated by Fifa

World Cup 2026July 24, 2026
Argentina's Lionel Messi with the runners-up medal at the end of the Fifa World Cup final in New Jersey. Reuters

Lionel Messi should not hang up his boots just yet

FeedbackJuly 24, 2026
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Spain Victory Parade - Madrid, Spain - July 20, 2026 Spain players celebrate after winning the World Cup during the victory parade REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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Spain receive heroes' welcome as world champions climb to top spot in Fifa rankings

World Cup 2026July 21, 2026
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina looks at the World Cup trophy after losing the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Winner Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Justin Setterfield / Getty Images / AFP (Photo by Justin Setterfield / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Play

Lionel Messi says World Cup final wound 'will take time to heal'

World Cup 2026July 21, 2026
Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi alongside Ismael Saibari after their last-32 World Cup win over the Netherlands. AFP

World Cup report cards: Who got an A and who got an F? Grading the Arab teams

World Cup 2026July 21, 2026
Spain's midfielder #16 Rodri lifts the trophy with his teammates after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)
Camera25

World Cup best and worst: Messi and Cape Verde shine, Portugal and Ronaldo flop

World Cup 2026July 20, 2026
Morocco, Egypt and Jordan in particular showed that Arab sides have become much more competitive at this level. AFP

Arab footballers showed they belong among the World Cup elite

EditorialJuly 20, 2026
Argentina and Spain players in a scuffle after the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. AFP

Spain’s elegance shows up ugly Argentina as football’s most classless losers

World Cup 2026July 20, 2026
Kylian Mbappe of France took his tally of World Cup 2026 goals to 10 in the bronze final against England. EPA

World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: Mbappe, Bellingham and Messi all shine

World Cup 2026July 20, 2026
TOPSHOT - Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi fouls Spain's defender #22 Pau Cubarsi during the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

World Cup 2026 ultimate quiz: Messi, Mbappe and an unforgettable tournament

World Cup 2026July 20, 2026
Spain's Rodri receives the Golden Ball award after winning the World Cup final against Argentina. AFP

Spain's Rodri beats Messi and Mbappe to Golden Ball

World Cup 2026July 20, 2026
Spain fans celebrate at Bla Bla Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
Camera7

Football supporters flock to fan zone in Dubai to watch World Cup final

UAEJuly 20, 2026
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