2 h. ago Defensive, wily and intense, Ecuador aims to make 2026 World Cup its best

The South American nation performed better than ever in World Cup qualifying, with strength in depth that make them difficult to play againstLast September, in the sweltering night heat of Guayaquil, Ecuador finished off their Conmebol World Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 victory over table-leaders and defending champions Argentina. Enner Valencia, the 35-year-old journeyman and the nation’s all-time scorer, sealed the win with a penalty in his 100th appearance. The Estadio Monumental roared with ecstasy and emotion.Both sides had already sealed qualification for 2026 and the visitors were playing without Lionel Messi, who had also said goodbye to qualifiers after his final game in Buenos Aires a few days prior. But none of these narratives mattered to Ecuadorian fans. They were acknowledging a magnificent campaign as La Tricolor ended second in the table, their best-ever finish since Conmebol qualifiers moved to a single table. And this despite starting the campaign with a three-point p...

Events

2 h. ago Thomas Tuchel’s ‘silent Wembley’ criticism brings unwanted distraction after England’s progress

The Three Lions boss urged the team’s supporters to improve the atmosphere after an excellent 3-0 win over Wales, but such criticism should not take attention away from positive signs ahead of next year’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico

Politics

6 h. ago World Cup 2026: which countries have qualified and how did they do it?

Twenty of the 48 places at the tournament have now been filled, including co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the USAFour of the nine automatic places have been filled, with the four best runners-up competing in November’s pan-African playoffs for one place in the intercontinental playoffs.EgyptMohamed Salah scored twice as Hossam Hassan’s side beat Djibouti 3-0 on Wednesday in Casablanca and made up for missing out on Qatar 2022 by reaching the finals with a game in hand. This will be Egypt’s fourth finals, even though they have yet to win a game. Bizarrely, the Pharaohs did qualify for the first World Cup, in 1930, but missed their boat from Marseille to South America after a storm delayed them. Continue reading...

Politics

7 h. ago How to watch Lesotho vs Nigeria for FREE: TV channel and live stream for World Cup qualifier today

Eric Chelle’s side face the first of two crucial matches as they look to confirm their place in the 2026 World Cup

Politics

15 h. ago Scotland dig deep to beat Greece and keep World Cup dream on track

Scotland 3-1 Greece: Steve Clarke’s side were unconvincing at times but came from a goal down to secure another vital three points at Hampden Park

Politics

16 h. ago Bukayo Saka highlights Thomas Tuchel’s key change in England thrashing of Wales

England 3-0 Wales: Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka struck in a one-sided win for the Three Lions at Wembley, with Thomas Tuchel inspiring fresh momentum on the road to the 2026 World Cup

Politics

16 h. ago Scotland v Greece live: Hosts steal three points in crunch World Cup 2026 qualifier

Scotland 3–1 Greece: Goals from Christie, Ferguson and Dykes give hosts vital World Cup qualifying win

Events

16 h. ago Scotland v Greece live: Ferguson gives hosts surprise lead in crunch World Cup 2026 qualifier

Scotland succumbed to a 3-0 loss to Greece when they met on home soil earlier this year

Politics

17 h. ago Scotland v Greece live: Pavlidis misses golden chance in crunch World Cup 2026 qualifier

Scotland succumbed to a 3-0 loss to Greece when they met on home soil earlier this year

Politics

19 h. ago Scotland v Greece live: Crunch World Cup 2026 qualifier as Scots look to end 38

Scotland succumbed to a 3-0 loss to Greece when they met on home soil earlier this year

Politics

27 h. ago World Cup 2026: Who is through and how does qualifying work?

Many countries have booked their spot for next year’s tournament with more to be determined in the coming days

Politics

41 h. ago Tuchel insists England should embrace underdog status at 2026 World Cup

Tuchel: ‘I don’t see why we should burden ourselves’Head coach ‘not just collecting most talented players’Thomas Tuchel has said England would be underdogs at the World Cup and would be stronger if they did not allow themselves to become burdened by expectation.Tuchel, who delivered another warning to Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden by reiterating that he is not looking to collect talents, was adamant that his side would not be one of the favourites next summer. The German stressed that England, who have been losing finalists in two successive European Championships, should not get carried away given they have not won the men’s World Cup since 1966. Continue reading...

Politics

50 h. ago Jude Bellingham a notable absentee when England take on Wales – talking points

Both countries have World Cup qualifiers in the days after the Wembley friendly.

Politics

51 h. ago Harry Kane's 2026 Ballon d'Or 'chance', World Cup admission and cheat meal change

Bayern Munich goal machine Harry Kane continues to eye his own glorious treble - title, Ballon D'Or and World Cup - ahead of England's double header with Wales and Latvia

Events

2 d. ago When is the World Cup 2026 draw? Date, time, new format, and how to watch

Sport’s biggest tournament goes Stateside for the first time this century

Politics

3 d. ago England eye up Uruguay and Japan tests as part of World Cup preparations

Final call rests on qualifying and may be shaped by drawEngland want to face South American and Asian teamsEngland want to face South American and Asian opposition as part of their World Cup preparations and have discussed hosting friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March.Thomas Tuchel’s side are closing in on qualification for next summer’s tournament and plans are being put in place for warm-up games. Talks over potential opponents for the March international break have taken place, although it is understood the Football Association is yet to make a final decision. The FA is waiting for England to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup before finalising bookings and may also look to see how the draw for the tournament plays out in December. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Thomas Tuchel is RIGHT to fear his 2026 World Cup concerns will be ignored

Evidence is stacking up that next summer's World Cup could be one of the most controversial and complicated of all time

Politics

6 d. ago 2026 World Cup kits leaked in football icon’s deleted Instagram post

There’s less than a year ago until the 2026 World Cup gets underway and it appears Italy icon Alessandro Del Piero has been forced to backtrack after dropping a huge clanger

Politics

6 d. ago What David Beckham really thinks about being 50 as Man Utd legend lands new World Cup role

Former England and Manchester United star David Beckham has announced his new role ahead of the 2026 World Cup, after insisting that he is not concerned about turning 50

Politics

7 d. ago New World Cup ball will help refereeing decisions, claims Adidas

The Adidas Trionda will be the official matchball for the 2026 World Cup and a chip will sit inside it to aid offside and handball decisions

Politics