Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan sees the opening match in the World Cup against Belgium as the most difficult game in the "highly competitive" Group G.

Switzerland's Granit Xhaka is calmness personified when talk turns to the FIFA World Cup 2026. It will be his fourth edition of the global showpiece, after Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. The midfielder has featured in 12 World Cup matches -- a Swiss record -- and has worn the captain's armband since the end of 2019, something he does not take for granted.

Iran's World Cup squad is expected to arrive in Mexico early Sunday (Sunday evening, as per Bangladesh Time) under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row between Tehran and Washington, after the United States refused to issue visas for some team support staff.

Cristian Volpato said he could feel in his heart it was "time to come home" after the former Italy under-21 international made his Australia debut on Saturday following his shock switch on the eve of the World Cup.

Iraq's World Cup striker, Aymen Hussein, was held and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare airport after arriving with the squad early on Saturday, an Iraqi sporting official said.

Witness AquaRio aquarium sandbar shark Ritinha ignite the FIFA World Cup 2026 fervour by predicting a Brazil victory over Morocco, proving that whimsical animal divination captures global hearts while boosting crucial marine conservation awareness worldwide.

Fan vs player edition jerseys: which should you buy?

FIFA said Friday it will allow fans to bring one "soft, plastic" disposable water bottle into World Cup venues after its ban on refillable bottles sparked an outcry.

Lionel Messi has taken a step forward in his injury recovery and could play a few minutes in Argentina's upcoming friendlies before their World Cup opener, coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday.

Iran's football squad have been granted visas to enter the United States so they can play in the World Cup, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack confirmed Friday.

Co-hosts Canada will look to capitalise on home support and a talented generation led by Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan as they chase a first-ever World Cup victory and historic progression beyond the group phase.

A trophy was in his hands. Golden, heavy, gleaming. But his eyes were not on that trophy; they were on the thing that, in just a few moments, would be handed to Germany. The World Cup. So close. Close enough to touch, yet untouchable.

France coach Didier Deschamps said on Wednesday that defender William Saliba is "fine" despite reports he was a doubt for the World Cup with a back injury.

Germany forward Kai Havertz says the team's attacking players are not competing against each other for starting spots but working collectively towards success at the World Cup, which begins next week in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

With no clear weak link and contrasting football philosophies on display, Group A promises a tightly contested battle where experience, resilience and key moments could decide who progresses to the knockout rounds.

Excitement surrounding the World Cup has taken a backseat, giving way to concerns about other aspects of the coveted event.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes being a "step behind" other World Cup favourites could actually work in the team's favour when the tournament kicks off next week.

Iran's football team will leave for Spain this weekend en route to their World Cup base in Mexico despite still awaiting visas, the head of the country's football federation said.

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said on Tuesday Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku scoring on his first international appearance in more than a year in a 2-0 World Cup friendly win over Croatia was "ideal".

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is in no hurry to rush star forward Neymar back from his calf injury, the Italian said on Tuesday as his team touched down in the United States ahead of the World Cup.