Complete collection of news, updates, and tournament information for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Haiti defend bravely to beat Morocco 1-0 and secure a Round of 16 spot alongside Brazil. Mexico top Group A with a 2-1 win over Czechia, while Switzerland edge Canada 2-1 to top Group B.
Updated: 2026-06-25T06:00:00Z · Match report
United States face Australia at SoFi Stadium knowing a draw is enough to top Group D. McKennie and Pulisic expected to start as Australia seek a miracle win to stay alive.
Updated: 2026-06-25T06:00:00Z · Match preview
Belgium and Egypt clash at SoFi Stadium with the group lead on the line. De Bruyne and Salah set to star in what could be a tactical battle for top spot.
Updated: 2026-06-25T06:00:00Z · Match preview
Egypt lead defending champions Argentina 1-0 at halftime of the R16 day 4 opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with Yasser Ibrahim heading Egypt in front in the 15th minute. The biggest moment of the half: Lionel Messi missed a penalty for Argentina — the kick was saved — meaning the holders go into the second 45 needing a response to keep their title defence alive. ESPN's World Cup Daily is providing rolling live coverage; Argentina need a goal or Egypt are heading for a famous result and a QF date with Morocco. The Switzerland vs Colombia match follows at 4pm ET. Last updated: 17:05 UTC 🇦🇷🆚🇪🇬
Updated: 2026-07-07T17:05:00Z · Read live coverage
Even with Folarin Balogun restored up front after FIFA's reversal, the USMNT were thrashed 4-1 by Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle on Monday night. Charles De Ketelaere struck twice and assisted another to expose the Americans' defensive frailties. Pulisic was forced off with an ankle injury. Pochettino would not commit to staying on as coach. Belgium book a QF date with Norway on July 11. 🇺🇸❌🇧🇪
Updated: 2026-07-07T05:00:00Z · Read more
FIFA formally rejected the Belgian federation's request to revisit Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension reversal on Monday evening, hours before kickoff in Seattle. The Belgian federation later poked fun at the United States on social media after the 4-1 R16 win, referencing the Balogun eligibility saga. A bad night for the hosts on and off the pitch. UEFA had earlier accused FIFA of crossing “a red line”.
Updated: 2026-07-06T17:59:00Z · Read more
Christian Pulisic was forced off with an ankle injury in the second half of the USMNT's 4-1 R16 loss to Belgium and called himself “disappointed” in his tournament. The 27-year-old had been one of the USMNT's driving forces throughout the group stage and the R32 win over Bosnia. Extent of the injury and recovery timeline still unclear. He is expected to undergo scans this week. 🇺🇸
Updated: 2026-07-07T05:30:00Z · Read more
United States players rejected the idea that the Balogun distraction contributed to Monday's 4-1 R16 loss to Belgium, insisting the off-pitch noise around the eligibility ruling was not a factor. With Pulisic now injured and Pochettino's future unclear, attention turns to the 2030 cycle. Belgium also trolled the USA on social media post-match, referencing the eligibility row. 🇺🇸❌🇧🇪
Updated: 2026-07-07T05:45:00Z · Read more
Cristiano Ronaldo exited the World Cup in tears at age 41 after Mikel Merino headed in a 90'+1' winner from Lamine Yamal's cross to give Spain a 1-0 Iberian derby win over Portugal in front of 70,649 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The goal came just as the game looked destined for extra time. Ronaldo's sixth and final World Cup ends in the R16 for the second time. Spain now meet England in the QF on July 10.
Updated: 2026-07-06T22:19:00Z · Read more
With the R16 closed and the field down to eight, ESPN's writers pick the one player who will decide each QF tie: Kylian Mbappé for France vs Morocco (Thu Jul 9, Foxborough), Lamine Yamal for Spain vs Belgium (Fri Jul 10, Inglewood), Jude Bellingham for England vs Norway (Sat Jul 11, Miami), and Lionel Messi for Argentina vs Switzerland (Sat night, Kansas City). The piece also profiles Achraf Hakimi, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Gregor Kobel on the other side of the bracket.
Updated: 2026-07-08T07:13:41Z · Read more
The R16 closed Tuesday in dramatic fashion. In Atlanta, Argentina came from a goal down to beat Egypt 3-2 with goals from Cristian Romero (79'), Lionel Messi (83' volley) and Enzo Fernández (90'+2' header). In Vancouver, Switzerland edged Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes — Gregor Kobel saved twice. Argentina now meet Switzerland in the QF on Saturday night at Arrowhead Stadium; the holders survived a scare against a side ranked 49th in the world.
Updated: 2026-07-08T09:01:29Z · Read more
ESPN's post-mortem on the USMNT's R16 exit to Belgium argues the tournament failure was about personnel, not Pochettino. With Pulisic injured, Balogun's eligibility saga a sideshow, and the squad failing to convert possession into chances, the analysis calls for a wider reset ahead of the 2030 cycle rather than a coaching change. The federation's $16M R16 prize split with the women's team is also confirmed.
Updated: 2026-07-08T07:11:30Z · Read more
Three key England players — Reece James, Marc Guéhi and Declan Rice — sat out Wednesday's training session at the Three Lions' Kansas base ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal against Norway at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Thomas Tuchel played down the concerns but the trio's absence the day before the QF slate kicks off is a fresh fitness worry for a side that already travelled to Mexico for its R16 win over the hosts.
Updated: 2026-07-08T16:59:55Z · Read more
Jordan Henderson has undergone surgery on a broken arm but will stay with England's World Cup squad in Kansas ahead of Saturday's quarterfinal against Norway. Tuchel confirmed the 36-year-old midfielder, who returned to the squad for the 2026 tournament after missing Euro 2024, does not need to be released and remains part of the group. England have not put a timeline on his return.
Updated: 2026-07-08T15:39:18Z · Read more
FIFA have dismissed the French Football Federation's appeal to overturn Michael Olise's yellow card from the R16 win over Paraguay. The booking means Olise is now one card away from a QF suspension ahead of Thursday's quarterfinal against Morocco at Gillette Stadium (4pm ET). France coach Didier Deschamps said the federation had pushed for a review, but the decision stands.
Updated: 2026-07-08T15:34:56Z · Read more
ESPN's Ryan O'Hanlon sets out the single biggest question facing each of the 16 teams still alive in the World Cup — from Brazil's R16 curse and Spain's midfield depth to Belgium's golden generation exit risk and the USMNT's first knockout test on home soil. Essential reading for today's two R16 day 3 matches.
Updated: 2026-07-06T07:33:00Z · Read more
Bruce Arena — the last coach to take the USMNT to a World Cup quarterfinal — breaks down Belgium for ESPN ahead of tonight's R16 at Lumen Field (8pm ET). What the Americans must do to contain De Bruyne, how to exploit Belgium's defensive shape, and why Balogun's red-card suspension could swing the game. Pulisic and McKennie set the tempo.
Updated: 2026-07-06T07:45:00Z · Read more
Jude Bellingham called England's 3-2 R16 win at the Azteca "the best night of my England career" after his first-half brace set up the victory. Thomas Tuchel praised his side's mentality for surviving Quansah's 54th-minute red card and Jiménez's late penalty. Ezri Konsa cited the squad's "brotherhood." England now await the Spain-Portugal winner in the QF.
Updated: 2026-07-06T08:10:00Z · Read more
US President Donald Trump said Monday he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to push for a review of Folarin Balogun's red card in the group-stage match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, calling the decision “horrible”. The intervention preceded FIFA's reversal, which cleared the USMNT's 3-goal top scorer for tonight's R16 vs Belgium at Lumen Field (8pm ET). Belgium are now formally challenging Balogun's eligibility.
Updated: 2026-07-06T17:00:00Z · Read more
The Belgian soccer federation has asked FIFA to explain the Balogun red-card suspension reversal and plans to formally challenge the USMNT striker's eligibility ahead of tonight's R16 at Lumen Field (8pm ET). The row, escalated by Trump's confirmation he lobbied Infantino directly, now risks overshadowing the sporting contest. UEFA have already accused FIFA of crossing “a red line”.
Updated: 2026-07-06T16:37:00Z · Read more
ESPN's column: for USMNT fans, seeing Folarin Balogun play against Belgium after FIFA rescinded his suspension will feel a bit odd — a jumble of joy tinged with a heavy slice of unease. The on-field boost is real (he's the joint top scorer at the tournament with 3 goals), but the political optics of a sitting president lobbying a sports federation have put the achievement in a different light.
Updated: 2026-07-06T15:27:00Z · Read more
The Round of 16's blockbuster Sunday kicks off at 4pm ET with Brazil vs Norway at MetLife Stadium (Vinícius Jr. vs Haaland) and closes at 8pm ET with Mexico vs England at Estadio Banorte. R16 day 1 delivered: Morocco 3-0 Canada, France 1-0 Paraguay. The QF bracket is set — winner of Brazil-Norway meets France, Morocco faces the Argentina-Egypt survivor.
Updated: 2026-07-05T17:00:00Z · Match preview
Thomas Tuchel and Jordan Henderson laughed off Mexican media reports suggesting England were using Viagra to handle Mexico City's altitude ahead of Sunday's R16 clash at Estadio Banorte. Tuchel: "We don't need it, the players are fit enough." Kane, Bellingham and Foden all trained at altitude on Saturday.
Updated: 2026-07-05T11:50:00Z · Read more
England captain Harry Kane hopes his side can provide the perfect antidote for Monday-morning blues by reaching the World Cup quarterfinals in Mexico City. The match kicks off at 8pm ET (00:00 UTC) on Sunday — prime time in the UK, late night in Mexico. Tuchel: "Playing in Mexico will bring out the best version of England."
Updated: 2026-07-05T07:41:00Z · Read more
Haiti defend bravely to beat Morocco 1-0 and secure a Round of 16 spot alongside Brazil. Mexico top Group A with a 2-1 win over Czechia, while Switzerland edge Canada 2-1 to top Group B.
Updated: 2026-06-25T06:00:00Z · Match report
United States face Australia at SoFi Stadium knowing a draw is enough to top Group D. McKennie and Pulisic expected to start as Australia seek a miracle win to stay alive.
Updated: 2026-06-25T06:00:00Z · Match preview
Belgium and Egypt clash at SoFi Stadium with the group lead on the line. De Bruyne and Salah set to star in what could be a tactical battle for top spot.
Updated: 2026-06-25T06:00:00Z · Match preview
Ancelotti: Neymar ready for Brazil return vs. Scotland
Updated: 2026-06-24T08:29:55Z · Read more
Jérémy Doku returns to Belgium camp following the birth of his son
Updated: 2026-06-24T08:27:28Z · Read more
Craig McGinlay helped shape John McGinn and Kenny McLean before swapping football for Hollywood. He tells ESPN's Tom Hamilton his story.
Updated: 2026-06-24T08:22:53Z · Read more
All 48 teams in the World Cup have played exactly two games, so we look at the players and nations who were winners and losers.
Updated: 2026-06-24T07:12:09Z · Read more
Put your football knowledge to the test with ESPN's free World Cup 2026 predictor games and forecast every twist and turn of the tournament.
Updated: 2026-06-24T07:11:07Z · Read more
The good news is history is within Scotland's grasp. Win or draw against Brazil, and Scott Clarke's Scotland side can start planning for the knockout stages of the World Cup, writes Tom Hamilton.
Updated: 2026-06-24T06:32:08Z · Read more
Djed Spence revealed it is not just him in the firing line of England boss Thomas Tuchel after clips of him getting told off in training went viral.
Updated: 2026-06-22T09:01:45Z · Read more
Herve Renard warned, before taking the reins in his first match as Tunisia coach, against Japan on Saturday, that there were 'no magicians in football'.
Updated: 2026-06-22T09:05:04Z · Read more
For the tournament, we are taking a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process in terms of both VAR protocol and the laws of the game.
Updated: 2026-06-22T09:03:21Z · Read more
Everything you need to know ahead 2026 World Cup encounter between New Zealand and Egypt.
Updated: 2026-06-19T13:01:31Z · Read more
The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams, bringing a total of more than 100 kits! Here they all are, ranked from worst to first.
Updated: 2026-06-19T11:47:04Z · Read more
Barcelona midfielder Gavi says the Spain squad were shocked to find out that defender Marc Cucurella had signed for Real Madrid.
Updated: 2026-06-19T12:06:40Z · Read more
The second round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway today! Enjoy all the features, news, video analysis and color from around the competition.
Updated: 2026-06-18T19:01:31Z · Read more
There's been plenty of action at the books in the first week of games, from superstar goals to shocking draws.
Updated: 2026-06-18T19:09:35Z · Read more
Will South Africa reach the World Cup knockouts?
Updated: 2026-06-18T18:32:04Z · Read more
The second round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway today! Enjoy all the features, news, video analysis and color from around the competition.
Updated: 2026-06-18T16:33:37Z · Read more
Odds for all 48 teams to advance from their group through the knockout stage and to win the 2026 World Cup.
Updated: 2026-06-18T16:25:44Z · Read more
Who can secure qualification before the group stage ends, and whose World Cup dreams could be shattered? Here's what you need to know.
Updated: 2026-06-18T16:40:12Z · Read more
Much of the pre-game hype has centered around a war of words between the two nations. Finally, on Friday, Australia vs. United States will be settled on the soccer pitch.
Updated: 2026-06-18T07:04:37Z · Read more
In a sixth World Cup for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, could the pair finally face each other in the tournament?
Updated: 2026-06-18T07:02:35Z · Read more
Join Joey Lynch and Alex Hatzikostas each day as they go behind the scenes in the Socceroos camp and give the inside word on all the action at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Updated: 2026-06-18T07:01:00Z · Read more
World Cup group-stage days rarely get better than this. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are all in action. Follow live updates with ESPN.
Updated: 2026-06-16T16:33:31Z · Read more
Why did Tunisia hire Herve Renard to replace Sabri Lamouchi?
Updated: 2026-06-16T16:16:10Z · Read more
Ghana officials on Tuesday appealed Canada's decision to refuse midfielder Thomas Partey entry into the country for the team's first World Cup match while he awaits trial on rape charges.
Updated: 2026-06-16T16:29:11Z · Read more
Argentina fans take over Kansas City before World Cup opener
Updated: 2026-06-16T08:46:34Z · Read more
Check out all the fixtures, features and results for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Updated: 2026-06-16T08:28:42Z · Read more
Join Joey Lynch and Alex Hatzikostas each day as they go behind the scenes in the Socceroos camp and give the inside word on all the action at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Updated: 2026-06-16T07:50:28Z · Read more
World Cup 2026 opens with hosts Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca. This historic match features Mexico seeking to end their World Cup round-of-16 curse against a South Africa side playing their first World Cup since 2010. Key battle: Mexico's attacking trio vs South Africa's disciplined defence. Prediction: Mexico 2-0 South Africa.
Updated: June 11, 2026 · 21:00 Local Time
All 48 teams in action across 12 groups as the 2026 World Cup begins. Hosts Mexico open against South Africa in Group A, while Group K features Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Costa Rica. Defending champions Argentina are in Group J with Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. The 48-team format means 24 matches across the opening matchday.
Updated: June 11, 2026 · 14:00 Portugal Time
Portugal is drawn in Group K with Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Costa Rica. Led by Roberto Martínez and featuring Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão, Portugal aims to improve on their 2022 quarter-final exit. Cristiano Ronaldo at 41 remains a major storyline — his role off the bench could define Portugal's campaign.
Updated: June 11, 2026 · 15:30 Portugal Time
The following sections contain all pre-tournament news, warm-up match results, team announcements, and tournament preparation updates.
The tournament kicks off today — June 11, 2026. Pre-tournament news from previous days
(squad announcements, friendlies, injury updates) is available in the site's
Tournament Hub.
Full date-based archive browsing will be available as the tournament progresses.