World Cup 2026

Leandro Trossard is reportedly on the verge of joining Besiktas, with the Belgian international having agreed to personal terms and a transfer fee settled between Arsenal and the Turkish club.

For the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, the four highest-ranked nations globally have all advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 tournament, setting the stage for an unprecedented conclusion.

UEFA has confirmed it will not implement mandatory hydration breaks for Euro 2028 or the Champions League, drawing a clear distinction from FIFA's policy at the ongoing 2026 World Cup, which has faced significant criticism.

Mattias Svanberg turns a difficult club season into a World Cup platform, scoring on his tournament debut for Sweden just weeks after Wolfsburg’s relegation to Bundesliga 2. His impact sharpens the focus on second-tier German talent and a pivotal summer ahead.

Jude Bellingham has criticised aspects of England’s Euro 2024 setup, highlighting off‑pitch shortcomings and a lack of squad connection as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup. His remarks sharpen the focus on culture, leadership and selection battles inside the current camp.

Ralf Rangnick extends his contract with Austria through 2028, turning down an approach from AC Milan and opting for continuity with the national team over a return to club management.

Harry Kane arrives at the 2026 World Cup in prolific form for Bayern Munich and as England’s all-time leading scorer, reinforcing his status as the focal point of their campaign. His combination of club dominance and national-team leadership shapes expectations on and off the pitch.

The reigning European champions enter the 2026 World Cup as favourites, boasting a new golden generation led by 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal.

Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins have transformed from peripheral figures at Euro 2024 to central components of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, with both strikers proving their worth through stellar club campaigns.