Ranking the World Cup 2026 groups: Which teams are favourites to progress?
The first stage of the 2026 World Cup 2026 features 12 groups. We’ve ranked them and picked the favourites to advance.
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‘Arbitrary measures’: Lula slams US ‘terror’ designation for Brazil gangs
Lula warned that labelling Brazil’s criminal networks as ‘terrorists’ could ‘undermine’ local law enforcement efforts.
‘A landmark’: Brazil’s prosecutors hail court ruling to preserve Fordlandia
Advocates have argued that Brazil’s government has dragged its feat over Fordlandia’s fate, leaving the site to decay.
EXPLAINER
Kambo: What is the frog poison ‘spiritual ritual’ killing detoxers?
Indigenous groups have warned against the use of kambo by non-specialist practitioners.
US to designate two Brazilian gangs as ‘terrorist’ organisations
Trump administration has used crime and drug trafficking to push for greater US military influence across Latin America.
Neymar set to miss Brazil World Cup opener due to calf injury
Neymar was injured playing for Santos in the Brazil domestic league, and is now confirmed to miss World Cup friendlies.
World Cup contenders: Can ‘underrated’ Brazil end 24-year title drought?
While one of the least fancied Brazilian World Cup sides of all time, Ancelotti’s squad is still loaded with talent.
Hottest year on record almost certain to occur by end of 2030, UN warns
Warning comes as Western Europe experiences a heatwave, with temperatures reaching highs not expected until the summer.
Brazil’s Flavio Bolsonaro meets with Trump amid troubled presidential bid
Son of former President Jair Bolsonaro is fighting to recover from a scandal that has rocked his presidential campaign.
EXPLAINER
Could Brazilian oil emerge as one of the big winners of the Iran war?
China and India are among those ramping up imports of Brazilian crude amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
French court finds Airbus, Air France guilty of manslaughter in 2009 crash
Airbus says it plans to appeal the ruling, which overturned 2023 acquittal of both companies.
