World Cup contenders: Can Spain’s young stars live up to the hype?
Led by some outrageously young and talented players, are Spain set to repeat another Euro-World Cup double in 2026?
!['Trionda' - translated from Spanish as "three waves" is the official match ball for the World Cup 2026 set to be hosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The ball has a sensor chip inside it to track movement. [Daniel Cole/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-05-12T171750Z_1958047099_UP1EM5C1C1O5K_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-WORLDCUP-LOS-ANGELES-1780378175.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Iran footballers hand passports to US embassy for World Cup visa approval
Iran will fly to Mexico on Saturday to their home base at 2026 World Cup, while all their games are played in the US.
REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK
Cohosts Mexico look to break last 16 ‘curse’ at 2026 World Cup
El Tri lost in the last 16 in seven consecutive World Cups but have higher hopes for the 2026 tournament.
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.
US visa rejections, war on Iran keep fans away from World Cup
High visa application fees, equally high rejection rates, an unwelcoming America, and the war combine to deter fans.
Iran beat Mali in final warm-up before heading to World Cup
Iran beat Mali in their final competitive match before departing for their Mexico base for the 2026 World Cup.
‘We are fighters’: Iraq aim to shock rivals at 2026 World Cup
Coach Graham Arnold and two key players speak to Al Jazeera ahead of Iraq’s first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Ivory Coast beats France in World Cup warning to one of the favourites
Ivory Coast defeats France 2-1 in friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as Manchester United’s Amad Diallo seals win.
Liverpool appoint Spaniard Iraola as new manager in place of Slot
Andoni Iraola left his role at Bournemouth at the end of the season and takes over at Liverpool in place of Arne Slot.
Iran footballers describe how war with US-Israel affects their World Cup
Iran national players Saeid Ezatolahi and Mohammad Ghorbani talk about how war is overshadowing a World Cup dream.
Who are the Golden Boot favourites at World Cup 2026?
There are a host of top players who could claim the coveted title of top goal scorer, including two from the same team.
