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.

The first stage of the 2026 World Cup 2026 features 12 groups. We’ve ranked them and picked the favourites to advance.








![Leader of ANO party Andrej Babis speaks to the media after the preliminary results of the parliamentary election, in Prague, Czech Republic, October 4, 2025 [David W Cerny/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-10-04T164302Z_312013761_RC245HA1NI1F_RTRMADP_3_CZECH-ELECTION-1759598218.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
Self-described ‘Trumpist’ Andrej Babis has campaigned on pledges of welfare and halting military aid to Ukraine.
Six-time MotoGP world champ continues his supreme 2025 season, becoming first Ducati rider to win five consecutive GPs.

The Seven Villages is a short documentary that brings together two women of different generations in a video call.
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Outlet is one of several media services whose funding was cut by Trump administration amid aggressive downsizing effort.
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When searching for a response to the far-right resurgence, Europeans should not look towards the totalitarian left.
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Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky argues that a Ukraine deal favoring Russia threatens other European countries.
A US indictment has named Yadav as the mastermind of the foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.