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.
![Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr is presented with the Saudi Pro League Trophy [Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GettyImages-2277551901-1779397791.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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UEFA bans Benfica’s Prestianni for six games for verbally abusing Vinicius
Prestianni suspended for homophobic discriminatory conduct in Champions League match against Real Madrid in February.
Benfica fined for fans’ racism at Real Madrid game with UEFA investigation
European football’s governing body fines Portuguese club Benfica for racist abuse by its fans in Champions League game.
The ‘orphan pearl’: Inside Kharg, the beating heart of Iran’s oil empire
On Iran’s ‘Forbidden Island’ of Kharg, ancient ruins sit beside the nerve centre of the nation’s oil empire.
Uganda’s Kiplimo regains half-marathon world record in Lisbon
The 25-year-old is back on top, five years after first setting the record on the same course.
Vinicius hits winner as Real Madrid eliminate Benfica from Champions League
Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Jr score to help Madrid fight back in playoff second-leg to grab a 3-1 aggregate win.
Prestianni, Mourinho suspended as Real Madrid face Benfica amid racism row
Benfica look to overturn one-goal deficit after first leg marred by allegations of racist abuse against Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid send ‘all available’ Vinicius evidence to UEFA in racism row
Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr alleges he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
UEFA to investigate alleged racist abuse of Vinicius
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior alleges racist abuse against Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni in the UEFA Champions League.
Mourinho, Benfica criticised after alleged racist abuse of Real’s Vinicius
Former Real boss Jose Mourinho criticised for his response to alleged racism by his Benfica player towards Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius earns Real Madrid 1-0 win at Benfica in match marred by racism row
Match interrupted for several minutes after Madrid’s goalscorer Vinicius Jr accused opponent of racially insulting him.
