The Kickoff desk · World Cup 2026

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Yamal on track for Spain's World Cup opener, says De la Fuente

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says Lamine Yamal could be ready to feature in the Group H opener against Cape Verde on June 15, while stopping short of guaranteeing the recovering forward will start.

Kickoff StaffJune 6, 20263 min read

(Credit: Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

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Analysis

Why Spain Can Win the World Cup 2026

Spain enter World Cup 2026 as top seeds with a brilliant young core, suffocating possession and the momentum of recent dominance.

Kickoff StaffJune 6, 20263 min read

Analysis

Why England Can Win the World Cup 2026

England reach World Cup 2026 with a deep talent pool, Thomas Tuchel's structure and a perfect qualifying record behind them.

Kickoff StaffJune 6, 20264 min read

Players

The Best Midfielders at World Cup 2026

Portugal's Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, Spain's Pedri, England's Bellingham — we rank the 10 midfielders who will decide World Cup 2026, with the verified 2025-26 numbers behind every pick.

Kickoff StaffJune 6, 202610 min read

Analysis

World Cup 2026 Underdogs: Teams That Could Surprise

Morocco, Croatia, Uruguay, Ecuador and Senegal lead a class of dark horses - and the new 48-team format gives them more room to run.

Kickoff StaffJune 6, 20263 min read

Analysis

World Cup 2026 Group of Death: The Toughest Group

Every World Cup has one. We pick the toughest group of the 2026 draw - Group C, where Brazil, Morocco and Scotland collide.

Kickoff StaffJune 6, 20263 min read

Players

Top 10 Breakout Stars to Watch at World Cup 2026

From Lamine Yamal to Brazil's teenage wingers and a host-nation surprise — ten young players, all confirmed in their squads, who could announce themselves to the world at World Cup 2026.

Kickoff StaffJune 6, 20269 min read