Focus: Group A

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group A

Paris: If history is any guide, co-hosts Mexico will kick off the FIFA World Cup 2026 with every reason to be confident of comfortably advancing into the knockout rounds from Group A.

Mexico, the only country to host three World Cups, reached the quarter-finals on the two previous occasions the tournament was played on home soil, in 1970 and 1986.

The co-hosts get the tournament under way against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on June 11 before later group stage games against Korea Republic and Czechia.

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Focus: Group B

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

Focus: Group B

Paris: After a decade-long march up the FIFA World Rankings, co-hosts Canada are hoping to crown their rise by claiming a piece of FIFA World Cup history in Group B - a first ever win.

In two previous appearances at the FIFA World Cup - the 1986 edition in Mexico and the 2022 tournament in Qatar - Canada have a perfect record of six defeats from six matches.

The co-hosts are aiming to buck that trend in a first round group that includes Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland.

Al Taamari, Olwan to spearhead Jordan challenge

Tue, 02 Jun, 2026

Al Taamari, Olwan to spearhead Jordan challenge

Amman: Musa Al Taamari and Ali Olwan will lead Jordan's historic challenge at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the nation set to make their debut appearance on football's biggest stage.

Head coach Jamal Sellami named his final 26-man squad, with Rennes winger Al Taamari and prolific forward Olwan expected to play key roles as Jordan seek to progress from a difficult Group J.

Afif, Ali to power Qatar

Tue, 02 Jun, 2026

Afif, Ali to power Qatar

Doha: Akram Afif and Almoez Ali will be at the forefront as head coach Julen Lopetegui named Qatar's squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Set to appear on the global stage on merit for the first time after hosting the 2022 edition, Qatar will face co-hosts Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland in Group B.

Shomurodov, Khusanov in the limelight as Cannavaro names strong Uzbekistan squad

Tue, 02 Jun, 2026

Shomurodov, Khusanov in the limelight as Cannavaro names strong Uzbekistan squad

Edmonton: Head coach Fabio Cannavaro went for the tried and trusted in naming the Uzbekistan squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday.

The Central Asian nation, who will be making their debut on the global stage, will feature in a tough but exciting Group K.

Taremi, Jahanbakhsh to front IR Iran

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

Taremi, Jahanbakhsh to front IR Iran

Istanbul: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Amir ⁠Ghalenoei placed his faith in veterans Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh as he named his FIFA World Cup 2026 squad on Monday.

Taremi, 33, who plays for ⁠Olympiacos, and former Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jahanbakhsh, will ​lead the attack ‌in the tournament.