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World Cup predicted starting lineups
We're just a month away from the 2026 World Cup! How do all the major contenders -- and the three co-hosts -- look in terms of rosters and starters?
ESPN
World Cup Power Rankings: Who are the front-runners with 30 days to go?
Our reporters ranked the top 15 contenders for this summer's top prize as they see it.
CAPTAINCY CRISIS?
Captaincy crisis?! Franck Kessie joins Koulibaly, Hakimi, Salah in race for World Cup fitness
Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie has become the latest World Cup-bound skipper to pick up an injury a month to go before the tournament, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah already facing anxious waits.
Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty images
Top Headlines
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE WORLD CUP
Can Brazil still thrive at the World Cup if Estêvão misses out through injury?
Estêvão is in a race to be fit in time to represent Brazil at this summer's World Cup. If he doesn't play, who are the next men up for Carlo Ancelotti's team?
(Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
World Cup injuries: Who's ruled out and who could still play? Hugo Ekitike, Rodrygo, Lamine Yamal, more
Here are the players who will miss the World Cup with injury, and those who are battling to be fit...
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FIFA World Cup
Which players have scored a hat trick in the World Cup?
Kylian Mbappé was the most recent player to score a hat trick in the World Cup. See who else joins him on the list in history.
Football
Who has won World Cup and Champions League in the same year?
Raphaël Varane was the last soccer player to win the Champions League and the World Cup in the same year. Find out who else joins him on the list.
FIFA World Cup
Who has the most assists in the FIFA World Cup?
Here is a look at the players with the most career assists at the FIFA World Cup since 1966.
FIFA World Cup
2026 World Cup: List of squads, players announced so far
Here's every World Cup squad list that has been announced ahead of the June 1 deadline.
FIFA World Cup
2026 World Cup injuries tracker: Which stars could miss out, latest info
Which key players might not be participating in this summer's tournament? Here's the latest on injuries impacting World Cup teams.
Japan
FIFA World Cup
Have injuries ruined Japan's chances of causing World Cup upsets?
Gabe Tan reacts to Japan's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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France
FIFA World Cup
Who was the surprise selection in France's 2026 World Cup squad?
Julien Laurens takes a look at Didier Deschamps' France squad for the 2026 World Cup.
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Football
Is Mofokeng overrated in a Bafana jersey, and could going overseas help him?
After a difficult start to the 2025-26 season, South Africa midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng has bounced back and is in the form of his life for Orlando Pirates, just in time for the FIFA World Cup.
South Africa
FIFA World Cup
South Africa squad predictor - Which Bafana players will be on the plane to the World Cup?
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has repeatedly stated that he has a strong sense of who will make up the majority of his 23-26 man squad for the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the USA. But how will that change in the next few weeks?
FIFA World Cup
Set your alarms! FIFA World Cup fixtures for Africa's teams
The FIFA World Cup will require some late nights and early mornings for Africa's fans, with many fixtures taking place in the wee hours. Here are all the group stage matches for Africa's 10 teams.
FIFA World Cup
Who has won the Golden Glove at the World Cup?
Here is a list of the goalkeepers who have won the Golden Glove at the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup
France WCup squad: Camavinga out, Mateta in
France coach Didier Deschamps assembled a squad with formidable attacking talent for the World Cup and rewarded goalkeeper Robin Risser with a call-up for the showpiece tournament following his breakthrough season.
FIFA World Cup
Brighton, Japan star Mitoma in doubt for WCup
Kaoru Mitoma will miss Brighton's last two matches of the season and could be a doubt for the World Cup.
Brazil
FIFA World Cup
Brazil extend Ancelotti through 2030 World Cup
Carlo Ancelotti has renewed his contract as Brazil coach for another four years through to the 2030 World Cup.
Lionel Messi
Football
Messi tracker: All goals, assists, key moments for Miami, Argentina in 2026
ESPN provides game-by-game analysis of Lionel Messi's performances for Inter Miami and Argentina.
Top Headlines
- De Ligt ruled out of World Cup after back surgery
- Haller out of Ivory Cost World Cup squad, Bonny in
- Lukaku in Belgium WC squad despite injury woes
- Rice: 'Real connection' with England teammates
- Kaoru Mitoma ruled out of World Cup with injury
- Shakira, Burna Boy combine for World Cup song
- Saudi PIF signs deal to sponsor 2026 World Cup
England at World Cup 2026
- Getty
England 2026 World Cup draw: When, where are the games?
Get ready for the 2026 World Cup. ESPN breaks down England's schedules, games, how to watch & how to get tickets.
- Andrew Redington/Getty Images
England 2026 World Cup watch: Who's trending up, who's trending down
With the World Cup around the corner, ESPN brings you a list of players who are trending up and trending down for their inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.
What you need to know
- Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
2026 FIFA World Cup: Format, groups, full match schedule, more
Check out the groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, along with everything you need to know about the tourney's format.
- Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
World Cup group stage explained: Tiebreakers, third-place teams, more
Here's everything you need to know about what teams need to do to reach the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup.
- Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images
How does offside work in soccer? Explaining one of the sport's key laws
Here's what you need to know about offside, why it exists and how it will be implemented at the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup trends
- Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images / Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images / Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images
World Cup kit ranking: Which teams will look best in 2026?
The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams, bringing a total of more than 100 kits! Here are all the ones released so far, from worst to first.
- AP Photo/Charles Krupa
Aggravations prompt fans to ask: Is the World Cup worth the expense?
Ticket prices, transit fees and exorbitant hotel rates combine to dampen stadium-goers' exuberance
