Raphinha, Vinicius Jr, Brazil, Neymar
10 June 2026

Raphinha has backed himself and Vinicius Jr to lead Brazil toward a sixth World Cup title, saying both can decide major matches. Brazil enter the tournament under pressure after failing to win the trophy since 2002.

With Neymar still short of fitness, Brazil’s hopes are expected to lean heavily on Vinicius and Raphinha’s attacking output. The Barcelona winger also stressed defensive improvement as Carlo Ancelotti’s side prepare for Morocco in Group C.

Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT, Christian Pulisic
10 June 2026

Mauricio Pochettino has told the USMNT they can win the World Cup despite lacking players ranked among the sport’s top 100. Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah and other players are aiming to prove the squad belongs higher.

Pochettino’s message is built around belief, home advantage and the need to beat a major opponent. The United States still carry concerns in goal, knockout history and consistency, but players insist the ambition is real.

Sunday Oliseh, Patrice Motsepe, Morocco, Senegal
10 June 2026

Africa’s World Cup hopes are being reassessed as the continent sends its largest group of teams to the expanded tournament. Morocco’s 2022 semi-final run remains the benchmark, with Morocco and Senegal seen as leading contenders to go deep.

Former players and officials pointed to better representation, investment, diaspora recruitment and improved youth structures as key progress drivers. Morocco’s long-term academy model is viewed as the clearest blueprint, though luck and knockout depth remain obstacles.

Estadio Azteca, Mexico, South Africa, Charlie Davies
10 June 2026

Estadio Azteca is set to become the first stadium to host three World Cups when Mexico face South Africa. The Athletic revisited the venue’s history through Charlie Davies, who scored there for the United States in 2009.

Davies described the stadium’s noise, altitude, intimidation and silence after an away goal as part of its aura. The feature builds anticipation for the renovated venue’s return as a major World Cup stage in Mexico City.

Paraguay, USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino
10 June 2026

Paraguay are being framed as a difficult opening World Cup opponent for the USMNT after building a deeper, tougher side. The Athletic highlighted their emotional edge, defensive bite and readiness to challenge the co-hosts from the first whistle.

The preview points to Paraguay’s physical intensity, collective pride and comfort in hostile settings as problems for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. The USMNT are expected to face a team that will not be overawed by the occasion.

Scotland, Steve Clarke, Tartan Army
10 June 2026

Scotland’s return to the men’s World Cup has underlined how much has changed since their last finals appearance in 1998. Several players in Steve Clarke’s squad were not born when Scotland last played on the biggest stage.

BBC Sport framed the 28-year gap through politics, technology, prices, sport and culture, showing the scale of Scotland’s absence. The feature adds context before a historic campaign for Clarke’s team and the travelling Tartan Army.

BBC Sport pundits, Opta, Microsoft Copilot Chat
10 June 2026

BBC Sport’s World Cup predictions put France and England at the front of a wide-open tournament debate. Nine pundits picked France, seven backed England, while Opta’s model rated Spain as the most likely winner after 25,000 simulations.

The predictions reflect a crowded contender field, with Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Portugal also heavily discussed. England’s chances depend on Thomas Tuchel’s balance, Harry Kane’s goals and defensive stability, while Scotland are widely tipped to target knockout qualification.

Ibrahim Maza, Algeria, Argentina, Lionel Messi
9 June 2026

Ibrahim Maza has talked up Algeria’s chances before their World Cup opener against Argentina, saying they must stay calm against the holders’ provocation. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder also openly targeted a win over Lionel Messi.

Algeria have arrived in Kansas City for their first World Cup since 2014, with Maza expected to play a key role. His comments add spice to a difficult Group J opener against the defending champions.

Ibrahim Maza, Algeria, Argentina, Lionel Messi
9 June 2026

Ibrahim Maza has talked up Algeria’s chances before their World Cup opener against Argentina, saying they must stay calm against the holders’ provocation. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder also openly targeted a win over Lionel Messi.

Algeria have arrived in Kansas City for their first World Cup since 2014, with Maza expected to play a key role. His comments add spice to a difficult Group J opener against the defending champions.

Assan Ouedraogo, Germany, Julian Nagelsmann, Lennart Karl
8 June 2026

Assan Ouedraogo has joined Germany’s World Cup squad after Lennart Karl’s injury withdrawal, giving Julian Nagelsmann another young option. The RB Leipzig midfielder had already impressed with a goal on his senior debut.

Nagelsmann said he wanted another youngster after Karl’s exit and praised Ouedraogo’s form, character and openness. The decision also placed him ahead of other candidates, including Said El Mala and Chris Führich.