Graham Ruthven

FIFA’s proposal to raise about $20bn by selling commercial stakes in its tournaments, including the World Cup, has drawn forceful opposition from UEFA, Concacaf, the Football Association and political figures, prompting comparisons with the failed European Super League. The piece argues that Gianni Infantino may have pushed FIFA too far and risks provoking coordinated resistance from European nations and supporters. It also assesses Arsenal’s reported interest in Vinícius Júnior, arguing that the Real Madrid forward would decisively upgrade a left wing that has lacked goals. Liverpool, meanwhile, is described as entering Andoni Iraola’s rebuild with inadequate defensive depth, unresolved squad gaps, uncertain executive leadership and possible outside investment from a consortium involving Jeff Bezos.

A viewing guide for the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, including the 3pm ET kickoff and broadcast or streaming options in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Spain are portrayed as favorites after a dominant semifinal win over France, while Argentina are seeking to defend their title after overcoming England. Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal are identified as the key players who could decide the final.

France and England meet in Miami in the World Cup third‑place match, a low‑stakes game in which both managers may rotate their squads. Humid conditions and squad changes could lead to a slow tempo, though France’s attack, led by Kylian Mbappé, remains a threat. England may adjust their midfield setup, with Kobbie Mainoo potentially featuring. Broadcast times and viewing options are provided for major regions.

England and Argentina meet in Atlanta on 15 July for a place in the 2026 World Cup final. Argentina are seeking to defend their Qatar title, while England are aiming to reach their first final since 1966. The match is scheduled for 3pm ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with coverage available through FOX and Telemundo in the United States, TSN in Canada, BBC One in the United Kingdom and SBS in Australia. Jude Bellingham and Lionel Messi are identified as key players, with England’s resilience and Argentina’s vulnerability in defensive transition highlighted as potential factors.

France and Spain meet in a World Cup semi-final featuring two of the tournament’s strongest teams, with France’s pace-driven counterattack set against Spain’s possession control and defensive stability. Broadcast information is provided for multiple regions, and key players such as Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal are highlighted as potential decisive factors in a match expected to shape the tournament’s outcome.

The final day of the World Cup quarter-finals features Norway versus England and Argentina versus Switzerland, with both matches framed around key players such as Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi. Norway arrive in strong form after defeating Brazil, while England seek improvement following their narrow win over Mexico. Argentina continue their title defense despite inconsistent performances, as Switzerland aim to advance by maintaining a disciplined approach. Broadcast information, kickoff times and key tactical notes are provided for viewers.

Spain enter their World Cup match against Belgium on a four‑game winning run despite not replicating their Euro 2024 intensity, while Belgium arrive revitalized after a strong performance against the USA following controversial lineup changes. Key injuries and form concerns shape Spain’s outlook, and Belgium aim to become the first team to score against the European champions. The article provides match details, broadcast information, and outlines players to watch, with Lamine Yamal highlighted as central to Spain’s attacking prospects.

France and Morocco meet in a World Cup quarter‑final in Boston, with France entering as strong favourites after an intense win over Paraguay. Morocco, semifinalists in 2022, now play with greater control through emerging French‑born talents Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui. France’s attack, led by Kylian Mbappé and supported by Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué and Michael Olise, has produced 14 goals, making them one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides. The article provides global broadcast and streaming details along with key tactical notes and players to watch.

Argentina face Egypt and Switzerland meet Colombia in the final day of the World Cup last 16, with broadcast details and kickoff times provided for major regions. Argentina aim to correct defensive vulnerabilities exposed in their previous match, while Egypt rely on quick transitions led by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Switzerland look revitalized by Johan Manzambi’s impact, and Colombia present a balanced, hard‑working side anchored by Luis Díaz. Viewers are given information on how to watch each match across major broadcasters and streaming platforms.

The USA face Belgium in the World Cup last 16 with momentum under Mauricio Pochettino and standout striker Folarin Balogun, while Belgium enter the match in poor form. Portugal meet Spain earlier in a high-profile Iberian matchup, with Spain showing notable improvement and Portugal struggling to find consistency. Broadcast details, kickoff times and key players to watch are outlined for both fixtures.

Mexico and England meet in a World Cup last‑16 match at Estadio Azteca, where Mexico remain strong favorites after an undefeated group stage. England have struggled for form but retain the talent to challenge. Brazil face Norway earlier in New Jersey, with both teams carrying momentum into the knockout round. Broadcast schedules and streaming options for major regions accompany brief match previews and key players to watch.

Canada face Morocco and France play Paraguay as the World Cup last‑16 opens, with broadcast schedules listed for major regions. Canada hope to exploit space against a strong Moroccan side while Alphonso Davies’ potential involvement may influence the match. France enter as dominant favorites against Paraguay, driven by an in‑form attacking trio including Michael Olise. Both matches could shape the quarter‑final landscape.

Preview of the final day of the World Cup last-32 matches outlines viewing information and key storylines for Australia v Egypt, Argentina v Cape Verde and Colombia v Ghana. Each matchup highlights team form, tactical expectations and notable players as nations compete for the remaining places in the round of 16.

Previews for three World Cup last‑32 matches outline form, key players and tactical expectations as Spain face Austria, Portugal meet Croatia, and Switzerland play Algeria. Broadcast and streaming options are listed for major regions, with each matchup highlighting standout performers and factors that could shape progression to the next round.

Knockout-stage World Cup matches feature England facing DR Congo, Belgium playing Senegal, and the USA meeting Bosnia and Herzegovina. Broadcast information, match times and tactical expectations are outlined, highlighting England’s need to break down a deep defensive setup, Belgium’s improved form, and the USA’s challenge against a compact Bosnia and Herzegovina side. Key players such as Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Pulisic are identified as central to their teams’ chances.

Three World Cup last‑32 matches featuring Côte d’Ivoire v Norway, France v Sweden and Mexico v Ecuador are previewed with kick‑off times, broadcast options and key storylines. France and Mexico enter with perfect records, Côte d’Ivoire make history with their first knockout appearance, and Norway and Sweden rely on star forwards. Featured players include Mbappé, Haaland and Caicedo, with each match’s tactical focus and standout performers highlighted.

Brazil face Japan in one of the most anticipated last‑32 matches of the 2026 World Cup, with both teams showing strong adaptability and attacking quality. Germany meet Paraguay after mixed group‑stage performances, while the Netherlands take on Morocco following a surge in form driven by attacking changes. Each matchup includes broadcast details and key players to watch as knockout play begins.

Canada face South Africa in the first knockout match of the 2026 World Cup, with the game set in Los Angeles despite Canada co‑hosting the tournament. South Africa enter buoyed by a surprise win over South Korea, while Canada advance despite injury setbacks to key players. Broadcast details, kickoff time, and viewing options across major regions are provided, along with key storylines including South Africa’s counterattacking strength and Canada’s search for consistency. Nathan Saliba is highlighted as a player to watch after his standout assist against Switzerland.

The final day of the 2026 World Cup group stage features decisive matches affecting qualification across several groups, including Colombia v Portugal for first place in Group K and crucial fixtures for Croatia, England, Ghana, DR Congo, Algeria and Austria. Broadcast details and kickoff times are provided for each matchup along with brief analyses of team form and key players to watch.

Preview of World Cup 2026 group-stage matches outlines kick-off times, broadcast options and key players to watch across several fixtures. Norway and France meet to decide the winner of Group I, while Uruguay seek improvement against Spain. Additional match guides cover Senegal v Iraq, Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia, Uruguay v Spain, Egypt v Iran and New Zealand v Belgium, highlighting team form, stakes for qualification and standout players.

Provides broadcast information, kick-off times and match context for the day’s World Cup fixtures, highlighting the USA’s strong position in their group, Turkey’s early elimination, Ecuador’s struggle to score, Germany’s depth, Japan’s impressive form, Sweden’s inconsistency, the Netherlands’ attacking resurgence and the stakes for Paraguay and Australia as group play concludes.

Multiple World Cup group-stage matches are outlined with kick-off times, broadcast information and key storylines. Several teams face decisive fixtures as they compete for places in the last 32, including Scotland against Brazil and Czechia against Mexico. Player highlights, injury updates and tactical considerations are provided for each matchup, with several teams needing specific results to advance. Co-hosts Mexico are already through, while others such as South Africa, Haiti and Czechia enter must-win situations as the group stage concludes.

England, Portugal, Croatia and Colombia enter their second World Cup group matches with varying levels of pressure, as England seek to build on a dominant opening win, while Portugal and Croatia aim to correct underwhelming starts. Ghana, Panama, Uzbekistan and DR Congo look to stay competitive against stronger opponents, with each match’s key players and broadcast details outlined.

Upcoming World Cup matches for 22 June are outlined with kick-off times, broadcasters and key players to watch. Argentina, France, Norway and Jordan seek to advance after varied opening results, while Algeria, Iraq and Senegal look to recover from early defeats. Messi, Haaland, Mbappé and Mahrez are highlighted as pivotal performers as teams fight for position in the group stage.

Spain seek to recover from a goalless opening draw as they face Saudi Arabia, while Belgium look to improve after an unconvincing performance against Egypt. Iran aim to build on their resilience following a draw with New Zealand, and Uruguay target a stronger attacking display after a one-dimensional showing against Cape Verde. New Zealand enter their match with Egypt encouraged by an unexpectedly proactive opening performance, with both teams looking to capitalise on early promise in the tournament’s group stage.