The missing piece to Steve Clarke’s legacy as Scotland bid to end 30 years of hurt
The Curacao blueprint and how Guyana are targeting a similar World Cup miracle
‘Totally undaunted’ and the world at his feet: Welcome to the era of Lamine Yamal
World Cup 2026 - latest
- Iran claim World Cup ticket allocation has been withdrawn
- England camp hit with earthquake before final warm-up with Costa Rica
- African referee refused entry into US at border control despite 'having the right visa'
- Infantino hit with criminal complaint days before World Cup
- World Cup 2026 full schedule
- PROFILE: Welcome to the era of Lamine Yamal
Emile Heskey tells England players to 'drink in' World Cup despite pressure of expectation
14:08 , Will CastleEmile Heskey has urged England’s players not to let the experience of playing at a World Cup pass them by amid expectation and pressure to perform.
“My advice to the England squad would be to enjoy participating at a World Cup,” Heskey told Grosvenor Casinos. “Seize the moment; it’s not every day you’re granted the opportunity to represent your country, especially at the biggest tournament in the world.
"Don’t let anything pass you by and take it all in, because you never know whether you’ll experience something similar again in your career. These players would’ve dreamed of playing for England in this tournament, and now that they’re finally there, they should drink it in.”
WATCH: Five World Cup rule changes you need to know
14:00 , Miguel DelaneyWorld Cup opening ceremonies: United States
13:52 , Will CastleFinally to Los Angeles, where the United States will put on the third and final World Cup opening ceremony. Getting started at 12:30am BST on Saturday 13 June before the US’ clash with Paraguay, the spectacle will be staged at the SoFi Stadium - the newest stadium being used at this summer’s tournament.
International pop star Katy Perry will headline in her home state, joined by rapper Future.
Tyla will also appear at her second ceremony having performed across the border in Mexico, along with Thai-born star Lisa from K-pop band Blackpink, Nigerian artist Rema and Brazilian singer Anitta.
The US has a history of memorable moments when it comes to World Cup opening ceremonies, including Diana Ross's famous missed penalty ahead of the 1994 World Cup in Chicago.
World Cup opening ceremonies: Canada
13:44 , Will CastleCanada will then take the spotlight for their opening ceremony in Toronto, kicking off at 6:30pm BST on Friday 12 June at BMO Field ahead of the host nation’s clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Leading the line-up is none other than Canadian icon Michael Buble, with the likes of Alessia Cara and Alanis Morissette among the other featured performers.
Palestinian singer Elyanna will also perform while French artist Vegedream, who is best known for his the timeless anthem “Ramenez la coupe a la maison” which celebrated France’s World Cup win in 2018.
Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy and William Prince are also on the bill.
World Cup opening ceremonies: Mexico
13:36 , Will CastleMexico will get World Cup proceedings underway with their opening ceremony at 6:30pm BST on Thursday 11 June in Mexico City.
Held at Mexico City Stadium, better known worldwide as the Estadio Azteca, the ceremony will take place ahead of the Group A clash between Mexico and South Africa, a repeat of the clash that rose the curtain on the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
Shakira and Burna Boy are poised to headline the spectacle, performing the official tournament song, Dai Dai.
Additional performers include Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.
Why are three opening ceremonies taking place?
13:28 , Will CastleThis year’s World Cup finals are the first to be hosted by multiple countries, with the United States, Canada and Mexico all staging the competition, boasting the elusive element of home advantage for football’s greatest showpiece.
Three host nations means three separate opening ceremonies for each of their opening games, as is traditionally done, with the trio roping in A-list artists and other performers to set the tone for the biggest event on the football calendar.
These three elaborate productions are being orchestrated by Italian producer Marco Balich, renowned for his work on this year’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
Let’s run you through who’s performing at each...
Somali referee speaks out after being refused entry into US
13:26 , Will CastleSomali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan says he has had his World Cup dreams dashed after he was refused entry at the US border.
“I am very, very disappointed,” Artan told the New York Times in a telephone interview from Istanbul, where he was flown to after being turned away. “I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.
“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa.”
He added that he had also showed documentation from Fifa as well as photographs of his career of over a decade as a professional referee.
Scotland's World Cup group guide: Group C
13:12 , Will CastleAre you all ready to party like it’s 1998? Scotland’s men are making their long-awaited return to a World Cup and the Tartan Army will be reunited with two of their group stage opponents from 28 years ago in Brazil and Morocco. Fancy that.
Haiti also join the fun and will be making just their second World Cup appearance, as well as their first since 1974. The Caribbean nation are first up for Steve Clark’s side, whose hopes of becoming the first Scotland team to advance from a group stage of a major tournament could rest on that opening clash in Foxborough. Ooft.
Group C, after all, is the only pool at this expanded World Cup to feature two top-10 nations in Brazil, the record five-time champions, and Morocco, the (massive asterisk) African champions and World Cup semi-finalists from four years ago. It’s a belter of a group.
Here’s everything you need to know about Scotland’s group:
World Cup 2026 – Group C guide: Scotland’s return sparks Brazil and Morocco nostalgia
England's World Cup group guide: Group L
13:04 , Will CastleEngland reside is Group L at this summer’s finals and Thomas Tuchel will hope to steer them safely into the knockouts, preserving as much energy as possible for the challenges ahead.
An opening game against 2018 runners-up Croatia will set the tone for this group and in a rematch of that memorable World Cup semi-final eight years ago, the Three Lions will be eager for a different result. If they repeat the 6-1 victory over Panama from the group stage of that edition in Russia though, they’ll be more than satisfied.
This Panama team look like a tougher nut than their predecessors but, conversely, Ghana are not the same force they were when only the hand of Luis Suarez denied them a semi-final spot in 2010. There is value in winning Group L, given that the runners-up would likely be on a collision course with tournament favourites Spain in the last 16.
Here’s everything you need to know about England’s group:
World Cup 2026 – Group L guide: England face familiar foes and troubled Ghana
The 50 greatest players in World Cup history
12:56 , Will CastleIt is the ultimate list of footballing greats, based solely on their displays in the most prestigious tournament on the planet. Star players the world over can perform for their club – but who are those who have shone brightest for their nation in the history of the men’s Fifa World Cup?
Indy Sport’s writers put our heads together to come up the tournament’s top-50 players of all time:
Pele, Maradona or Messi at No 1? The 50 greatest players in World Cup history
Full story: Iran says entire ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn days before tournament
12:48 , Will CastleIn case you missed it, here’s the big story of the day so far.
Iran's football federation (FFIRI) have claimed that its ticket allocation for the World Cup has been pulled just days before football's global showpiece kicks off.
This leaves supporters who had already made travel plans unable to attend their team's matches, with the FFIRI calling it a decision “to sabotage the presence of Iranian fans” at the tournament.
“This is despite the fact that many Iranian football fans, relying on the officially announced process, had already made the necessary plans to attend the matches,” it added in a statement.
It said the move was “contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries”.
Iran says entire ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn days before tournament
World Cup Insider: Get a matchday briefing from our writers in the US, Canada and Mexico
12:40 , Will CastleKeeping up with everything that matters at this World Cup, the biggest in history and first to be staged across three countries, will be a challenge.
That's where our World Cup Insider newsletter comes in.
Landing in your inbox every morning throughout the tournament, World Cup Insider is your essential guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Designed to cut through the noise, it brings together the key stories, standout moments and expert analysis you need to stay on top of the action.
World Cup Insider: Get a matchday briefing from our football writers
Disney World trip helps England defender Dan Burn prepare for the World Cup
12:32 , Will CastleEngland defender Dan Burn revealed an unconventional secret to his World Cup preparation: a family holiday to Disney World.
He got a taste of the searing heat during his Disney adventure, which meant he wasn’t finished off by the harsh conditions in England’s warm-up with New Zealand.
"I didn’t notice (the heat) that much, if I am being honest,” he said. “I have been here a week before, I did Disney with the kids because I wanted to get a bit of a head start. Honestly, I think that helped. Don’t get us wrong, it wasn’t like a Saturday afternoon in Newcastle, but I felt a lot better than I was expecting to."
Burn, who enthusiastically endorsed ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ as the top ride at Disney, was among several players who travelled across the Atlantic early to gain an advantage.
US wastewater will be screened for disease outbreaks during World Cup
12:24 , Will CastleA specialised public health team is gearing up for a surveillance mission at the World Cup this summer, sifting through sewage and social media to safeguard against severe illness.
A public health squad based in Washington DC, plans to meticulously monitor wastewater and internet chatter. Their objective is to detect and track infectious diseases should they emerge in any of the US or Canadian cities hosting World Cup players, matches, and the anticipated millions of spectators.
US wastewater will be screened for disease outbreaks during World Cup
Referees for opening game revealed
12:16 , Will CastleWilton Sampaio will officiate the opening match of the Fifa World Cup between Mexico and South Africa as part of an all-Brazilian line-up.
Sampaio will be joined by compatriots Bruno Pires and Bruno Boschilia serving as his assistants in the Mexico City curtain-raiser.
Sampaio previously officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was part of the VAR team when it debuted at the 2018 edition in Russia.
The Curacao blueprint and how Guyana are targeting a similar World Cup miracle
12:08 , Will CastleCuracao, the tiny Caribbean outpost with a population less than Middlesbrough, have found their way to football’s top table. Away from the greed, the cost and the wars, their anticipated debut has been one of the sparingly few pre-tournament stories that epitomise what the World Cup should represent.
It is a national miracle that they find themselves here but also a regional rarity; they are one of just five nations to ever represent the Caribbean on football’s biggest stage. That now looks to be changing.
The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams has created new opportunity for international minnows to compete at a level that once looked impossible to reach. Those at the top may feel Fifa have made the tournament too big for their own good, diluting the quality. But there’s an argument for the opposite; with new doors now opened, smaller footballing nations are crucially now seeing a greater justification to invest in the development of the game from the ground up.
The Curacao blueprint and how Guyana are targeting a similar World Cup miracle
Somalia prime minister fumes after referee denied entry
12:00 , Will CastleSomalia prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire has bemoaned the decision to refuse referee Omar Artan entry into the United States for the World Cup.
“I am deeply disappointed by the news that Omar Artan, Africa’s finest referee and one of the best in the world, may be unable to officiate at the Fifa World Cup due to visa-related circumstances,” he said.
“Omar has earned his place through talent, hard work, professionalism, and integrity. Having officiated at the highest levels of African and international football, his credentials speak for themselves.
“He represents not only Somalia, but also the aspirations of millions of young Africans who believe excellence should be recognized on the world stage.
“I remain hopeful that a solution can be found. Football is at its best when it brings people together and celebrates merit, inclusion, and opportunity.
“Omar, Africa and the world stand with you.”
World Cup 2026 fantasy football: 54 players and hidden gems to target
11:52 , Jamie BraidwoodA 48-team tournament means the World Cup’s fantasy football game is bigger than ever, with over 1,200 players available for selection before the group phase.
Does that mean almost everyone will still have at least two of Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in their line-ups? Yes, yes it does - but it will take more than that to build a winning 15-man squad.
Here are 54 players you should look out for when building your dream team:
World Cup 2026 fantasy football: 54 players and hidden gems to target
How far will England get this summer?
11:44 , Will CastleBoyle Sports have done a survey to see how far England fans think Thomas Tuchel’s side can go at the World Cup:
- 16 per cent think they’ll win the World Cup
- 27 per cent think they’ll reach the final
- 30 per cent think they'll only make it as far as the quarters
England fans believe the two last Euros in 2020 and 2024 were the Three Lions’ best chance to win a major title, with the strength of other teams and player form the biggest concerns this summer.
Ian Wright fumes over 'World Cup of chaos'
11:36 , Will CastleIan Wright has taken to Instagram to vent his frustrations about the constant “chaos” surrounding this World Cup - we’re with you, Ian...
Lamine Yamal ‘on track’ for Spain’s World Cup opener
11:28 , Will CastleLamine Yamal is on track to feature in Spain’s opening World Cup fixture against Cape Verde on 15 June as he ramps up his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Yamal, alongside fellow injured players Nico Williams and Victor Munoz, was omitted from Spain’s squad for their final pre-World Cup friendly against Peru in Puebla, Mexico. However, De la Fuente reassured reporters about their progress.
"All three are on track to be fit to play on the 15th. We do not know how many minutes they will be able to play," he stated.
"But Lamine’s injury was different from Nico and Victor. Each player will have their own recovery process and timeline.
However, the most important thing is that, within the timeframe we had planned, the 15th is achievable and will be met, so that they are with us and are available to be selected at some point during the opening game."
How a Lucozade pouch is helping England’s stars to cope with the heat at the World Cup
11:20 , Will CastleEngland's national football team will use a new high-carbohydrate liquid pouch this summer, designed to help cope with the World Cup rigours this summer.
The Football Association has meticulously prepared for the tournament's unique stresses, including travel, time zones, heat, and humidity in North America.
This groundwork involved England’s performance nutritionists collaborating with sports drinks partner Lucozade’s research and development team to develop a product for hydration, fuelling, and recovery in North America.
Lucozade Elite, a high-carbohydrate electrolyte solution, is being used by Thomas Tuchel’s side at the World Cup. It is not commercially available, having been exclusively developed for use by the national teams.
The Lucozade pouch helping the England stars cope with the heat at the World Cup
John McGinn hopes the recent rise in murals featuring star Scotland players will inspire the next generation.
11:12 , Will CastleJohn McGinn hopes the recent rise in murals featuring star Scotland players will inspire the next generation.
McGinn said: “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen that with Scottish players.
“It puts a smile on my face to see the excitement of children again.
“It’s amazing that they’ve got people to look up to from their own country, who are on the world’s biggest stage again, and that’s to be celebrated, definitely.
“A generation’s missed out, but thankfully this generation of children will see us on the side of buildings and hopefully this time come August there is 26 around the country.”
Germany are no longer inevitable as painful World Cup failures loom large
11:04 , Richard JollyAdozen years ago, Andre Schurrle crossed, Mario Gotze volleyed and Germany became World Cup winners for the fourth time. There was a normality to do it: this was what Germany did, and if not they reached at least the quarter-finals, because they had done that in every tournament from 1954 onwards.
There have been some unexpected developments since then and not merely because Schurrle retired before his 30th birthday and now spends some of his time in winter climbing icy mountains wearing only shorts, shoes and a supersized rucksack, and also runs marathons.
Perhaps Germany have a mountain or two of their own to climb this summer, including ones they normally ascended as a matter of routine. It was a seismic shock when the defending champions exited the 2018 World Cup in the group stage, the sense they lost their way summed up by the sight of Manuel Neuer losing the ball 80 yards from his own goal seconds before South Korea’s Son Heung Min slotted his shot into the unguarded net. It was an ignominious as well as an early end to their campaign.
Germany are no longer inevitable as painful World Cup failures loom large
World Cup 2026 kits: Every home and away shirt ranked and rated
10:56 , Lawrence OstlereIt’s that time again...
The World Cup is about to kick-off, and that means we are about to bear witness to the greatest array of international football shirts ever seen.
So of course, our Chief Sports Writer Lawrence Ostlere is doing what he does best and ranking all NINETY-SIX kits from worst to best.
World Cup 2026 kits: Every home and away shirt ranked and rated
Diogo Jota widow pens moving letter to Andy Robertson ahead of World Cup
10:48 , Will CastleAndy Robertson has pledged to carry Diogo Jota in his heart at the World Cup after receiving a moving letter from his former teammate’s widow.
Robertson said he “couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head” after helping seal a first World Cup appearance for Scotland back in November, revealing how much both had talked about going to a World Cup before his tragic death last July.
In a letter to Robertson published by Fifa, Rute Cardoso, the mother of Jota's three children, said: "Diogo often spoke of you. Of the friendship you built, the battles you fought together, the challenges, the laughter, the conversations about football... and about dreams.
"The World Cup was one of those dreams, a dream that the two of you nurtured, side by side, with the same passion with which you took to the pitch.
"When I heard your words and learnt what you felt on that day when Scotland qualified for the World Cup, after so many years of waiting, I realised that Diogo never truly left the pitch.
"By achieving that moment and securing your place at the World Cup, you won't be going alone.
"You'll be taking his dream with you too. And when you step on to the pitch, I know it won't just be you walking out. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.
"So today, I want to thank you. Thank you for not forgetting him. Thank you for taking him with you. Thank you for turning the pain of loss into strength and into something so beautiful.
"That's how we do it here at home too. Every day. He would be, and is, incredibly proud of you. Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him."
England players enjoy ‘mint’ round of golf with five-time major winner at Florida World Cup camp
10:40 , Will CastleEngland captain Harry Kane and several teammates swapped the football pitch for the golf course last week, enjoying a round with five-time major winner Brooks Koepka during their World Cup training camp in Florida.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad arrived in West Palm Beach last Monday, enduring hot and humid conditions as they prepare for the tournament.
Their schedule has included a sweltering friendly victory over New Zealand in Tampa, with an Orlando warm-up against Costa Rica slated for Wednesday.
England stars enjoy ‘mint’ round of golf with five-time major winner in Florida camp
Shooting near England team’s World Cup base in Kansas City leaves nine with injuries
10:32 , Will CastleMultiple people were injured in a mass shooting that took place Saturday morning, nearly five miles from England’s World Cup base in Kansas City, Missouri.
At least nine adults were taken to nearby hospitals after police responded to reports of shots fired on 79th Street and Troost Avenue around 4 a.m. Saturday, police said. The intersection is roughly 4.6 miles from England’s base camp in Swope Soccer Village.
All of those injured were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to survive, Captain Jake Becchina of the Kansas City Police Department said in a statement. No suspects are in custody at this time, but the Kansas City Police Department is investigating the shooting.
England’s players and staff were not on-site during the incident, as they are currently training in Florida.
Nine injured in Kansas City shooting five miles from England’s World Cup base
Michel Platini files criminal complaint against Fifa president Gianni Infantino days before World Cup
10:22 , Will CastleFifa president Gianni Infantino is the subject of a criminal complaint from his former boss at Uefa, Michel Platini, just days before the World Cup kicks off.
Former Uefa president Platini, one of the most gifted footballers of the 1970s and 1980s, had been favourite to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA chief in 2016 until the launch of an ethics probe into a payment he received from Blatter in 2011.
Platini was banned for eight years by Fifa’s ethics committee in 2015 – a sanction which was later reduced to four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Platini and Blatter also faced criminal proceedings regarding the payment, but both were acquitted by the Swiss federal criminal court in 2022 and then by the appeals court in 2025.
Now Platini has launched criminal and civil proceedings in the French courts over the matter, with Infantino one of the individuals named.
The criminal complaint, as confirmed by his lawyer Olivier Baratelli, alleges that Infantino and others “worked to exclude (Platini) from the race for the presidency of Fifa”. The complaint alleges that Infantino was the one “first and foremost” seeking to achieve this.
How a Lucozade pouch is helping England’s stars to cope with the heat at the World Cup
10:20 , Will CastleEngland's national football team will use a new high-carbohydrate liquid pouch this summer, designed to help cope with the World Cup rigours this summer.
The Football Association has meticulously prepared for the tournament's unique stresses, including travel, time zones, heat, and humidity in North America.
This groundwork involved England’s performance nutritionists collaborating with sports drinks partner Lucozade’s research and development team to develop a product for hydration, fuelling, and recovery in North America.
Lucozade Elite, a high-carbohydrate electrolyte solution, is being used by Thomas Tuchel’s side at the World Cup. It is not commercially available, having been exclusively developed for use by the national teams.
The Lucozade pouch helping the England stars cope with the heat at the World Cup
Scotland branded ‘unprofessional’ and ‘weak’ after cancelling training match with Norway
10:14 , Will CastleScotland head coach Steve Clarke has been branded "unprofessional" by his Norwegian counterpart, Stale Solbakken, following the abrupt cancellation of a planned training-ground friendly.
Solbakken voiced his dismay after his side’s 1-1 draw with Morocco, a Group C rival of Scotland. Speaking to Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, he stated: "It was at least as surprising to me, and it is unprofessional of Scotland.
“It is unprofessional that the coach has not called me, that they use the team manager and call and say it after we have finished training."
He further cast doubt on Scotland’s reasoning, adding: "I don’t think the injuries they’re blaming came from the last training session. That’s not the case. It’s disappointing. It’s unprofessional. But we have to live with that. That’s why we adjusted a bit in the game."
Scotland branded ‘unprofessional’ by Norway after disrupting World Cup preparations
Interview: The unique World Cup club that illuminates Edin Dzeko’s great quality with Bosnia and Herzegovina
10:06 , Richard JollyA finisher has a different kind of finish on his mind. “Sometimes there is an end for all of us,” mused Edin Dzeko. “Maybe mine is coming soon.”
Dzeko has scored more than 450 goals and won almost 150 caps in a career that has taken him from his teenage years into his forties. He thought he would have been finished before now. His longevity has surprised even him.
And now, perhaps, for a few weeks that might mean as much as anything else he has achieved. Dzeko was born in the old Yugoslavia. War occupied some of his boyhood. He played in the first Bosnia and Herzegovina team to appear in a World Cup. Now he will captain the second, when several of his teammates are young enough to be his sons.
The unique World Cup club that illuminates Edin Dzeko’s great quality
Netherlands and Jordan suffer late World Cup dropouts
09:58 , Will CastleThere have been two late injury dropouts ahead of the World Cup, concerning the Netherlands and debutants Jordan.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is out of Ronald Koeman’s squad after failing to recover from a groin injury, having missed the Premier League run-in.
A statement from the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) read: “The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner.
“In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team’s pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan. We’re with you, Jurrien.”
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Sabra has been replaced in the Jordan squad by defender Mohammad Abu Ghosh after tearing an ankle ligament.
Here’s the full, updated list of every player going to the World Cup:
World Cup 2026 squads: Every player at this summer’s tournament
Neymar making progress in race to be fit for World Cup
09:50 , Will CastleNeymar’s World Cup hopes have been given a boost after Brazil announced he was making “good progress” in his recovery from a calf injury.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer was expected to be sidelined for between two to three weeks after scans last month revealed a grade two muscle tear.
The 34-year-old had a further scan on Monday and the Brazilian Football Confederation said in a brief statement: “The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters.
“He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.”
More on Iran ticket allocation
09:42 , Will CastleIran were due to have eight percent of tickets allocated to its federation to distribute to fans, as every participating country gets under Fifa regulations.
However, the FFIRI is now claiming to have had this stripped from them just days before their Group G opener with New Zealand in Los Angeles.
Iran, who have already accused the US of “discriminatory behaviour” for denying visas to key members of staff, have denounced this as an “obstruction” of Iranian fans.
BREAKING: Iran claims World Cup ticket allocation withdrawn
09:18 , Will CastleIran's football federation (FFIRI) has said its ticket allocation for the World Cup has been pulled just days before tournament kicks off.
This leaves supporters who had already made travel plans unable to attend their team's matches.
"This is despite the fact that many Iranian football fans, relying on the officially announced process, had already made the necessary plans to attend the matches," the FFIRI added in a statement.
Why will England's Djed Spence wear a protective mask at the World Cup?
09:15 , Will CastleEngland defender Djed Spence will take to the World Cup wearing a protective mask after sustaining a broken jaw last month.
The Tottenham defender suffered the injury during a Premier League clash following a collision with Chelsea striker Liam Delap, and has already donned the facial protection in his club's final match of the season against Everton.
"It's a little bit uncomfortable but it is what it is," he said. "I've got a broken jaw so I have to wear it throughout the tournament. It's something I will have to get used to. It'll be three months until it's fully healed, so it's a long time.
"It was painful but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw. So I was all good.”
World Cup 2026 predictions
09:06 , Will CastleWho will win the World Cup? Who will be the breakout star? And how far will England and Scotland?
Here, Indy Sport’s writers have compiled our predictions for the 2026 World Cup...
World Cup 2026 predictions: Winner, golden boot, breakout star and more
Last night's action
08:59 , Will CastleSome World Cup warm-up action to fill you in on.
Spain and France got in one final tune-up against Peru and Northern Ireland respectively, giving us one final chance to size up the two favourites before the tournament properly kicks off.
For Les Bleus, Michael Olise showed why he is genuinely up there with the best on the planet, with his hat-trick firing his nation to a 3-1 win.
La Roja also won 3-1 and did it without Lamine Yamal, who looks set to be fit for their opener in Atlanta.
Meanwhile, there was late drama in the Netherlands’ clash with debutants Uzbekistan, who traded stoppage-time goals in an enthralling 2-1 win for the Dutch.
Colombia also bested a World Cup newcomer by beating Jordan 2-0.
‘Totally undaunted’ and the world at his feet: Welcome to the era of Lamine Yamal
08:52 , Miguel DelaneyAlready, those around the Spain squad can sense the intent, the will to go for it. Lamine Yamal is described as "totally undaunted".
In his attempt to get fit for Spain's opening World Cup game against Cape Verde on 15 June, however, a special care has been necessary due to the nature of his recent injury from the end of April. A low-end grade two hamstring issue can be mercifully shorter than feared, but also carries a high risk of relapse if not properly managed.
Yamal has so far been responding well, to the point that he looks set to be fit for that first match in Atlanta.
That has come from a careful restraint - including not flying to Mexico from Chattanooga, Tennessee for the friendly against Peru - that Barcelona have insisted on. It also represents quite a difference from absolutely everything else to do with his rise to this moment.
‘Totally undaunted’ and the world at his feet: Welcome to the era of Lamine Yamal
England camp hit with earthquake
08:44 , Will CastleEngland have been rocked by an earthquake in their current training camp of West Palm Beach, a day before their final World Cup warm-up clash against Costa Rica.
The 6.1-magnitude quake - the strongest in the region for 150 years - originated off the west coast of Cuba but was felt across Florida’s Flagler County, with tremors experienced in Orlando and Miami.
Several buildings across these cities were evacuated as they began shaking due to the dramatic natural event.
National Weather Service has confirmed there is no risk of a tsunami to the US.
African World Cup referee denied entry into the US by border control
08:35 , Will CastleA Somali referee chosen to officiate at the World Cup has been denied entry into the United States.
Omar Artan was turned away by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon his arrival at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday.
CBP confirmed on Monday that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry.
Although the CBP statement on Monday did not explicitly name the individual, Artan is the sole World Cup referee representing Somalia.
African World Cup referee denied entry into the United States by border control
World Cup 2026 fixtures: Full schedule, kick-off times and groups
08:29 , Will CastleThe 2026 World Cup kicks off this week with a new format for Fifa’s giant 48-team tournament.
With the final squads being named, teams will now prepare for their first group stage games in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Excitement is building and history will be made, as players carve out their own legacies to join some of the greatest footballers in Fifa World Cup history.
There will be 104 matches, up 40 since Qatar World Cup 2022, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo likely to play on this stage for the last time in their glittering careers.
Here’s how the tournament will unfold across 39 action-packed days
World Cup 2026 fixtures: Full schedule, kick-off times and groups
Welcome!
08:21 , Will CastleGood morning and welcome to The Independent’s live news blog for the 2026 World Cup!
Stay tuned for all the latest news and updates heading into and throughout the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
