World Cup 2026: Guardian writers’ predictions for the tournament
From teenage wonderkids to tracking the world’s largest coffee pot, our team of writers outline their expectations for the jamboree in North America
Exciting transfer window will only exacerbate women’s football’s wealth gap
Alexia Putellas leads a host of stars expected to arrive in the WSL but smaller clubs will still struggle to keep pace
Hayes describes ‘experience I will never forget’ as Brazil given eight red cards in loss to USWNT
Sophia Wilson’s dangerous run forced the decisive own goal as the US earned a 1-0 victory over Brazil in a tempestuous friendly that ended with the hosts down to nine players
Folarin Balogun is the USMNT’s focal point, whether he’s getting touches or not
The Monaco striker’s impact on the US attack will vary depending on how the team builds up, and where that buildup happens
David Sullivan’s contact with West Ham women’s and youth teams restricted since 2023
‘Temporary agreement’ in place since Football Association safeguarding investigation began three years ago
How to survive those late-night World Cup games: a longsuffering Australian’s guide
Football and sleep deprivation walk hand-in-hand in Australia. We’ve tried every approach viewers in the UK and Europe are now contemplating for this year’s tournament
Will the BBC score an own goal by broadcasting the World Cup from Salford?
Football’s staying home for the belt-tightening Beeb, while ITV and Gary Lineker’s popular podcast present from glitzy studios in New York
Mexico and a history of playing in repeat World Cup opening fixtures
Plus: a national first for Madrid and have Everton supplied the most former managers to World Cup 2026?
England 3-0 Ukraine: Women’s World Cup qualifier – as it happened
England will need to go through the playoffs after finishing second in the group despite easing their way past Ukraine
Bukayo Saka is playing through pain barrier, says Tuchel, as World Cup looms
Bukayo Saka continues to play through the pain of an achilles injury, according to the England manager, Thomas Tuchel, and must be managed carefully at the World Cup
Lionesses ease past Ukraine but must navigate playoffs to qualify for World Cup
England eased to a 3-0 victory at home to Ukraine but Spain’s victory against Iceland means the Lionesses will have to reach the World Cup via the playoffs
US stadium and hotel workers threaten strikes ‘to make things fair’ during World Cup
Low wages and fears of ICE crackdowns have set workers on edge of strike as thousands set to arrive during World Cup
Kane is in scorching form but England will need others to step up with goals
With nagging fears about an overreliance on the goalscoring captain, Thomas Tuchel needs more from his other attackers
World Cup 94 chief Alan Rothenberg: ‘We wanted Whitney Houston on the pitch but Fifa said no’
The man in charge the last time the US hosted the World Cup marvels at the transformation of football in America over the last 32 years