Former France striker Thierry Henry has tipped Senegal and Norway to be surprise contenders at the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America.
The Arsenal legend believes his home nation are the heavy favourites to win the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, the 1998 winner warned that Les Bleus face a demanding path after being drawn in a challenging group alongside both of his highlighted dark horses.
Squad depth key for French hopes
Didier Deschamps will lead the two-time world champions into another major international tournament with intense expectations.
Henry feels the sheer quality available to the 57-year-old manager sets the current squad apart from their global rivals.
“I see France as the top contender – partly because I’m French, but also because we’ve reached the last two finals.”
“If your substitutes are on par with the starting eleven, it’s a huge advantage, especially in such a long tournament after an intense season.”
Dangerous outsiders pose a threat
Despite naming established giants like Argentina, Spain and England as promising candidates, the former Barcelona forward focused his praise on two less heralded nations.
He urged supporters to keep a close eye on the recent African champions and a resilient Scandinavian outfit.
“Senegal has always been a country with special players, they just couldn’t get over the line by winning an AFCON.”
“It’s been done since, and since that 2002 team they’ve never looked back.”
Historical rivalries add pressure
The television pundit noted that facing the Lions of Teranga carries historical weight and provides significant additional motivation for their opponents.
“Beating France is something massive for them.”
He drew parallels to the 1990 tournament, warning that starting slowly against highly motivated underdogs can prove fatal.
“Norway is also in our group, and those are the two teams I’ve told everybody to watch out for.”
While Senegal have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals on the global stage, Henry remains convinced they possess the necessary talent to shock the established footballing order.
Germany’s players have stepped in to pay for 600 supporters to travel by bus to their final World Cup group game against Ecuador in New Jersey following severe criticism of inflated tournament transport costs.
The squad’s generous intervention comes after matchday train tickets from central New York to the nearby MetLife Stadium were drastically increased.
Fares for the crucial 25 June Group E decider were initially ramped up from their standard $12.90 (£9.50) to a staggering $150, before eventually being reduced to $98.
Fifa subsidies spark political row
Shuttle bus prices to the arena have also faced extreme fluctuations, dropping from an initial $80 down to $20 for the short cross-state journey.
The governor of New Jersey claims these inflated matchday prices are a direct result of world football’s governing body refusing to subsidise local transport expenditure.
“In light of the high cost of bus and train travel in New York during the World Cup, the German national team players have organised free transport to the final group match for 600 fans,” said the German FA.
Kimmich leads player intervention
The initiative is being driven by the national team’s senior leadership group ahead of their highly anticipated clash with the South American outfit.
“Captain Joshua Kimmich and his team-mates are covering the cost of buses to take supporters from New York to the arena in New Jersey for the match against Ecuador.”
During previous global tournaments in Russia and Qatar, attendees were provided with complimentary travel to stadiums and official fan zones.
United States organisers had originally committed to offering the exact same perk within their initial 2018 host agreement.
However, a 2023 amendment to that contract ultimately ruled that travelling supporters would instead be charged at cost value.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has admitted to facing the wrath of his mother after suffering severe sunburn during England’s pre-World Cup training camp in Florida.
The Three Lions star was left looking bright red for his official tournament photographs after misjudging the intense sunshine.
Adjusting to the constant 30-degree heat proved challenging for the central midfielder upon arriving in the United States.
Adapting to the American heat
“When the sun burn comes! I think everyone has seen those photos, I was bright red in that photo shoot,” he explained.
“My mum was killing me!”
The combative player acknowledged that the transition from unpredictable British weather to sweltering conditions was a sharp shock to the system.
However, the physical discomfort did not seem to negatively impact his recent on-pitch performances.
Gearing up for Croatia
The 25-year-old recently completed a planned 60-minute appearance and scored in a comprehensive 3-0 warm-up victory over Costa Rica.
He has now declared himself in peak condition ahead of the upcoming group opener against Croatia.
This national team camp follows an emotionally draining domestic season for the midfield anchor.
He joined the squad after a rollercoaster campaign that included winning the Premier League but suffering defeat in the Champions League final.
Overcoming mental fatigue
Despite being granted an extra week of rest to recover, the English talisman admitted he quickly grew restless at home.
“It was lovely to have a week off, a complete re-set but I was getting itchy feet after four or five days though, to be back with the boys,” he said.
Shifting his mindset from intense club competitions to the international stage is a challenge he is now fully embracing.
The engine-room player noted that the immense demands of the past year have been far more mentally taxing than physically exhausting.
Full focus on the tournament
“It’s hard to think about the World Cup in season because you have so many big games but when you actually get here it’s when it starts to hit you.”
Despite managing several minor injuries throughout his long club campaign, he insists his body feels incredibly strong.
He will undoubtedly be a vital asset for his country as they seek to navigate the challenging tournament ahead.
Wolves have sacked manager Rob Edwards just seven months after his appointment, despite the 43-year-old recently leading the relegated club’s summer rebuild.
The Black Country side are preparing for life in the Championship following a disastrous campaign that saw them finish 19th in the Premier League.
It had initially appeared the Molineux hierarchy were willing to stick with the former Middlesbrough boss to mount a promotion push.
However, ownership have now abruptly ended his tenure and are expected to appoint Gil Vicente head coach Cesar Peixoto as his successor.
Surprise departure amid summer rebuild
The decision arrives as a significant shock given the departing manager’s deep involvement in early transfer business.
Experienced internationals Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez were recently recruited, with both players citing the head coach’s influence in their decision to join.
Brazilian midfielder Andre also committed his future to the West Midlands outfit under the assumption that the current regime would remain in place.
Speaking recently about the arrival of former Newcastle defender Trippier, Edwards had outlined his vision for an immediate top-flight return.
We need to have a better and stronger squad than we had last year because we weren’t able to compete well enough last year, and so we’re working really hard to make sure we’re competitive.
We know the pressure’s going to be there, but I’d rather have the pressure with players like Tripps and then be able to turn around and know I’ve got a really good and strong group of players behind me.
Portuguese successor lined up
Peixoto has managed Portuguese top-flight side Gil Vicente since March 2023.
The incoming tactician previously held managerial roles at Academica, Moreirense and Pacos Ferreira in his homeland.
Meanwhile, former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil is reportedly a candidate for the vacant managerial position at Ipswich Town.
O’Neil could replace Kieran McKenna, who recently departed the newly-promoted Suffolk side.
Scotland midfielder Ryan Christie says the national squad are using the lingering agony of their Euro 2024 exit as motivation to make history at the upcoming World Cup.
The Bournemouth playmaker was the last player to touch the ball during a heartbreaking campaign in Germany two years ago.
A 100th-minute defeat to Hungary sealed an early departure, leaving players and the travelling Tartan Army devastated.
Now, as the nation prepares for its first appearance on the grandest global stage in 28 years, that emotional pain is driving the team forward.
“So I think this time we’ve got a bit of a chip on our shoulder that we are going to do something at this tournament,” Christie told The Wayne Rooney Show.
The 31-year-old insists the group are absolutely desperate to take that extra step and become the first Scottish side to advance beyond the group stage.
Banishing opening day nightmares
The team will commence their Group C campaign against Haiti in a match broadcast live on the BBC.
Facing the Caribbean nation first offers a stark contrast to their last major tournament, where they suffered a humbling 5-1 thrashing against host nation Germany.
“You’d rather face them than Brazil first. I know that from facing Germany at the opening of the last Euros. That was a humbling experience,” he added.
While acknowledging that there are no easy games at this elite level, the former Celtic midfielder hopes the side has learned vital lessons to secure a stronger start.
A transformed national set-up
Expectations back home have surged under the meticulous guidance of head coach Steve Clarke.
The former Chelsea defender is widely credited with completely revolutionising the culture surrounding the international camp.
Christie revealed that earlier in his career, he found himself counting down the days until he could return to club football.
That atmosphere is now the polar opposite, with players actively choosing to arrive at training camps early to spend additional time together.
This remarkable team spirit is largely built on the immense trust the manager places in his squad both on and off the pitch.
Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister could leave Liverpool this summer if the club receives a suitable offer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Merseyside club are currently undergoing a period of wholesale transition following the appointment of manager Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard replaced Arne Slot in the Anfield dugout after guiding Bournemouth to Europa League qualification last season.
Several prominent figures are already confirmed to be departing the 2024-25 Premier League champions.
Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate will all leave the club following the expiration of their respective contracts.
Potential Midfield Changes
The 25-year-old South American endured an underwhelming domestic campaign and was frequently overshadowed by midfield partner Dominik Szoboszlai.
Romano claims the former Brighton playmaker is not guaranteed to depart, but his situation remains fluid as rival clubs monitor his availability.
“In case of good proposals for Liverpool, for the player, I will not exclude changes in midfield for Liverpool,” stated Romano.
The Italian journalist added that while an exit is not currently at an advanced stage, it remains a distinct possibility.
“It’s not guaranteed, it’s not close, it’s not advanced, but could be a topic.”
Wharton Targeted as Replacement
Should the World Cup winner depart, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has emerged as an ideal replacement.
The highly-rated England international missed out on Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming North American World Cup.
The Reds are also reportedly pursuing a deal for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande to bolster their attacking options.
Iraola faces a significant rebuilding task as he attempts to replace the core personalities who delivered recent domestic success.
Canada will attempt to secure their first ever World Cup points and emerge from the shadow of the United States when they co-host the 2026 tournament.
The North American nation are currently tied with El Salvador for the unenviable record of playing the joint-most matches at the finals without earning a single point.
However, American head coach Jesse Marsch will view a favourable Group B draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland as the perfect opportunity to rewrite history.
Home advantage and a favourable route
The co-hosts begin their campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto after original prospective opponents Italy shockingly failed to qualify.
Fifa scheduling guarantees the Canadians will play their pool matches exclusively across Vancouver and Toronto, offering a significant geographical advantage.
If Marsch’s side can secure top spot in Group B, they could potentially advance all the way to the quarter-finals before having to cross the southern border.
Overshadowed by noisy neighbours
Despite their hosting responsibilities, the northern nation has struggled to command the same global attention as the United States.
Much of the tournament’s international focus has centred heavily on the American political climate and Fifa’s apparent prioritisation of US-based fixtures.
The Canadian schedule notably lacks blockbuster group stage encounters, with Germany’s clash against Cote d’Ivoire serving as the highest-profile fixture on their soil.
Seeking middle power status
The upcoming tournament represents a crucial chance for the historically struggling side to establish themselves as a respectable middle power in international football.
Earning a maiden tournament victory against their Group B rivals would instantly shift the narrative surrounding their historic World Cup futility.
A strong run on home soil remains the ultimate goal for a squad desperate to prove this is their tournament just as much as their southern neighbours’.
Spain and France have emerged as the early bookmakers’ favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, while massive public backing for the co-host United States is creating significant financial liabilities for sportsbooks.
La Roja are the consensus marketplace frontrunners at +450, closely followed by the 2022 runners-up.
BetMGM reports that nearly half of all money wagered in the outright winner market is backing one of these two European powerhouses.
DraftKings sportsbook director Johnny Avello admitted his surprise at the relentless influx of money backing the continental giants.
“I didn’t realize that this would be a steady stream of money on these teams,” Avello told ESPN.
Public popularity heavily favours European giants
There is a notable drop in betting volume for the next tier of contenders, which includes England, defending champions Argentina, and five-time winners Brazil.
However, Portugal are bucking this trend, seeing significant action to become the third-most backed nation by money at DraftKings.
The Iberian side have seen their odds shorten considerably in recent weeks, moving from 10-1 down to +750 across several markets.
Historically, the pre-tournament favourites rarely lift the iconic trophy, achieving the feat just three times through West Germany in 1974, Brazil in 1994, and Spain in 2010.
US bettors gamble on home soil advantage
Despite facing long-shot odds of 60-1, the United States men’s national team is attracting immense domestic interest.
The North American outfit currently ranks as the eighth-most backed squad by total handle at DraftKings.
Bookmakers face a monumental payout if the Stars and Stripes manage an improbable deep run during their home tournament, though operators are embracing the patriotic enthusiasm.
“Now that we’re having games in our country, and in close proximity in Mexico and Canada, I think it makes that aspect even bigger,” Avello explained.
“We’re going to put them up at a fair price and we’re going to let the bettors bet them because we know that’s going to happen.”
Meanwhile, Haiti stands out as another major underdog attracting surprising action, entering the fray tied for the longest outright winner odds at 2,500-1.