Croatia are preparing to defy their small population size once again at the upcoming World Cup as they seek to build upon successive top-three finishes.
The European nation boasts a population of fewer than four million people but continually outperforms international heavyweights on the biggest stage.
Defenders such as Josko Gvardiol and former midfielders like Ivan Rakitic admit even they cannot fully explain their homeland’s extraordinary consistency.
A history of overachievement
The national side officially joined global governing body Fifa in 1992 following independence from Yugoslavia.
Despite their relatively brief footballing history, the Balkan outfit have reached the same number of semi-finals as England.
Their domestic division ranks a lowly 20th in Uefa’s coefficient list, sitting behind both Cyprus and Austria.
By contrast, European champions Italy possess a population of nearly 60 million but have failed to qualify for the past three global showpieces.
‘Maybe it is in the food’
Manchester City centre-back Gvardiol was a standout performer during the march to the bronze medal in Qatar four years ago.
The 22-year-old joked that diet might play a part before offering a more measured assessment of their collective spirit.
“Maybe it’s in the food,” Gvardiol said.
“All I can say is that we have good players who are mostly playing in top teams, and when we are with the national team, we give everything.”
Passion overcomes infrastructure
Rakitic was an instrumental figure during the spectacular run to the 2018 final in Russia where his team were ultimately defeated by France.
The former Barcelona playmaker, who retired from international duty in 2019, believes intense national pride fuels their performances.
“Truly we don’t know how it works, but I think it’s about the love for the country and feeling so proud,” Rakitic explained.
“We know that maybe our infrastructure is not at the highest level, but we give our best and I think that’s why we have big results.”
The upcoming tournament will suitably mark the 30th anniversary of the country’s first major international appearance at Euro 96.
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike is targeting a return to action around Christmas as he continues his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained in April.
The 23-year-old was injured during a Champions League encounter with Paris St-Germain, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of 2026 and the upcoming World Cup.
Following surgery on the issue, the French international is expected to face a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Mental health and physical recovery
Reports from France suggest the attacker has endured immense pain over the past two months.
To protect his mental well-being during the challenging initial stages of recovery, he reportedly pretended that the sport had entirely ceased to exist.
Despite the severe setback, medical staff on Merseyside are understood to be pleased with his recent progress.
The former Eintracht Frankfurt man is currently focusing on upper body strength conditioning to accelerate his eventual return to the pitch.
‘A massive blow’ for club and country
Prior to the injury, the £69m summer signing had enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign at Anfield.
The lightning-fast striker found the net 17 times before his season was cruelly curtailed.
Taking to social media shortly after his diagnosis, he expressed gratitude for the backing he had received from supporters.
“It’s hard, maybe even unfair, but I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you. Your strength and your love will be my driving force.”
National team manager Didier Deschamps also offered his unwavering support, acknowledging the profound impact of the player’s absence.
“This injury is a massive blow for him, obviously, but also for the French national team. His disappointment is immense.”
Didier Deschamps
Deschamps added that the entire coaching staff firmly believes the young forward will eventually return to his peak level.
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson has been named the overall MVP of the 2026 NBA postseason after leading his team to championship glory.
The 2026 All-Playoffs first and second teams have been revealed to recognise the most impactful performers across the entire tournament.
Brunson headlines the prestigious list following a historic title run.
The dynamic playmaker averaged 28.4 points per game throughout the playoffs.
He capped off the campaign with a legendary 45-point performance in the Finals clincher.
Historic postseason scoring
Brunson joins an elite group of just 13 players in the modern playoff era to average at least 28 points for a title-winning side.
The championship-winning guard produced 38 clutch points during the postseason.
He effectively outscored the rest of the New York roster combined in those crucial late-game moments.
The accolade adds to a growing collection of hardware, having already secured both the conference finals and overall Finals MVP awards.
Wembanyama makes immediate impact
San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama also earned a spot on the first team after a remarkable playoff debut.
The 22-year-old Frenchman guided his team to the Finals, eliminating the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder along the way.
The towering centre led the playoff field in several advanced statistical categories.
He averaged an imposing 23.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game over the course of the postseason.
Room for growth
Despite his dominance, the San Antonio talisman showed areas requiring improvement before he can lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Wembanyama appeared fatigued in the later rounds and struggled with late-game scoring efficiency.
The defensive anchor was also dangerously close to facing a suspension due to an accumulation of flagrant foul points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s highly anticipated departure from the Milwaukee Bucks has stalled as the franchise deliberates over complex trade packages from the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.
The NBA offseason is officially underway following the New York Knicks claiming their first championship in 53 years.
However, the biggest storyline dominating the league remains the uncertain future of the Greek forward.
Talks between Milwaukee and Miami have been ongoing for several months without reaching a definitive resolution.
Miami Heat push for franchise star
The two-time MVP is reportedly open to signing a lucrative contract extension should he land in Florida.
This willingness has amplified Miami’s desire to construct a viable pathway for the blockbuster transfer.
Milwaukee executives are currently unconvinced by the proposals tabled by the Eastern Conference rivals.
Miami can now offer a package headlined by the 13th overall pick in next week’s draft.
Wisconsin native Tyler Herro and several highly rated prospects are also available to sweeten the proposal.
Boston Celtics face tactical dilemma
The Boston Celtics have emerged as another viable destination on the former NBA champion’s shortlist.
He would also be willing to commit his long-term future to the Massachusetts franchise.
However, Boston’s front office remains notoriously private and is reportedly uncomfortable with the player’s representation demanding a seat at the negotiating table.
A move to the Celtics presents significant tactical and personnel challenges.
Acquiring the NBA superstar would likely require breaking up their highly successful duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Complex multi-team trades explored
Any potential agreement involving the Celtics would also force a complete overhaul of their established playing style.
Milwaukee’s front office is acutely aware that trading their talisman will define the organisation’s next decade.
Consequently, there is no internal pressure to rush into a suboptimal agreement simply to resolve the situation.
A final resolution may ultimately require the involvement of a third or fourth franchise.
This complex multi-team structure would allow the Bucks to flip acquired assets or offload unwanted player contracts.
Cristiano Ronaldo will captain a star-studded Portugal squad featuring a strong Paris St-Germain contingent as they aim to win the 2026 World Cup under manager Roberto Martinez.
The Iberian nation are no longer considered dark horses ahead of the major tournament.
Their current squad boasts the highest number of representatives from Paris St-Germain’s starting line-up in the recent 2026 Champions League final.
Midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves, alongside defender Nuno Mendes, form the core of that successful French club side.
Spanning the generations
Manager Roberto Martinez must find a way to successfully blend emerging youth with experienced veterans.
There is a two-decade age gap between teenage midfielder Neves and the legendary former Real Madrid forward.
They are joined in the squad by Premier League player of the year Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva.
Former Braga manager Carlos Carvalhal believes the national side possesses the tactical intelligence to dominate matches.
“In theory, we have one of the best opportunities,” said Carvalhal.
“I am not so optimistic to say that we are favourites, but we are not worse than the other teams of very high quality.”
A progressive tactical approach
Portugal previously won Euro 2016 under Fernando Santos using a rigid and pragmatic system.
However, the current Spanish head coach has implemented a much more expansive style of play since taking charge.
Carvalhal highlighted the exceptional footballing intelligence of the midfield trio and Silva.
“We are talking about four players that we can put on the pitch with such a level of understanding of the game that they are like teachers at university,” he added.
The ultimate conundrum for the coaching staff remains how best to utilise their all-time top goalscorer throughout the demanding tournament.
France face Senegal in a crucial World Cup 2026 Group I fixture at the MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.
The highly anticipated encounter pits the two footballing heavyweights against each other in the early stages of the newly expanded tournament.
Fans around the globe will be watching closely as the group dynamics begin to unfold in New Jersey.
European giants seek strong start
The 2018 world champions are determined to establish their early dominance and secure vital points to control their destiny.
Les Bleus possess a squad brimming with elite talent that regularly operates in the top domestic leagues across Europe.
However, breaking down a notoriously resilient West African defence will require immense tactical discipline and patience.
Senegal pose formidable threat
The celebrated African powerhouses are certainly no strangers to causing spectacular upsets on the global stage.
With a potent blend of imposing physicality and rapid counter-attacking speed, the Senegalese outfit presents a genuine danger to the tournament favourites.
A positive result in this transatlantic showdown would provide a massive boost to their hopes of reaching the knockout phases.
Conor McGregor has vowed that Max Holloway will not land a single punch on him when the pair meet in their welterweight rematch at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on 11 July.
The Irishman returns to the octagon for his first bout in five years following a devastating leg break against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
He faces a familiar foe in Holloway, whom he previously outpointed during their first featherweight encounter in 2013.
Both fighters are looking to bounce back, with the Hawaiian entering the summer showdown following a unanimous decision loss to Charles Oliveira in March.
A heated exchange with Joe Rogan
The long-standing rivalry was reignited during a tense virtual interview hosted by UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
Speaking from his home country, the former two-weight world champion took aim at his opponent’s boxing credentials.
“No disrespect, Max, you’re not gonna lay a glove on me,” McGregor declared.
“And even if you do lay a glove on me, I’m gonna laugh in your face.”
The Dublin-born fighter expressed supreme confidence in his size advantage ahead of the 170lbs clash.
While McGregor has competed in the welterweight division on three separate occasions, his opponent will be fighting at the weight for the very first time.
‘Welcome to the Mystic Max era’
Holloway, 34, was quick to fire back from Hawaii, mocking his rival’s famous predictive nickname.
“Welcome to the Mystic Max era,” the former BMF title holder responded.
“A bunch of gloves is gonna get laid on that pretty face, brother, keep it clean for me.”
The heated exchange concluded with McGregor dismissing his opponent as a “child” and promising to fight with his hands down.
“I’m gonna come out of this fight unscathed, and I want to go again,” the returning star concluded.
Ghana’s government has launched a legal challenge against Canada’s decision to deny Thomas Partey a visa ahead of their World Cup opener against Panama.
The Villarreal midfielder is currently set to miss Wednesday’s match in Toronto as a direct result of the entry ban.
The 33-year-old’s immigration complications stem from ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations from four women between 2020 and 2022, with a trial scheduled for next year.
Diplomatic and legal intervention
A judicial hearing to review the refusal is scheduled to take place at 14:00 BST in Ottawa.
Ghanaian officials have labelled the exclusion “high-handed and extremely unfair” while requesting temporary permission for the player to feature in the fixture.
The state has also formally asked the court to instruct Canadian immigration authorities to process a new visa application.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the country’s foreign minister, confirmed that diplomatic channels are simultaneously being explored to secure clearance for the former Arsenal man.
Canada holds firm on immigration laws
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada defended their strict stance regarding the high-profile tournament in a statement to the BBC.
“Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws.”
“Every person seeking to come to Canada is assessed individually, based on the facts available and the law that applies.”
World Cup campaign context
The experienced international has earned more than 50 caps since making his senior debut in June 2016.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz previously stated he had no reservations about selecting his star midfielder for the global showpiece.
Following the Panama clash, the Black Stars will travel to the United States to face England in Boston on 23 June and Croatia in Philadelphia four days later.
They could potentially return to Canadian soil for the last 32 if they secure a runners-up finish in Group L.