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’.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has publicly addressed the off-season trade of star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, choosing to focus on their past successes while embracing a new era.
Reflecting on historic achievements
The blockbuster move, which officially concluded on Wednesday, sees the standout wideout heading to Foxborough in exchange for a future first-round draft pick and a fifth-round selection.
During their four years as team-mates, the dynamic duo formed one of the National Football League’s most potent offensive partnerships.
Their collaboration helped guide Philadelphia to four consecutive post-season appearances, two trips to the Super Bowl and a championship title.
“You come into it and you have a sense of pride in how it began and definitely what we were able to accomplish,” Hurts said.
“Nothing can take that away. For the great things that we did, now it’s time to focus on achieving great things with this new iteration of the team.”
Navigating offensive frustrations
Despite back-to-back prolific campaigns where the dominant pass-catcher amassed over 1,400 receiving yards, the Eagles’ passing attack struggled to maintain consistency late last season.
This drop in offensive rhythm led to visible frustrations from the prolific receiver, eventually culminating in his request to leave Pennsylvania earlier this year.
Following recent comments from the newly minted Patriot suggesting their once-tight friendship had cooled, the Eagles signal-caller opted for a highly diplomatic response.
“I’m not in a place to challenge anyone’s perspective on anything,” the quarterback explained.
“I have always been focused on the collective, put my energy towards that, and as a leader, I’ve always put an onus on giving maximum effort to achieve the shared mission we have as a team.”
Transitioning to a new tactical system
Philadelphia are currently undergoing significant tactical changes under the guidance of newly appointed offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
Early off-season workouts have highlighted a steep learning curve, with the revamped offensive unit occasionally appearing disjointed during mandatory minicamp.
Nevertheless, the franchise quarterback remains highly optimistic about the trajectory of the squad as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
“I thought it was a really good spring,” Hurts added.
“Being able to on board another new system and put everything together, lay the foundation, I’m encouraged by that.”
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.
Shohei Ohtani was left to rue a missed automated ball-strike challenge as the Los Angeles Dodgers surrendered a five-run lead in a dramatic 9-8 defeat to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
The two-way Japanese superstar cruised through the first six innings on the mound before a disastrous seventh frame changed the complexion of the game.
Los Angeles had appeared firmly in control after Ryan Ward hit his first career grand slam to build a commanding advantage.
Costly hesitation in the seventh inning
A rare collapse from the two-time defending World Series champions began when Pittsburgh second baseman Brandon Lowe stepped up to the plate with two runners on base.
Ohtani fell behind 3-0 in the count after home plate umpire Felix Neon ruled two borderline 98mph fastballs as balls.
Catcher Dalton Rushing opted not to use the automated ball-strike (ABS) system, and the pitcher chose to defer to his rookie team-mate.
Lowe immediately capitalised, punishing a fastball down the middle for a two-run double that ended Ohtani’s pitching performance.
“I usually let the catchers make that determination,” Ohtani explained after the game.
“But looking back, I think situationally, how important it was that at-bat, looking back I think I could have done a few challenges.”
Bullpen collapse compounds struggles
The 30-year-old was already battling a blister on his right hand, which temporarily limited the deployment of his devastating split-fingered fastball.
Despite the physical hindrance, he remained in solid shape before uncharacteristically allowing season highs in hits, runs, and earned runs.
Manager Dave Roberts defended his players’ decision-making, describing the pitch challenge system as an “inexact science”.
Even after Lowe’s vital double and a subsequent fielding error by third baseman Max Muncy, the visitors retained a two-run lead heading into the eighth inning.
Rookies inspire spectacular Pirates rally
The Dodgers boasted a formidable 36-3 record when leading after seven innings this season, making the subsequent bullpen meltdown highly unusual.
Tyler Callihan sparked the late surge with a devastating three-run home run in the eighth inning, having already hit his first career major league blast earlier in the contest.
Spencer Horwitz then delivered the decisive blow, crushing a two-run homer that provided Pittsburgh with a crucial cushion.
The Japanese talisman attempted to single-handedly salvage the game in the top of the ninth inning by launching a two-run home run of his own.
Ultimately, the dramatic late response fell just short, sealing a spectacular victory for the resilient hosts.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will return to the touchline at the 2026 Fifa World Cup after agreeing a deal to work as a television pundit for German broadcaster Magenta TV.
The 58-year-old had teased supporters on social media about a potential return to management before revealing his new broadcasting role.
He will be stationed pitchside throughout the expanded tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A return to the touchline
Klopp stepped down from his position at Anfield at the end of the 2023-24 season following a transformative nine-year spell.
The German subsequently took on a strategic role as head of global football at Red Bull, alongside ambassadorial duties for Budweiser.
However, the lure of the stadium atmosphere has prompted the Champions League-winning coach to step in front of the television cameras.
He admitted that while he initially believed he would not miss the touchline experience, the anticipation of the tournament had changed his mind.
“Grass underneath my feet, the heated atmosphere in the stadium, and I want to be really close again.”
Focus on former players
The former Borussia Dortmund head coach will begin his punditry duties immediately when the tournament kicks off.
The opening fixture sees hosts Mexico face South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca on 11 June.
His native Germany will begin their World Cup campaign against Curacao three days later.
Despite his new neutral role, the experienced tactician admitted he will be keeping a close eye on several familiar faces.
He singled out Germany international Florian Wirtz and Liverpool duo Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker for special praise.
“I hope my players will have a great World Cup.”
Klopp expressed his excitement at the prospect of Robertson and Alisson facing off on the international stage, highlighting the strong bond forged during their time together on Merseyside.
Arsenal are set to appoint former Olympic sprinter Arnaldo Abrantes as their new head doctor following his departure from Aston Villa.
The 39-year-old will officially begin his work at the Emirates Stadium in July.
He replaces Dr Zafar Iqbal, who recently departed north London after a two-year tenure.
Abrantes previously served as head of performance at Nottingham Forest before his spell in the West Midlands.
Addressing an injury-hit campaign
Mikel Arteta is determined to improve the physical resilience of his squad ahead of the new season.
The Gunners struggled with significant absentee issues throughout their previous campaign.
Captain Martin Odegaard was restricted to just 16 league starts due to persistent fitness problems.
Key additions such as Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber also spent substantial periods sidelined.
The club’s hierarchy views the medical department as a crucial area to gain marginal advantages over their title rivals.
Rogers addresses transfer speculation
In addition to backroom staff, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers.
The English attacker is currently balancing his club future with upcoming international commitments.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the highly-rated prospect discussed the psychological impact of being associated with top clubs.
“I think the first time it ever happened it was.”
“You’re in an uncomfortable spot of not realising that people have so much interest in you and you’re not quite realising that.”
The Villa star explained that gaining experience has gradually helped him manage the pressure of intense media scrutiny.
Arsenal are actively pursuing Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, while Juventus have reportedly opened talks with Aston Villa to sign goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in a busy day of transfer speculation.
Gunners face stiff competition for Williams
Mikel Arteta’s side remain firmly in the hunt for the highly-rated attacker, though they face significant domestic competition to secure his signature.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are also monitoring the Spain international, who played a starring role in his nation’s European Championship triumph last summer.
Juventus target experienced shot-stopper
In Italy, Juventus have initiated discussions with Aston Villa regarding a move for 33-year-old Argentina international Emiliano Martinez.
The World Cup-winning goalkeeper has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Turin giants ahead of a potential switch to Serie A.
Meanwhile, Paris St-Germain are preparing a summer approach for Bayern Munich’s dynamic French forward Michael Olise.
Premier League rivals plot attacking moves
Manchester United are closely monitoring Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye as the Old Trafford club look to bolster their squad for a return to Champions League football.
Elsewhere, Liverpool are willing to sanction the departure of Federico Chiesa for a fee in the region of £17m.
The Italian attacker is understood to be keen on securing a move back to his homeland after a challenging spell on Merseyside.
Barcelona name their price for Olmo
Chelsea and Arsenal have both registered an interest in Dani Olmo, but Barcelona will only authorise a sale if their £60m valuation is met.
The Catalan club are also intending to offload midfielder Marc Casado to generate funds for incoming transfers, alerting Bayer Leverkusen and several Premier League sides.
In other domestic news, Leeds United are plotting a club-record £43m total package for Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande.
There could also be a shock move on the south coast, with Bournemouth reportedly lining up a surprise swoop for Tottenham’s young French forward Mathys Tel.
Finally, Crystal Palace plan to rival Everton with a £20m offer for Middlesbrough’s promising English midfielder Hayden Hackney.
World governing body Fifa has struck a historic agreement with global players’ union Fifpro to give professional footballers formal representation and veto power in major governance decisions, provided all active legal disputes are withdrawn.
The groundbreaking memorandum of understanding represents a massive shift in how professional football is regulated, specifically regarding the transfer system and player welfare standards.
Under the new terms, union representatives will gain observer access and speaking rights at the powerful Fifa Council.
Crucially, the players’ organization will also wield a veto over key areas of the sport’s administration for the very first time.
Legal disputes resolved to clear path
The historic truce was reached on the strict condition that all active legal proceedings initiated by the union against football’s international organizers are immediately dropped.
This includes a prominent abuse of dominance claim filed in October 2024 concerning the increasingly overcrowded match calendar.
The agreement arrives just days after former France midfielder Lassana Diarra settled his £56.1m damages claim relating to a cancelled contract with Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow in 2014.
New protections against abusive club practices
A central pillar of the newly signed document focuses on shielding athletes from exploitative club behaviour, such as being forced to train alone or having their passports withheld.
Professionals facing such extreme circumstances will now possess the power to unilaterally terminate their agreements while still receiving their fully owed financial compensation.
In addition to guaranteed payments, affected individuals can potentially claim an extra six months’ salary in damages alongside justifiable expenses.
Teams found guilty of failing to respect these contractual obligations will face swifter and significantly more severe sporting and financial sanctions.
Infantino and Marchi hail important step
Fifpro president Sergio Marchi welcomed the resolution as a crucial development for the global game.
Ensuring that players and their representatives have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their careers is not only beneficial for footballers, but for the game as a whole.
Speaking at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City ahead of the upcoming World Cup, Fifa president Gianni Infantino echoed those positive sentiments.
It’s about unity, about bringing everyone together.
We’ve always been having dialogues. Now, sometimes you don’t agree, when you don’t agree, well, you can go and say it to everyone, or you can sit down and discuss and see what makes sense.
Despite the overall positivity surrounding the announcement, certain domestic organizations like the Professional Footballers’ Association remain concerned that broader issues surrounding fixture congestion are yet to be fully resolved.