FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage
3 articles
A 48-team field gives ambitious nations more room than ever to gatecrash the knockouts. We profile the dark-horse blueprint and the talisman factor that powers a fairytale run.
The expanded 48-team format has delivered a group stage that is longer, hotter and harder to predict. We break down the favourites, the dark-horse groups and the tactical battle with the sun.
Every tournament crowns a new wonderkid. We break down the modern breakout profile, why meaningful minutes matter more than hype, and the transfer dominoes a star sets off.
