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FIFA has announced the artist lineup for the three World Cup opening ceremonies in Mexico, USA, and Canada. Shakira and Burna Boy will perform the official song in Mexico City, while Katy Perry leads the show in Los Angeles and Alanis Morissette with Michael Buble headline in Toronto.
The 2026 World Cup, with its expanded 48-team format, features 12 groups. This article ranks the groups from hardest to easiest, highlighting the favorites to advance.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin next week as the longest and largest tournament in history. For the first time, it will be co-hosted by three nations – the United States, Mexico, and Canada – with a 48-team format, an extra knockout round, and the first-ever halftime show at the final, modeled after the NFL.
Iran defeated Mali 2-0 in its final warm-up match before the 2026 World Cup. The team will head to Mexico this week but still faces U.S. visa uncertainty for group-stage matches.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old star of IPL 2025, is set to join the Indian T20 team. If picked, he will become the youngest debutant in Indian history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record. Meanwhile, captain Suryakumar Yadav risks being dropped due to poor form.
Former captain Maya Yoshida will join the Japan national team for the World Cup as a 'support player', starting from the pre-tournament training camp in Mexico. The Japan Football Association announced the move on May 28, citing Yoshida's vast experience. He will not be on the official roster but will provide mentorship and tactical support.
Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga struggled, allowing six runs, but countryman Suzuki Seiya led a comeback to give the Chicago Cubs a 7-6 win over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday. Suzuki's late heroics were key to the victory.
Iraq has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 40-year absence, defeating Bolivia in a grueling intercontinental play-off following a marathon journey marked by travel delays and regional turmoil. Coach Graham Arnold and players like Ali Al-Hamadi express their ambition to surprise France, Norway, and Senegal in the 'group of death'.
Ivory Coast fought back from a goal down to defeat France 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up friendly, with Amad Diallo scoring the winner. France coach Didier Deschamps called the result a timely reminder against complacency.
Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska defeated Diana Shnaider to become the second qualifier in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam women's singles final. She will face Mirra Andreeva in the Roland Garros final on Saturday.
