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Though four-time winners, Germany's last World Cup knockout match was the victorious final of 2014. Two group exits followed, painting a picture of faded glory. But hosting Euro 2024 touched up the colours somewhat. It reminded many of the 2006 World Cup, that sun-blessed home tournament which ushered in a fresh, young, creative team that the nation adopted as its self-image. Once more there was optimism, there was flamboyance, there was.... another 119th-minute heartbreak at the hands of the eventual champions. Last year's Nations League Finals were a reality check, and they then lost to Slovakia in qualifying. So the picture is complex. At the last two World Cups they lost their opening game and failed to recover. So all eyes on Curacao on 14 June in Houston – will Germany have a problem? Elite attacking midfielders, such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz roaming and creating, is Germany's strongest department. The 11th-hour return of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has soothed concerns at the other end. Musiala is unlikely to be 100% fit and the candidates to play striker have had mixed seasons, through injury or being played out of position. Finding the right balance from the double midfield pivot will also be a challenge. However, the greatest obstacle to progress could be that France are looming in the last 16. Much hinges on the fitness of Bayern Munich playmaker Jamal Musiala, who returned to action in January after breaking his leg and dislocating an ankle at the Club World Cup last summer. He played his first 90 minutes since March against Finland on 31 May. Whether to play with a recognised striker or not has been a debate in Germany for years. The current plan is a 4-2-3-1, with Arsenal's Kai Havertz up top. The last remaining link with the 2014 triumph, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer shocked and/or delighted much of the nation by coming out of international retirement for one last World Cup, his fifth. It's a decade since Julian Nagelsmann, then 28, took over at Hoffenheim and led them into the Champions League. He then took Leipzig to the semi-finals, but at Bayern he was sacked. He is 16 months younger than goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. They recovered from an opening defeat in Slovakia – only their fourth-ever loss in World Cup qualifying – to win four in a row and top the group. All of Germany's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it! With no traditional centre forward in the Germany squad, the excited recipient of the Number 9 jersey is Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling. Upon hearing the news, he changed his profile pic on Instagram to an image of his face, with Ronaldo's (in)famous triangle haircut from 2002. Ultimately, it was a Japanese cross, kept in play by millimetres before being bundled into the Spanish net, that caused Germany's group-stage exit from Qatar 2022. The thickness of a thermally-bonded polyurethane panel – the difference between going on, and going home. But even the most die-hard fan of Die Mannschaft would accept there were more macro factors at play to explain Germany's second World Cup failure in a row. Some commentators said their traditional values, centred around physicality, were outdated, and that the coaching system should instead promote freedom of expression. In defence of tradition, Germany legend Bastian Schweinsteiger blamed former Bayern coach Pep Guardiola for importing "short-pass" football into the Bundesliga, which spread contagiously, wiping out those traditional values. It's doubtful any of the old guard, who triumphed through mental fortitude and reliability, would ever have imagined a German World Cup campaign unravelling in chaos as the goalkeeper lost possession while dribbling around the edge of the opposition box, as Manuel Neuer did in 2018. So coach Julian Nagelsmann has had to wrestle with the arguments above – what should his Germany be? The available evidence suggests a marriage of flair and solid fundamentals. The former, at least, shouldn't be a problem. How have Germany's done at previous World Cups? Germany's tally of eight finals is a record. Since winning their fourth World Cup in 2014 they have gone out of the group stage in both Russia and Qatar, winning only one game at each tournament.

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In 2022, Brazil entered this tournament as the highest-ranked team. But despite their big billing they exited at the quarter-final stage. This year they arrive as the world's sixth-best side, their lowest-ever rank prior to a World Cup since Fifa began compiling its list in 1992. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti knows he must find the correct blend between defence and attack. A 4-2-4 formation left the midfield exposed in the recent friendly with Panama, so expect him to instead pivot to a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1. "I have a very talented squad," said the Italian. "I'm convinced we're going to have a great World Cup." Creating chances and scoring goals is unlikely to be an issue and only a handful of teams can boast a better array of attacking talent. They have a strong spine and are blessed with two elite centre-backs. Brazil's head coach is an all-time great and his man-management skills and fluid tactical style could prove decisive. Brazil are the only South American side at this World Cup who suffered six defeats in qualifying – to put that into context, they only lost five qualifying games over the past 20 years combined. They did lack depth in central midfield - something Carlo Ancelotti appears to have rectified by selecting Ederson as a late injury replacement - but some critics still believe their squad is unbalanced. Carlo Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar sparked global headlines. "He might play; he might not; he might be on the bench and come on," said the Italian. Brazil's record goalscorer is a generational talent and - despite recent injury concerns - he could make a meaningful contribution, even in brief cameos. Casemiro remains a vital cog in this side. But the 34-year-old could struggle if he is forced to anchor the midfield in a 4-2-4 formation. Vinicius Junior has been accused of underachieving at international level despite being involved in five of Brazil's seven goals in Qatar. If anybody can push him to reproduce his club form in a Brazil shirt then it's his former Real Madrid coach. Carlo Ancelotti will become the first foreign coach to take charge of the Selecao at a World Cup. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the history of the game, an opinion cemented by the fact he is the only manager to win league titles in each of Europe's top five divisions and five Champions Leagues. The charismatic Italian extended his Brazil contract for another four years in May, taking his reign up until the next global tournament in 2030. Brazil kept up their record of playing at every World Cup but did not qualify with their usual swagger. Instead they finished fifth in the South American table and lost six matches. All of Brazil's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it! Former West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta is actually known by a nickname. His full name is Lucas Tolentino Coelho de Lima and Paqueta is simply a nod to the place where he grew up – a small island off the coast of Rio de Janeiro with 3,000 inhabitants. The World Cup's most successful team are attempting to end a remarkable 24-year drought in this competition. Returning to the scene of former glories could prove the necessary catalyst. The Selecao emerged victorious the last time the World Cup was held on North American soil. They defeated Italy in a penalty shoot-out 32 years ago and the only member of their current squad who can claim to remember Roberto Baggio's famous miss is third-choice goalkeeper Weverton. He was six at the time. Their current head coach, however, had a front row seat in Pasadena's Rose Bowl stadium that day. Carlo Ancelotti was assistant to Italy manager Arrigo Sacchi throughout USA '94 and despite the eventual outcome, he labelled it an "incredible experience". Ancelotti has gone on to amass 31 trophies during a glittering managerial career, a total which includes five Champions League titles, and his encyclopedic knowledge of European football may help the Brazilians clear one very specific hurdle. They have exited the World Cup to European opposition in each of the past five editions, a run which includes their humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany on home soil in the 2014 semi-finals. How have Brazil done at previous World Cups? The last of Brazil's record five World Cups came 24 years ago, when they beat Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final. They're the only country to appear at every tournament and their 67% win rate prior to 2026 (76 victories in 114 games) is unrivalled.

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The holy grail for Scotland remains reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time. They have participated at 12 prior to this summer, with a win ratio of just 17% from 35 matches. Their last major tournament victory was at the Euros 30 years ago. However, the expanded format of this World Cup, which includes an additional elimination round in the last 32 - along with a very winnable opening match against Haiti – presents perhaps Scotland's best chance of breaking that unwanted record. Expect solidity, aggression and a band-of-brothers mentality from a settled squad who appear to genuinely cherish being together. The new deal signed by head coach Steve Clarke in May has cemented Scotland's stability at an important time. Much depends on the experience of Scotland's midfield. Aston Villa's John McGinn has just enjoyed his finest club campaign in terms of goal contributions, while Scott McTominay has continued the form that saw him win Serie A player of the year in 2024-25. An in-form Lawrence Shankland could answer the cry for goals at the highest level Scotland lack for strength in depth and cannot afford to lose any marquee players. Preferred right-back Aaron Hickey has played 92 club minutes since February, while 43-year-old Hearts keeper Craig Gordon may start in goal. Alternative goalkeeping options, Rangers' Liam Kelly and Nottingham Forest's Angus Gunn, have not been first choice at their clubs this season Steve Clarke has not used a back five in a competitive game since Euro 2024, but he could return to this formation against tougher teams with Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney at centre-back. John McGinn led Aston Villa to a first European trophy in 44 years this season. Ten goals and seven assists are the highest number of goal involvements in his club career Scott McTominay 's overhead kick in the decisive qualifier against Denmark is now so famous it has made it onto a special edition Scottish banknote. The 2024-25 Serie A player of the year has been directly involved in 15 goals for Scotland since the start of 2023 – six more than anyone else. Lawrence Shankland has scored 21 more goals than any other player in the Scottish Premiership since 2022-23. He's never been first choice for Scotland but still averages a goal every 86 minutes in international football Three major tournaments as head coach is a Scottish record and Steve Clarke has achieved this feat in just seven years. He's the first man to take Scotland to back-to-back European Championships and the first to a World Cup since Craig Brown in 1998. Qualification was secured in stunning fashion with an overhead kick, a 22-yard stunner and goal from the halfway line in a 4-2 win in their final qualifier against Denmark at Hampden Park in November All of Scotland's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it! Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon can become the second-oldest man to play at a World Cup after Essam El Hadary, who played in goal for Egypt against Saudi Arabia at the age of 45 in 2018. When Scotland faced Denmark at Hampden Park at 7.45pm on 18th November, the brief was clear: defeat the nation then 18 places higher in Fifa's rankings and qualify for a first World Cup since 1998. Lose, and face the gut-wrenching unpredictability of the play-offs. One of the most famous nights in Hampden's 122-year history followed. A rip-roaring 4-2 win featured an overhead kick scored by Scott McTominay after just three minutes, which has hung as a picture in the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh, an injury-time 22-yard screamer by full-back Kieran Tierney – just a second goal in 53 caps at that stage – to put Scotland ahead on the night. Then, a goal from the halfway line by Kenny McClean after 98 minutes, the crowd celebrations of which equalled the seismic activity of a small earthquake. Scotland have reached two previous major tournaments under Steve Clarke but failed to win a game at either Euro 2020 or Euro 2024. Their last win at the European Championships was a 1-0 victory against Switzerland in 1996. Their most recent at the World Cup was against Sweden 36 years ago. If Scotland are to reach the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time in all 13 attempts, an opening encounter against a Haiti team ranked 83rd in the world looks crucial, with Morocco and Brazil to come. How have Scotland done at previous World Cups?

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After the success of Through the Eyes of the Fans: Scotland v Denmark , we are once again looking for Scotland fans to send us in their footage, audio and pictures - this time capturing the memories of Scotland's World Cup campaign. We want your help to capture the energy, emotion and unforgettable moments from Scotland's time in the United States. Whether you're at the game, travelling to the USA, watching from a fan zone back home or with friends across the world, we'd love to see how you experienced it. Share your footage and you could be included in a BBC programme telling the story of Scotland's World Cup campaign from the fans' perspective. Send formSend formRelated topicsScotland Men's Football TeamFIFA World Cup 2026FootballScotland SportScottish FootballMore on this storyWorld Cup fixtures and group standings Everything you need to know about the World Cup

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John McGinn was slathering on sun cream. T-shirt lines aplenty were on show. And the Scotland players were making a beeline for the sprinklers. The humidity and heat hitting Inter Miami's training ground on Tuesday was not what most of these Scots were made for. The barrels of ice being bundled to the side of the pitch and cold plunge tubs waiting for them at the end of their intense session was sweet relief for Steve Clarke's squad, who were tested to the max under the Miami sun. One man who was less fazed, though, was Jack Hendry. The defender has a head start of coping with such conditions having played in Saudi Arabia with Al Ettifaq for the past three years. "Stay hydrated," is the top tip from the 31-year-old, who reiterated this squad's desire to be the first Scotland squad to progress beyond the group stages. "It's about maintaining fluids, making sure you're very concentrated because you can lose a lot of sweat in the humidity. "The game can be a little bit different because you maybe can't run about as much, getting tired very quickly and energy going from you, so it definitely impacts." Such sweltering conditions were exactly what Clarke wanted, though, as he stressed the importance of "acclimatising" this week to the conditions his squad will face throughout their tournament. The Scots start against Haiti (Sunday, 14 June, 02:00 BST) - live across the BBC - and also play Morocco in Boston, before returning to Miami to face Brazil on Wednesday, 24 June (23:00). "It maybe would have been a shock if we had came out to the Miami game because it hits you as soon as you come off the plane, the humidity and the heat," Hendry told BBC Scotland at the team's hotel in Fort Lauderdale. "So it's good that we can come out here for this week, prepare and get used to it and I'm sure that will put us in really good stead going into the game." Water breaks will be in operation, and Hendry stressed the importance of "using them efficiently". "They're certainly going to help us from a recovery point of view, but maybe tactical. as well," he said. "I'm accustomed to it in Saudi; we have these water breaks and it might disrupt the rhythm of the game a wee bit, but from the players' point of view it definitely helps." By the time the Scots return south following back-to-back games in Boston, it could be they have already done what no other Scotland side have by reaching the knockout stages of a World Cup. It's undoubtedly the aim for this talented, together squad, but they're not looking too far ahead. They're still Scottish after all. "It's just trying to get as far as possible, I think," Hendry said of what success for the country looks like this summer. "It's difficult to look too far ahead. The main ambition is going to be trying to get out of the group. Then we see where we can go afterwards. "We can't look too far ahead, just take it game by game and if we do that, enjoy it and play the best we can, then we should be able to achieve that. "We've got to make the most of it and make sure we don't come out of this with any regrets." Everything you need to know about the World Cup

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Colombian pop star Shakira will perform her official song for the 2026 World Cup at the competition's opening ceremony in Mexico. Shakira will perform Dai Dai, along with Burna Boy, on Thursday, 11 June at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, before Mexico and South Africa play the first of the tournament's 104 games (20:00 BST). Dai Dai - an Italian phrase meaning "let's go" or "come on". Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla will also perform at the show in Mexico. Opening ceremonies will precede each of the first matches played in the host nations of USA, Canada and Mexico. Canadian singer-songwriters Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette will headline the opening ceremony at BMO Field in Toronto before Canada take on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, 12 June (20:00 BST). In the USA, pop star Katy Perry and rapper Future will perform before the USA take on Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, 12 June (Saturday, 02:00 BST). Shakira, along with Madonna and K-pop boyband BTS, will also co-headline the Super Bowl-style half-time show at this summer's World Cup final on 19 July. Shakira unveils official World Cup 2026 song Madonna, Shakira & BTS to headline World Cup show Everything you need to know about the World Cup

World Cup News

1 Comments Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has been named in Turkey's 26-man World Cup squad. Guler, 21, picked up the Champions League Revelation of the Season award, which recognises a young player's achievement in the competition, following his four assists and two goals as Real reached the quarter-finals. Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and Brighton defender Ferdi Kadioglu have also been included in head coach Vincenzo Montella's final squad. Turkey open their Group D campaign against Australia on 14 June, followed by Paraguay on 20 June and the United States on 26 June. The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, begins on 11 June. World Cup: Every squad as they are announced Defenders: Abdulkerim Bardakci (Galatasaray), Caglar Soyuncu (Fenerbahce), Eren Elmali (Galatasaray), Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton), Merih Demiral (Al-Ahli Saudi), Mert Muldur (Fenerbahce), Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim), Samet Akaydin (Caykur Rizespor), Zeki Celik (AS Roma). Midfielders: Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan), Ismail Yuksek (Fenerbahce), Kaan Ayhan (Galatasaray), Orkun Kokcu (Besiktas), Salih Ozcan (Borussia Dortmund). Forwards: Arda Guler (Real Madrid), Baris Alper Yilmaz (Galatasaray), Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt), Deniz Gul (Porto), Irfan Can Kahveci (Kasimpasa), Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Kerem Akturkoglu (Fenerbahce), Oguz Aydin (Fenerbahce), Yunus Akgun (Galatasaray). Everything you need to know about the World Cup

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Sixteen cities were chosen to host matches at this summer's World Cup - which is only nine days away. Be aware, some stadiums are in a different city to their official Fifa one. But, lucky for you, naming either city will get you the points in our quiz! After more quizzes? Go to our dedicated Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes pages and sign up for notifications to get the latest quizzes sent straight to your device. What information do we collect from this quiz?Related topicsFootballFIFA World Cup 2026Play more quizzesQuiz: Name every nation at the 2026 World Cup Which World Cup team are you? Take our quiz World Cup quiz: Name every player in England's squad World Cup quiz: Name every player in Scotland's squad

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Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been named in Ghana's squad for the World Cup. Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022. The 32-year-old, who now plays for La Liga side Villarreal, is due to stand trial next year. Partey made 167 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal between 2020 and 2025 but left the Gunners last summer after his contract expired. "Thomas is our vice-captain. He is one of the top midfielders in the world and we stand by him shoulder to shoulder," Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku told BBC Sport. Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz named Partey in a preliminary 28-man squad for a pre-World Cup training camp and friendly against Wales in Cardiff on 2 June (19:45 BST). Partey remained in the squad as Queiroz left out goalkeepers Solomon Agbasi and Paul Reverson to reach his final 26-man selection. Centre-back Alexander Djiku has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury as his Spartak Moscow team won the Russian Cup final on 24 May so has been replaced by Netherlands-born defender Derrick Luckassen, who made his Ghana debut in March. Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo and Coventry striker Brandon Thomas-Asante are also included, along with Leicester duo Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu. Joseph Anang, who plays for League of Ireland Premier Division club St Patrick's Athletic, is one of three goalkeepers in the squad. Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus missed out with the quad injury which has kept him out of action since January. Ghana begin their World Cup Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on 17 June before they face England and Croatia in Boston and Philadelphia, respectively. Ghana boss Queiroz no qualms over Partey selection Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman (PAOK), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alidu Seidu (Rennes), Abdul Mumin (Rayo Vallecano), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Jonas Adjetey (Wolfsburg), Kojo Oppong Peprah (Nice), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos). Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Villarreal), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo), Augustine Boakye (Saint-Etienne), Caleb Yirenkyi (Nordsjaelland), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City). Forwards: Kamaldeen Sulemana (Atalanta), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Ernest Nuamah (Lyon), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Brandon Thomas-Asante (Coventry City), Prince Kwabena Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City). Everything you need to know about the World Cup

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ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJonny HumphriesNorth WestA six-year-old schoolboy who has supported England "my full life" has shared his joy at being selected to travel to the United States as a mascot before the World Cup. CJ, from Blackburn in Lancashire, will travel to Orlando with his grandad Paul Clegg, who has long followed the Three Lions around the world. Young fan CJ will join the players on the pitch before England take on Costa Rica in a warm-up game on 10 June ahead of the tournament. "I just hope that he follows my path because I've been to some amazing places around the world... I've been to so many different places following England," said his proud grandfather. "It's not just the football - it's the whole culture that surrounds it." Paul told the BBC the family believed CJ, who has been attending England games since he was two, had missed out because they had not heard anything by a supposed deadline on Wednesday. However an email arrived the following day, inviting CJ to Orlando where he will meet his favourite players - Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Paul, who has been going to England matches since the 1990s, said the culture had changed since the days when fans were dogged with a reputation for hooliganism. "In 1998 - the first game that I attended in Marseille - it was like three days of proper civil war. It was horrendous," he explained. "But things have changed since - England fans are welcomed around the world. "There's a different atmosphere around the England fans." He added that having his grandson with him in Orlando would be "extra special".

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Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui has included the country's all-time leading scorer Almoez Ali in his squad for the World Cup. Ali, who has netted 60 goals in 126 appearances for the gulf state, is one of nine forwards named in the 26-man party by ex-Spain, Real Madrid, Wolves and West Ham boss Lopetegui. Two-time Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif has also been selected as Qatar bid to improve on their efforts in 2022 when they became the first host nation to lose all three group matches. Lopetegui, who was appointed in May 2025, declined to include former Doncaster and Peterborough defender Niall Mason, born in Brighton, who was named in the preliminary squad. Veteran 42-year-old striker Sebastian Soria, who has scored 39 goals in 124 appearances for Qatar, also misses out. Qatar face Switzerland in Santa Clara on 13 June before games against co-hosts Canada in Vancouver and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Seattle. Goalkeepers: Salah Zakaria (Al-Duhail), Mahmoud Abunada (Al Rayyan), Meshaal Barsham (Al-Sadd) Defenders: Hashmi Hussein (Al Arabi), Ayoub Alawi (Al Gharafa), Boualem Khoukhi (Al-Sadd), Pedro Miguel (Al-Sadd), Issa Laaye (Al Arabi), Lucas Mendes (Al-Wakrah), Sultan Al-Brake (Al-Duhail), Homam Al-Amin (Cultural Leonesa) Midfielders: Mohammed Al-Manai (Al Shamal), Jassem Jaber (Al Arabi), Karim Boudiaf (Al-Duhail), Ahmed Fathi (Al Arabi), Abdulaziz Hatem (Al Rayyan), Assim Madibo (Al-Wakrah) Forwards: Tahseen Mohammed (Al-Duhail), Edmilson Junior (Al-Duhail), Almoez Ali (Al-Duhail), Akram Afif (Al-Sadd), Mohammed Muntari (Al Gharafa), Youssef Abdulrazzaq (Al-Wakrah), Ahmed Alaa (Al Rayyan), Hassan Al-Haydos (Al-Sadd), Ahmed Al-Janahi (Al Gharafa) Everything you need to know about the World Cup

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ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJacob PanonsSouth EastAn England football enthusiast who has collected more than 200 items of 1966 World Cup memorabilia over 40 years says "genuine fans" are being "priced out of the game". Stephen Holt, who spent thousands of pounds buying items from England's only World Cup win, says the pricing system for the tournament is "getting to the point where it's no longer fair". Holt, from Runnymede in Surrey, who hoped to go to his first World Cup in 2026, said: "Originally I was planning on trying to get over to the States to see it, but then when I started seeing the pricing I just couldn't do it." The world governing body's decision to adopt dynamic pricing had been criticised, with it being ordered to explain itself after the attorneys general of both New York and New Jersey officially launched an investigation into its practices. The first open sale of tickets for the 2026 World Cup showed Fifa was charging up to $10,990 (£8,333) to be at the final. Holt, 55, said: "I could have probably sold the collection to go over, but I think the collection would mean more to me." Among the retired headteacher's collection is a ticket for the 1966 final, a World Cup Willie-themed cigar box, and a 60-year-old souvenir beer - which he plans to open if England bring the trophy home. Speaking about the 1966 World Cup final ticket, the father-of-two said: "I'm sure the ticket worked out as something like the equivalent of just under £100 in today's prices." Fifa, which explained it was a not-for-profit organisation, said ticket costs spanned a range of price points and categories to reflect market demand for each match. Holt now shares his collection online and will be displaying his collection at a care home in Ashford in Kent for residents and local schoolchildren to see to mark the start of the World Cup. "It's just something they can connect with, and also younger people can connect with them through that, and they can learn about the past and about the history," he said. "It's wonderful to be able to share the collection with people and bring back memories, and help people that perhaps have dementia be able to relate to things."

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Sunderland's Omar Alderete and Brighton's Diego Gomez have been named in Paraguay's squad for the World Cup. Atlanta's former Newcastle United attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron is also named in the 26-man party. Midfielder Gomez's former Brighton team-mate Julio Enciso, now at Strasbourg, is included too, as is Gustavo Caballero from Championship side Portsmouth. Paraguay qualified after finishing in the sixth and final Conmebol automatic qualification berth. The World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and begins on 11 June. Paraguay, who are in Group D and are making their first World Cup appearance since 2010, start their campaign with against co-hosts the USA (13 June, 02:00 BST) before facing Turkey and Australia. Goalkeepers: Roberto Junior Fernandez (Cerro Porteno), Orlando Gill (San Lorenzo), Gaston Olveira (Olimpia). Defenders: Omar Alderete (Sunderland), Junior Alonso (Atletico Mineiro), Fabian Balbuena (Gremio), Juan Jose Caceres (Dinamo Moscow), Jose Canale (Lanus), Gustavo Gomez (Palmeiras), Alexandro Maidana (Talleres), Gustavo Velazquez (Cerro Porteno). Midfielders: Damian Bobadilla (Sao Paulo), Gustavo Caballero (Portsmouth), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Matias Galarza (Atlanta United), Diego Gomez (Brighton), Mauricio Magalhaes (Palmeiras), Briaian Ojeda (Orlando City), Alejandro Romero (Al Ain). Forwards: Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United), Gabriel Avalos (Independiente), Alex Arce (Independiente Rivadavia), Julio Enciso (Strasbourg), Isidro Pitta (Bragantino), Antonio Sanabria (Cremonese), Ramon Sosa (Palmeiras). Everything you need to know about the World Cup

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Countries have started to announce their 26-man squads for the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. The tournament is the biggest yet, with 48 teams, and runs from 11 June to 19 July. You can see the squads below as they are announced. 50 days until World Cup - pick your favourite kits BBC to show Scotland's first World Cup game since 1998 Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast SoundsGet football news sent straight to your phone

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There are just 10 days to go until the start of the 2026 World Cup where 48 nations will face off for the biggest prize in football. To mark it, we want to test your knowledge. Can you name every side who has featured at a World Cup - including those who are doing so for the first time this year? And be aware, we're after the name of each country as it was when they appeared in the World Cup, which might not always be the same name a nation is now known by. After more quizzes? Go to our dedicated Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes pages and sign up for notifications to get the latest quizzes sent straight to your device. What information do we collect from this quiz?Related topicsFootballFIFA World Cup 2026Play more quizzesQuiz: Name every nation at the 2026 World Cup Which World Cup team are you? Take our quiz World Cup quiz: Name every player in England's squad World Cup quiz: Name every player in Scotland's squad