How are the 2026 World Cup favourites shaping up?

Ahead of Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw, we run the rule over the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals to take place across North America next June and July:

Football world braces for 2026 World Cup draw

The draw for the 2026 World Cup – the biggest edition of football’s global showpiece ever held – takes place in Washington on Friday.

Cameroon sack coach, drop Onana for AFCON

Cameroon have sacked Belgian coach Marc Brys and dropped Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from December 21 in Morocco.

Broos makes bold calls as Bafana squad for Afcon unveiled

Hugo Broos has named his final 25-man Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month – and in doing so, may have offered the clearest indication yet of who he trusts to lead South Africa into next year’s 2026 World Cup in North America.

Pep warns Man City have little room for error in title race

Pep Guardiola believes that his Manchester City side cannot afford many more slip-ups in the race for the Premier League title.

Where has it all gone wrong for Liverpool?

There is no getting away from it – Liverpool are in a full-blown crisis, writes Lindiz van Zilla.

Slot feels ‘safe’ despite Liverpool’s latest humiliation

Arne Slot insisted he is confident of avoiding the sack despite troubled Liverpool’s dismal 4-1 defeat against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Morton fears MLS move could jeopardise Mbokazi’s Bafana momentum

Morton fears MLS move could jeopardise Mbokazi’s Bafana momentum

Memorable teammate bust-ups after Gueye sees red

Memorable teammate bust-ups after Gueye’s shocking red card

‘Ashamed’ Pep embarrassed by confrontation after Newcastle loss

Pep Guardiola says he feels “embarrassed” and “ashamed” after confronting a cameraman in the immediate aftermath of Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday.