Qualifying Data Names the 2026 World Cup Dream Team
Setting aside reputation and sentiment, a starting lineup from goalkeeper to wing-back is selected based on form and fitness.
Setting aside reputation and sentiment, a starting lineup from goalkeeper to wing-back is selected based on form and fitness.
Mexico enjoy home advantage, South Korea and the Czech Republic boast genuine quality, and South Africa carry upset potential — leaving the qualification picture wide open.
Chicago Fire center back Mokoka earned a place on the MLS All-Star roster through fan, player and media voting. He will line up alongside Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min when the MLS All-Stars face the Liga MX All-Stars in Charlotte on July 29.
Led by Spain's Oyarzabal and Yamal, Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia make up a four-team battle in Group H—who is most worth keeping an eye on?
Average ages for 2026 World Cup squads have been revealed, with South Africa, Spain and Norway all at 26.8 years old sharing sixth place, while Ivory Coast have the youngest squad.
Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti share Group C as they battle for qualification, with key players such as Neymar and Hakimi set to play pivotal roles for their sides.
Supporters of all four Group D sides are encouraged to gather at West Coast fan festivals in Los Angeles and other host cities; includes knockout-stage dates and crowd-safety advisories for U.S. fixtures.
Mexico face South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, with group winners set to play every knockout round on home soil. FIFA rank them 15th under head coach Javier Aguirre.
South Africa pushed back their Jamaica friendly by 24 hours after arriving in Mexico a day late; kickoff is set for 23:00 with no television coverage; left-back Aubrey Modiba could miss out with a hamstring injury.
Canada may be Group B's only top seed, but Switzerland are widely tipped to finish first on paper; Granit Xhaka leads the Swiss side while Alphonso Davies' fitness remains a key variable.
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