Croatia head into the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a reputation for consistently outperforming expectations on football’s biggest stage. The European side stunned the world by reaching the final in 2018 and followed it up with a third-place finish in 2022, proving their success was no fluke.

 

As they prepare for another campaign, Croatia once again possess a balanced squad featuring experienced leaders and exciting young stars. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric remains the driving force in the heart of the team, while Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol leads a solid backline.

 

Under coach Zlatko Dalic, Croatia have built their identity around tactical discipline, teamwork, and composure in pressure situations. Drawn in Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama, the Vatreni face a challenging route to the knockout stages.

 
 

However, their strong tournament pedigree and ability to rise to the occasion make them one of the most dangerous teams outside the traditional favourites. Croatia will be aiming to produce another memorable World Cup campaign in North America.

Croatia’s Group L in the FIFA World Cup 2026

• 
  Croatia
• 
  England
• 
  Panama
• 
  Ghana

Can Croatia finally cross the line in 2026?

Croatia enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup hoping to complete the final chapter of a remarkable golden generation. After finishing runners-up in 2018 and securing third place in 2022, Zlatko Dalic’s side has consistently proven its ability to compete with the world’s best.

 

Led by veteran captain Luka Modric, likely playing in his final World Cup, Croatia possess a blend of experience and emerging talent, including Josko Gvardiol, Martin Baturina, and Luka Sucic.

 

Their tournament know-how, midfield quality, and defensive organisation make them dangerous opponents. However, a difficult group featuring England, Ghana, and Panama awaits.

 

Croatia’s schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Croatia’s key strengths

Croatia’s greatest strength lies in their balance of experience and quality across the pitch. Luka Modric continues to provide leadership and creativity in midfield, supported by the accomplished Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic.

 

The emergence of Martin Baturina, Luka Sucic, and Petar Sucic has added fresh energy and attacking invention to the squad. Defensively, Croatia are anchored by Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol, with Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, and Duje Caleta-Car providing depth and stability.

 

Under Zlatko Dalic, Croatia have developed a reputation for tactical discipline, strong team chemistry, and the ability to perform under pressure. Their experience in major tournaments and calmness in high-stakes matches remain among their biggest assets heading into the World Cup.

Croatia’s main weaknesses

Despite their strengths, Croatia have a few concerns heading into the tournament. Several influential players, including Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, are in the latter stages of their careers, making fitness and workload management crucial over a demanding World Cup campaign.

 

While Croatia possess reliable attacking options in Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Petar Musa, and Igor Matanovic, they do not have the same level of attacking depth or star power as some of the leading title favourites.

 

The squad is also in a transitional phase, with younger players expected to shoulder greater responsibility on the biggest stage. How quickly this new generation adapts to the pressure and intensity of World Cup football could ultimately determine how far Croatia can go in 2026.

Croatia squad for FIFA World Cup 2026:

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur

 

Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Kristijan Jakic, Martin Erlic, Luka Vuskovic

 

Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk

 

Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic

In the latest example of a professional athlete making the leap back down to collegiate level, former Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jordyn Adams is finally getting his chance to play college football, at SMU.

One of the top wide receivers in the 2018 class, which also featured Ja’Marr Chase, Adams was set to attend North Carolina to play both baseball and football until being drafted 17th by the Angels that year, with a lucrative signing bonus.

A bona fide 5-star prospect, there were high expectations for Adams when he decided to sign with North Carolina.

But, given that the MLB came calling with a lucrative payday and opportunity, the talented receiver’s life story changed paths.

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After starting his career with the Los Angeles Angels, Jordyn would finally make his big-league debut in 2023.

He ended up playing in 17 games that season for the organization, before playing another 11 games in 2024, ultimately bouncing around a few clubhouses before ending his baseball career two weeks ago after playing his final minor-league game.

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Finishing with 13 hits at the MLB level, his professional career never really took off, bouncing around the minor-league system while briefly making it to the show. Adams did hit 55 homers during his time in the minors.

Now, following in the footsteps of others, more recently Monte Harrison at Arkansas, Jordyn Adams is going to finally put on the pads in college.

As of last week, the two-way player signed with the SMU Mustangs, where he will play wide receiver this fall. Will he have the same burst of success that we saw from Monte Harrison at Arkansas?

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That’s left to be seen, but the chance to pursue his second career, while entering college for the first time, was an opportunity he obviously had in the back of his mind.

If you were wondering, yes, this is legal according to NCAA rules, since he never actually attended college or started his eligibility clock.

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But, as the NCAA prepares to pass the “5 in 5” rule, the timing of Adams enrolling at SMU was obviously a clear sign that he needed to get into college now.

Under the potential new rules, an athlete’s clock would start the minute they graduated high school or turned 19 years old.

Would this affect Adams? I would doubt it, and I don’t imagine SMU is wanting to waste time on a player who could ultimately end up ineligible, so the decision makes sense for both parties. And remember, he never actually enrolled at North Carolina in 2018, so he technically has years of eligibility left for college football.

He might be a tad older, but we’re about to find out if Jordyn Adams still has any juice left on the football field.

Some Manchester United players are off to the World Cup with Matheus Cunha handed a huge honour by Brazil

The World Cup squad numbers for Manchester United’s stars have been confirmed with Matheus Cunha receiving the iconic number nine shirt for Brazil. Ronaldo wore that jersey for several years with the 27-year-old now having the privilege and he is one of 13 United players representing their nations in the tournament this summer.

Cunha’s national team-mate Casemiro has been handed the number 5 shirt with Diogo Dalot and Manuel Ugarte of Portugal and Uruguay also to have that number on their backs. Bruno Fernandes will wear the number 8 strip for Portugal, the same as he does at Old Trafford with late Scotland call-up Tyler Fletcher also taking that number.

Goalkeepers Senne Lammens and Altay Bayindir have both been given number 12 for Belgium and Turkiye. Elsewhere, Amad takes the number 15 shirt for Ivory Coast while Noussair Mazraoui will be wearing number 3 with Morocco.

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England duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have been handed their squad numbers by head coach Thomas Tuchel. The latter will be donning 16 for the Three Lions while the Barcelona loannee has been handed number 11.

Lisandro Martinez, who is heading to the United States with Argentina, will wear the number six shirt. The likes of Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount have all been left out and will thus have a full pre-season under Carrick.

The United head coach’s priority will undoubtedly be new signings throughout the World Cup with midfield in need of several additions.

Atalanta’s Ederson looks set to join in the coming weeks while Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and Aurelien Tchouameni are other targets as the club aim to replace Casemiro.

One potential positive for United are that all of Ederson, Fernandes and Tonali will not be playing at the World Cup which could allow for deals to be wrapped up sooner.

United’s World Cup stars Rashford and Ugarte are expected to be sold permanently this summer. Pre-season fixtures are expected to begin in mid-August, roughly one months on from the final in New York.

Full list of World Cup shirt numbers for United stars:

• Altay Bayindir (Turkey) – 12
• Amad (Ivory Coast) – 15
• Casemiro (Brazil) – 5
• Matheus Cunha (Brazil) – 9
• Diogo Dalot (Portugal) – 5
• Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) – 8
• Tyler Fletcher (Scotland) – 8
• Senne Lammens (Belgium) – 12
• Kobbie Mainoo (England) – 16
• Lisandro Martinez (Argentina) – 6
• Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) – 3
• Marcus Rashford (England) – 11
• Manuel Ugarte (Uruguay) – 5

India Women vs England Women Live Score, 3rd T20I: India head into the series-deciding third Women’s T20 International against England hoping their middle order can finally deliver under pressure. With the series level at 1-1, the final match presents an important opportunity for both teams to build confidence before the Women’s T20 World Cup begins later this month.

For India, the England tour is more than just a bilateral assignment. It serves as a crucial rehearsal for the global tournament, allowing the team management to assess combinations and player roles in conditions similar to those expected during the World Cup.

While there have been encouraging signs from the top order, India’s batting has lacked consistency in the latter stages of innings. Yastika Bhatia has emerged as the standout performer, scoring a half-century in the first match and backing it up with another useful knock in the second. Jemimah Rodrigues also impressed with a fifty, while Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma looked in good touch during the chase in the previous game.

However, India’s inability to finish strongly remains a concern. In the opening match, the team managed only 40 runs in the final five overs despite being well placed earlier in the innings. The second game saw an even bigger collapse, as India stumbled dramatically in the closing stages of a chase after reaching a comfortable position.

As a result, the spotlight will be on experienced all-rounder Deepti Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh. India need the pair to provide stability and acceleration in the middle overs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, one of the team’s most powerful hitters, may also need to bat deeper and guide the innings through to the finish.

England, meanwhile, have their own batting concerns. Amy Jones’ 67 is the only fifty scored by an English batter in the series so far. Although several players have made starts, none have been able to produce a match-defining innings. With both sides searching for batting consistency, the final T20I promises to be a closely contested encounter with World Cup implications.

MANILA, Philippines—While most players would feel the pressure of facing a PBA legend in the Finals, RJ Abarrientos is simply enjoying the moment.

Abarrientos, set for his third Finals appearance, enters the Commissioner’s Cup championship series with a chance to go head-to-head with PBA legend Jayson Castro.

For some, that would be a daunting challenge. For Abarrientos, it’s a dream come true.

“I still feel like I’m dreaming,” Abarrientos said.

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“I’m grateful that I get to face someone who I only watched before in the Finals. I’m just grateful to face Kuya Jayson. He’s healthy now, he’s back to the Finals and I’m looking forward to that.”

The last time the Gin Kings and the Tropang 5G met in the Finals, Castro was sidelined with a patellar tendon injury.

Still, Abarrientos and Castro have already shared the Finals stage. They faced off in last season’s Governors’ Cup, where Castro eventually earned Finals MVP honors.

Rather than seeking payback after losing his first two Finals appearances to TNT, Abarrientos is focused on the opportunity to challenge and learn from one of the league’s all-time greats.

“I’m just very happy and grateful to be here in the Finals to face the guys I looked up to and was just watching when I was a kid,” he said.

Abarrientos and the Gin Kings open their latest Finals showdown against Castro and TNT on Wednesday in Game 1 at Araneta Coliseum.

Cape Verde is officially heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026, and its presence alone is a masterclass in defying the odds. Making history as the least populated country ever to grace football’s grandest stage, this tiny island nation of roughly 600,000 residents has proved that heart beats numbers every single time.

 

Entering the tournament as the third-lowest-ranked team in the competition, the Blue Sharks will look to ensure that they are not taking part just to make up the numbers; they are carrying the dreams of an entire diaspora. What they lack in sheer population or deep-seated tournament pedigree, they more than make up for with tactical discipline, explosive pace, and an unshakeable underdog spirit.

 
 

Cape Verde’s historic qualification is the ultimate feel-good story of the 2026 edition and has been written off by many before a ball is even kicked.

 

Cape Verde’s Group H in the FIFA World Cup 2026

• 
  Cape Verde
• 
  Spain
• 
  Uruguay
• 
  Saudi Arabia

How did Cape Verde qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Cape Verde, officially known as Cabo Verde, secured a historic first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification by finishing at the top of a highly competitive CAF qualifying group. The island nation impressed throughout the campaign, winning eight of its 10 matches to earn direct qualification for the 2026 tournament.

 

One of the key factors behind its success was its dominant home form. Cape Verde won all five of its home fixtures and remarkably did not concede a single goal on home soil during the qualifiers.

 

Cape Verde’s schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Cape Verde’s key strengths

Cape Verde’s biggest strength is their defensive organization and team unity. Led by experienced goalkeeper Vozinha and defenders Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, and Stopira, the Blue Sharks are difficult to break down and remain disciplined without possession. 
Their midfield, featuring Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Laros Duarte, and Deroy Duarte, provides energy, tactical awareness, and balance between defense and attack. 
Cape Verde are especially dangerous on the counterattack, with quick forwards such as Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Jovane Cabral, Dailon Livramento, and Willy Semedo capable of exploiting spaces left by opponents. Many squad members play in European leagues, bringing valuable experience and professionalism. 
Their strong work ethic, resilience, and collective approach make them a competitive and unpredictable opponent.

Cape Verde’s main weaknesses

Despite their progress, Cape Verde face challenges against top international teams like Spain and Uruguay. The squad lacks the depth and individual star power of established football nations, making injuries or suspensions to key players potentially costly. While the attack possesses pace and creativity, Cape Verde do not have a proven world-class goalscorer who can consistently convert limited chances against elite defenses. 
The team often relies on collective play rather than individual brilliance in the final third. Another concern is their lack of World Cup experience, with many players entering football’s biggest stage for the first time. The higher intensity and quality of opposition could test the squad throughout the tournament. To reach the knockout rounds, Cape Verde must remain defensively solid and improve their efficiency in front of goal.

Cape Verde squad for FIFA World Cup 2026:

Goalkeepers: Vozinha, Marcio Rosa, CJ dos Santos

 

Defenders: Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Wagner Pina, Joao Paulo Fernandes, Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes, Kelvin Pires, Ianique ‘Stopira’ Tavares

 

Midfielders: Telmo Arcanjo, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Yannick Semedo

 

Forwards: Gilson Benchimol, Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes, Garry Rodrigues, Willy Semedo, Helio Varela

MANILA, Philippines—TNT was only one title away last season from completing a rare Grand Slam.

However, those dreams were halted when they fell to San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Cup Finals. They suffered another Finals loss to the Beermen this season in the same conference.

One of the main guys during those Finals runs was Jordan Heading, who made his conference debut with the Tropang 5G in last year’s All-Filipino conference.

But instead of a championship celebration, TNT ended up falling short, a moment Heading hopes to rewrite this time in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra.

“This means everything. When you lose in the finals, it sticks with you,” said Heading.

“The whole offseason, that’s all I thought about, when I train in the morning, that’s all I think about.”

Heading’s determination to make amends showed most in Game 6 of the semifinals against Meralco Bolts.

With TNT aalready up 3-2 in the series, Heading helped close the door on a potential Game 7, finishing with 30 points on 69.2 percent shooting to send TNT back to the Finals.

“I’m blessed and thankful to have another shot and we’ll give it everything we got and we’ll keep coming back.”

Since joining TNT, Heading has helped the Tropang 5G reach three straight Finals appearances, including the upcoming clash with the Gin Kings.

While his Finals record stands at 0-2, he looks to change that starting Wednesday when Game 1 of the championship series tips off at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan has promised fans the club will look to appoint a new manager “in a timely but deliberate manner”, following the announcement of Marco Silva’s departure.

The billionaire promised to take the Cottagers to “the next level” after purchasing the club from Mohamed Al Fayed in purchasing the club from Mohamed Al Fayed in July 2013.

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After a few seasons bouncing between the Premier League and the Championship, the club has sustained its top-flight status since promotion in 2021-22 under Silva.

In a statement published by Fulham, Khan said: “Marco Silva leaves our club with my gratitude and best wishes.

“We were an excellent fit for five seasons, but change is inevitable in this game and we have accordingly prepared for this moment.

“The talent in our squad, our historic home ground of Craven Cottage, our faithful supporters and my commitment to backing the club, all make Fulham an extraordinarily attractive destination for an incoming head coach.

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“We will soon appoint a new leader in a timely but deliberate manner, who will meet the standards of our club and expectations of our fans throughout the world.”

Which manager – whether a free agent or tied to a club – would pique your interest? And what is the reasoning behind your pick?

Get in touch with your views here

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has celebrated what he called a major milestone for Indian football supporters, highlighting the presence of two players of Indian heritage in squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.“A historic moment for Indian football fans. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, we will have two players of Indian heritage gracing the global stage,” Tharoor wrote on X.Tharoor pointed to 19-year-old winger Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, who has become the first player of Indian origin to be selected for Qatar’s national team. He noted that Jamshid’s family traces its roots to Kannur in Kerala. He also highlighted Australia winger Nishan Velupillay, whose family origins are in Tamil Nadu.“19-year-old winger Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid makes history as the first player of Indian origin selected for the Qatar national team, carrying the immense pride of his family roots in Kannur, Kerala. Meanwhile, Australia’s 26-man squad features Melbourne Victory’s dynamic 25-year-old winger Nishan Velupillay, whose origins are in Tamil Nadu,” he added.Tharoor said the two players continue a legacy established by former France midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo, whose ancestors came from Andhra Pradesh before later settling in Mauritius and France. Dhorasoo represented France at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and finished as a runner-up.“They follow in the footsteps of Vikash Dhorasoo, the elegant and creative midfielder whose forefathers hailed from Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh (migrating to Mauritius and later to France), who played for the French National Team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, winning a runners-up medal,” the MP wrote.Expressing pride in the achievements of the Indian diaspora, Tharoor said, “Seeing the global Indian diaspora make its mark on football’s grandest platform is an absolute joy. Best of luck to both young men as they head to North America.”The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.