The 2026 FIFA World Cup will get underway on June 11 when co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Joined by South Korea and Czechia in Group A, Mexico will be hoping home support can propel them into the knockout rounds.

While Mexico and South Korea start as the favourites on paper, Group A lacks a traditional global heavyweight. Czechia arrive with one of Europe’s most in-form strikers in Patrik Schick, while South Africa have steadily improved under Hugo Broos and will believe the expanded 48-team format offers a realistic path to the knockout stage.

With all four teams carrying genuine ambitions of progression, Group A could emerge as one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Teams

• 
  South Korea
• 
  Mexico
• 
  South Africa
• 
  Czechia

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Team analysis

South Korea

South Korea enter the tournament on the back of an unbeaten qualification campaign and are appearing in their 11th consecutive World Cup, highlighting their consistency on the global stage. Head coach Hong Myung-bo has assembled a squad blending experienced stars with emerging talent, giving the Taeguk Warriors balance across the pitch.

Captain Son Heung-min remains the focal point of the attack and will likely be playing in his final World Cup. Behind him, Lee Kang-in has developed into one of Asia’s most creative midfielders, while Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae provides leadership and defensive solidity. South Korea’s pace in transition and ability to control possession make them one of the strongest sides in the group. However, they will need to overcome a poor record away from home, having never advanced beyond the last 16 at a World Cup outside their historic 2002 semi-final run.

South Korea full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Han-beom, Lee Gi-hyeok, Kim Min-jae, Kim Tae-hyeon, Hwang In-beom, Son Heung-min, Paik Seung-ho, Cho Gue-sung, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Song Bum-keun, Lee Tae-seok, Cho Wi-je, Kim Moon-hwan, Park Jin-seob, Bae Jun-ho, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Lee Kang-in, Yang Hyun-jun, Jo Hyeon-woo, Seol Young-woo, Jens Castrop, Kim Jin-gyu, Eom Ji-sung, Lee Dong-gyeong.

Mexico

Mexico is hosting the World Cup for a record third time. El Tri have historically played their best football on home soil, reaching the quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986, and expectations will be high once again.

Javier Aguirre returns for a third stint as manager and brings a wealth of tournament experience. Captain Edson Alvarez provides stability to midfield, while striker Santiago Gimenez will be tasked with converting chances. The squad also includes experienced internationals such as Raul Jimenez, Guillermo Ochoa and Luis Romo, alongside younger talents like Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas.

South Africa

South Africa return to the World Cup eager to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Under Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have developed into a disciplined and organised side capable of frustrating more fancied opponents.

Captain Ronwen Williams remains one of Africa’s top goalkeepers, while attacker Oswin Appollis has emerged as a key threat following an impressive qualification campaign. Teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is another exciting prospect who has quickly become one of the country’s most highly rated players. South Africa may not possess the star power of some rivals, but their defensive structure and athleticism make them a potent force.

South Africa full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Ronwen Williams, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Aubrey Modiba, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Sphephelo Sithole, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Iqraam Rayners, Sipho Chaine, Evidence Makgopa, Samukele Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Ricardo Goss, Jayden Adams, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross.

Czechia

Czechia enter the World Cup as arguably the most difficult team in the group to assess. They battled through the play-offs against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark to secure qualification and have steadily grown under veteran manager Miroslav Koubek.

Captain Ladislav Krejci leads a physically imposing side built around defensive discipline and set-piece efficiency. The main threat, however, comes from Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, who arrived at the tournament in outstanding form. Midfielder Tomas Soucek adds experience and leadership, while Czechia’s ability from corners and free-kicks makes them a threatening unit. If they can translate their European form onto the global stage, they could challenge both Mexico and South Korea for top spot.

Czechia full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Matej Kovar, David Zima, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Vladimir Coufal, Stepan Chaloupek, Ladislav Krejci, Vladimir Darida, Adam Hlozek, Patrik Schick, Jan Kuchta, Lukas Cerv, Mojmir Chytil, David Jurasek, Pavel Sulc, Jindrich Stanek, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadilek, Tomas Chory, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Doudera, Tomas Soucek, Lukas Hornicek, Alexandr Sojka, Hugo Sochurek, Denis Visinsky.

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Players to watch out for

South Korea – Son Heung-min

South Korea’s captain remains the country’s biggest match-winner. The forward’s pace, movement and ability to produce moments of brilliance in major tournaments make him the player opponents will fear most.

Mexico – Santiago Gimenez

Mexico’s hopes of a deep run could depend on Gimenez rediscovering his goalscoring touch. The AC Milan striker possesses the finishing ability to turn tight matches in his country’s favour.

South Africa – Mbekezeli Mbokazi

At 20, the centre-back is considered one of South Africa’s brightest talents. Strong in duels and comfortable on the ball, he could announce himself on the world stage this summer.

Czechia – Patrik Schick

The Bayer Leverkusen striker arrives in exceptional form and is Czechia’s primary source of goals. His aerial ability and clinical finishing make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the group.

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Final standings prediction

Mexico’s home advantage should be enough to see them finish at the top of the group, particularly with matches against South Africa and Czechia taking place in Mexico City. South Korea’s consistency and tournament experience give them a slight edge in the race for second place.

Czechia possess enough quality to challenge for automatic qualification and could easily finish in the top two if Schick maintains his scoring form. South Africa are unlikely to be pushovers and may still remain in contention for a best third-placed spot, but their lack of World Cup experience could ultimately prove decisive.

Predicted standings

• 
  Mexico
• 
  South Korea
• 
  Czechia
• 
  South Africa

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Full schedule

Moses Itauma hopes to rule over the next generation of heavyweights, but there currently appears to be a lack of willing dance partners. Anthony Joshua insists he isn’t one of them, after declaring himself to be ‘100%’ up for the challenge.

Itauma’s time in the ring has not exceeded the 18-minute mark in any of his fights, with questions still needing to be answered in regards to his gas tank and chin, largely due to the fact that the 21-year-old has dispatched of all 14 of his opponents without truly being tested.

His next outing could be telling, linked to a scrap with Filip Hrgovic, with the pair expected to collide in August, with an official date and venue set to be confirmed in the near future.

Victory over Hrgovic is anticipated to lead to a world title shot, with Frank Sanchez and Murat Gassiev being considered as future opponents in a possible vacant title fight, but in an interview with Fight Hub TV, Joshua revealed that he too would be prepared to take on Itauma, after his fights with Kristian Prenga and Tyson Fury.

“Let me get these two [Prenga and Fury] out of the way and 100% [I would fight Itauma]. Yeah, man. Why not, bro? Let’s go. So many great opportunities are still presenting themselves.”

Joshua takes on Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, July 25, with a long-awaited showdown against Fury being mooted for November. If successful in both bouts, ‘AJ’ could then face Itauma in a crossroads clash during the first half of 2027.

Germany earned a 2-1 victory against World Cup co-hosts United States in the final warm-up game for both teams.

Kai Havertz had an early goal for Germany cancelled out by Antonee Robinson’s stunning volley before Leroy Sane’s winner for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

“I’m happy with the performance of everyone,” said US coach Mauricio Pochettino, who believed his side were “unlucky” to lose.

“We played one of the most important teams in the world. I think we need to be happy with that.”

The US will start their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on 12 June, while Germany, who have won nine games in a row, begin with a game against Curacao on 14 June.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said his side’s win against the US had been a “perfect test for us, both in terms of the weather and the opponent”.

Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in the final warm-up game for both countries, with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes scoring early on for the winners.

Mostafa Zico equalised for Egypt but Raphinha set up Endrick to win it for the South American side, who had to take defender Wesley off after 17 minutes.

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, who recovered from a “minor muscle injury” to play for Liverpool towards the end of the season, came on for the second half against Brazil.

“Salah underwent a rehabilitation program with Liverpool and then with the national team, and he is now ready for matches,” said Egypt coach Hossam Hassan.

Egypt’s opening game of the World Cup on Monday, 15 June will be against Belgium, who thrashed Tunisia 5-0.

Leandro Trossard, Charles de Ketelaere, Kevin de Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin each scored against a Tunisia side reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Ismael Gharbi after 62 minutes.

Belgium boss Rudi Garcia brought Romelu Lukaku on after 66 minutes as he manages the striker’s return to action.

“It is a good preparation for the World Cup, we know this team can do great things,” said Garcia, whose side were beaten 2-0 by Croatia in their previous game.

• TNT Tropang 5G and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings break a tie in Game 3 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Game 2 – June 5, Friday – Smart Araneta Coliseum

• 7:30pm – TNT Tropang 5G vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings

TNT and Ginebra will gun for a crucial tie-breaking victory on Sunday. —PBA IMAGES

The first two games of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals may have produced different results, but they unfolded in remarkably similar fashion.

That is why TNT coach Chot Reyes wants to make sure his team avoids another late-game scare when the Tropang 5G and Barangay Ginebra break their 1-1 deadlock in Game 3 on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“We just try to play the same game all throughout,” Reyes said ahead of the pivotal contest.

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TNT evened the series with a 101-94 victory on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, but not before surviving an anxious finish.

PBA Finals: Jeremiah Gray will keep himself ready for Ginebra

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Jeremiah Gray. –PBA IMAGES

Barangay Ginebra may have come up short against TNT in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, but the Gin Kings found a bright spot in Jeremiah Gray’s performance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gray delivered a strong effort off the bench in Ginebra’s 101-94 loss, which allowed TNT to even the best-of-seven championship series at 1-1.

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The showing, however, did not come as a surprise to the versatile guard.

For Gray, it was simply a matter of staying prepared.

“Ginebra’s such a deep team, so whenever our number is called, we always have to be ready,” Gray told the Inquirer.

“Hopefully, in the next game, we get ready from the beginning—from the starters to the bench—so we can get the win next time.”

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Johnson Wagner has spoken about what he found really strange as he followed the final group for the handful of holes they managed to play on Saturday during the third round of the Memorial Tournament.

The leaders will have to play more than 30 holes on Sunday at Muirfield Village, with J.T. Poston and Ryan Gerard on the sixth green when the horn was blown to suspend play on Saturday.

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Both men are chasing what would be the biggest wins of their career to date.

However, there are some extremely impressive names inside the top 20 as play prepares to resume in Ohio.

Johnson Wagner says what he noticed about the crowds on Saturday at the Memorial Tournament

Tommy Fleetwood is among the players tied for fifth, while Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are eight shots off the lead on one under par for the tournament.

Scheffler’s performance was particularly notable, with the 29-year-old five under par through one six-hole stretch. At that stage, he was three under par for the tournament and certainly not to be ruled out.

Two bogeys on his last three holes of the day took some shine off of his display. Nevertheless, Johnson Wagner told Scorecard on CBS that there was a surreal feeling around the leaders largely due to Scheffler’s efforts.

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“It was crazy with the final group. There were people out there, but you knew where the crowds were. They were up ahead with Rory and with Scottie,” he said.

“And you could definitely feel in that last group, it was weird, it was like, where are all the people? We knew right where they were, they were following the world number one. And this is a golf course he’s won the last two years at this tournament, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he did make a little run in the morning and do something special again tomorrow.”

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler may be running out of time at Muirfield Village

The amount of rain Muirfield Village received on Saturday means that the test is likely to be significantly different for the remainder of the tournament.

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Jack’s Place had resembled a US Open test at times. But the course is going to be considerably softer on Sunday.

It remains to be seen whether that benefits the players who are a lot further along in their third rounds. Much like Justin Thomas at the PGA Championship, they have an opportunity to post an early score and see where they end up.

However, Wagner admitted that it should be the two leaders who are most grateful for the stoppage.

“Unfortunately for Rory, I think he’s going to run out of holes and I think this golf course is going to get a lot easier. So the guys like J.T. and Gerard, I think having the ability to go play a softer Muirfield Village for 12 holes to finish the third round benefits the guys who have the most holes to play,” he said.

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It would certainly be exciting for the majority of the fans if one of the world’s best two players can make a real charge on Sunday.

At the very least, it will help whet the appetite for the US Open at Shinnecock Hills later this month.

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Charley Hull plays golf the way you probably do. She doesn’t look at the pin sheet. She doesn’t carry a yardage book. And when her golf wasn’t perfect the first two days at the U.S. Women’s Open, her mentality was probably a bit of what you tell yourself at the golf course:

“F—k it.”

The full quote has a bit more context, so we’ll offer it next, but the mentality speaks to Charley Hull in full. She is an attacker. A chaser. She loves Moving Day because it’s “more fun” to be in pursuit. 

“I played really decent actually the first two days — tee to green,” she said Saturday afternoon. “Just couldn’t get a putt, so kind of just stuck in there and just went at everything today and just thought, f—k it.

That’s where Hull’s golf diverges from the common person, though, because f—k it to her isn’t just playing aggressively but doubling down on that aggressiveness. Going after every pin at Riviera Country Club and probably succeeding, too. 

She went over the green on 3, threw in darts on 6 and 7, drove it to the edge of the green on 10, tossed her approach to four feet on 14, reached the par-5 17th in two and capped it off with another perfect approach on 18. Seven birdies, one bogey, 65 — the best score of the week. And nothing really close to what she was feeling coming in. 

“No, I didn’t [feel good],” she said. “I didn’t at all. I’m glad I’ve had my cousin out here with me because we’ve just been doing things to take my mind off golf.”

Hull is, like most pros, a golf obsessive. She’s headed back to the U.K. after this weekend and will be taking a golf trip with her boyfriend. She’ll sit up at night — “panicky” was her way of describing it — watching videos of her swing on her phone. 

“I just study everything thinking I like this feel, I like that feel, why can’t it be like that? Sometimes you’ve just got to cancel all that out and just think nothing.”

Or just think ‘F—k it.’

That’s Hull’s charm. She is one of one. She does things her way. Sometimes it goes up in flames. Sometimes it’s as brilliant as that Saturday 65. 

It’s been an up-and-down year, though. She won in February and jumped to No. 3 in the world, but has struggled of late, missing multiple cuts in a month for the first time in three years. She arrived in LA not feeling great about her game and has been spending time with her cousin, Jodie, to get away from it a bit. That meant a Friday trip to mystical Malibu.

“She thought it was going to be this amazing place and she had this dream,” Hull said with her cousin standing nearby, on the verge of laughter. “You know like the Barbie movie, where you see people walking around the circles going out in the ocean? And we got down there and I was like, ‘We’re in Malibu.’ She’s like, ‘No we’re not.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, yeah we are.’ She was like ‘My lifelong dream is being crushed!’ She’s devastated. It was absolutely hilarious.”

Hull likes to travel with family and seems to get as much out of family time as any other pro. She’ll rip back home at times — to the Midlands of England, north of London — just to spend time with loved ones between events. This week, it’s side-quests with her cousin that keep her from stressing over the golf, and have her only a few shots back with 18 holes to play. Saturday’s performance earned her an afternoon tee time for Sunday’s final round, which, frankly, allows for a lovely, unhurried evening. The destination has already been decided: Mexican food, in a city with endless options.

The 2026 Wimbledon Championship is soon set to kick off with tickets still available

The Wimbledon Championships 2026 is set to take place in just a handful of weeks with tickets still available for tennis fans to attend in person. Kicking off on June 26, the tournament will start off with the Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Singles First Round and will conclude on July 12 with the Ladies’ Doubles Final.

As with each year, tickets are generally released through the official ballot earlier in the year, but were, unsurprisingly, snapped up quickly. Despite this, many people can still get their hands on tickets for various events throughout the tournament this year with many retailers offering tickets for separate days.

For example, Seat Unique has tickets on offer almost every day of the tournament; however, some days are already beginning to sell out completely, while others have limited availability, so those hoping to attend this year should act quickly. Prices for tickets vary widely on Seat Unique, with the cheapest going for £1,115 and the most expensive reaching £12,935, all with different perks.

READ MORE: England fans can save 26% on 2026 World Cup shirt in Sports Direct deal after pricing ‘backlash’

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According to the website, some tickets can offer an ‘unparalleled view of the court’ with access to Debenture facilities. Food and drink are also available to purchase on-site for many visitors.

Those hoping to attend with Seat Unique’s tickets should keep in mind that it highlights that it isn’t an official hospitality provider to the AELTC or The Championships. If you would prefer to grab the tickets directly from the event provider, you can do so but prices may vary greatly.

The Wimbledon website itself provides tickets to various events taking place on the court, including many included in this year’s championship. For example, tennis fans could get access to the Championships Qualifying Competition, with tickets for pre-purchase priced at £20, which it states are available from ‘early June’.

Otherwise, you could also grab the tickets from Viagogo, which currently has them available for various days across the championship, with 26 events in total up for grabs. Ticket prices can vary greatly depending on the event and where you plan to sit in the stadium, with one seat in Section 31 Debenture costing £2,607 with no extra fees.

This year’s Wimbledon Championship is expected to culminate in the rivalry between defending champion Jannik Sinner and two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner previously defeated Alcaraz in the 2025 final, taking his Wimbledon title in the process.

Despite this, other top players are also expected to remain prominent throughout the championship, including Novak Djokovic, who could break his Grand Slam tie and claim a record-setting 25th major. Meanwhile, the women’s tournament will feature other top players, including former champions Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka.

Tickets for as low as £1,115 are available at Seat Unique here.

People First Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 13 AFL game between Gold Coast SUNS and
Brisbane Lions. The game kicks off at 5:15 pm with Gold Coast SUNS heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Gold Coast SUNS vs.
Brisbane Lions
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday June 6, 2026 at 5:15 pm

Where: People First Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Gold Coast SUNS vs Brisbane Lions Odds

Gold Coast SUNS vs Brisbane Lions Preview

The first QClash of 2026 arrives with both Queensland rivals searching for an important response. Brisbane enters the contest on a three-game losing streak after being outplayed by Fremantle at the Gabba, with defensive concerns emerging during a difficult month. Gold Coast, meanwhile, has not played since suffering a heartbreaking loss to North Melbourne after surrendering a commanding 43-point lead. The Suns remain firmly in finals contention but will be eager to avoid another costly setback. Brisbane has traditionally dominated this rivalry, winning 13 of the past 15 meetings, including last season’s semi-final by 53 points. With local bragging rights and valuable premiership points on the line, Saturday’s clash at People First Stadium shapes as one of the most significant QClashes in recent memory.

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford can bring about a homecoming in more ways than one this summer – if he joins Barcelona permanently

Marcus Rashford could be in line for a coincidental reunion in the event he joins Barcelona permanently this summer. That’s after the Catalans announced plans to spend part of their pre-season programme training at St. George’s Park.

Los Cules are due to travel to the home of England’s national team during the latter portion of their pre-season. And it could see Manchester United attacker Rashford bump into more than a few familiar faces provided he has joined Barca again by that point.

Barcelona will be training at St. George’s Park for one week between July 27 and August 3. Barca previously travelled to the same location during their 2014 and 2016 summer programmes, having clearly been impressed by what they saw the first time around.

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Rashford’s future remains up in the air after an impressive season on loan at the Camp Nou. The England forward has been itching for a permanent move to Catalonia, where he scored 14 goals and assisted another 14 in 49 games this season.

However, there remains to be any firm indication Barca will pay the necessary £26million to complete a permanent deal. Reports have suggested the Spaniards wish to negotiate Rashford’s signature for a smaller fee but United are standing firm.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has said he’s happy with Rashford’s work over the course of their time working together. The German has also reportedly instructed Barca to get a deal done so he can continue working with the 28-year-old.

The situation has been somewhat complicated by Barca’s acquisition of Newcastle and England winger Anthony Gordon. And not only because Gordon adds competition for Rashford on his preferred left wing.

The £70m transfer also proves Barca’s financial position in no uncertain terms. And they’ll struggle to convince United they can’t complete a move for Rashford on the proposed terms if they sign Gordon for three times the amount.

Rashford has made little secret of his desire to remain at the Camp Nou on permanent terms. He commented on the prospect after scoring against Real Madrid in El Clasico last month to help clinch La Liga for Flick’s side.

Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’

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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.

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“I don’t know. I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay,” said Rashford at the time when pressed about whether he would like to remain at Barca beyond this season. “So we will see.”

The veteran will be away at World Cup 2026 for the foreseeable future. However, that may not be his only brush with the national team this summer if Barcelona move swiftly to secure his signature over the next six weeks or so.