2026 World Cup Odds: Which Nations are Favored to Reach Semifinals?
With 48 teams competing and a grueling path through the knockout stage, reaching the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be an accomplishment in itself.
Netherlands Sport News
Dutch concern over fitness of goalkeeper Verbruggen
KANSAS CITY, June 10 : The Netherlands have doubts over the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, injured in their Monday friendly in New York and doubtful for the World Cup opener against Japan on Sunday.
World Cup waterbreaks offer lucrative opportunity for broadcasters
LONDON, June 10 : With hot weather due and memories fresh of the scorching 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA has for the first time mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half for all 104 matches of the World Cup starting this week in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
England miss automatic World Cup spot as Spain top group, France and Denmark qualify
LIVERPOOL, England, June 9 : England beat Ukraine on Tuesday but failed to secure automatic qualification for next year’s Women’s World Cup after finishing level on points with Spain in their group, while France and Denmark sealed their places.
Gabriel Diallo falls in opener, ending Canadian's Libema Open title defence
Canadian Gabriel Diallo, the defending champion, dropped his opening match at the Libema Open grass-court tournament Tuesday, falling 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 to France's Adrian Mannarino.
Japan ‘pray’ on Endo fitness for World Cup opener
NASHVILLE: Japan captain Wataru Endo is in a race to be fit for their World Cup opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, leaving coach Hajjime Moriyasu “praying” he makes it. The Liverpool midfielder is struggling with a foot injury and was not involved in any full training sessions at Japan’s pre-tournament camp in Mexico. Endo took part in running and passing drills with his team-mates on Monday after moving to their World Cup base in Nashville, and Moriyasu said he was still in contention to face the Dutch in Dallas. “According to the medical reports, there is nothing to say that he can’t play,” Moriyasu, whose team also play Sweden and Tunisia in Group F, told reporters before leaving Mexico. “So we just believe, pray and wait.” Endo suffered a season-ending foot injury playing for Liverpool against Sunderland in February and returned for Japan in a 1-0 friendly win over Iceland in Tokyo on May 31. He came off at half-time and has continued to feel discomfort. Moriyasu said replacing the 33-year-old in his squad was an option if he was not able to play a part in the tournament. “I’m always considering replacements if a player can’t play, and that doesn’t just go for Endo but for everyone. “We have several players returning from injury and we need to keep assessing them until the last minute, but we called them up with the assumption that they would be fit in time.” Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was left out after injuring his hamstring less than a week before Moriyasu named his squad. Monaco’s Takumi Minamino also missed out after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in December.
Netherlands defender Timber to miss World Cup with groin injury
June 8 : Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the 2026 World Cup after failing to recover from a groin injury, the Dutch Football Association said on Monday.
Sibling rivals line up for different teams at World Cup
June 8 : Four sets of brothers will compete at the World Cup, all for different countries in a reflection of how steady migration around the world has had an impact on football.