Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa
England has opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Arlington, Texas, as Harry Kane scored twice and Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added goals. Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo as Cristiano Ronaldo equalled a World Cup appearance record, and other group matches and warm-ups have produced mixed results ahead of group play this week.
China has extended zero-tariff treatment to 20 more African nations, bringing the scheme to 53 of Africa’s 54 countries. Eswatini remains excluded due to its ties with Taiwan. Analysts say gains are limited, but the policy signals Beijing’s openness push and aims to boost China‑Africa trade.
Argentina has named Lionel Messi among 55 players in its preliminary World Cup squad, with ongoing questions over his availability. Gianluca Prestianni faces a worldwide ban extension that could affect Argentina’s opening games; the World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Argentina’s group.
A roundup of how African, Arab and European teams are finalising squads and tactics for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Managers reshuffle, injuries and tactical changes shape expectations as teams prepare to the tournament. The Guardian and other outlets report on Egypt, DR Congo, Jordan, Tunisia, and more as they approach their first appearances or campaigns.
FIFA has cancelled tickets allocated at no charge to about 60 fans after a website checkout error. The tickets remain reserved, and buyers are invited to complete payment at the correct price as investigations into ticketing practices continue in New York and New Jersey.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has spurred a surge in sports betting in the United States and globally, with forecasts pointing to record wagers across online platforms and prediction markets. Analysts see major benefits for operators, data providers, and travel-related sectors as the tournament unfolds across North America.
Canada earns its first World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina. USA dominates Paraguay, routing them 4-1 to top Group D as attention shifts to next fixtures and fan celebrations.
Senegal has been held to a draw by France in a taut Group I opener, with strategic missteps and a late deficit preventing a positive result. Senegal’s captain says the side showed quality in the first half but could not sustain pressure, while France’s Mbappe sealed the win. Meanwhile, Tunisia has appointed Hervé Renard as head coach after a 5-1 loss to Sweden, aiming to spark a Group F recovery.
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been cleared to enter Canada for the World Cup group match against Germany after a brief visa uncertainty. He remains under scrutiny over an ongoing French probe into betting patterns linked to a yellow card in a Nice match. The investigation is ongoing.