SI
Soccer

World Cup 2026

James Cormack|
Max Mallow|
The World Cup group stage has been structured to try and ensure that the top seeds don’t meet until the latter rounds.
Grey Whitebloom|

WORLD CUP HEADLINES

EXPLAINED

A number of prominent countries face a nail-biting playoff journey.
James Cormack|

USMNT

The USMNT are set to embark on their first home World Cup campaign since 1994.
James Cormack|
The USMNT will face Belgium and Portugal later this month.
Ben Steiner|
The American second division could be moved from its scheduled 2026 start date.
Ben Steiner|
The 26-year-old is set for his first-ever MLS appearance.
Ben Steiner|
The Argentine boss is confident in the USMNT’s ability to have a historic 2026 World Cup campaign.
Roberto Casillas|
The future Manchester City youngster continues to amaze.
Ben Steiner|
Positional versatility has helped McKennie finally establish as a key player at Juventus. That ability to plug in and play could be just what Mauricio Pochettino needs to bring the USMNT success at the 2026 World Cup.
Jon Arnold|
The American midfielder has starred for the Bianconeri over the last two months.
Amanda Langell|

ENGLAND

There could be a race to recover in time for this summer’s World Cup.
Tom Gott|
Michael Carrick is giving Kobbie Mainoo the chance that Ruben Amorim did not.
Jamie Spencer|
Gianni Infantino had a very concrete reason for the astronomical 2026 World Cup ticket prices.
Roberto Casillas|
Ruben Amorim has been full of praise for his recent performances.
Grey Whitebloom|
Being the host nation usually provides an advantage at the World Cup—but it doesn’t for everyone.
Barnaby Lane|
Attacking midfielders offer something truly unique.
Barnaby Lane|
World Cup teams don’t come any worse than this lot, who truly crumbled on the grandest stage.
Barnaby Lane|
Some of the game’s greats have flown under the radar by living in the shadow of others.
Barnaby Lane|

BEST OF SI FC

MORE 2026 WORLD CUP NEWS

Mandated in-game hydration breaks will also serve another purpose.
Jamie Spencer|
Iran was the only country missing at FIFA’s planning meeting in Atlanta this week.
Sophia Vesely|
The inter-confederation playoffs, set for March 26 and March 31, will fill two of the six remaining spots.
Sophia Vesely|
Management of a partial tear sustained in 2023 has led to the worst-case scenario.
Toby Cudworth|
One of the best prospects in U.S. soccer could be tempted to change international allegiance.
Roberto Casillas|
The Mexican striker left Liga MX for Inter Miami during the January transfer window.
Roberto Casillas|
Next

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2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING STANDINGS

UEFA
CONMEBOL
CAF
CONCACAF

SOCCER HEADLINES

March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal are fast approaching.
Ben Steiner|
Tom Gott|
Tom Gott|
James Cormack|
Amanda Langell|