Who will win the World Cup? Who will be the breakout star? And how far will England and Scotland?
Here, Indy Sport’s writers have compiled our predictions for the 2026 World Cup…
Will Castle9 June 2026 09:06
Some World Cup warm-up action to fill you in on.
Spain and France got in one final tune-up against Peru and Northern Ireland respectively, giving us one final chance to size up the two favourites before the tournament properly kicks off.
For Les Bleus, Michael Olise showed why he is genuinely up there with the best on the planet, with his hat-trick firing his nation to a 3-1 win.
La Roja also won 3-1 and did it without Lamine Yamal, who looks set to be fit for their opener in Atlanta.
Meanwhile, there was late drama in the Netherlands’ clash with debutants Uzbekistan, who traded stoppage-time goals in an enthralling 2-1 win for the Dutch.
Colombia also bested a World Cup newcomer by beating Jordan 2-0.
(Reuters)
Will Castle9 June 2026 08:59
‘Totally undaunted’ and the world at his feet: Welcome to the era of Lamine Yamal
Already, those around the Spain squad can sense the intent, the will to go for it. Lamine Yamal is described as “totally undaunted”.
In his attempt to get fit for Spain’s opening World Cup game against Cape Verde on 15 June, however, a special care has been necessary due to the nature of his recent injury from the end of April. A low-end grade two hamstring issue can be mercifully shorter than feared, but also carries a high risk of relapse if not properly managed.
Yamal has so far been responding well, to the point that he looks set to be fit for that first match in Atlanta.
That has come from a careful restraint – including not flying to Mexico from Chattanooga, Tennessee for the friendly against Peru – that Barcelona have insisted on. It also represents quite a difference from absolutely everything else to do with his rise to this moment.
Miguel Delaney9 June 2026 08:52
England camp hit with earthquake
England have been rocked by an earthquake in their current training camp of West Palm Beach, a day before their final World Cup warm-up clash against Costa Rica.
The 6.1-magnitude quake – the strongest in the region for 150 years – originated off the west coast of Cuba but was felt across Florida’s Flagler County, with tremors experienced in Orlando and Miami.
Several buildings across these cities were evacuated as they began shaking due to the dramatic natural event.
National Weather Service has confirmed there is no risk of a tsunami to the US.
(Getty)
Will Castle9 June 2026 08:44
African World Cup referee denied entry into the US by border control
A Somali referee chosen to officiate at the World Cup has been denied entry into the United States.
CBP confirmed on Monday that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry.
Although the CBP statement on Monday did not explicitly name the individual, Artan is the sole World Cup referee representing Somalia.
Will Castle9 June 2026 08:35
World Cup 2026 fixtures: Full schedule, kick-off times and groups
With the final squads being named, teams will now prepare for their first group stage games in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
There will be 104 matches, up 40 since Qatar World Cup 2022, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo likely to play on this stage for the last time in their glittering careers.
Here’s how the tournament will unfold across 39 action-packed days
Will Castle9 June 2026 08:29
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live news blog for the 2026 World Cup!
Stay tuned for all the latest news and updates heading into and throughout the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
(Getty)
Will Castle9 June 2026 08:21