The 2026 World Cup is here, but Costa Rica is noticeably absent, leaving fans wondering why the Central American national team is missing out on the biggest tournament in international football. The World Cup expanded to a 48-team format for the 2026 edition.

South Korea and Czechia begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in Guadalajara, Mexico on Thursday at Estadio Chivas in a Group A encounter. Czechia are making their first appearance in the World Cup since 2006,

Watch BBC coverage and follow live text updates as Scotland face Israel in their final Women's World Cup Group B4 qualifier.

The FIFA World Cup is almost here. With kick-off fast approaching, Playmaker is taking a closer look at all 48 participating nations across 12 articles - one for each group in the tournament. From

The national team, which famously hosted the 2018 World Cup and reached the quarterfinals that year, will once again watch from afar as the competition unfolds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Austrians will face Lionel Messi's Argentina side on Monday, June 22 at AT&T Stadium (known as Dallas Stadium for the event).

The Portuguese midfielder has been one of the reasons for the recent success of PSG, the side coached by Luis Enrique that won two Champions League trophies in a row. If Portugal are to establish themselves as one of the leading contenders at the World Cup, his influence will be crucial.

Get ready for the World Cup! Join us as we discuss the US team's chances and predictions for the round of 16 qualifiers. Donnie and Joe break it down.