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Our World Cup betting guide tells you where to bet on the 2026 World Cup, gives odds, rosters, schedule, promo offers, and more
The 2026 FIFA World Cup finally gets underway this week, and you can follow all of the latest breaking news before Thursdayās opening group-stage game with The Athletic. Weād also love to hear from you before Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday. Get in touch by emailing live@theathletic.com.
Curaçao face a daunting Group E test at the 2026 World Cup, with Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast awaiting them.
At the 2018 World Cup, Japan relied on the fair play rule to advance to the knockout stage and break up a tie with Senegal, who then was eliminated. It marked the first time a team had been eliminated through the rule.