The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest of its kind as it will be hosted over three countries for the first time in history, featuring 48 teams from the six football federations, an increase of 16 countries from the regular format of 32 nations that has been in place since 1998. The… The post Newcomers and Second Appearances: What to Expect in the 2026 World Cup first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest of its kind as it will be hosted over three countries for the first time in history, featuring 48 teams from the six football federations, an increase of 16 countries from the regular format of 32 nations that has been in place since 1998. The… The post Newcomers and Second Appearances: What to Expect in the 2026 World Cup first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest of its kind as it will be hosted over three countries for the first time in history, featuring 48 teams from the six football federations, an increase of 16 countries from the regular format of 32 nations that has been in place since 1998. The… The post Newcomers and Second Appearances: What to Expect in the 2026 World Cup first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

The 22-year-old Man City defender is worshipped in Uzbekistan and is the figurehead of the national team heading to the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest of its kind as it will be hosted over three countries for the first time in history, featuring 48 teams from the six football federations, an increase of 16 countries from the regular format of 32 nations that has been in place since 1998. The… The post Newcomers and Second Appearances: What to Expect in the 2026 World Cup first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

On Wednesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan rounds off all the international action as Ireland’s campaign ends with a 0-0 draw with North Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium. Troy Parrott has two goals ruled out for offside, with the second likely standing if VAR had been available. Senior debuts for James Abankwah and Bosun Lawal, while Harvey Vale makes his first Dublin appearance. Mark Travers replaces Caoimhin Kelleher at half-time; Seamus Coleman receives a standing ovation on what could be his final Ireland outing. A total of 17 substitutions made, with Johnny Kenny going close late after Adam Idah’s flick. Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson describes the game as “strange” after the stalemate. Bosun Lawal reflects on a proud moment making his senior international debut. Nearly 40,000 fans attend; Jayson Molumby praises the continued support. Assistant coach John O’Shea calls working with Ireland a privilege amid contract uncertainty. Finn Azaz impresses in attack, with Hallgrimsson highlighting his growing importance. Ireland U21s beat Kazakhstan 1-0, and the U17s qualify for another World Cup after a 7-0 win over Slovakia. League of Ireland coverage returns with Drogheda United hosting Bohemians. Italy miss a third straight World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Sweden, Türkiye, DR Congo, Czechia and Iraq confirm World Cup qualification. Scotland lose to Côte d’Ivoire, England fall to Japan, and Northern Ireland draw with Wales in friendly action. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

The Burnley star, 28, bundled home a corner off his midriff in extra-time to seal a 1-0 win in the intercontinental play-off final in Mexico.

Qualifying for football's biggest tournament will bring a 'little dose of joy' to a nation where life is challenging for many

An extra-time goal from Axel Tuanzebe ensured DR Congo became the 47th team to qualify for this summer's World Cup

The winner will be placed into Group K at the World Cup, where they will face Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia