UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed a social media ban for under-16s, aiming to enhance online safety. While welcomed by many parents, scientists question the evidence for bans' effectiveness, and campaigners argue it lets social media firms evade platform changes.
England aims to win the 2026 World Cup under Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Gareth Southgate. Despite a strong qualifying campaign, doubts remain about the squad's ability to beat top teams. Key players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are crucial, but fan concerns over ticket prices and the team's political neutrality are also highlighted.
Panama's national football team, 'La Marea Roja', are heading to their second World Cup with a mature, pragmatic style under coach Thomas Christiansen. Led by stars like Michael Murillo and Aníbal Godoy, they aim to progress from their group, drawing confidence from recent Copa América and Gold Cup performances.
Ghana's new coach Carlos Queiroz faces his biggest challenge yet with the national team, aiming for World Cup success despite a leaky defense and goal-scoring concerns. Star forward Antoine Semenyo and rising midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi are key players to watch.
Portugal, led by Roberto Martínez, aim for World Cup glory with a versatile squad, driven by Cristiano Ronaldo’s ambition and inspired by the late Jota’s legacy.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni, aims to defend its World Cup title with a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, despite injury concerns and the challenge of replicating past success.
France, under Didier Deschamps, seeks to balance defensive solidity with newfound attacking flair, led by Kylian Mbappé, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, despite criticism of Deschamps' conservative approach.
Iran's World Cup preparations are complicated by political tensions with the US and Israel, and internal divisions among fans. Manager Amir Ghalenoei faces challenges in minimizing disruption and uniting a divided fanbase, while star players like Mehdi Taremi carry the team's hopes.
Egypt qualified for the 2026 World Cup unbeaten, led by Mohamed Salah. Coach Hossam Hassan emphasizes local players and a pragmatic style. While fan presence in North America will be limited due to costs and visa issues, the team aims for its first World Cup victory.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, scientists raise concerns about heat mitigation for players and referees, highlighting the tournament's significant fossil-fuel impact. The psychological effects of VAR are also discussed.
Belgium's Red Devils head into the 2026 World Cup with a potent attack led by De Bruyne, Doku, and Lukaku, but a shaky defense. Coach Rudi Garcia emphasizes attacking play, despite Lukaku's lack of match rhythm. Young talents like Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Maxim De Cuyper offer crucial support.
Tunisia's national football team is rebuilding around young players under new coach Sabri Lamouchi for the 2026 World Cup. Key talents include Hannibal Mejbri and Ismaël Gharbi, while Ali Abdi is an "unsung hero." Despite travel costs, Tunisian fans are expected to provide passionate support.
Sweden qualified for the 2026 World Cup under Graham Potter despite a poor group stage, thanks to playoff wins driven by Viktor Gyökeres. Key players include Gyökeres, Gustaf Lagerbielke, and Jesper Karlström, while captain Dejan Kulusevski is injured.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman faces his most challenging World Cup preparation due to numerous key player injuries. Despite a traditional Dutch style preference, the team may need to prioritize fitness over talent, relying heavily on a strong defense led by Virgil van Dijk.
Japan's national football team is poised for the 2026 World Cup with a strong squad, tactical flexibility, and high hopes. Coach Hajime Moriyasu has built a team capable of competing with the world's elite, featuring stars like Takefusa Kubo and Ayase Ueda. Their disciplined fans are also expected to make a significant presence.
Germany's World Cup hopes rest on Julian Nagelsmann's tactical choices, balancing a Bayern Munich core with emerging talents like Lennart Karl and Florian Wirtz, amidst concerns over individual class and coach criticism.
Ecuador, a "dark horse" for the 2026 World Cup, boasts a strong defense and high-intensity play under coach Sebastián Beccacece. Led by midfield engine Moisés Caicedo, the team aims to surpass its 2006 success.
Paris Saint-Germain has won the Champions League, a feat only Real Madrid had achieved since 1990. Their victory, marked by dominant performances against top clubs like Bayern and Liverpool, highlights their attacking prowess and midfield control. The team's success is attributed to its star players, strong financial backing from Qatar Sports Investments, and a model that blends technical quality with directness.
Paris Saint-Germain has won the Champions League, a feat only Real Madrid had achieved since 1990. Their victory, marked by dominant performances against top European clubs, signals a new era of dominance, though questions linger about the cost to domestic competition and the source of their wealth.
Curaçao, a small Caribbean nation, has qualified for their first World Cup. The team, drawing on Dutch-raised talent, remained unbeaten in qualifying. Despite financial challenges for fans, they aim to compete with teams like Germany.
Côte d’Ivoire returns to the World Cup after a 12-year absence, aiming for the quarter-finals. Led by coach Emerse Faé and captain Franck Kessié, the team boasts European league talent like Nicolas Pépé and Ibrahim Sangaré. Despite visa issues affecting fan travel to North America, the team is determined to succeed.
Turkey returns to the World Cup after 24 years with a young, talented squad led by Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. Coach Vincenzo Montella has revitalized the team, aiming for success with a blend of emerging stars and experienced players.
Paraguay, under coach Gustavo Alfaro, returns to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, relying on defensive strength and collective intensity, with star player Julio Enciso leading the charge.
Scotland returns to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, qualifying in dramatic fashion by defeating Denmark 4-2. Steve Clarke's ageing squad, reliant on key players like Scott McTominay and John McGinn, faces challenges, particularly in goal threat and goalkeeping. Despite these, the team has a genuine chance of progressing from the first round for the first time, starting with their opener against Haiti.
