Spain, one of the favourites to lift the World Cup, were held to a 1-1 draw by Iraq in a warm-up match in La Coruna on Thursday, fielding a heavily rotated lineup.

At the very top of that scale stands Austria’s goalkeeper Florian Wiegele, who reaches an extraordinary 2.05 metres (approx. six feet nine inches).

Co-hosts Canada will look to capitalise on home support and a talented generation led by Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan as they chase a first-ever World Cup victory and historic progression beyond the group phase.

FIFA looks at the six men who missed out on their teams’ final squads for a global finals but, by twists of fate, ended them as world champions.

The Sport & Rights Alliance said that FIFA has not adequately addressed potential human rights threats with the massive sporting spectacle set to kick off next week, with visa restrictions, border enforcement and policing among the concerns.

From chassis to canopy, the makeover embodies the fascinating fervour that sweeps Bangladesh every four years.

I had to pause for a moment and take the phone out of my pocket. Right beside me were Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. On the other side stood legends Pelé and Diego Maradona. Hamza Choudhury of Bangladesh, with his distinctive curly hair, was there too.

The moment a FIFA World Cup approaches, something changes in Bangladesh.

Excitement surrounding the World Cup has taken a backseat, giving way to concerns about other aspects of the coveted event.

Research from UKG estimates that the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, could cost global employers some $17 billion in lost productivity, with 37% of workers planning to adjust their schedule because of the tournament.

Full list of players called up for the June 11-July 19 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

As previously confirmed, Argentina will fine-tune their preparations with two friendly matches before beginning their World Cup campaign.

While Vinicius Jr starred with a goal and an assist, Ancelotti focused on the impact of the players who came off the bench, saying their second-half display created new competition for places in the starting lineup.

The flight carried the number 1978 -- a tribute to Argentina's first World Cup triumph.

The Inter Miami forward, Uruguay's all-time leading scorer, retired from international football in September 2024, but recently indicated he would be willing to return if selected.

Just as Diego Maradona would single-handedly win the World Cup for Argentina in 1986, Garrincha had achieved that very feat for Brazil 24 years earlier.

The agreement comes just 10 days before the tournament kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Now at Manchester City, Semenyo is expected to play a key role for a Ghana side led by new coach Carlos Queiroz, after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.

Ronaldo, who debuted for Portugal at 18 in August of 2003, is comfortably the country's leader in all-time appearances (226, 80 more than Joao Moutinho) and goals (143, 96 more than Pauleta).

The squad lineup featured few surprises, except for the inclusion of rising striker Hamza Abdel Karim. The 18-year-old is on loan from Egyptian giants Al Ahly to Barcelona Atletic, the reserve side of the La Liga champions.