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.

A trophy was in his hands. Golden, heavy, gleaming. But his eyes were not on that trophy; they were on the thing that, in just a few moments, would be handed to Germany. The World Cup. So close. Close enough to touch, yet untouchable.

France coach Didier Deschamps said on Wednesday that defender William Saliba is "fine" despite reports he was a doubt for the World Cup with a back injury.

Germany forward Kai Havertz says the team's attacking players are not competing against each other for starting spots but working collectively towards success at the World Cup, which begins next week in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

With no clear weak link and contrasting football philosophies on display, Group A promises a tightly contested battle where experience, resilience and key moments could decide who progresses to the knockout rounds.

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

Brazil midfielder Casemiro believes being a "step behind" other World Cup favourites could actually work in the team's favour when the tournament kicks off next week.

Iran's football team will leave for Spain this weekend en route to their World Cup base in Mexico despite still awaiting visas, the head of the country's football federation said.

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans said on Tuesday Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku scoring on his first international appearance in more than a year in a 2-0 World Cup friendly win over Croatia was "ideal".

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is in no hurry to rush star forward Neymar back from his calf injury, the Italian said on Tuesday as his team touched down in the United States ahead of the World Cup.

A consortium comprising BTV, T Sports and Star News is set to acquire the broadcast rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officials confirmed on Tuesday, ending fears of a potential blackout of the tournament in Bangladesh.

Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella named his World Cup squad on Tuesday, selecting the experienced Hakan Calhanoglu, Arda Guler, Kerem Akturkoglu, Baris Alper Yilmaz, and Yusuf Yazici to lead the side.

Spain midfielder Rodri said he is focused on the World Cup and will only address his future at Manchester City after the tournament.

New Zealand footballer Tim Payne's online fan club soared past four million on Tuesday, more than the All Blacks, after an influencer picked him out as the "least known" player at the World Cup.

Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo and former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey were included in Ghana's World Cup squad as coach Carlos Queiroz left it to the last minute to finalise his 26-man selection.

Several records on the cusp of being broken across the stadiums of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Even silent terror has a colour. Perhaps it is pale. Perhaps it resembles an evening when every breath feels trapped in the chest.

Harry Kane is the ultimate specialist in Thomas Tuchel's England squad of World Cup "specialists" -- a man who has taken the art of goalscoring to rarefied heights.

After a remarkable 14-year spell in charge capped by one World Cup triumph and another run to the final, Didier Deschamps is hoping to go out on a high as he gets ready to step down as France coach following the upcoming tournament in North America.

Former Italy under-20 international Cristian Volpato has decided to represent Australia and will join the Socceroos' training camp in Los Angeles ahead of the World Cup, Football Australia said on Friday.