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World Cup 2026 today: Live updates, news as World Cup draws near - June 9
The World Cup is now just two days away and we will bring you all of the latest news throughout the day.
World Cup Power Rankings: Who are the front-runners with 48 hours to go?
With just 48 hours until the 2026 World Cup begins, our reporters ranked the top 15 contenders for this summer's top prize as they see it. Did your national team make the cut?
The World Cup is almost here! Time for the football to do the talking
All of the pretournament noise will be drowned out by events on the pitch when the 2026 World Cup finally -- finally! -- kicks off on Thursday.
TOP HEADLINES
AROUND THE TOURNAMENT
Messi vs Ronaldo at 2026 World Cup: How dream showdown could happen
In a sixth World Cup for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, could the pair finally face each other in the tournament?
World Cup Rank: The 50 best players in the 2026 tournament
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature the world's best talent. Let's rank the top 50 players who will be there!
Rating the biggest 2026 World Cup ads: Adidas vs. Nike, Coke vs. Pepsi
The World Cup is a chance for the world's biggest brands to throw everything into their ads. Here are some of the ones we'll be seeing all summer long.
ALL THINGS ENGLAND
It's Coming Home: How 'Three Lions' became England's unofficial tournament song
The origin story of 'It's coming home' and how the phrase became so closely linked with the England team.
England World Cup kit rankings: When have Three Lions looked at their best?
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, ESPN ranks the best shirts England players and fans have worn over the years.
The Spurs bounce back in Game 3! Biggest takeaways from the NBA Finals
NBA insiders break down Game 3 of the NBA Finals and look ahead to the rest of the Knicks-Spurs showdown.
ENGLISH WOMEN'S SUPER LEAGUE
Sources: London City leading race to sign Putellas
London City Lionesses are leading the race to land Alexia Putellas as the midfielder weighs up three offers after announcing she will leave Barcelona, various sources have told ESPN.
Chelsea to play UWCL games at AFC Wimbledon
Chelsea will play all cup matches, including Women's Champions League group matches at AFC Wimbledon's Cherry Red Records Stadium.
THE LATEST IN TENNIS
Serena Williams at Queen's: How to watch first comeback match in UK, when, who is doubles partner?
Serena Williams has shocked the tennis world with a surprise comeback at Queen's after entering as a wild card in the doubles.
Serena Williams is returning to tennis -- what does it mean?
Here's everything we know -- and don't know -- about Serena Williams' return to the sport at Queen's Club next week.
How Alexander Zverev finally won a major title
Facing a wide-open field, Zverev captured his first Grand Slam title -- something he might have doubted would ever happen.
UFC AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Months of planning preceded White House Octagon event
Details included security, "the claw" and even bathrooms for 4,300 guests -- but no South Lawn digging
From the Octagon to the Oval office: White, Trump and a 25-year friendship
Donald Trump and Dana White's friendship is on display cageside, on political stages and on the White House lawn.
F1 LATEST
Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix 2026: Race start time, how to watch, full schedule, predictions
Formula 1 heads to Spain for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli remains the driver to beat.
Russell on Monaco penalties: 'Punishment doesn't fit the crime'
Antonelli not 'worrying' about the championship after Monaco win
BOXING
Tommy Fury: Boxing helped me get back on track after alcohol battles
Tommy Fury returns to the ring against Eddie Hall on Saturday and he credits boxing with helping him get back on track after a relationship breakdown and battles with alcohol.
Top Videos
Top Headlines
- FIFA pulls Iran fans' World Cup ticket allocation
- Football reg. speaking to West Ham over Sullivan
- Wright on ref denied entry: 'World Cup of chaos'
- Argentina to avoid 'risks' with Messi set to play
- World Cup ref from Somalia denied entry to U.S.
- Cleared Platini files suit against FIFA's Infantino
- Iwobi: 'No regrets' about choosing Nigeria
- Brown on FT gap: 'Never thought I'd see' in Finals
- Stokes, Atkinson nightclub incident probed by ECB
- Man United announce full preseason schedule
- Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images
ESPN's World Cup page
ESPN's World Cup page is here. All the latest news, features, guides and more on the summer's big extravaganza
- Anthony Devlin/Getty Images
World Cup kick off times, how to watch guide UK
The World Cup is right around the corner - here's everything you need to know about who is playing when, and how you can watch them in the UK.
- Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
ESPN's World Cup predictor
ESPN's World Cup predictor is here. Simulate your road to the final.
- Simon Bruty/Augusta National/Getty Images
2026 calendar of sport:
ESPN breaks 2026 all down and lists exactly what's on the calendar for a big year in sport.
- Clive Rose/Getty Images
2026 F1 grid: Meet the stars set to light up 2026
It's a new season with two new teams but all familiar faces as we detail the driver line-ups for 2026.
- Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Disney+ to show primetime LaLiga games in UK and Ireland
Disney+ will be the home of LaLiga's primetime weekend matches after securing a three-year deal to exclusively show the division's Saturday night kick-off.
- Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Disney+ becomes new home of Women's Champions League in Europe
Disney+ will be the home of the UEFA Women's Champions League in Europe from next season after securing rights to the competition for the next five years.
- Apinya Rittipo/Getty Images
League tables
Updated tables from the Premier League, Champions League, LaLiga, English Football League and more.
- Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images
Upcoming fixtures
Keep track of all the important upcoming fixtures for all the clubs and countries in world football here.
- Harry Langer/picture alliance via Getty Images
Latest scores
Results and scores from the Premier League, Champions League, LaLiga, English Football League and more.
Boxing fight schedule
- Photo by Chris Unger/TKO Worldwide LLC via Getty Images
Boxing schedule
Want to know what fights are on the horizon? Check out the boxing schedule.
Trending Now
- Illustration by ESPN
NFL Football Power Index: 2026 projections, Super Bowl odds
ESPN's Football Power Index ratings are live. These simulations of the 2026 season provide playoff chances, potential draft order and our 1-32 team ranking.
- ESPN
Ranking every player in the 2026 NBA Finals: Knicks vs. Spurs
Two teams, 30 players, one series. We rank every player who could take the court in this year's NBA Finals, starting with each team's MVP.
- Brandon Sloter/IOS/Getty Images
Jeff Passan's early 2026 MLB trade deadline preview
As trade season starts up, Jeff Passan identifies the big names who could move -- and the teams that could deal for them.
- Jamie Squire/Getty Images
World Cup final squads ranked: Of all 48 national teams, who can win this summer?
We have the final 26-player squads that can win the FIFA World Cup, so let's go through all 48 teams and rank where they stand.
- Illustration by ESPN
Picking college football's top non-QB playmakers in 2026
It won't just be QBs who affect the upcoming season. These players stand to make a big impact.
