1. WORLD CUP IN THREE DAYS — THE FINAL BUILD-UP
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is three days away. The tournament opens on Thursday June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City when hosts Mexico face South Africa — a repeat of the 2010 opening match. Then on Friday June 12, Canada host Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, before the United States take on Paraguay on Saturday June 13 in Los Angeles. All 48 squads are confirmed and teams are in their final preparation camps across the USA, Canada and Mexico. The World Cup runs until July 19, when the final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. England open their campaign on June 17 against Ghana in what is one of the most anticipated Group L fixtures.
2. NEYMAR MISSES BRAZIL'S EGYPT FRIENDLY — OPENER VS MOROCCO IN SERIOUS DOUBT
The Neymar injury situation is getting worse, not better. Brazil confirmed on Saturday that the 34-year-old will miss their final pre-tournament warm-up against Egypt in Cleveland on Saturday June 6 — his fourth missed game since the Grade 2 calf tear he suffered in Santos' defeat to Coritiba on May 17. Brazil's national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the two-to-three-week recovery timeline has not changed — meaning Neymar's availability for the June 13 opener against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey remains in serious doubt. If Neymar is ruled out, Carlo Ancelotti would consider bringing in Joao Pedro of Brighton or Richarlison as a replacement. Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius Junior carry the attacking burden in the meantime. Casemiro said: "We are eagerly awaiting the return of all the players." The CBF will replace him in the squad if he is not fit within 14 days of his injury — that deadline falls on May 31, which has now passed without a decision either way.
3. KANE GOAL BEATS NEW ZEALAND — TUCHEL CRITICAL OF ENGLAND DISPLAY
Harry Kane scored the only goal as England beat New Zealand 1-0 in their final World Cup warm-up on Saturday. The result extends England's unbeaten run to 18 games but the performance was far from convincing. Tuchel was unusually blunt after the game, criticising England's first-half display and their tendency to "freestyle" — players going off-script tactically. "It is not part of our training," he said. Kane's goal — his 70th for England — came from a typically composed finish. The result underlines that England are a team built around their captain. They open their World Cup campaign against Ghana on June 17 in Group L.
4. TRIPPIER CONFIRMED LEAVING NEWCASTLE — NEW CLUB MEDICAL BOOKED
Kieran Trippier has confirmed his departure from Newcastle United this summer after five seasons at St James' Park. The England right-back has a medical booked with his new club — reports this morning from Newcastle World indicate the deal is close to being finalised. Trippier, 35, joined Newcastle in January 2022 from Atletico Madrid for £12 million and was instrumental in their Champions League qualification in 2023. He has made 140 appearances for the club. His departure comes at the start of the summer window which officially opens June 15. Trippier is expected to feature for England at the World Cup regardless of the transfer, as he is already part of Tuchel's squad.
5. GHANA VS ENGLAND — JUNE 17, GROUP L, HOUSTON
Ghana face England in what is Group L's standout fixture on June 17 in Houston. It is the game that defines Ghana's World Cup — a result against one of the tournament favourites would transform their chances of progressing from a tough group. Carlos Queiroz has his players in camp and training in the USA. Mohammed Kudus remains a doubt with the quad injury he sustained in April — his possible return date is around June 18, which could rule him out of the England game. Without Kudus, the creative burden falls on Antoine Semenyo and potentially Kamaldeen Sulemana. Ghana then face Croatia on June 25 and Panama on June 29. Queiroz's message to his players this week: "We have to be brave. We have to believe."
