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• Final playoff teams secure 2026 FIFA World Cup spots

  The 2026 FIFA World Cup field is finalized following dramatic playoff wins by DR Congo, Iraq, and four UEFA nations, setting the stage for the 48-team tournament across North America this June.

  ​The 48-team field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is complete after a thrilling final night of playoffs.

  In the inter-confederation brackets, Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute strike lifted DR Congo over Jamaica, securing their first appearance since 1974.

  Meanwhile, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey to end a 40-year drought, joining France, Norway, and Senegal in a highly competitive Group I.  

  ​UEFA’s final slots were claimed by Türkiye, Czechia, Sweden, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, who famously eliminated Italy on penalties.

  The result marks a third consecutive missed tournament for the Italians.

  For the hosts, the path is now clear: Mexico kicks off the tournament June 11 against South Africa, while the USMNT prepares for a Group D finale against Türkiye on June 25.  

  ​Preparation now shifts to 16 host cities as the expanded 104-match schedule looms.

  Captain Chancel Mbemba remains grounded following DR Congo’s historic qualification, stating, “We’ll stay humble, keep our feet on the ground, and continue to work.”

  With global giants like Brazil and Argentina facing hungry newcomers, the largest World Cup in history promises a “different feel and vibe” across three nations.  

• USMNT vulnerable defense exposed in 5-2 rout by Belgium

  Belgium overturned an early deficit to thrash the United States 5-2 in a World Cup warmup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, brutally exposing the Americans’ defensive frailties.

  ​Belgium extended their unbeaten streak to ten matches after coming from behind to dismantle the United States in Atlanta.

  Although Weston McKennie opened the scoring for the hosts in the 39th minute, the Red Devils responded emphatically through Zeno Debast and Amadou Onana.

  A Charles De Ketelaere penalty and a late Dodi Lukébakio brace compounded a miserable afternoon for returning American goalkeeper Matt Turner.

  ​The defeat marked a historic defensive collapse for the U.S., representing their first three-goal home loss after scoring first since 1959.

  Playing before a disappointed crowd of over 66,000, the Americans struggled to contain Belgium’s clinical second-half surge despite a late consolation from Patrick Agyemang.

  The Red Devils now turn their attention to a Tuesday clash against Mexico in Chicago following this dominant display.

• ‘I am happy’: Senne Lammens makes big Thibaut Courtois claim after Belgium’s 5-2 win vs USA

  Senne Lammens delivered a commanding 90-minute performance in Belgium’s 5-2 victory over the USA, solidifying his position as the primary deputy to Thibaut Courtois.

  ​Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens impressed during Belgium’s 5-2 friendly win against the USA in Atlanta.

  Despite a shaky start for the Red Devils, the 23-year-old made vital early saves to keep the scores level at halftime.

  His distribution was equally notable, completing 28 passes and seven long balls, proving his development in the Premier League has translated well to the international stage.

  ​The United ace expressed satisfaction with his performance while acknowledging Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois as the established number one.

  Lammens stated: “There are clearly many good goalkeepers in Belgium. I am trying to seize my opportunity, and I am happy to be number 2 after Thibaut.”

  With Courtois sidelined until May, Lammens appears to have overtaken Matz Sels in the pecking order for the summer World Cup.

• Lukaku faces fine and bench role after infuriating Napoli and Conte

  Romelu Lukaku has sparked fury at Napoli after refusing to return to Italy following his withdrawal from the Belgian national team, leading to imminent disciplinary action and concerns over his playing time.

  ​Romelu Lukaku faces a hefty fine after remaining in Antwerp without Napoli’s approval.

  The 32-year-old striker was expected at the club’s training centre today but has reportedly opted to continue his recovery at a private clinic instead.

  This decision has “infuriated” both the club hierarchy and coach Antonio Conte. Discussions are ongoing, but the Belgian seems unwilling to return to Naples before next week.

  ​The fallout threatens Lukaku’s role for the remainder of the season. After a severe muscle injury limited him to just 60 minutes of action this term, this breach of internal rules creates an “uphill climb” for consistent minutes.

  With his lack of match fitness and current disciplinary issues, Sky Sport Italia suggests his spot in Belgium’s upcoming World Cup squad could now be in serious jeopardy.

• CAF eyes tenth World Cup slot as DR Congo set for historic playoff, Nigeria, Senegal, star anew

  While the DR Congo stands on the verge of a historic 2026 World Cup berth in the inter-confederation playoffs, Nigeria and Senegal begin new cycles following a turbulent period of coaching changes and administrative controversy.

  ​The Democratic Republic of Congo arrives in Zapopan, Mexico, as favorites to secure Africa’s tenth World Cup spot.

  Seeded in Path 1, Sebastien Desabre’s “Leopards” await the winner of the Jamaica versus New Caledonia semi-final for a decisive clash on March 31.

  Desabre, who has successfully recruited several diaspora stars, remains confident in ending a 52-year drought, noting, “The nation will come to a standstill for Congo DR’s final.”

  ​Nigeria’s Super Eagles travel to Antalya, Turkey, to face Iran and Jordan without talisman Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined following arm surgery.

  Head coach Eric Chelle has utilized this window to blood new talent like Philip Otele and Collins Sor while maintaining his tactical diamond formation.

  Despite missing the World Cup, Chelle is focused on the “Mission ’27” reboot, aiming to restore national pride after their recent AFCON semi-final exit.

  ​In a week dominated by off-field drama, Senegal officially begins its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after being stripped of their AFCON title.

  CAF awarded the trophy to Morocco following a chaotic final, citing Senegal’s brief walk-off as a forfeit.

  Amidst the tension, the Teranga Lions face Peru in Paris, where coach Pape Thiaw must stabilize a squad that feels “unequivocally rejected” by the continental governing body.