The World Cup is almost here, with the action getting underway on June 11 in Mexico City as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the opening match.
This year's tournament has been expanded to 48 teams, with the USA, Mexico and Canada jointly hosting the competition. That has brought in a host of World Cup debuts including Cape Verde, Haiti and Curaçao.
Of course, the usual powerhouses are also in the mix, with France, Spain, Argentina and England arriving among the tournament favourites.
Stay up to date with all the latest World Cup news and build-up right here on TechRadar, where we'll also show you how to stream every match live — including free viewing options.
Dates |
11 June → 19 July |
World Cup Free Streams |
BBC / ITV (UK), SBS On Demand (AUS) |
Watch Anywhere |
Welcome to our World Cup build-up LIVE!
The World Cup is just 10 days away as it all kicks off next Thursday with Mexico vs South Africa.
We'll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news and how you can stream the action for free from anywhere on the globe using Norton VPN.
From the most-prolific player...to the least-prolific player
Friday saw confirmation of the most prolific player's inclusion in the Argentina squad: Lionel Messi.
This will mark the 38-year-old's sixth World Cup, a record he will share with 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, and begs the question: will this be the last World Cup featuring both football legends? Sports science is better than it ever was but they're two of the most senior players in a tournament of fresh blood.
And now on to the least-know player: New Zealand defender Tim Payne.
This humble kiwi player was minding his own business before TikTok personality Valen Scarsini, aka 'elscarso', decided to boost the profile of who he deemed the 'least-known' World Cup player. He helped boost Payne's Instagram account from under 5,000 followers to a whopping 3.8 million.
The bemused player put out a post thanking Valen and his fans for the "pretty crazy 48 hours". A reminder: New Zealand is the lowest-ranked team of the whole tournament and has never won a single World Cup game. They are a small nation much more interested in their rugby and Aussie rules football...but if they can beat Iran, Egypt or Belgium they will make history.
For all the breaking news World Cup stories and how to watch it ahead of the tournament on Thursday 11th June, watch this space.
Iran and Iraq announce their squad (or who won’t be in their squad)
One Iranian player that won’t be making the trip to the World Cup is Sardar Azmoun who has been accused of disloyalty to his country’s government.
The crime? Posting a picture of himself with the UAE ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a country with whom Iran has traded blows with. With Iran’s current war with America ongoing, this is the last drama that the squad needs particularly with questions as to whether they’ll be able to enter the country.
Iraq on the other hand announced their squad will include Ipswich’s Ali Al-Hamadi and Manchester United’s Zidane Iqbal. Two big names from the English football league is only good news for Iraq’s chances of qualifying from the group stages, which albeit are slim. Joining them in their group is France, Senegal and Norway…they may be the underdogs but stranger things have happened.
Join us tomorrow for more of the latest World Cup drama in the build up to this epic tournament.
The England squad have landed in Miami
Palm Beach, Miami. Normally a place you'd visit for a relaxed holiday with its vibrant nightlife and scenic delights. However, it's also the location where the England squad landed for their training before the World Cup yesterday.
Although they've escaped the dregs of the British heatwave, the Florida temperature will be no comfort to them. The humidity and tropical storms will be their first big challenge before they've even kicked their first ball, and this will be a recurring theme throughout their games across the country and Mexico as well, maybe less so Canada.
Before their tournament officially kicks off with their first group stage against Croatia on 17th June, they've got a few Florida friendlies to complete. First up is a game against New Zealand on 6th June. The 'All Whites' may be considered the lowest-ranked team in the tournament but they'll be hungry to get a first win against the England squad.
The second and final friendly for England will be against Costa Rica on 10th June. Having just lot a friendly today, 3-1, against the mighty Colombia they will surely be looking for a boost in morale. While on paper these friendlies count for nothing and are certainly favourable teams for England to win against, it'll certainly help the squad get into their rhythm and acclimatise to this unique World Cup across three massive countries.
Follow all the latest updates here.
All 48 squads are CONFIRMED
The players have all been locked in. Today - Tuesday 2nd June - was the deadline for every country's squad which means it's now official.
There were the inevitable shock omission which were met with horror in their respective countries, and that was just Harry Maguire's mum who was horrified he was snubbed from the England squad. However, there's no going back now as all 48 countries have submitted their 26 players - which include three goalkeepers - so bring on the tournament!
There will be inevitable fallout and controversy with a little over a week before the World Cup kicks off so make sure you stay tuned here for the rollercoaster that is international football.
We'll let you know how you can stream the action for free from anywhere around the globe using Norton VPN.
