World Cup 2026 News

FIFA held the draw for the 2026 World Cup today, setting a field consisting of 12 groups of four teams each. Match information will be provided on December 6, but the final spots won’t be decided until the European playoffs are over.

The latest FIFA Rankings allowed the European playoff field to be set, creating four paths to this summer’s World Cup. Italy enters as the biggest betting favorite to advance, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the first red card of his international career against the Republic of Ireland. He will miss the team’s final qualifying match, but FIFA could add to that ban. If they do, Ronaldo would miss World Cup matches.

Mexican lawmakers approved the 2026 Federal Revenue Law, which exempts FIFA and its partners from taxes during the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The country is instead looking to increase tax revenue from online gambling by raising the tax rate for operators to 50%.

Italy picked up a crucial 3-0 win over Israel in an October World Cup qualifier, setting them up to end their 12-year drought. The team needs one point —or a loss by Israel —to secure their spot in North America this summer.

Fox has announced that it will broadcast a total of 69 matches of the 2026 World Cup, making it the largest event in the network’s long history. An expanded field and the World Cup’s location led to the jump in broadcasts.

President Trump is considering relocating some World Cup matches away from cities he has deemed “too dangerous,” despite not having the authority to do so. Now, fans will have to wait for FIFA to respond before booking their tickets.

UEFA’s executive committee is expected to approve a ban on Israel’s national soccer team over the country’s actions in Gaza. If approved, the ban would be voted on by FIFA, which has the power to remove the country from the World Cup field.

Mexican lawmakers are considering a significant tax hike on sportsbooks ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The goal is to generate more tax revenue from the tourism spike this summer, but there is a risk that the market will shrink before then.

The Azzurri is currently tied with Israel for second place in its World Cup qualifying group. While the door to qualification remains open, the team will need to deliver wins to avoid missing its third consecutive World Cup.