Iraq and Norway will meet at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Tuesday evening, as both nations begin their 2026 World Cup campaigns in Group I. Iraq returns to the World Cup stage for the first time in 40 years, and they wish to produce one of the early shocks of the tournament, while Norway arrives […] The post Prediction: Iraq vs Norway appeared first on SoccerNews.
Ivory Coast and Ecuador will be clashing for Matchday 1 of Group E, with Francois Letexier assigned as the referee for the 2026 World Cup match. Ivory Coast and Ecuador meet in what promises to be a compelling Group E opener on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, now rebranded as Philadelphia Stadium. Francois Letexier has been assigned as the referee for the 2026 World Cup clash. At 37, Letexier arrives at his first World Cup with an impressive résumé of high-stakes assignments already to his name. Among the most significant are the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League final and the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England, two of the biggest occasions in European football in recent memory. Having officiated across the UEFA World Cup qualifying campaign and Euro 2024, this will be the first time Letexier has refereed a match involving either the Ecuador or Ivory Coast national teams. Throughout his career, Letexier has been recognized for his authority and composure in managing high-pressure games. According to Transfermarkt, across 400 matches, the French official has issued 1,505 yellow cards, 69 straight red cards and awarded 135 penalties. Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica, is shown a red card by referee Francois Letexier. One of his most scrutinized moments came during the 2025-26 Champions League, when Vinicius Junior accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse during a Real Madrid match. After activating the appropriate protocol and reviewing the situation, Letexier ultimately chose not to issue a red card to Prestianni on the night, a decision that generated significant controversy. Letexier will be assisted by fellow French officials Cyril Mugnier as first assistant and Mehdi Rahmouni as second assistant, with Saudi Arabian Khalid Al Turais serving as the fourth official. In the VAR booth, Englishman Jarred Gillett will lead the video review team, supported by Willy Delajod of France as AVAR 1 and Bram van Driessche of Belgium as AVAR 2. A last-minute referee change Michael Oliver, the experienced English Premier League referee, had originally been assigned to officiate the match alongside his usual assistants Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring. On Friday, however, FIFA confirmed that Oliver had been ruled out due to a minor injury, with Letexier stepping in as his replacement. Oliver had previously officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where his most high-profile assignment was the quarterfinal between Croatia and Brazil. While he will miss the Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador match, FIFA indicated that the English referee is expected to be available for selection again in the coming days.
Full preview of Ecuador for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Ecuador arrives at the 2026 World Cup in North America not as an underdog, but as a formidable defensive powerhouse. After finishing second in the grueling South American qualifiers, trailing only the reigning global champions Argentina, La Tri has proven its evolution on the international stage. This modern, physically imposing squad is built around top-tier European talent, transforming the team into a high-intensity unit. Expectations are understandably high for a nation that conceded just five goals in 18 qualifying matches. Team profile CoachSebastián BeccaceceCaptainEnner ValenciaNicknameLa TriFIFA Ranking24thConfederationCONMEBOLGroupGroup EBest World Cup ResultRound of 16 (2006)World Cup Appearances5Last World Cup Appearance2022 How Ecuador play Under their current leadership, Ecuador has transitioned into a highly disciplined, aggressive unit that prioritizes defensive solidity over expansive attacking soccer.The team operates with a vertical, high-intensity style, suffocating opponents through relentless pressing and a compact defensive shape. This approach relies heavily on a defense-oriented core featuring standout players like Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié. In possession, La Tri prefers quick, direct transitions rather than sustained build-up play. The midfield recovers the ball and immediately looks to spark counter-attacks, often utilizing long-range diagonal passes to the wings. However, this defensive focus comes with a significant vulnerability in the final third. The squad struggles to generate consistent scoring opportunities, relying heavily on clean sheets and narrow margins to secure results. Ultimately, their ability to combine this defensive masterclass with timely goals will determine their ceiling in the 2026 World Cup. Sebastián Beccacece: The coach behind Ecuador Sebastián Beccacece took charge of the national team in August 2024 and immediately injected a new level of intensity into the squad. Sebastián Beccacece and Moises Caicedo (Getty Images). The Argentine coach possesses an unconventional background, having never played professional soccer at a high level. Instead, he built his reputation as a meticulous assistant, notably helping guide Chile to the 2015 Copa América title.Known as a tactical obsessive who spends countless hours analyzing video and data, Beccacece favors a rigid, defense-first philosophy. While some supporters initially questioned his departure from traditional attacking wing-play, his undeniable success has quieted the skeptics. His unyielding commitment to this resilient system will make Ecuador incredibly difficult to break down on the global stage. Key player: Moisés Caicedo Moisés Caicedo serves as the undeniable engine of the Ecuadorian midfield.The 24-year-old Chelsea star has evolved into the most critical component of the national team since his international debut. Operating primarily as a box-to-box presence or a deep-lying pivot, his ability to read the game is elite. Caicedo recently ranked in the top five percent of English Premier League midfielders for interceptions, successful passes, and touches. He recorded 59 interceptions last season, tying for the most in the division. Tactically, he is indispensable for his country. He excels at identifying danger, recovering possession, and immediately launching offensive transitions with his exceptional 91 percent pass accuracy. Ecuador’s road to the 2026 World Cup Ecuador’s qualification campaign was a defensive masterclass that secured a historic second-place finish in the CONMEBOL standings. Despite starting with a three-point administrative deduction, the team won eight matches, drew eight, and lost just twice. They conceded an astonishingly low five goals across 18 fixtures, keeping 13 clean sheets to boast the best defensive record in the region. While the attack managed only 14 goa
Full preview of Haiti for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Haiti returns to the international stage this summer as one of the most compelling stories of the tournament. Currently ranked 83rd globally, the national team has ended a 52-year absence, marking their first appearance at this level since 1974. Drawn into a challenging group alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland, expectations are grounded in reality for the clear underdogs. However, a resilient defensive structure and an impressive qualification campaign provide genuine hope for earning the nation’s first-ever points on this stage. This World Cup 2026 team preview breaks down the tactical approach, highlights key personnel, and examines the Haiti 2026 World Cup squad depth that will define their North American journey. Team profile CoachSébastien MignéCaptainJohny PlacideNicknameLes Grenadiers, Le Rouge et BleuFIFA ranking83rdConfederationCONCACAFGroupGroup CBest World Cup resultGroup stage (1974)World Cup appearances2Last World Cup appearance1974 How Haiti play Sébastien Migné has built a tactical identity rooted in defensive resilience and structural discipline. Operating primarily in a deep defensive block, the team prioritizes staying compact and frustrating opponents. This approach proved highly effective during qualification, where they conceded just six goals across six matches in the final round. In possession, the squad relies heavily on quick transitions rather than sustained build-up play. Their defensive setup allows them to absorb pressure, but it often leaves them isolated in the attacking third. During the qualifying campaign, the team created opportunities but struggled with final-third efficiency, missing 16 big chances overall. Opponents will likely target their transitional vulnerabilities and attempt to break down the low block with sustained wide overloads. This Haiti tactical analysis reveals a team prioritizing defensive solidity over an expansive Haiti formation. Sébastien Migné: The coach behind Haiti Sébastien Migné took charge of the national team in June 2024 and successfully guided the program to its second-ever appearance at the global showpiece. Remarkably, the French manager has led the squad without ever stepping foot in the country due to ongoing domestic conflicts, relying entirely on neutral venues. Before taking this role, the Haiti coach built his resume across Africa, managing Congo, Kenya, and Equatorial Guinea. His leadership style emphasizes collective organization and mental toughness, traits that have quickly resonated with his current roster. Under his guidance, the team has lost just four of 15 competitive fixtures. Migné is widely respected for maximizing the resources available to him. His ability to foster unity and maintain focus amid external challenges will heavily influence how the squad handles the pressure of the tournament. Key player: Wilson Isidor Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor stands out as the primary attacking focal point among Haiti key players. After committing to the national team in March, the forward immediately made an impact, scoring in his second international appearance against Iceland. Isidor enters the summer following a productive debut campaign in the English top flight, where he netted six goals across 34 appearances. He consistently ranks in the top 20% of Premier League strikers for both shots and shots on target per 90 minutes. His tendency to play on the shoulder of the last defender makes him a constant transitional threat. Beyond his finishing, Isidor provides an exceptional work rate off the ball. If he suffers an injury, the team would lose its most reliable outlet for relieving pressure. Haiti’s road to the 2026 World Cup The qualification campaign highlighted a team capable of overcoming adversity. Entering the second round of CONCACAF qualifying, they finished second in their group before dominating the third roun
After a difficult season with AC Milan, Christian Pulisic is preparing to compete in the 2026 World Cup. With this in mind, the 27-year-old star is getting ready to play the second game in the tournament for the United States men's national soccer team. Christian Pulisic managed to become as the cornerstone of AC Milan. Despite the lack of strikers, he managed to shine under Massimiliano Allegri during the first half of the season. However, he experienced a notable decline in form in 2026, going many matches without scoring. Following this inconsistent season, the 27-year-old star looks to debut with the United States Men’s National Team at the 2026 World Cup. Christian Pulisic next game with USMNT is scheduled for Friday, June 19, facing Australia in the Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington in the 2026 World Cup. As the hosts of the event and having put in a stellar performance against Paraguay, they could aim for a second consecutive victory by relying on the offensive style of play that defines them. After already completing the 2025–26 season with AC Milan, Christian Pulisic will have a period of rest following the 2026 World Cup. However, the USMNT star will not return to action until August 2026, when he begins preseason. As announced by the Rossoneri, they will travel to Jakarta to face Chelsea FC at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Saturday, August 8. Even though Pulisic began the season as AC Milan‘s best player, he suffered a notable drop in form. After playing 34 matches, he managed to score only 10 goals and provide 4 assists, going through the second half of the season with almost no goal contributions. Because of this, the 27-year-old star shined in these friendlies with the USMNT to get back into peak condition ahead the World Cup. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan. Pulisic faces career-defining test at World Cup 2026 Throughout the 2025–26 season, Christian Pulisic’s future was a rather controversial topic. With only one year remaining on his contract with AC Milan, he reportedly attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs. However, his inconsistent end to the season raised serious doubts. With this in mind, the 27-year-old star has a major opportunity to shine at the 2026 World Cup and clear up uncertainty about his future. Due to his poor end to the season, the reported interest from numerous Premier League clubs gradually faded. In addition, Pulisic found himself in a worse position to renegotiate his contract extension with the Rossoneri. Because of this, he could look to shine with the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup, proving his true potential. With this, Christian could again be considered as AC Milan’s conerstone, recovering his all-around impact.
Manchester City have reportedly offered £120m for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who is preparing for the World Cup with England. The post Man City speculation should ‘push’ Anderson to greater World Cup heights, says Tuchel appeared first on SoccerNews.
Following Chelsea’s inconsistencies, Marc Cucurella appears determined to leave the club, with a reported valuation of €50 million. As a result, the 27-year-old star is prioritizing a triumphant return to Barcelona over interest from Atlético Madrid. Marc Cucurella has become one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. Not only does he stand out defensively, but also offensively. However, he appears determined to leave Chelsea following the club’s major sporting inconsistencies, with a valuation set at €50 million. As a result, he has reportedly decided to prioritize a return to Barcelona over strong interest from Atlético Madrid. According to Ferran Martínez, via Mundo Deportivo, Cucurella has formally communicated to the Blues his desire to leave the club in the summer. In response, they have valued him at between €40–50 million, attracting interest from Atlético Madrid. However, the 27-year-old star’s absolute priority is a return to Barcelona after leaving in 2020, as head coach Hansi Flick sees him as an ideal fit for the team’s profile. Even though the Blaugrana are attentive to a possible return for Marc Cucurella, his comeback would not be straightforward at all. In order to afford his signing, they would be willing to listen to offers for Alejandro Balde. If they do not sell the 22-year-old star, Barcelona would not be able to complete the transfer, as they have other priorities. In addition, the young player is not willing to leave the team, further complicating matters. If Barcelona fail to resolve Balde’s sale soon, Marc could accept a move to Atlético Madrid. Looking to improve their defensive stability, Los Colchoneros are pushing to convince him to become an undisputed starter. With Cucurella in the squad, they would gain significantly more defensive consistency and offensive contribution, something they do not currently have with Matteo Ruggeri. In addition, the 27-year-old star wants to resolve his professional future quickly. Marc Cucurella of Chelsea. Barcelona’s plan centers on the striker role, not Cucurella Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Barcelona are determined to strengthen their attacking side. After signing Anthony Gordon, they are now attentive to the possible signing of a centre forward, focusing on Julián Álvarez. Moreover, Gerard Martin’s emergence and João Cancelo’s potential signing makes Marc Cucurella’s arrival an opportunity, not a priority. With this in mind, Atletico Madrid hold an edge. Being a priority for Los Colchoneros, Cucurella could prefer signing with them rather than waiting for Barcelona. In addition, they are already focused on bringing back Cancelo, who would be a starter for Flick. If they have financial room to invest, the Blaugrana would reportedly target a left-footed center-back instead. Therefore, Marc does not seem to be a priority for Hansi Flick’s team unless a swift offer arrives for Alejandro Balde or Jules Koundé.
Following a disappointing season, Liverpool have decided to reshape their squad under Andoni Iraola. As an attacking reinforcement, the Reds are reportedly targeting the return of Darwin Núñez on a free transfer from Al Hilal. Darwin Núñez completed a €53 million transfer to Al Hilal in 2025, arriving as a marquee attacking signing. However, Karim Benzema’s arrival pushed him out of the sporting project, leading to his exclusion from the Saudi Pro League squad list. As a result, the Uruguayan striker is targeting a return to the Premier League, with the Reds reportedly pursuing his return on a free transfer in the summer of 2026. According to Graeme Bailey, via teamTALK, the Reds are considering a possible return for Núñez as a backup striker. Having been left out of Al Hilal’s sporting project, the forward is expected to push for a return to Europe this summer as a free agent, having gone a long period without playing. After leaving a strong legacy at the club, a return to Anfield could help him rediscover his best form. Despite Liverpool’s interest, they have not submitted any offer for the Uruguayan striker, meaning his return is far from a reality. In addition, Al Hilal could push to receive some compensation from a potential transfer, as he remains under contract until 2028. Therefore, negotiations may be far from straightforward, but his performances at the 2026 World Cup could be key in reshaping his professional future. Darwin is not coming off the best season of his career, as he failed to win the starting role at Al Hilal, while Benzema ultimately pushed him out of the team. Nevertheless, he could take advantage of Marcelo Bielsa’s trust in him with Uruguay to shine at the World Cup. If he manages to do so, not only would Liverpool push to sign him, but other Premier League clubs could also enter the race, as his contribution goes far beyond just scoring goals. Darwin Nunez of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring Darwin Núñez could shake up Andoni Iraola’s rotation at Liverpool Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Liverpool would be looking to have different attacking alternatives under Andoni Iraola. With Alexander Isak recently returning from an injury and Hugo Ekitike sidelined with a long-term injury, the potential return of Darwin Núñez would be an absolute success. While he would not be an immediate starter, he could offer plenty of attacking options that fit the head coach’s needs. During his time with the Reds, Darwin managed to stand out both as a center forward and as a left winger. With his explosive pace, change of rhythm, and tactical intelligence, he earned a place in Klopp’s rotation. The same could happen under Iraola, as Cody Gakpo’s future is not entirely clear and the Uruguayan striker could fill a similar role. However, he would only arrive as a free agent.
