Thirty-two teams enter the World Cup 2026 knockout bracket, but only one lifts the trophy. Here is how the bracket is built, how third-placed teams slot in, and how the road to the final works.
Archive: October 2026
295 stories published in October 2026
Every World Cup produces a surprise run. From proven overachievers like Croatia and Morocco to well-organised outsiders, here are the dark horses that could go deep in 2026.
A practical guide to World Cup 2026 visa ESTA eTA fans guide: what it means, how it works, common mistakes, and tips that actually help.
A practical guide to Vancouver BC Place stadium guide World Cup 2026: what it means, how it works, common mistakes, and tips that actually help.
A practical guide to Atlanta Mercedes-Benz stadium guide World Cup 2026: what it means, how it works, common mistakes, and tips that actually help.
A practical guide to World Cup 2026 Golden Boot award explained: what it means, how it works, common mistakes, and tips that actually help.
A practical guide to World Cup 2026 ticket app how to use: what it means, how it works, common mistakes, and tips that actually help.
Not all 16 host cities cost the same: the Mexican venues and several US cities offer far better value for travelling fans. Here is where your budget stretches furthest.
A World Cup trip does not have to cost a fortune. With early bookings, smart city choices and a few insider tricks, fans can enjoy the tournament on a realistic budget.
The 16 host cities are thousands of kilometres apart. Here is how to plan multi-city World Cup travel by air, rail and road without wasting days or money.
Packing for a World Cup trip means stadium rules, summer weather and long days. The complete fan packing list, from clear bags to portable chargers.
Most host stadiums are built for transit, not cars. How to reach every kind of World Cup venue by train, metro, bus and shuttle.
The complete fan guide to MetLife Stadium for the World Cup 2026, including the final: how to get there, bag rules, seating, and what to do before and after the match.
Everything fans need for World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington: getting there, the retractable roof, seating tips, and how to enjoy Dallas before and after the game.
A practical Toronto travel guide for World Cup 2026 fans: BMO Field, getting around the city, where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of Canada's biggest soccer party.
The fan guide to Estadio Azteca for the World Cup 2026, including the opening match: history, altitude, transport, safety, and tips for first-time visitors to Mexico City.
How the World Cup 2026 group stage draw works: 48 teams, 12 groups, who advances, and what the new format means for fans following their team.
World Cup 2026 ticket prices and categories explained: what each category means, how prices change by round, and how to buy safely without overpaying or getting scammed.
The complete guide to the World Cup 2026 opening match in Mexico City: Estadio Azteca, ceremony, tickets, transport, and how to make the most of the tournament's first day.
The complete guide to the World Cup 2026 final at New York New Jersey Stadium: MetLife Stadium, tickets, transport, fan zones, and how to plan the biggest day in football.
How does the 2026 FIFA World Cup format work? 48 teams in 12 groups of four, 72 group matches, top two plus eight best third-placed teams into a new Round of 32, 104 matches total, head-to-head before goal difference, and an eight-match path for the champion.
Spain never trailed in a single match on their way to a second World Cup title, conceding just one goal in eight games.
Ranked 67th in the world, Cape Verde held Spain goalless, drew with Uruguay and took Argentina to extra time in a dream debut.
Rodri won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player despite scoring no goals and providing no assists in eight matches.