Day: April 2, 2026

MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA (LAS VEGAS) — With 7:23 remaining in a game that felt more and more like a foregone conclusion, a fan behind the Creighton bench held up a sign for all to see. On a white background and written in blue letters, the message was equal parts clear and concise: “THANK YOU Coach Mac!!!” The sign, of course, referred to Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott, who won his 366th game for Creighton on Thursday night by pulling away from Rutgers, 82-69, in the quarterfinals of the College Basketball Crown. Last month, the 61-year-old McDermott announced his intention to retire at the end of this year, calling it quits on an exceptional career that included 10 NCAA Tournament appearances with the Bluejays and 14 seasons featuring at least 20 victories. For now, though, McDermott’s legendary run continues thanks to a second-half surge against the Scarlet Knights. His team will move on to face West Virginia in the semifinals on Saturday. Here are my takeaways from Day 2 of the College Basketball Crown: 1. Creighton comes to life in the second half to prolong Greg McDermott’s tenure Because of when the College Basketball Crown takes place each year — roughly three weeks removed from the end of most conference tournaments — there is an element of strategy involved when it comes to preparation. Some coaches have chosen to afford their players extra time off following a grueling five-month season. Others have preferred to parlay whatever momentum their programs might have into additional practices that can play an important role in player development. There is no universal, or universally accepted, approach. How and when Creighton might prepare for this year’s event was draped with an extra layer of uncertainty once McDermott shared his decision to retire at the campaign’s end. That meant it was fair to wonder about the Bluejays’ collective level of focus given the impending transition from McDermott, who has been at the helm since 2010, to associate head coach Alan Huss, previously named the coach in waiting. “Obviously, there’s a little emotion involved,” McDermott said during the postgame news conference in response to my question about what the last few weeks have been like. “Last practice in the facility back home and all that. But like I told the guys when we decided to do this, ‘We’re going to have fun with this.’ We did a lot of workouts, we had a few practices, we wanted them to enjoy this experience. We’re gonna be around for the weekend now — at least for a couple more days — so we’re going to have fun together.” And they certainly had fun after halftime on Thursday night, exploding for 51 second-half points and shooting a sizzling 61.5% from the floor. Everything, it seemed, ran through the hands of point guard Nik Graves, who poured in a season-high 28 points and also dished out eight assists. Graves had 25 of those points in the second half, which underscores just how much of an influence he had down the stretch, repeatedly irritating Rutgers’ defenders with pump fakes that drew fouls. Now, the Bluejays have an opportunity to win back-to-back games for the first time since late December — and perhaps send McDermott out with a championship. [CBB CROWN: 4 Takeaways From Day 1] 2. Talented freshman class gives Steve Pikiell a strong foundation at Rutgers Unlike the two freshman phenoms who were clearly one-and-done prospects from the moment they stepped foot on Rutgers’ campus last season — guard Dylan Harper and forward Ace Bailey, the Nos. 2 and 5 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft — the Scarlet Knights have a collection of rookies that should develop quite nicely in the years to come. The backcourt trio of Harun Zrno (6.6 points per game), Lino Mark (5.6 points per game) and Kaden Powers (6.1 points per game) all made at least 28 appearances this year and averaged at least 15.7 minutes of playing time per outing. Together, they should enter next season as one of the more promising young cores in the Big Ten — assuming head coach Steve Pikiell can keep them together once the transfer portal opens next week. “We have a new administration and a new president, and our resources have changed,” Pikiell said during the postgame news conference in response to my question about keeping his roster together. “I’m looking forward to a lot of these guys returning. We’re going to add some pieces for sure, going in the portal. But I think it was a valuable experience this year for those guys that logged a lot of minutes. They got better as the year went on with everything. I’m very hopeful in this new era that good things are going to happen for us and we’ll be able to compete in the market.” Though the Scarlet Knights were ultimately upended by Creighton on Thursday night, running out of gas in the second half after leading by as many as 10 in the early stages, the freshmen offered yet another glimpse of their collective potential. Mark chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds, pacing the offense at times with his speed and explosiveness in the open court. Powers scored six points and snagged three rebounds, flashing a comfortable mid-range pull-up that followed a quick first step. Zrno, who did not play until the second half, scored three points in limited action. The biggest challenge facing Pikiell and his staff between now and the end of the month could be keeping those three players from entering the transfer portal. Rutgers will need them to avoid a fourth consecutive losing season next winter. 3. Ebuka Okorie needs more help if he returns to Stanford There were so many possessions on Thursday night when Stanford point guard Ebuka Okorie, the ACC’s leading scorer at 22.8 points per game, searched and probed and hunted for openings on the offensive end. He maneuvered around screens at the top of the key, gave the ball up just to get it back seconds later and worked tirelessly off the ball to create separation from whichever West Virginia defender was hounding him on that particular possession. In some respects, nothing about the nature of Okorie’s effort was unusual. He arrived at the College Basketball Crown as Stanford’s only healthy player averaging more than 11.1 points per game and owned the 13th-highest usage rate in the country among freshmen this season, according to Torvik. His collegiate résumé already included seven 30-point games and first-team All-ACC honors for a program that finished 20-12 overall and 9-9 in the conference. In the 82-77 overtime loss to West Virginia, he scored a game-high 34 points and dished out five assists on a night when no other teammate topped 12 points. “Ebuka is an incredible player,” West Virginia head coach Ross Hodge told me after the game. “He’s everything we thought he was going to be. We did everything we could to keep the ball out of his hands, and he still had 34 points.” Whether Okorie will return to Stanford for another year has been a popular topic of conversation in college basketball circles. He could choose to enter the NBA Draft, where he projects as a second-round pick given his relatively slender frame (6-foot-2, 185 pounds). He could choose to explore his options in the transfer portal, where other power-conference schools would certainly throw seven-figure offers Okorie’s way. But a source close to the Cardinal believes Okorie will either remain at Stanford or turn pro. Should head coach Kyle Smith and his staff be fortunate enough to retain Okorie, they’ll need to surround the budding star with more scoring punch than what Stanford had this season. A high school recruiting class that ranks No. 16 nationally represents an excellent start. The Cardinal have already signed four players rated among the top 165 nationally, according to 247Sports, including four-star forward Aziz Olajuwon, the No. 62 overall prospect. Olajuwon chose Stanford over Houston, Vanderbilt and Cincinnati, among others. 4. The future of West Virginia’s program hasn’t arrived yet One of the biggest statistical disparities between West Virginia and Stanford entering Thursday’s game came in a category most fans wouldn’t typically consider: maturity. The Mountaineers were the second-oldest team in college basketball this season, according to KenPom, with 2.86 years of Division I experience per player. The Cardinal rank just 268th in that same category with only 1.07 years of Division I experience per player. For first-year head coach Ross Hodge, formerly of North Texas, the group he brought to Las Vegas this week included six seniors and one fifth-year senior — meaning there will be significant roster churn for the Mountaineers in the coming weeks, especially once the transfer portal opens on April 7. The team that Hodge puts on the floor next fall is going to look markedly different than the one that finished the regular season 18-13 overall and 9-9 in the Big 12, unable to win consecutive games after Jan. 21. Regardless of what Hodge accomplishes in the transfer portal, the player to watch is incoming freshman point guard Miles Sadler, a five-star prospect and the No. 23 overall player in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Sadler committed to the Mountaineers over Tennessee and Oklahoma, among others, and instantly became the highest-rated signee in program history, according to 247Sports. If Sadler lives up to expectations, then Hodge will have an elite floor general to build around as West Virginia chases its first NCAA Tournament berth since 2023 and first March Madness victory since 2021. “When we put this team together,” Hodge told me after the game, “when we started hitting the portal, we wanted to recruit guys that had been part of winning and loved basketball and loved each other. If that’s kind of your makeup, and you really love basketball and you love being around other people, then you have an ability to stay together through really tough times. This group has embodied that and really set a standard for future teams in the program.” 4½. What’s next? Here are a few storylines to watch ahead of the semifinals: Oklahoma vs. Baylor (Saturday) — One did it the easy way, one did it the hard way. Oklahoma trailed an undermanned Colorado team by double digits early and needed overtime to finally dispose of the upset-minded Buffaloes, leaning on a strong defensive effort to reach the semifinals. Baylor, meanwhile, coasted through its quarterfinal game against Minnesota thanks to balanced scoring from each member of the Bears’ leading trio: Tounde Yessoufou (19 points), Obi Agbim (17 points) and Cameron Carr (15 points). West Virginia vs. Creighton (Saturday) — Over the course of McDermott’s highly successful tenure at Creighton, his teams have ranked among the top 35 in offensive efficiency 10 times. And while this year’s group hasn’t quite reached that threshold — the Bluejays entered The Crown ranked 73rd nationally — nobody would dare question the program’s prowess at that end of the court. Such a pedigree sets the stage for a fascinating semifinal clash with West Virginia, whose defense ranks 17th in overall efficiency after beating Stanford on Thursday night.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Ready for the biggest edition of soccer’s marquee event? With 48 teams spread across three countries, this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be epic. [2026 FIFA WORLD CUP: Full Game-by-Game Schedule] The field is set, and all 12 four-team groups are locked in. But which teams will be the serious tournament contenders? Who’ll punch above their weight? The first-timers? And what about co-hosts USA, Mexico and Canada? We’re diving into the World Cup field by placing all the teams into distinct tiers and breaking down why you should keep an eye on them. JUMP TO: Co-Hosts | Sleeper Picks | Capable of Deep Run | Get Into Knockouts | Could Make It Interesting | Early Exit? | Debut Teams! ARGENTINA World Cup Odds: +850World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The defending World Cup champs want to become the first country to win consecutive titles since Brazil did it in 1958 and 1962. Can La Albiceleste do it? Well, they have the same manager in Lionel Scaloni, and you can never count out a team that’s led by legendary forward Lionel Messi (who will turn 39 during the tournament). This is a deep, experienced group brimming with talent that knows how to win major tournaments (and also won back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024). BRAZIL World Cup Odds: +850World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The last two times Brazil went to a World Cup held in North America, it left with the trophy in hand. Yet the most successful country in World Cup history has now gone almost a quarter-century without adding a sixth star to its iconic yellow jerseys; the Seleção last sat at the summit of the planet’s most popular sport way back in 2022. This current 24-year drought matches the longest Brazil has ever gone without hoisting a World Cup. In other words, it’s due. Brazil always has enough talent to win it all. Now it also has legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti at the helm; the former Real Madrid boss is expected to provide a structure for 25-year-old forward Vinícius Jr. & Co. that helps their gifts shine bright on the biggest stage. If that happens, Brazil will be a tough out for any opponent this summer. ENGLAND World Cup Odds: +600World Cup Group Stage Opponents: England is still looking for its first World Cup title since 1966. It seems to have the right kind of talent, depth and experience to make a run this summer. And now the Three Lions also have a Champions League-winning manager in Thomas Tuchel to guide them. The stars will be out with players like captain striker Harry Kane, the attacking Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and his versatility, and the well-rounded Cole Palmer on the pitch, all of whom are tired of always coming up short in major tournaments. England was drawn into a tricky Group L with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, so we’ll get an early look at what this squad is made of. FRANCE World Cup Odds: +600World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Les Bleus won the World Cup in 2018 and lost the 2022 final – on penalties – to Lionel Messi and Argentina. What can France do for an encore this summer? With Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and fellow star forward Kylian Mbappé (who was a breakout star in the 2018 title run) leading manager Didier Deschamps’ attack, no wonder France is among the bookies’ favorites to win the tournament outright this summer, alongside European rivals England and Spain. PORTUGAL World Cup Odds: +1100World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Portugal has never won a World Cup, much less reached a World Cup final. Could this be the year? There was so much drama around the team four years ago when former manager Fernando Santos benched superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in Qatar. Now the team is coached by Spaniard Roberto Martinez, who led it to the 2024 Euro quarterfinal and 2025 Nations League championship, where his side defeated Spain in a penalty shootout. His relationship with the 41-year-old Ronaldo could dictate how things go for Portugal this summer. SPAIN World Cup Odds: +450World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The reigning European champions are striving to win their first World Cup since 2010 and just second overall in the nation’s history. Four years ago, La Roja were knocked out in the round of 16 by Cinderella squad Morocco. This time they’ll be a tougher out with all the young attacking talent that litters this roster from wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to Pedri (midfielder) and more. This is a group that will keep getting better as these players get older, but they want to win now. CANADA World Cup Odds: +20000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Four years ago, the Reds snapped a three decade-plus World Cup drought by topping Concacaf’s qualifying tournament and returning to the Greatest Show on Earth for the first time since 1986. And Canada played well in Qatar despite losing all three of its games, including defeats against eventual 2022 semifinalists Croatia and Morocco. Now, it’s hosting World Cup games on the men’s side for the first time, and the pressure to perform is different. Led by American coach Jesse Marsch, Canada will be looking not just to win a World Cup game for the first time but to advance to the knockout stage. And it has the players to do it, too, with captain Alphonso Davies and Juventus striker Jonathan David leading the way. MEXICO World Cup Odds: +7000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Four years ago, Mexico failed to make it out of its group. To have the same result this time around on home soil would be disastrous, especially given their favorable draw. The reigning Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup champions have had a recent rash of injuries that has allowed even keeper Guillermo Ochoa to return to the squad for recent friendlies – but could he make an unprecedented sixth World Cup? Plenty of buzz around young midfielders Gilerto Mora and Obed Vargas, but this squad will rely on veterans such as star striker Raul Jimenez and captain Edson Alvarez (who is also battling an injury). USA World Cup Odds: +6500World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Playing at a World Cup on home soil for the first time since 1994, the United States is hoping for a deep run this summer under highly regarded Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino. The Americans’ best World Cup showing since the inaugural 1930 event – where the U.S. finished fourth – was a quarterfinal trip in 2002. With the 2026 edition expanded to 48 nations, just equaling that feat would require winning an extra knockout stage match. That’s no easy feat. Still, this U.S. squad is widely considered the most talented ever, with legitimate European club stars such as AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic and Juventus’ Weston McKennie. The core that gained invaluable experience at Qatar 2022 is just now hitting its prime. But losses in March to Belgium and Portugal have tempered expectations, and Pulisic has been caught in a scoring drought for both club and country. His last goal for AC Milan came on Dec. 28, 2025, while his last goal for the Stars and Stripes was in November 2024. COLOMBIA World Cup Odds: +4000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: So what if Los Cafeteros didn’t even go to the last World Cup in Qatar? Four years later, Colombia could be one of the biggest sleepers to make some serious noise this summer. Behind Bayern Munich playmaker Luis Diaz, the Colombians finished South America’s World Cup qualifying tournament in third place, behind only Ecuador and defending world champions Argentina and ahead of five-time winner Brazil. Los Cafeteros should get solid support for their first two group games, which take place in Mexico. Meantime, the first round finale in Miami, where they’ll meet Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, could feel like a home game given the huge ex-pat community in South Florida and Colombian fans’ willingness to travel in droves. ECUADOR World Cup Odds: +8000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Despite beating host Qatar and tying the two-time runner-up Netherlands in its first two games in 2022, Ecuador failed to advance when it dropped its decisive group phase contest to Senegal. La Tri could be poised for a deep run this summer, though, having finished second in South America’s qualifying tournament ahead of Brazil and behind only defending World Cup champs Argentina. Moises Caicedo, who plays at Chelsea, is one of the world’s best defensive midfielders. The game against Germany in the group finale is likely for who’ll finish on top. MOROCCO World Cup Odds: +6000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The Cinderella team of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco was nearly everyone’s favorite story from four years ago, when it became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semifinal before losing to France. The Atlas Lions lost to Senegal in a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final in January (only to be subsequently rewarded the title) and will be motivated to prove themselves this summer that the semifinals run in 2022 was no fluke. They have a new manager after Walid Regragui abruptly left the team but were able to promote Mohamed Ouahbi, who led Morocco’s U-20 team to a Youth World Cup title in 2025, as the successor. Morocco was drawn into Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and Scotland, which will make for some early intrigue. PSG’s superstar right-back Achraf Hakimi should once again shine in the summer. NORWAY World Cup Odds: +2800World Cup Stage Opponents: Norway’s World Cup return was a long time coming. It was also inevitable. Led by Premier League standouts Erling Haaland of Manchester City and captain Martin Ødegaard of Arsenal, it’s headed back to the planet’s biggest sporting event for the first time since 1998. Haaland is only 25, and already has 55 goals in 48 games for his country. No player in international soccer history surpassed the half-century mark in fewer matches it took the 6-foot-5 striker. In what could be the toughest group at the tournament, Norway has the talent to make some noise. BELGIUM World Cup Odds: +3500World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The Red Devils’ golden generation hasn’t quite lived up to the hype, having failed to advance from group play in 2022 following deep runs in both 2014 and 2018, when they finished third after narrowly losing their semifinal to eventual champ France. Now in their 30s, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku have one more chance on the biggest stage this summer, with a capable supporting cast led by electric Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku. CROATIA World Cup Odds: +9000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: It’s quite magical what Croatia, with a population fewer than four million people, has been able to do in the World Cup. In recent history, this nation was the runner-up at the 2018 World Cup and finished in third place at the 2022 World Cup. You can never count this side out of a major tournament, especially given the squad’s experience level and the fact that it’s led by superstar Luka Modrić. Plus, it has arguably the most magnificent kits in all of football. GERMANY World Cup Odds: +1400World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The four-time World Cup champions are always capable of making a deep run, if not winning it all. But Die Mannschaft has plenty to prove this summer under coach Julian Nagelsmann; since hoisting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, Germany has not advanced out of group play. Florian Wirtz (midfielder) helped Bayer Leverkusen go undefeated en route to winning the German title two seasons ago before being named Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2025 and then making a big move to Liverpool. In March, the 22-year-old Wirtz scored his 10th goal in just 39 games for his country. NETHERLANDS World Cup Odds: +2000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Probably the best soccer-loving nation never to have won a World Cup and the fans are hungry for a trophy. Just look at recent major tournaments like the men’s and women’s Euros and how the fans litter the streets in bright orange. The Dutch have plenty of individual talent to make some noise, from former Lyon star Memphis Depay (striker) to Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo (winger) and defender Virgil van Dijk. Four years ago, the Oranje took eventual champion Argentina to a thrilling penalty shootout in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal. The game itself was dramatic, with 18 yellow cards and one yellow. How far can this group go in 2026? Manager Ronald Koeman has a physical squad, fast wingers and a ton of players with big-game experience. The Dutch will need to get off on the right foot as its first game is against a capable Japan squad. TÜRKIYE World Cup Odds: +6500World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The last time the Turks qualified for a World Cup, they went all the way to the semifinals in Korea/Japan in 2002 before losing to eventual champ Brazil by a single goal. With players littered across Europe’s top leagues (including Juventus’ attacking midfielder Kenan Yıldız and Real Madrid’s Arda Güler), they’re more than capable of making another deep run this summer and are now probably the favorites to win a group that includes Australia, Paraguay and the tournament co-hosts United States. URUGUAY World Cup Odds: +6500World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Who won the first World Cup in 1930? It’s a solid trivia question. And the answer, which often stumps people, is Uruguay. And not only did it win that inaugural tournament, but it hosted as well. This is a country with a rich footballing tradition, though it hasn’t been back to the top since winning a second time in 1950. It didn’t make it out of the group in 2022 – facing Portugal, South Korea and Ghana – and is anxious to make a push this summer. It will be tough, though, as it will face tournament favorite Spain and Saudi Arabia in the group. Luckily, it has players like Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. AUSTRIA World Cup Odds: +10000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: This will be Austria’s first World Cup appearance since 1998. It’s a team that likes to attack and has a strong core of veterans on the team, like Real Madrid defender David Alaba and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. It’s coached by Ralf Rangnick, who has had an extensive coaching career in Germany. Before taking over the Austrian national team, though, he was the interim manager of Manchester United from 2021-22. In the Euros two years ago, Austria shocked the Netherlands in the group stage to advance to the knockout round (where it ultimately lost to Türkiye). Does it have another upset brewing for this summer? EGYPT World Cup Odds: +30000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Africa’s oldest and most successful national team went 28 years between World Cups before returning in 2018, only to miss out again four years later. Now they’re back again, and the goal is clear: Get out of group play for the first time in their long and decorated history. It may be the last time we see Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah on this big of a stage as well. SOUTH KOREA World Cup Odds: +35000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: South Korea has qualified for 11 straight World Cups, not missing one since 1986. Its best finish came in 2002 when, as tournament co-hosts, the Tigers of Asia reached the semifinals but lost to Germany, 1-0. Four years ago, the squad advanced to the round of 16 where it was ousted by Brazil. How far can South Korea go this summer? It’s fair to expect to make it out of Group A, where it’ll play co-host Mexico, South Africa and a European playoff team. Plus, it has a talented squad which features captain winger Son Heung-min, who stars for LAFC, as well as European-based stars like midfielder Lee Kang-in (PSG), defender Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and winger Lee Jae-sung (Mainz 05). JAPAN World Cup Odds: +5000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Japan has played in every World Cup since its debut in 1998, but it has never made it past the round of 16. Could this be the year? It was close four years ago, beating Germany and Spain in the Group of Death and taking Croatia to a penalty shootout in the round of 16. This is a team that historically plays quickly, likes to press and is dangerous in transition. The best part about the Samurai Blue, though, is probably their fans, who went viral and were admired around the world at the last World Cup for cleaning up stadiums after matches. SCOTLAND World Cup Odds: +20000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Once a regular World Cup qualifier, the Tartan Army will soon be back on the big stage for the first time since 1998. The Scots didn’t even need a playoff to get there. In November, Scott McTominay (striker) & Co. beat former European champs Denmark in Glasgow to win a group that also included Euro 2004 winners Greece. The 6-foot-3 McTominay, a former Manchester United alum, led Napoli to the Italian title last season, earning a Ballon d’Or nomination along the way. It was his spectacular bicycle kick that opened the scoring in Scotland’s World Cup qualifying clincher over Denmark. SENEGAL World Cup Odds: +10000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Participating in their third World Cup in a row this summer, the former quarterfinalists and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winners were eliminated by England in the round of 16 in Qatar. Known as the Lions of Teranga, Senegal famously upset then-World Cup holders France in its debut appearance in 2002. Can history repeat itself this summer, when it once again faces Les Bleus in its opening match? Sadio Mané (winger) is one of this generation’s best attackers, and the ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich star could make some magic. PARAGUAY World Cup Odds: +20000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: There’s no question that La Albirroja’s golden age was between 1998 and 2010, when they reached four consecutive tournaments, culminating in a quarterfinal appearance in South Africa. Now Paraguay is back at the World Cup for the first time since, having failed to make the last three editions. MIdfielder Miguel Almirón is familiar to fans on three continents, having moved from Cerro Porteño in Asunción to Argentine club Lanús to MLS side Atlanta United to Premier League mainstay Newcastle before a return back to Atlanta. This team is the USA’s opening match, so expect the South Americans to try and spoil the co-hosts’ party. SWITZERLAND World Cup Odds: +10000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Switzerland is as dependable as the watches produced in the country – this team is headed to its sixth consecutive World Cup. It has reached the round of 16 in each of the last three editions. Led by Premier League veterans Manuel Akanji (defender) and captain Granit Xhaka (midfielder), the Swiss will try to make at least the quarterfinals this summer – something they haven’t managed since 1954. ALGERIA World Cup Odds: +35000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: This is Algeria’s first trip to the World Cup since 2014, when they historically reached the round of 16. They were able to book their ticket to this summer’s tournament by finishing atop their group in African qualifying. At the World Cup, they were alongside defending World Cup champion Argentina, as well as Austria and Jordan. While Argentina will certainly win the group – Algeria will face La Albiceleste in its first match on June 16 in Kansas City – the second spot could be up for grabs. Former Manchester City and Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez will be a catalyst for this squad. AUSTRALIA World Cup Odds: +45000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The Socceroos gave Lionel Messi and eventual champs Argentina a scare in the round of 16 in Qatar before losing, 2-1, and the 2026 event marks their sixth straight World Cup trip. Organized and physical under coach Tony Popovic, they’ll be a tough out for the co-host United States, which they’ll face in Seattle in their second group stage match. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA World Cup Odds: +25000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: What’s the biggest story of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s incredible run into the World Cup? Defeating Italy in the World Cup playoff final to ensure the four-time champions would miss a third straight tournament? Seeing talisman striker Edin Džeko, now 41, help his country reach the biggest stage? Or witnessing American-born Esmir Bajraktarević (aka, the “Milwaukee Messi”) coolly take the decisive penalty in the win over Italy? Prepare for this squad to capture neutrals’ hearts and attention – especially in the opening match against co-hosts Canada. CZECHIA World Cup Odds: +15000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: It’s a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2006 for Czechia, when the country was known as the Czech Republic. Czechia booked its ticket to the 2026 World Cup after outlasting Denmark, 3-1, on penalty kicks in the UEFA following a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes. The squad will be led by towering Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, but it will need plenty more help in a group that includes co-hosts Mexico. DR CONGO World Cup Odds: +70000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Simply put, this team wasn’t supposed to make it. With traditional African powers Nigeria and Cameroon standing between the Democratic Republic of Congo and its first World Cup appearance since 1974 (when known as Zaire), next to nobody gave it a chance. But that message didn’t get to the Leopards, who promptly shocked both to reach the intercontinental playoffs and then beat Jamaica to book their spot in the main event. Veteran Premier League right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka (now at West Ham after a stint at Manchester United) headlines a list of players with plenty of European experience. GHANA World Cup Odds: +35000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Ghana has qualified for four of the last five World Cups, with its best finish coming in 2010 when it reached the quarterfinals. The Black Stars booked their spot for 2026 by finishing at the top of their qualifying group with eight wins, one draw and one loss. Unfortunately, they were drawn into a tougher group with favorites England and Croatia, and Panama always good for an upset. Getting out of this group is going to be a challenge, but they can lean on veteran experience from the attacking Mohammed Kudus. IVORY COAST World Cup Odds: +25000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The days of Didier Drogba (the all-time Ivory Coast top scorer who retired in 2018) are long gone, but that won’t deter the new generation of these Elephants. The team debuted on the world stage in 2006 and then qualified for each of the next two tournaments before missing the last two editions. Now, it’s back with realistic ambitions of advancing for the first time in their history, despite occupying a group with Ecuador and four-time winners Germany: In March, it thumped World Cup-bound South Korea 4-0, which should give the team momentum in the summer. SWEDEN World Cup Odds: +8000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: How about getting to the World Cup without actually winning a game during the initial qualifying campaign? Sweden finished last in its qualifying group but made the playoff round because of its UEFA Nations League performance. Leading the way is a pair of top strikers in Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, with the latter scoring four goals in March’s playoff games. The Swedes have turned the corner under Graham Potter, the former Chelsea and Brighton manager who previously spent seven years coaching in Sweden. HAITI World Cup Odds: +150000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: One of the great stories of World Cup qualifying, the Haitians will return to the global stage this summer for the second time ever and first since 1974. Les Grenadiers punched their ticket to the competition despite not playing a single match at home because of security worries. Defensively stout, they still won a qualifying group that contained recent World Cup participants Costa Rica and Honduras. But the task will be way bigger this summer with those group-stage teams. IRAN World Cup Odds: +30000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Team Melli won’t be a pushover as this team has participated in five of the last seven World Cups. While it’s never yet made it to the knockout rounds, it beat Gareth Bale-led Wales in Qatar before narrowly losing to the U.S. in both teams’ first round finale. Star striker and captain Mehdi Taremi will be the focal point for the team. IRAQ World Cup Odds: +100000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The final team to actually book a spot for the World Cup by winning the second intercontinental playoff. It’s the second World Cup appearance for the squad (after its 1986 debut), but with a group that includes three very stout sides, it may be a short tournament for the Lions of Mesopotamia. NEW ZEALAND World Cup Odds: +100000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The team is back on the big stage for the first time since 2010, when it had the interesting distinction of going undefeated with three ties, including one against then-defending champions Italy. New Zealand clinched its spot more than a year ago by topping New Caledonia, 3-0, in Auckland. But things could get ugly at the main event; it went on an 0-7-1 run before finally beating Chile in March. TUNISIA World Cup Odds: +50000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: This will be Tunisia’s seventh World Cup appearance, and one it hopes will be its best. You see, the Eagles of Carthage have never made it out of the group in all those tournaments. That’s probably going to be a tough assignment this summer in Group F, given they’re joined by the Netherlands and Japan, who are expected to advance. Even so, Tunisia has some fun World Cup history, like the fact that it was the first African nation ever to win a World Cup match in 1978 when it beat Mexico, 3-1. PANAMA World Cup Odds: +100000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: This will only be Panama’s second trip to the World Cup. The squad had a strong qualifying campaign, which was aided by the fact that it didn’t have to play the United States, Canada or Mexico, all of whom automatically qualified for the tournament as co-hosts. This will be a tough group, but the Panamanians can stun their opponents when everything is clicking. Just ask the U.S. men’s national team, which lost to Panama at the 2024 Copa América and in the 2025 Concacaf Nations League semifinals. SAUDI ARABIA World Cup Odds: +100000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Saudi Arabia has qualified for the last seven of nine World Cups. Perhaps its most notable tournament was four years ago in Qatar, when the squad shocked eventual champion Argentina in the group stage with a 2-1 victory. The Arabian Falcons then proceeded to lose to both Poland and Mexico and finished at the bottom of their group. They’re led by French manager Herve Renard, who has plenty of international experience, including coaching the squad in 2022 before taking the French women’s national team to the 2023 World Cup. He no doubt will want to help the team go further than it did last time, and maybe that’s possible in a group with Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde. SOUTH AFRICA World Cup Odds: +80000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: South Africa gets the honor of opening the World Cup when it faces co-host Mexico in the first match of the tournament on June 11 at Mexico City Stadium. Known as Bafana Bafana, South Africa has only played in four World Cups but hasn’t competed in one since hosting in 2010. It’s never made it out of the group stage, and that might be tough this time around with Mexico and South Korea in its group. QATAR World Cup Odds: +100000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: The 2022 World Cup was the tiny gulf state’s first World Cup, which they qualified for automatically as hosts. This time, the Maroons did it on the field. After losing all three games on home soil, Qatar – now led by former West Ham, Spain and Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui – is aiming for its first point on the biggest stage. CURAÇAO World Cup Odds: +150000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: How can neutrals not love the Blue Wave’s Cinderella story? In November, the Dutch territory became the smallest nation by both population (155,000) and geographic area to ever qualify for a World Cup. Just being there is a triumph for Curaçao, though the games could get ugly: Ecuador and four-time world champs Germany loom in the first round, and Dick Advocaat (who managed the Netherlands at USA ’94) resigned as coach in March to care for his ill daughter. CAPE VERDE World Cup Odds: +100000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: We love a World Cup first timer! Cabo Verde will make its very first World Cup appearance this summer, and what better way to welcome it to the global stage than by playing tournament favorite Spain in the first match? While that game on June 15 at Atlanta Stadium might end up being quite lopsided, it’s remarkable that this nation of just more than 500,000 people qualified for the World Cup in the first place. While it may not make it out of the group, it has the kind of resilience, spirit and passion that we love to see in this tournament. JORDAN World Cup Odds: +150000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Jordan will be making its World Cup debut. While it’s never been to the big dance before, it nearly qualified for the 2014 tournament by making it to the intercontinental playoffs. It didn’t work out then, but the team was rewarded for making the expanded 48-team field this time around by being drawn into a group with Argentina. UZBEKISTAN World Cup Odds: +150000World Cup Group Stage Opponents: Another World Cup debutant! Uzbekistan may be a team largely unknown to the world at this point, but it’s coached by Favio Cannavaro, who is known to be one of the greatest defenders of all time. Cannavaro captained Italy to the World Cup in 2006, so he knows what this team is getting itself into this summer. He’s had a vast coaching career up to this point and only took over the national team in October, so we’ll see how the squad gels under him with less than a year together. 2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports