Bbc Sport

• BBC Sport TV and radio commentators have identified 20 emerging players poised to become breakout stars at the 2026 World Cup. • Key highlights include Alvaro Fidalgo, who opted to represent Mexico over Spain in February, and Switzerland's Manzambi, a goalkeeper inspired by Manuel Neuer. • The analysis emphasizes the importance of young talent stepping up, noting Switzerland's historical trend of providing platforms for players like Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye to excel.

• BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton has released his score predictions for the opening round of group games at the 2026 World Cup. • Sutton predicts a 0-0 draw between Ecuador and Ivory Coast, citing both teams' strong defensive records during their respective qualifying campaigns. • In his overall tournament forecast, Sutton has picked Japan as the eventual winners and the Netherlands as the runners-up.

• FIFA President Gianni Infantino held a news conference on the eve of the World Cup, marking his first media appearance in three years. • Infantino addressed the complexities of managing diverse participating nations and expressed a desire to resolve ongoing disputes with a "positive spirit." • He indicated that the UK is a likely candidate to host the Women's World Cup in 2035, though a final decision has not yet been reached.

• Chelsea forward Cole Palmer and teammate Joao Pedro have made surprise appearances in a promotional film for Madonna's upcoming album. • This collaboration follows a previous partnership where the pop icon helped launch Chelsea's new home kit for the 2026-27 season. • Madonna's involvement with the club included a recent Twitch stream appearance alongside British influencer Gymskin.

• BBC Sport has launched a new live match update feature for the 2026 World Cup, delivering real-time scores directly to users' phone lock screens. • The service accompanies comprehensive coverage of the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. • This digital tool aims to ensure fans stay connected to the action through live TV, highlights, and expert analysis during the largest World Cup in history.

• England and manager Thomas Tuchel are entering the final stages of preparation for the 2026 World Cup. • Following a match against New Zealand, the team has one remaining fixture against Costa Rica to refine their strategy. • Tuchel aims to field a lineup against Costa Rica that closely mirrors the squad intended for the tournament opener against Croatia.

• The BBC has released comprehensive TV and radio broadcasting schedules for the 2026 World Cup group stage matches. • The coverage specifically highlights viewing options for England and Scotland as they compete in the international tournament. • This information is critical for fans planning their viewership and ensures accessibility across multiple media platforms.