There will be a record 48 teams at the 2026 World Cup, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are the best 48 teams in the world.

For just the second time, the United States, along with Canada and Mexico, will play host to the World Cup.

Led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino and star Christian Pulisic, the USMNT is looking to improve on a Round of 16 exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Fans will now be banned from taking reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums after an injury time U-turn by Fifa. The move, coming just a week before the tournament kicks off on June 11, has been criticised by England fans who hit out at the governing body’s ‘latest money-grab’.

Fans will not be allowed to take reusable water bottles into World Cup stadiums due to safety concerns, Fifa said in a late policy change.

In a statement to AFP, a FIFA spokesperson said the rule change was taken on safety grounds, noting that several World Cup venues already barred the use of refillable water bottles.

Congo is still hoping to play its World Cup warmup against Chile after the mayor of the Spanish city of La Linea de la Concepcion denied authorization for the match because of health concerns related