World Cup Forecasts Blend Expertise and Surprise
The Athletic’s daily World Cup predictions combine seasoned analysis, youthful flair, and even a canine voice to preview key matchups and emerging storylines.
Jun 26, 2026
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Erling Haaland
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Erling Haaland across Soccer, Football.
Club Legacyz’s Icons 4th Edition Football Set Sells Out in Hours, Sets Stage for 2026 Launch
The limited Icons 4th Edition Football set from Club Legacyz vanished within two hours of its June 15 release, driven by on‑card autographs, match‑worn jersey cards, and the buzz around stars like Erling Haaland. The company is already planning a themed 5th edition for late 2026 and will sponsor the VIP area at the 2026 National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago.
Jun 25, 2026
Erling Haaland’s Hermès Birkin Collection Valued at Over $300,000
A look at the high‑end Hermès bags spotted on Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, their provenance, and the broader cultural ripple among athletes and pop icons
Jun 24, 2026
England’s World Cup Draw with Ghana Highlights Persistent Issues
Despite 80% possession and 19 shots, England settled for a 0-0 draw against Ghana, a result that cements their progression but leaves fans yearning for more incisive play.
Jun 24, 2026
The 3D Revolution Transforming Football Viewing
A look at how three‑dimensional broadcasting, powered by FIFA's offside data and immersiv.io, is reshaping how audiences experience football and what the future may hold.
Jun 24, 2026
Hydration Breaks Reshape the World Cup: A New Era of Play
The 2026 World Cup's mandatory hydration breaks have divided supporters, yet the tournament's high‑scoring matches and innovative tweaks hint at a lasting evolution in how soccer adapts to extreme conditions.
Jun 24, 2026
From Scotland’s Triumph to Messi’s Record: The Athletic’s Ranking of Every 2026 World Cup Match
The Athletic's comprehensive rankings dissect each of the 2026 World Cup fixtures, spotlighting historic wins, record‑breaking scores and the players who defined the competition.
Jun 24, 2026
World Cup 2026 Goal Surge Sets New Scoring Benchmark
The 2026 World Cup is on track to shatter previous goal records, with 121 goals scored in the first 40 matches. A faster, more stable ball and a 48‑team field are reshaping the tournament’s offensive dynamics.
Jun 24, 2026
European Clubs Lock Horns in Transfer Market Speculation
A snapshot of the most talked‑about player movements and club interests across the continent.
Jun 23, 2026
Norwegian Fan Rejects Team Rowing Celebration at World Cup
During Norway's 3‑2 victory over Senegal, fan Emil Anners Lappen refused to take part in the rowing celebration, calling it a "stupid idea" and pledging to stay out of future rituals.
Jun 23, 2026
Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland Light Up the 2026 World Cup
Three generational talents dominate the tournament, reshaping narratives and driving record audiences.
Jun 23, 2026
FIFA Considers Retaining Hydration Breaks Amid Criticism
FIFA is weighing whether to keep short water breaks that have punctuated recent World Cup matches, a move that could reshape how players manage heat during the tournament.
Jun 23, 2026
Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland Light Up the World Cup Amid Off‑Field Turmoil
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland have delivered standout displays in the 2026 World Cup, drawing record viewership while organizers contend with ticket costs, fan transport, lodging shortages and regulatory hurdles.
Jun 23, 2026
The Numbers That Define a Generation: Donovan, Messi, and the eBay Live Auction
A live auction on eBay Live brings together collectors to debate the value of iconic soccer jersey numbers, weaving together personal stories, historic wearers and market trends.
Jun 23, 2026
Group Stage Grind: Set‑Pieces, Storms and the Brazil Dream for Scotland
The battle for knockout‑stage spots is intensifying, with teams leaning on set‑piece strength, towering line‑ups and moments of weather‑induced chaos.
Jun 23, 2026
Messi’s World Cup Mastery Shines Amid Rising Stars
Lionel Messi continues to rewrite records on the world stage while emerging talents like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland add new layers of excitement.
Jun 23, 2026
Haaland and Partner Welcome First Child, Keep Family Life Private
After years of growing up together in Bryne and rising through Manchester City, the couple’s first child arrived in late 2024, prompting a shift toward family‑centric living and heightened privacy
Jun 23, 2026
Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland Light Up the 2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are rewriting the story of the 2026 World Cup with historic performances and emerging rivalries.
Jun 23, 2026
Haaland’s Brace Sends Norway into World Cup Knockouts
Erling Haaland’s two goals lift Norway to a knockout‑stage berth, highlighting a potent partnership with Martin Odegaard and setting up a showdown with France, as Senegal’s manager Pape Thiaw seeks reforms after two opening defeats.
Jun 23, 2026
France and Norway set for knockout‑round showdown
The France‑Norway World Cup match on June 22 at Gillette Stadium will feature the tournament’s leading scorers, with ticket prices soaring and resale markets active.
Jun 23, 2026
U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Turns Fans While Preparing for World Cup
Between matches, the U.S. men's national team watches elite performances, extracts tactical insights and fuels their own World Cup ambitions.
Jun 23, 2026
The Tactical Edge of Left‑Footed Footballers: Why Lateral Bias Matters
Left‑footed athletes bring a distinct tactical advantage to the pitch, from disrupting opponent patterns to unlocking new creative possibilities.
Jun 22, 2026
Viking Rowing Cheer Lights Up Times Square Ahead of Norway’s World Cup Clash
In a bustling Times Square, Norwegian supporters staged a synchronized rowing chant that quickly went viral, foreshadowing a lively cultural showcase at MetLife Stadium.
Jun 22, 2026
France Prepares for Crucial World Cup Clash with Iraq
France's dominant second‑half display against Senegal and Iraq's need to contain a potent attack set the stage for a high‑stakes encounter.
Jun 22, 2026