Soccer opinion: Changes Italy must make after yet another World Cup qualification failure
Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup is monumental; as a country with such a successful history in the competition, it doesn’t feel right that it won’t be heading to North America this summer, especially for a nation that was often a regular participant.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi takes a look at the changes Italy must make to return to the next World Cup and restore their status amongst the elites of international football.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Can Thomas Tuchel’s England finally bring football home?
England's preparations for the upcoming World Cup have finished, and Thomas Tuchel has the toughest decision of his life to make on May 30 when he picks his final squad for the World Cup.
Soccer analysis: Can Thomas Tuchel’s England win FIFA World Cup 2026 without Harry Kane?
It was a disappointing international window for Thomas Tuchel and his England side after the Three Lions suffered a 1-0 loss to Japan on Tuesday. That defeat followed a 1-1 draw with Uruguay and further exposed some blatant cracks.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Matthew Morgan examines the potential weaknesses this England squad may have to face.
World Cup 2026 predictions: The top five contenders to lift the trophy this summer
With less than 75 days until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, excitement is building as the world’s top nations prepare to play for football’s ultimate prize.
The United States of America, Canada and Mexico are set to host the 23rd edition of the tournament, promising a summer of fierce competition and unforgettable moments.
With the final play-off spots for the World Cup being decided between March 31 and April 1, the tournament line-up is nearly complete.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Ruben Picardo Ashworth looks at five nations who stand out as the strongest contenders to lift the trophy this summer.
FIFA World Cup 2026 news: What England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay told us about potential call-ups
England drew 1-1 with Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on Friday night, with the hosts fielding a heavily rotated team in London. Players such as Dominic Solanke, Fikayo Tomori, Noni Madueke, and Djed Spence featured for Thomas Tuchel’s side but are unlikely to start for England this summer and could be in danger of missing out altogether.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Elliot Ward takes a closer look at which players have a realistic chance of securing their place on the plane to America.
Football news: Italy under immense pressure ahead of World Cup play-offs
Italy face the World Cup play-offs this week for a third consecutive time and are looking to finally qualify for their first World Cup since 2014.
While the Azzurri have had mixed fortunes over the last 12 years, including winning Euro 2020 against England at Wembley, the World Cup has continued to be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi reports on the mixed fortunes for Italy ahead of their World Cup play-off later this week.
Every time a host nation has won the World Cup
Only six nations have ever lifted the World Cup on home soil.
The last time it happened was in 1998. With three host nations competing at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, those looking to bet on the World Cup will want to know whether home advantage still matters.
Here's the full story of every time a country turned home support into a World Cup win.
World Cup 2026: Five strikers looking to lead the line for their country
In the build-up to the 2026 World Cup hosted across North America, nations are assessing their options as to who will lead the front line for their country, some for the first time.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Stan Cheeseman identifies five players striving to highlight themselves as the starting man for the duration of their country’s tenure in the competition, commencing 11th June 2026.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Intercontinental play-offs preview - Bolivia, Suriname and Iraq
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, a mini-tournament of intercontinental play-offs is set to add two more teams to the main draw.
Scheduled for late March in Mexico, the action will feature six teams.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer AJ Becker takes a closer look at the three nations who will be taking part in Pathway 2 of the play-offs, following his preview of Pathway 2 last week.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Intercontinental play-offs preview – DR Congo, New Caledonia and Jamaica
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, a mini-tournament of intercontinental play-offs is set to add two more teams to the main draw.
Scheduled for late March in Mexico, the action will feature six teams.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer AJ Becker takes a closer look at the three nations who will be taking part in Pathway 1 of the play-offs.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Who’s in and who’s at risk of missing out on England’s squad?
With just four months until the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the United States, attention is turning to England’s squad picture.
Competition for places is intensifying, with some players pushing their case at the right time and others at risk of missing out altogether.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Oliver Powell looks at the players that could make or miss the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Who could be in England’s starting XI for the 2026 World Cup?
With the opening game of the World Cup under five months away, debate around England’s starting XI is already heating up.
Thomas Tuchel will definitely be looking to find his best combination, but with standout performers across the Premier League and Europe, picking an XI may be his toughest challenge yet.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Charlotte Allsop predicts who Tuchel could field in the 2026 World Cup.
Scotland analysis: Wonder goals end 27 years of glorious failure as Scots secure World Cup qualification
A 98th-minute halfway line effort from Kenny McLean sealed Scotland's World Cup dream, marking the end of a jittery Tuesday night fixture against Denmark in Glasgow.
For a moment, Scotland fell silent, as Steven Thompson's words rang through every TV screen in the country: “He’s done him… HE’S DONE HIM!”
You couldn’t write it.
It put an end to 90 minutes of nerves and frustration. A final scoreline read 4-2 as Scotland now find themselves preparing to head into unknown territory - World Cup football.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy breaks down all the key moments from Tuesday night's soap opera of a football match at Hampden Park.
Soccer news: Latvia vs England – Five talking points as Three Lions chase World Cup qualification
England head into Tuesday night’s clash against Latvia with 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification on the line as a win in Riga will see Thomas Tuchel’s men punch their ticket to next year’s footballing showcase in the United States.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Eloise Stevens looks at the key talking points ahead of the match.