World Cup 2026 betting tips: England vs Ghana prediction as Scotland face crucial Brazil showdown
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing and we have seen some terrific football so far as well as several mad results. Over £13 million was matched on Spain on the Betfair Exchange last week, who somehow couldn’t find a way past tournament debutants Cape Verde.
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this week’s group games – including England’s second Group L match against Ghana – courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate, The Bookie Basher.
World Cup 2026 news: Five memorable moments – Vozinha heroics, four-star England and more
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada, got underway on June 11 in Mexico City and is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and have three host countries.
Since then, there have been historic moments and relentless entertainment despite the defeatist attitude many fans had in the run-up to the tournament. Here, Sports News Blitz writer Jack George delves into the most memorable moments of World Cup 2026 so far.
World Cup 2026 analysis: Why Thomas Tuchel’s England squad suddenly makes sense
After plenty of question marks over Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup, that good old English optimism has returned following the Three Lions’ 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening group stage match.
Suddenly, the exclusion of the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold don’t seem to bother fans as much.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Jacob Hibbert takes a look at why this crop of England players are perfect for what manager Tuchel is trying to achieve.
England player ratings vs Croatia: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham lead the way as Three Lions make winning World Cup 2026 start
England began their World Cup 2026 campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, but Thomas Tuchel's side left Texas with both reasons for optimism and plenty to think about defensively after a chaotic Group L opener.
World Cup 2026 betting tips: Harry Kane to score first; Morocco to sink Scotland
Now then now then. What a time to be alive.
The World Cup is up and running and it’s hard to explain the joys of watching Haiti vs Scotland in your pants at 2am to non-football fans.
Also, someone in the pub the other day asked me to name three Qatar players? “Not a problem,” I replied. “Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Noel Gallagher.”
Read on for a breakdown of the best bets from this week’s World Cup 2026 group games – including England’s opener against Croatia on Wednesday night - courtesy of Sports News Blitz’s punting laureate, The Bookie Basher.
Cricket betting tips: Best value bets for England vs New Zealand and India vs Afghanistan
England host New Zealand in the second Test of their three-match series, while India look to wrap up their ODI series against Afghanistan in Lucknow this week.
Here, Sports News Blitz cricket expert Himanshu Sharma breaks down the best bets, value plays, and key betting angles for this week’s fixtures.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Five goalkeepers to watch at the 2026 tournament
A world-class goalkeeper can be the difference between an early exit and a deep tournament run.
From experienced veterans to exciting newcomers, the 2026 World Cup features a fascinating mix of talent between the posts.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Shuei Ishii looks at five goalkeepers who could make headlines on football's biggest stage.
World Cup 2026 news: Reviewing Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad as big names miss out
England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup – and it has certainly been met with a lot of opinions and controversy.
With some big names not making the final cut for FIFA’s showpiece in the US, Mexico and Canada, Sports News Blitz writer Dejan Johal is here with a review of Tuchel’s squad.
Women are driving a new era of sports growth as female viewership numbers continue to increase
The number of women watching sport is growing – and the statistics are there to back it up. From the ashes of Heated Rivalry and Formula 1: Drive to Survive rise female sport fans, who are loyal and ready for sporting fun.
They not only aid consumer statistics and records, but also expand the realms of diversity, virality, and financial stability. Here, Sports News Blitz writer Katie Butler unpacks the growth of female viewership within sport.
Cricket analysis: The race for England’s opening spot – Five players who could replace Zak Crawley
With the County Championship season now underway, competition for the opening spot in England’s top order is high.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Sai Raghav Balakrishnan explores the suitability of five candidates.
WSL news: England captain Leah Williamson extends her stay with Arsenal
Lionesses captain Leah Williamson has signed a new contract with Arsenal, continuing her two-decade journey with the club.
Arsenal officially confirmed that Williamson, 29, will remain with the team for the next few years.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Abbie Latymer looks back at her rise to stardom.
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.
England women news: Leah Williamson warns players could strike over scheduling concerns
England women's captain Leah Williamson has refused to rule out the possibility of players taking strike action if concerns over scheduling and player welfare are ignored.
Speaking ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, Williamson highlighted the pressures on players, warning that fixture congestion is contributing to rising injury rates in the women’s game.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Liberty Nicholson-Hulse takes a closer look at why female footballers may feel forced to take a stand against a packed calendar.
Six Nations third round winners and losers: Ireland and Scotland joy, woe for Wales
The Six Nations third round kicked off with one of the oldest international rugby rivalries, England vs Ireland.
Wales played Scotland next with a much-improved home-crowd attendance in Cardiff compared to the week prior. The final game of the weekend was between France and Italy in Paris.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s rugby writer James Corrigan outlines his winners and losers from the weekend’s action.
England analysis: How Man City’s Nico O’Reilly can fit into Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad
England is not short of talent; they are saturated with it. The challenge has been arranging that abundance into a balanced, cohesive team – particularly down the left side, where structure has often looked uneven.
It is into this very gap that Nico O’Reilly has emerged, a versatile midfielder capable of operating across multiple roles and offering a tactical intelligence that could help England’s World Cup hopes, writes Sports News Blitz’s Ruben Picardo Ashworth.
England women squad news: Who’s in and who’s out for the World Cup qualifiers?
England captain Leah Williamson and forward Lauren James headline a number of high-profile returns in Sarina Wiegman’s latest 25-player squad for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
The build-up has been shaped by persistent injury concerns and important recalls that have forced the England manager to be cautious when making her selections.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Liberty Nicholson-Hulse breaks down the key talking points from England’s latest squad announcement, taking a closer look at the notable inclusions and absences shaping Wiegman’s plans.
From the pitch to the phone: Social media’s positive influence on football
Football has always been more than a sport. It’s a culture, a community, and for millions, a core part of their identity.
But in the last decade, social media has transformed the way fans experience the game. So, how has social media created an influence on sport?
What once relied on matchday attendance, newspaper reports, or televised highlights has evolved into a 24/7 digital ecosystem where football lives, breathes and grows.
From strengthening the bond between players and supporters to creating global fanbases and preserving memories, social media has reshaped football for the better, writes Sports News Blitz’s Joshua Topping.