The injury list ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to grow, with fresh setbacks for Raphinha and Phil Foden adding to mounting concerns for national teams.

England midfielder Foden picked up an injury during a recent friendly against Uruguay following a heavy challenge from Ronald Araujo. The Manchester City star was visibly in pain and had to be substituted, with Cole Palmer coming on in his place. The setback comes at a crucial stage for Foden, who had been looking to regain top form for both club and country.

Meanwhile, Brazil winger Raphinha has been ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during his side’s 2-1 defeat to France. Medical scans confirmed the extent of the issue, with the FC Barcelona forward expected to be sidelined until May. His absence means he will miss key fixtures, including Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash against Atletico Madrid.

Their injuries add to an already extensive list of high-profile players struggling with fitness ahead of the global showpiece. Among those dealing with concerns are Cristiano Ronaldo, Rodrygo, Bruno Guimaraes, Eder Militao, Matthijs de Ligt, Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, James Maddison, Jack Grealish, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, and Alphonso Davies.

With several key players facing uncertain recoveries, the growing injury crisis is emerging as a major concern for teams preparing for the World Cup, potentially impacting squad selections and tournament dynamics.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest edition of the tournament to date, expanding to 48 teams from the previous 32.

It will be jointly hosted by three countries—United States, Canada, and Mexico—marking the first time the World Cup is shared by three nations.

The expanded format will see teams divided into 12 groups, increasing the total number of matches and giving more nations the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.

The tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, with the final set to be played on July 19, 2026.

Matches will be held across multiple cities in the three host nations, showcasing some of the world’s most iconic stadiums. As the premier competition organised by FIFA, the World Cup brings together the top national teams from around the globe, drawing billions of viewers and remaining one of the most anticipated sporting events worldwide.

The final pathway to the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be decided later this month, as six nations battle it out for the last two spots at football’s biggest tournament.

Bolivia, DR Congo, Jamaica, Iraq, New Caledonia and Suriname will compete in the Play-Off Tournament, which kicks off on 26 March. Matches will be staged in Mexico, with semi-finals followed by decisive finals on 31 March.

Only two teams will progress to the global finals in North America this June and July, raising the stakes for all involved. For New Caledonia and Suriname, qualification would mark their first-ever appearance at a World Cup.

Pathway 1

At Guadalajara Stadium, New Caledonia face Jamaica in the opening semi-final, with the winner advancing to meet DR Congo in the final. The victorious side will book a place in Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan.

New Caledonia are chasing history after finishing runners-up in Oceania qualifying, while Jamaica’s “Reggae Boyz” are aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Awaiting them are DR Congo, who are targeting their first appearance since 1974 after an impressive qualifying campaign that included victories over continental heavyweights.

Pathway 2

In Monterrey, Bolivia will take on Suriname in the other semi-final, with Iraq waiting in the final. The winner will advance to Group I, where France, Norway and Senegal await.

Bolivia are seeking a return to the tournament for the first time since 1994, boosted by strong recent performances in South American qualifying. Suriname, meanwhile, are hoping to make history with a maiden qualification after a breakthrough campaign.

Iraq, the final team in the mix, are aiming to end a 40-year absence from the World Cup, having last appeared in 1986.

With dreams of global glory on the line, the Play-Off Tournament promises high drama as teams make one last push for a place on football’s biggest stage.

Only 81 Days to Go!!!!

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the largest edition of the tournament in history, featuring 48 teams and hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The expanded format will see teams competing across multiple host cities in North America, with the tournament scheduled to take place in June and July 2026.

Football fans in Afghanistan will be able to watch all the action live through the Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), which holds the exclusive broadcasting rights to the tournament in the country. ATN will air the matches live across Ariana Television, bringing comprehensive coverage of the world’s biggest football event to Afghan audiences.

Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana Television and Ariana News on social media for the latest developments, updated match schedules, team news and other World Cup information as the tournament approaches.

The FIFA Council has emphasized football’s power to unite people and promote peace, while unveiling record-breaking budgets and new protections for women in the sport.

At an online meeting, FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for peace and urged all teams participating in upcoming FIFA World Cups to compete in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect.

“FIFA can’t solve geopolitical conflicts, but we are committed to using football and the World Cup to build bridges,” he said.

The Council approved FIFA’s Annual Report 2025, including a historic revenue budget of USD 14 billion for the 2027–2030 cycle. FIFA Forward investments in football development will reach USD 2.7 billion—eight times the pre-2016 level—supporting infrastructure, youth programs, and opportunities for men, women, and youth players globally.

In women’s football, FIFA confirmed the bidding process for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cup editions. Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, and the United States are bidding for 2031, while the UK nations are bidding for 2035. The 2031 tournament will expand to 48 teams, reflecting FIFA’s growing investment in women’s football.

The Council also introduced landmark measures requiring women’s teams to include female coaches, medical staff, and bench officials, while approving the FIFA Safeguarding Policy to protect against harassment and abuse. FIFA will continue dialogue between the Palestine and Israel Football Associations but took no action regarding Israeli teams allegedly based in Palestinian territories, citing unresolved legal status under international law.

New competitions, including the FIFA ASEAN Cup and updated schedules for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, were also confirmed.

Infantino concluded: “A successful World Cup fuels global investment in football, giving more children access to the game and reinforcing its unifying power.”