The final part of The Athletic's series on football formations takes a close look at the demise of the 4-3-1-2 diamond ...

England will enter next week's 2026 World Cup draw with a rare strategic advantage -- and the respite of knowing meetings with Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal may have to wait.

For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA have weighted the draw to ensure that the four highest ranked nations will not ...

Read through Croatia's World Cup history, records and memorable moments. Follow their road to the tournament with the latest on their fixtures, group and coach.

The reason England won't be playing a top ranked team at the FIFA World Cup until the final stages of the tournament ...

The change means defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and European champions Spain, inspired by Lamine Yamal, can only meet in the final at MetLife Stadium near New York, if both win ...

FIFA revealed on Tuesday that the top four seeded nations at the 2026 World Cup will occupy two separate halves of the draw for the expanded 48-team tournament, meaning they could avoid facing each ...

Top-ranked Spain, Argentina, France and England will, if they finish top of their respective round-robin groups, avoid each ...

FIFA said Tuesday the top four teams in the latest men’s rankings will, if they finish top of their respective round-robin ...

The tournament schedule, when cities will find out which teams will play in specific stadiums, will be announced Dec. 6. Atlanta will host several matches, plus a semifinal.

Spain cannot meet Argentina and France will not face England before the World Cup final — provided they win their groups — ...