Winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, France arrive at this World Cup as one of the leading contenders, but the planet's top-ranked team face stiff tests against Senegal and Norway in Group I, which also features outsiders Iraq.
With Jannik Sinner's shock French Open exit blowing the men's draw wide open, Novak Djokovic will look to pounce on the opportunity in his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Lionel Messi will turn 39 during the upcoming World Cup and could have been forgiven for quitting international football after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar in 2022, but he remains his country's talisman as they aim to retain the trophy in North America.
Politics
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is the headline speaker at Asia's premier defence summit opening Friday, but China's top officials aren't expected despite weighty questions like Taiwan and the war in Iran.
May 29, 2026
RECENT NEWS
The EU executive is set for much-heralded talks Friday on ramping up Europe's trade defences to shield critical industries from Chinese rivals -- with a growing chorus pressing for a crackdown.
May 29, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga has urged his financially stricken team to go out on a high as the Super Rugby club prepare to play their final match, barring a last-minute reprieve.
May 29, 2026
New Zealand's World Cup-bound Tim Payne said Friday it was "pretty crazy" to have become the country's most followed football account after an influencer identified him as the "least known" player in the competition and called for fans to boost his posts.
May 28, 2026
The United States on Thursday designated two well-known Brazilian crime groups, the so-called Red Command (CV) and First Capital Command (PCC), as terrorist organizations, despite opposition from Brasilia.
May 28, 2026
Sports
Lionel Messi will captain Argentina at the World Cup, national coach Lionel Scaloni announced Thursday as he unveiled his 26-man squad.
May 28, 2026
RECENT NEWS
The United States and Iran closed in on a framework for a ceasefire extension detail Thursday but President Donald Trump has yet to approve any agreement, US officials said.
Serena Williams' reported future doubles partner Victoria Mboko says it is up to the tennis great to announce a potential comeback to the sport next month.
US and Iranian negotiators edged toward a deal to extend their fragile ceasefire for 60 days, but the potential breakthrough was still hanging on President Donald Trump's approval, US sources told AFP on Thursday.
The Golden Trailer Awards, which recognize the people behind Hollywood's best-made movie previews, returns for its 26th edition Thursday.
May 28, 2026
Sports
NBA teams on Thursday approved reforms intended to discourage teams from deliberately losing games in order to receive better players in the following season's draft.
May 28, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Tunisian international Ali Abdi on Thursday received the backing of his French club Nice amid a "barrage of threats" for joining his national team before the Ligue 1's side crucial play-off.
The UN health chief said Thursday the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo which has claimed over 200 lives can be stopped, as he arrived to oversee the fight against the highly infectious disease.
Two of the nine artists who were announced as headliners for a concert series celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States have publicly backed out of the event, a day after the lineup was released.
Oil prices diverged and global stock markets were mixed Thursday as a ceasefire extension deal between United States and Iranian negotiators awaited the green light from President Donald Trump.
May 28, 2026
- Israel launches deadly strike near Beirut, widening Lebanon offensive
- AI giant Anthropic reaches near-trillion dollar valuation
- Austrian jihadist jailed for 15 years for Taylor Swift concert attack plan
- WHO chief lands in Ebola-hit DR Congo
- Osaka says possible Serena Williams return would be 'entertaining'
- Israel strikes near Beirut, widening Lebanon offensive
- US, Iran agree deal but need Trump approval: sources
- WHO chief heads to Ebola-hit DR Congo