The Republic of Ireland left it late to qualify for the playoffs where, this week, the final six spots at the 2026 World Cup -- four from Europe, two from the intercontinental playoff -- will be clinched.

France’s long-expected managerial transition is now effectively in place, with ESPN reporting that the nation has decided on who will replace current head coach Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup.

Apple TV’s lead MLS analyst is teaming up with Yahoo Sports for the World Cup. Taylor Twellman, the former ESPN soccer analyst who has since joined Apple TV’s coverage of MLS, will contribute content to Yahoo Sports during this summer’s FIFA World Cup hosted in North America,

Who is trending up? Who is trending down? ESPN look at some major contenders for Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad.