Ahead of Friday's 2026 World Cup draw, AFP Sport runs the rule over the leading contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals to take place across North America next June and July.

How are the 2026 World Cup favourites shaping up?

The United States will wrap up preparations for the 2026 World Cup with friendlies against Belgium, Portugal and Germany, the US Soccer Federation said Tuesday.

US to face Belgium, Portugal, Germany in World Cup build-up

Nick Woltemade said he hoped to have done enough to book his 2026 World Cup spot after scoring again in Germany's 6-0 win over Slovakia in Leipzig on Monday.

Germany's Woltemade hopes for 2026 World Cup spot after scoring again

Germany swept past Slovakia and into the 2026 World Cup as Leroy Sane struck twice and Nick Woltemade scored for the third straight match in a thumping 6-0 win in Leipzig on Monday.

Germany crush Slovakia to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Germany are not even considering the possibility of going into next year's 2026 World Cup qualification playoff when they host Slovakia in their final qualifier on Monday, with only victory on their minds, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Sunday.

Only automatic World Cup qualification will do for Germany, says coach

Nick Woltemade scored a brace to send a sluggish Germany past Luxembourg 2-0 away and within touching distance of direct World Cup qualification on Friday.

Woltemade sends Germany past Luxembourg in World Cup qualifier

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Thursday backed Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade to lead the line for his injury-hit side in their 2026 World Cup qualification bid.

Coach backs Newcastle striker to shine for injury-hit Germany

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has been ruled out of Friday's World Cup qualifying trip to Luxembourg, becoming the latest player added to coach Julian Nagelsmann's bulging injury list.

Captain Kimmich to miss Germany's World Cup qualifier with Luxembourg

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Highlights from the match between Germany and Italy which took place at Signal Iduna Park.

Germany v Italy | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Italy and Germany which took place at Stadio San Siro.

Italy v Germany | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match Between Hungary and Germany which took place at Puskas Arena

Hungary v Germany | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Germany Bosnia and Herzegovina which took place at Europa Park Stadium


Germany v Bosnia-Herzegovina | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Germany and Netherlands which took place in Allianz Arena, Germany. 

Germany v Netherlands | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany which took place at Stadion Bilino Polje

Bosnia and Herzegovina v Germany | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Netherlands and Germany which took place in Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam. 

Netherlands v Germany | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Germany

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