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?

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play his side's opening matches at next year's World Cup after FIFA suspended the final two matches of a three-match ban on Tuesday.

Ronaldo cleared to play in World Cup openers

Our moment of the week comes from last week’s Thursday World Cup qualifier between Portugal and Ireland. A player who had up to that stage never received a red card while playing for his country. It’s a moment that could have far-reaching consequences for the global football star.

SEEING RED: Ronaldo faces World Cup heartbreak

Portugal crushed Armenia 9-1 without suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo to clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals on Sunday.

Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup by thrashing Armenia

Cristiano Ronaldo is in danger of missing at least Portugal's opening match at next year's World Cup after being showing a red card in Thursday's 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland.

Ronaldo in danger of missing World Cup games after red card

Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for an elbow as his Portugal side lost 2-0 against Ireland on Thursday and blew another chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Ronaldo sent off as Ireland stun Portugal in World Cup qualifier

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said Cristiano Ronaldo's red card against Ireland was harsh after the forward was sent off for the first time in an international match in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Dublin on Thursday.

Portugal manager Martinez says Ronaldo red card was harsh

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo said he wants Ireland fans to boo him in Thursday's World Cup qualifier in Dublin.

Portugal's Ronaldo hoping Ireland fans boo him

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Cristiano Ronaldo bad penalty

Cristiano Ronaldo bad penalty | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Denmark and Portugal which took place at Parken Stadium.

Denmark v Portugal | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match Between Croatia and Portugal which took place at Stadion Poljud

Croatia v Portugal | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Portugal and Poland which took place at Dragao, Oporto.

Portugal v Poland | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Scotland and Portugal which took place at Hampden

Scotland v Portugal | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Poland and Portugal which took place at PGE Narodowy

Poland v Portugal | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

Highlights from the match between Portugal and Scotland which took place in Estadio do SL Benfica, Lisbon. 

Portugal v Scotland | Match Highlights | UEFA Nations League

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