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?

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 other until the semifinal stage.

FIFA to keep top seeds apart in expanded 2026 World Cup draw

Thomas Tuchel warned Jude Bellingham to respect his decisions after the England midfielder showed frustration at being substituted during Sunday's 2-0 win against Albania.

Tuchel lays down law to Bellingham after England star's frustration

Harry Kane put the seal on flawless England's record-setting finish to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a late double in Sunday's 2-0 win over Albania.

Kane double gives England record-setting finish on road to World Cup

Thomas Tuchel said records are not on his mind as he prepares England for their final World Cup qualifier against Albania on Sunday to round off a remarkable campaign.

England's Tuchel plays down records before final World Cup qualifier

Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze maintained England's flawless record on the road to the World Cup but Jude Bellingham was reduced to a cameo role in Thursday's 2-0 win against Serbia.

England cruise against Serbia with Bellingham reduced to cameo role

England will play their first match of Euro 2028 at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium if they qualify directly, with fellow co-hosts the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales set to play all their group games at home, it was announced during Wednesday's tournament launch in London.

England set for Etihad start to Euro 2028 tournament campaign

England defender Reece James said his teammates must brace for "super difficult conditions" at the 2026 World Cup in North America, having experienced intense summer heat during Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign earlier this year.

Chelsea's James warns England of extreme heat at 2026 World Cup

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