World Cup 2026 draw: worst-case scenarios for England, Scotland, USA and Australia

Thomas Tuchel expressed confidence in England's chances at the upcoming World Cup, emphasizing the team's spirit and fighting attitude as they prepare for the draw in Washington DC. He noted the team's successful qualification campaign, which included eight wins and eight clean sheets, as a foundation for their aspirations.

Swiss skier Marco Odermatt won the downhill season opener at Beaver Creek, finishing with a time of 1:29.84, ahead of American Ryan Cochran-Siegle by 0.30 seconds, while Norway's Adrian Smiseth Sejersted secured third place. The race faced challenges due to limited snow, leading to adjustments in the course layout.

Bay FC has appointed Emma Coates as its new head coach, transitioning from her previous role as the head of England's Women's Under-23 national team. Coates replaces Albertin Montoya, who announced his resignation effective at the end of the 2025 season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out for at least two months due to a torn left thigh muscle, confirmed by a medical scan. This injury occurred during a match against Athletic Bilbao, where he had previously contributed an assist before being substituted. His absence will also affect Real Madrid's upcoming fixtures, including a crucial match against Manchester City.

The 2026 World Cup is set to take place across Mexico, Canada, and the USA, featuring 48 teams in what will be the largest tournament in history. The event is a significant milestone for Canada, marking its first time as a host nation alongside its North American counterparts.

TNT Sports has faced significant setbacks, losing broadcasting rights for the Champions League to Paramount+ and experiencing a disappointing performance in the Ashes cricket series, where England suffered a two-day defeat against Australia. This follows a series of challenging rights negotiations that have left the broadcaster feeling 'absolutely gutted.'

Scotland's national football team, under the management of Steve Clarke, has secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark. This win marks Scotland's first World Cup qualification since 1998, a significant achievement for the team and its supporters.

In a gripping second Ashes Test, Mitchell Starc emerged as Australia's standout performer, taking six wickets for 71 runs, while questions arose over the decision to omit spinner Nathan Lyon from the lineup. Starc's efforts were crucial in maintaining Australia's competitive edge against England, especially as he became the sole member of the fast-bowling trio to make the starting lineup.