CNN – Sports

By Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN (CNN) — The 2026 World Cup is almost here in all its glory and that means non-stop action for fans to watch during a newly expanded tournament. A record 48 teams will be playing a total of 104 matches across three countries for the most prized trophy in world soccer.

By Esteban Campanela, CNN (CNN) — Predictions about who will be the next World Cup champion often miss the mark. The pressure at this tournament is as intense as it gets for any player, and the margins are so fine that even a powerhouse can be knocked out. Still, only eight countries in history have

By Ben Church, CNN (CNN) — Note: This is story first appeared in The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily newsletter on all things World Cup. To subscribe, click here. It’s almost here. After years of talk, preparation and anticipation, the 2026 World Cup is now just right around the corner. On Thursday, the

By Ben Church, CNN (CNN) — Denmark soccer star Christian Eriksen is in “good spirits” and is expected to leave hospital soon after collapsing on the pitch during his nation’s friendly against Ukraine on Sunday. Eriksen, who five years ago suffered a cardiac arrest on the field at Euro 2020, was seen clutching his chest

By Ainsley Flood and Jim Sciutto, CNN (CNN) — American soccer player Miles Robinson was one of the US men’s national team’s top prospects heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. For him, the hard part was already over as he had earned a rare, highly coveted spot on the elite 26-man roster

By Billy Stockwell and Aida Karimi, CNN (CNN) — Iran’s soccer team touched down in Mexico’s northwestern city of Tijuana on Sunday – a stone’s throw from the United States border – as Tehran criticized Washington over its visa restrictions ahead of the World Cup this summer. The president of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj,

By Emile Nuh, CNN (CNN) — With the World Cup kicking off on June 11, anticipation is building for what will be the biggest tournament in the competition’s history. A record 48 teams will compete across 104 matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Heavyweights such as France, Spain, England, and Argentina are among

By Kyle Feldscher, Dianne Gallagher, CNN Charlotte (CNN) — The World Cup officially kicks off in Mexico on Thursday, but thousands of fans across North America will have already gotten their opportunity to enjoy the world’s biggest sporting festival before a minute of the tournament is played. With ticket prices – not to mention travel

By Ben Church, Patrick Sung Cuadrado, Aleks Klosok, Emile Nuh, CNN (CNN) — With less than a week to go until this year’s World Cup, it’s time to start taking a closer look at those who are set to play. Each of the 48 teams can take a squad of up to 26 players with

By Jacob Lev, CNN (CNN) — The New York Knicks held off a furious fourth-quarter comeback from the San Antonio Spurs, winning 105-104 in Game 2 of the NBA Finals after Victor Wembanyama missed a last-second shot. The win extends the Knicks’ playoff win streak to 13, the second longest in NBA playoff history. With

By Patrick Snell, CNN Chattanooga, Tennessee (CNN) — Spain’s World Cup stars – led by teenage phenom Lamine Yamal – are coming to town, and for one city in Tennessee, life is about to change very dramatically indeed. Chattanooga – nestled on the banks of the Tennessee River with a population of under 200,000 people

By Dana O’Neil, CNN (CNN) — On Saturday afternoon, the rich and the rarefied will gather in Saratoga Springs, New York, a quaint Victorian Era throwback town where the horses who visit for races often cross the streets like pedestrians. Belmont Park is still putting the finishing touches on its $455 million renovations and so,

By Ben Church, CNN (CNN) — A fan was arrested and banned for life after running onto the court and taking a selfie video with Victor Wembanyama during Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday. The bizarre moment occurred nearly midway through the fourth quarter, with the New York Knicks leading 92-86. The fan

By Jacob Lev, CNN (CNN) — Game 1 of the NBA Finals lived up to all the hype with the New York Knicks outlasting the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 at the Frost Bank Center on Wednesday. The victory extends the Knicks’ playoff win streak to 12 games, becoming the seventh team in NBA history to

By Ben Church, CNN (CNN) — It’s fair to say that even the most specialized tennis expert would have struggled to predict the semifinalists for this year’s French Open. For so many years, it’s been the same old faces playing each other in these latter stages of grand slams. But not this year. Through a

By Dana O’Neil, CNN (CNN) — When the play ends, as Kris Jenkins bends over a bit at the waist to watch his work of art swish its way into history, Mikal Bridges dashes onto the court and Josh Hart full scale piggy backs onto Phil Booth. Somehow, Jalen Brunson ends up on the floor,