OTB Football

On today's World Cup Daily, Phil Egan brings you all you need to know ahead of the tournament getting underway this evening.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 finally gets underway as Mexico host South Africa in the opening match at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
A look back at the famous 2010 World Cup opener between the same nations, featuring Siphiwe Tshabalala’s unforgettable goal.
Preview of Group A’s second fixture as South Korea face Czechia in Guadalajara.
Fallout after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States ahead of the tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino urges fans and critics to “chill and relax” amid growing controversy surrounding the World Cup.
Infantino responds to criticism over visa issues, tournament logistics and the ongoing debate around ticket prices.
Tournament organisers face legal scrutiny in the United States over World Cup ticketing practices.
Mexican broadcaster Antonio Rosique explains the mood in Mexico City and why hosting a successful World Cup means so much to the Mexican people.
Donald Trump says the United States is working to ensure “the right people” are entering the country during the tournament.
Insights from Off The Ball’s Inside The Odds team as they assess Scotland’s chances ahead of a difficult group featuring Brazil and Morocco.
Former US goalkeeper Brad Friedel reflects on his World Cup experiences and memories of facing hosts South Korea in 2002.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk outlines the Dutch ambition to finally win a first World Cup title.
England complete their preparations with a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica despite a weather-related delay in Orlando.
Thomas Tuchel and Declan Rice react after England’s final warm-up match before their World Cup campaign begins.
Transfer and managerial news: Manchester City reportedly bid £106 million for Elliot Anderson, Kieran McKenna steps away from Ipswich, Wolves part company with Rob Edwards, and the Green Scene team discusses reasons for optimism about the future of Irish football.
World Cup Daily on Off The Ball, brought to you by Lynx, “A Proud Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026“. Smell Your Best When You Look Your Worst
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Legendary commentator George Hamilton is in studio alongside Enda Coll & Phil Egan for this week’s edition of You Had To Be There.

The picks on this occasion are heavily focused on The World Cup Ahead of kick-off tonight!

Off The Ball Breakfast with Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.

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Adrian Barry, Enda Coll & Dara Smith-Naughton fly through this morning’s papers - where Adrian decides to pose the question: are we sleeping on England?

The lads also dive into yet another slightly bizarre Gianni Infantino press conference…

Off The Ball Breakfast with Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label.

Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.

SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Off The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

You've heard every preview there is to hear for the World Cup.... until now. We asked our Football Reporter, and football nerd (hipster) Ben Symes to give us his Avant Garde (hipster) Preview of this Summer's action in America, Mexico and Canada. Essentials literature, rare top scorers, days to miss, days to glue yourself to the couch, music to listen to, dark horses, not pretty horses, Irish angles, we've got you covered for everything!

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As the dust settles on Ireland's defeat to France in Grenoble, former Ireland manager Sue Ronan joins Eoin Sheahan to reflect on how far they have come under Carla Ward, and what they hope to achieve as they turn their attention to the playoffs in the hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.

The Football Show on Off The Ball with Novibet.

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