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June
June 2026
World Cup Diary
Goodbye to Boston with Harvard's wild turkeys and a Fenway stroll, but is this really America?
The 42 takes in some of the city’s famous sights to hear stories of regret, hope for the future, and an enduring love.
Trés Bien
Ousmane Dembele's comic-book class can help France scale greatest heights
A 32-minute hat-trick and a selfless performance from talisman Kylian Mbappe indicate this is a united force.
2026 world cupMLS 3.0 can change game forever in United States - 'There's a lot of pressure to just take the shackles off'
songs and stories
England's reality check with hesitant display that won't be tolerated deeper into World Cup
Ghana good value for 0-0 draw and will be left frustrated that they didn’t do more to expose Thomas Tuchel’s side on break.
the goat
Westminster chaos, Messi genius, and England's hopes resting on Harry Kane
Real life intrudes on World Cup bubble as milestones keeping coming for the game’s greatest player.
Selecao
'Individual stars will not be decisive': Brazil comes to a crossroads with the Ancelotti Doctrine
Star Power
Mbappé, Haaland, Messi: 24 hours that summed up the emotion and stardust of this World Cup
pico lopes
Cape Verde become story of World Cup – and the Crumlin man at the heart of it wants more
Defender targets qualification to knockout stages after 2-2 draw with Uruguay.
Ambition
Cape Verde become story of World Cup but Pico Lopes wants more - 'We have to make the most of it now'
Defender targets qualification to knockout stages after 2-2 draw with Uruguay.
Stunning
Cape Verde draw with Uruguay to continue wild, glorious World Cup adventure
End-to-end game ends 2-2 as Pico Lopes continues to dream of reaching the knockout stages.
Soccer
Pico Lopes goes global and decade of good habits can keep World Cup fairytale alive
Cape Verde face Uruguay in Miami full of confidence after draw with Spain.
up close
America captivated by a World Cup that won't cure all ills but does show a better way
Glimpse of Bebeto, Kaka and Rivaldo is also a reminder of the power of the game’s mystique.
in the groove
Matheus Cunha gets Brazil Surfin' USA as they begin to embrace generational pressure
Manchester United forward on the double after Carlo Ancelotti turns to him to help inspire side to victory over Haiti.
Preview
Brazil at a crossroads with the Ancelotti Doctrine - 'Individual stars will not be decisive for this World Cup'
Suffering from a cough and with more pressure than the country’s president, veteran boss cannot afford slip up against Haiti.
among the people
The perils of watching England in the World Cup with Scotland fans in an Irish pub
The 42 braves downtown Boston in the name of enlightenment and friendship.
Soccer
The 24 hours that sum up the emotion and stardust of this World Cup
Three of the greats deliver more magic as stories from the fringes also take centre stage.
no mercy
The beast is alive at the World Cup! Erling Haaland double helps Norway ease past Iraq
Striker’s debut on the biggest stage of all sets a marker down for more to come this summer.
Family Fortunes
'It is a history that will remain forever' - Pico Lopes' parents speak of pride at World Cup heroics
Along with younger brother Jacques, Carlos and Judy Lopes reflect on emotions of Monday’s 0-0 draw with Spain.
2026 world cup
Inside Pico Lopes' day of glory with Cape Verde: Ray Houghton embrace and video call with Shamrock Rovers' teammates
Cape Verde defender describes to The 42 the emotions of drawing 0-0 with Spain.
History Boys
Dubliner Pico Lopes helps Cape Verde stun Spain with 0-0 draw in World Cup opener
Shamrock Rovers centre back at the beating heart of one of tournament’s greatest ever underdog stories.
dream coming true
The Dubliner at the World Cup: Pico Lopes' journey of a lifetime with Cape Verde
The 42 meets defender’s wife and family ahead of Spain game as they prepare for 30-foot campervan trip around America.
Interview
Meet the college dropout who slept in tents and hitchhiked his way to play at the World Cup
together
The power of a Mexican GAA club: 'I never heard about Gaelic football and now it’s part of my community'
dream coming true
Dubliner Pico Lopes' journey of a lifetime to World Cup with Cape Verde
The 42 meets defender’s wife and family ahead of Spain game as they prepare for 30-foot campervan trip around America.
together
The power of a Mexican GAA club: 'I never heard about Gaelic football and now it’s part of my community'
In a city that can chew you up and spit you out, Los San Patricios provides connection in Mexico City.
together
History of United States allows for celebration to pierce the sense of fear
A week in Mexico stirred the spirit of this World Cup. The hope is that will be a sign of things to come.
process
The behind-the-scenes story of why Brentford chose Damien Duff
The former Ireland international has been appointed as the Bees’ new assistant manager.
leaf out of his book
Meet the college dropout who slept in tents and hitchhiked his way to play at the World Cup
Ahead of co-hosts Canada’s opening game tonight, Jamie Lowery tells The 42 about his remarkable journey to play at Mexico 86.
Glorious
World Cup opens with a story of angels and demons as Mexico put on a show
Hosts claim 2-0 win over South Africa in front of a delirious Azteca with three red cards shared for good measure.
Gianni Infantino
'We could make $30bn': Fifa's president rounds on World Cup critics on eve of tournament (again)
time for action
This World Cup needs the magic of the Azteca to act as catalyst for its salvation
The 2026 edition gets underway when co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in Group A.
Centre stage
Fifa president says fans should be happy to watch World Cup for free on TV - 'We could make $30bn'
Gianni Infantino delivers another self-serving address on eve of tournament getting underway.
on the ground
Mexico City gripped by protests and blockades with World Cup about to get underway
In a city where it feels like the walls are closing in, Fifa president Gianni Infantino takes centre stage acting like a man without a care in the world.
Getting closer
A love letter and a lament to football on the eve of the World Cup
For most of us, the game is a daily, weekly, ritual that blends into one so as to feel eternal.
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