# Soccer
From The 42
Soccer - Last week 7th June 2026 - 13th June 2026
# World Cup 2026
From The 42
# World Cup 2026
First World Cup opening ceremony kicks off in Mexico City
It’s the very first opening ceremony – and Group A match – of the tournament.
# Growth
From The 42
# Growth
Carla Ward's two group campaigns have been like night and day
‘This group can get better and better,’ says Ireland boss.
# Time For Action
From The 42
# 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
From The 42
# 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.
# 2026 World Cup
From The 42
# 2026 World Cup
David Alejandro Rojina Reyes: The untold story of Bray Wanderers’ unlikely Mexican man
Chris Shields, Eddie Gormley and Pat Devlin recall the defender’s brief stint at the Carlisle Grounds.
# On The Ground
From The 42
# 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.
# Nations League
From The 42
# Nations League
Moving Ireland-Israel game to Hungary simply removes right to protest, activists argue
- Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats are tabling motions in the Dáil calling for the game to be called off.
- The Stop the Game campaign has threatened a judicial review over the "collective failure" to stop the fixtures from going ahead.
# Match Report
From The 42
# Match Report
Ireland must settle for World Cup play-offs after more Malard magic in France
Les Bleues were reduced to 10 in the second half, but held on for automatic qualification.
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