The Guardian has launched its most ambitious sporting coverage yet for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the publisher's largest deployment for a single sporting event. With 48 teams, 1,248 players, and 104 matches, the global sports desk, supported by newsrooms in the UK, US, and Australia, will deliver 24-hour editorial coverage, analysis, and digital features.
Unrivalled On-the-Ground Reporting
A dedicated team of 30 writers, editors, and multimedia producers will be active across North America. Key deployments include Jeff Rueter embedded with the US Men's National Team in Los Angeles and Pablo Maurer covering Central and South American teams. Round-the-clock live blogs will cover all 104 matches.
Trusted Voices and Expert Analysis
US Women's National Team head coach Emma Hayes returns as a columnist, alongside World Cup-winning former Germany captain Philipp Lahm. The Guardian's football writing squad includes Barney Ronay, David Hytner, Jonathan Wilson, and Sid Lowe.
Rigorous Journalism: The Stories Behind the Sport
The Guardian will report on FIFA governance, international politics, fan experiences, and issues like extreme heat, immigration enforcement, and local protests.
Immersive Audio, Visual, and Interactive Features
Football Weekly will go daily, broadcasting from Los Angeles and New York. Interactive experiences include Bracketology, a tournament predictor, and On the Ball: World Stage puzzle. A 1,248-player guide will serve as the tournament encyclopedia. Exclusive video content will feature figures like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. A new newsletter, The World Behind the Cup, by Jonathan Wilson, will explore the tournament's cultural impact. UK readers will receive a wallchart and 40-page guide.
A Long-Term Commitment to the Sport
This tournament launches the Guardian's permanent US sports expansion, positioning it for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup.
