Sports
Mourning Michael Newberry: ‘He made me proud beyond words – I don’t know why that night he felt he couldn’t ring us’
“Me and Michael would always talk, every day, without fail,” says Ethan Devine.
On December 30, Devine sent Michael Newberry, the former Newcastle United youngster and his title-winning Linfield team-mate and close friend, a message on his 27th birthday. It will be forever unopened. Michael, a defender with Cliftonville in the Northern Irish Premiership, had passed away suddenly.
Michael’s life revolved around football and growing up on Stanhope Street — less than a 10-minute walk from Newcastle United’s home, St James’ Park — was only ever going to be defined by the city’s football club. The defender joined Newcastle’s academy aged 11 and, seven years later, won the highly coveted Wor Jackie Trophy: awarded to the club’s most promising youth prospect each season, ahead of future first-team regular Sean Longstaff.
Injuries prevented Michael from a first-team appearance at Newcastle, but he carved out a professional career in Iceland and, later, Northern Ireland, playing at Linfield alongside Devine as they won a league title together in 2022. “We became close, along with a few others,” says Devine. “It was Michael who helped mature me as a man. He kept me on the right path and was such an important person in my life.”
Cliftonville travel from the north of Belfast to the south of the capital to take on Michael’s former club Linfield today in the first meeting since his passing. His team-mates, friends and family are still trying to come to terms with their loss.
Michael holding Devine’s daughter (Photo courtesy of Ethan Devine)
On an icy lunchtime in Newcastle, Adrian Salem is in the warmth of his local pub. It is packed as Newcastle’s Premier League game kicks off.
For Adrian, football can provide the escapism that is essential after the most difficult days of his life. Saturdays have not been the same since Michael, his younger brother, died.
Adrian, eight years older, recalls how their father, also Michael Newberry and a former non-League footballer at nearby Gateshead, took them to training sessions. Michael would show off the skills he was learning to his brother. In return, Adrian — passionate about boxing — had Michael as a sparring partner.
Michael was understandably disheartened after leaving Newcastle in 2018. “He was telling us that he hadn’t made it,” Adrian recalls, shaking his head. “Every time we spoke, I told him how proud we all were of him and how others looked up to him. I would always give him a cuddle.”
Adrian, a keen boxer, spent hours practising his skills with Michael (Photo courtesy of Adrian Salem)
Michael’s football journey began at Red House Farm — a junior football club in Gosforth, north of Newcastle. “Michael was a great young lad, he was always smiling,” Mark Bolam, his coach from the youth club, says. “He loved football and was a really popular kid.”
Bolam recounts how Michael, even after signing for Newcastle, would return to training sessions and matches to support the team. “He got on so well with all the lads; there was a real bond. I remember Peter Beardsley (the former forward who captained Newcastle, before becoming a coach at St. James’ Park, including a spell as caretaker manager in 2010) at Newcastle telling me that Michael was the first player at training and the last one to leave. He would help set up our sessions.”
Michael, left, began his youth career at Red House Farm (Photo courtesy of Red House Farm)
At Newcastle, Michael was elevated above his age categories, playing for the under-18s aged 15. He struck up a centre-back partnership with Owen Bailey, one year his junior, from the under-14 side through to under-21 level.
“Michael was ahead of his time — a modern player,” says Bailey, now a midfielder with League Two side Doncaster Rovers. “He was fast, strong, good on the ball.”
Bailey, 25, describes how Michael was “one of the nicest lads I’ve met. He would go out of his way to make sure everyone was fine from a personal perspective before worrying about football, especially the younger ones. In that environment, everyone is competing for scholarships and pro contracts.”
Michael was elevated above his age category in Newcastle’s youth system (Photo courtesy of Adrian Salem)
Bailey says it was evident Michael was one of the standout players. “He never acted like he was — there was real humility,” he adds. “He clicked with everyone and had a laugh. He was such a good, funny person. He was the perfect example of the Geordie character: worked hard but didn’t take himself too seriously.”
That view was shared by another team-mate at St James’ Park, Dan Barlaser, the Middlesbrough midfielder. “He worked so hard in the gym — he was always in great shape,” Barlaser told the Newcastle programme. “He was always smiling, laughing. I will cherish those memories.”
Michael, far left, watches a training session alongside team-mates Ivan Toney, Longstaff and Barlaser (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Despite being two of the most promising players in Newcastle’s youth system, neither Michael nor Bailey would play for the senior side. “He was really close,” Bailey says. “But there was a lot of change in the academy and that didn’t help anyone. A lot of the best talents dropped off the radar.”
Having signed a professional contract, Michael had a hairline fracture in his back that ruled him out for eight months during his final year at the club. Later, Newcastle’s under-23 captain Bailey suffered knee injuries that prevented him from playing for 18 months. The timings meant neither was offered further contracts.
Bailey argues Newcastle’s geographical isolation makes it particularly difficult for young players to continue their careers. Unlike other English urban centres such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds or Birmingham, there is not a deep network of local clubs in the north east as alternatives. Bailey resurrected his career at Gateshead, then in the sixth tier.
Michael, who grew up a 10-minute walk from St. James’ Park, was a lifelong Newcastle fan (Photo courtesy of Adrian Salem)
Michael had interest from Blackburn Rovers and a trial with Motherwell in Scotland, before agent Nick McCreery told Michael that Icelandic club U.M.F. Vikingur had offered a contract.
Adrian believes Michael’s left-field move had been influenced by his own career. Adrian served in the army in Afghanistan and Iraq and has since worked in India and Dubai. “Michael maybe saw that and felt nothing would stop him moving away,” Adrian says.
Michael spent three seasons playing regularly in Iceland. “He was having the time of his life,” Adrian says, before adding that it was a challenge. “It was a vast, empty area. It’s one thing to experience that, but living there for that length of time is a lot. We knew he eventually missed home.”
Michael alongside his brother (Photo courtesy of Adrian Salem)
Michael was capped by Northern Ireland’s youth teams. Qualifying through his grandfather’s Belfast roots, he played for the under-17 and under-19 sides.
It was there that he first worked with David Healy and Ross Oliver. In January 2021, Michael signed for Northern Ireland champions Linfield, who were managed by Healy with Oliver as his assistant. “This was such a big deal,” Adrian says. Not only was it a proud moment for the family with their roots, but Linfield are the biggest club in the country. “I’m English and I’ve pals who support Linfield. It made me proud beyond words.”
Michael had won the Wor Jackie Trophy at Newcastle, named after Jackie Milburn, who remains Newcastle’s second-highest goalscorer, having scored 200 competitive goals. After leaving Newcastle in 1957, Milburn moved to Belfast and as player-manager won nine trophies.
Michael joined Linfield when they were top of the league and had won the previous two titles, arriving at the same time as midfielder Cammy Palmer, who came from Scotland. “We clicked straight away,” says Palmer, who stayed in the same hotel with Michael before they moved in together. Palmer, three years younger, remembers driving the pair to training in a car full of suitcases and backpacks.
“He was always there for a chat, no matter what,” he adds. “We both missed our families and friends, but we had each other and grew into the club and the city.”
They helped Linfield win another two league titles. “He got on with absolutely everyone. My wife came over and there was never any problem.”
Palmer and Michael lived together after joining Linfield in 2021 (Photo courtesy of Cammy Palmer)
When Michael scored his first Linfield goal, Healy told Palmer in the dressing room he would need to start chipping in or he wouldn’t have the bragging rights. They became close friends with team-mates Conor Pepper and Kirk Millar. “We would go round to Conor’s house to play poker,” Palmer says. “We socialised a lot. It was a good team and the bonds were close.”
Palmer says what he remembers most about Michael was how he regularly sat with different groups and prioritised checking in with the youngsters. “We always had a laugh, but he was there for me when I needed a chat or felt I was struggling. I hope I was that person for him.”
In January 2022, a year into Michael’s and Palmer’s time at Linfield, the club signed Devine from Championship club Knockbreda. A then-20-year-old who had never played in the top flight, the move was a big step in the striker’s career. “As soon as I arrived, Michael looked after me,” Devine says.
Devine and Michael won multiple trophies together at Linfield (Photo courtesy of Ethan Devine)
Last summer, Michael left Linfield for Cliftonville. He moved in with three team-mates who all transferred clubs that summer: Arran Pettifer, Axel Piesold and Taylor Steven. “He was like the father figure of that house,” Devine says. “He was always trying to look out for people.”
On Christmas Day, Michael made dinner. “He would have known what it was like not having a support base — that summed him up,” says Palmer.
The following day, Cliftonville lost against Crusaders. Michael played the full match. On December 30, Cliftonville were scheduled to play Dungannon Swifts and on the previous night, he and Devine chatted as normal. “That friendship probably got even stronger when we were not at the same club,” says Devine.
It was the last time Devine and Michael spoke.
Devine and Michael became close friends away from football (Photo courtesy of Ethan Devine)
Michael’s brother, Adrian, could not process the news — he still can’t. “I had told him that he could pick up the phone to me anytime, it would not matter why,” he says. “I don’t know why that night he felt he couldn’t ring us. He was my little brother. I held him in my arms when he was a baby. We were always there for each other. I loved Michael so much.”
As news circulated of Michael’s death, Linfield and Cliftonville requested to the NI Football League to postpone their matches that night. The league agreed, but the other four games went ahead.
Devine, now on loan at Ballymena United, and Palmer, at Glentoran, were scheduled to play. Devine chose not to, Palmer did. “That day I wasn’t really present, my mind wasn’t there,” Palmer says. “I was very emotional. I just kept thinking of all the memories and what his family were going through. I spent the day messaging Linfield players. They were distraught. I didn’t know how to think.”
Michael and his brother, Adrian, who is travelling to Belfast for the first time for Linfield vs Cliftonville (Photo courtesy of Adrian Salem)
Newcastle remains Adrian’s community and is where Michael’s funeral took place on January 16. He never had the opportunity to take up his brother’s offer to experience Belfast and is travelling to Windsor Park for Linfield vs Cliftonville.
“If there is one thing to learn from this, it’s to always remind people of how much they mean to you and how much you love them,” says Adrian.
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(Top photos: Adrian Salem)
Sports
Thunder lose star Jalen Williams for Western Conference Finals Game 7 as hamstring injury lingers
Spurs force Game 7 vs. Thunder, SGA struggles, Will Wemby carry this momentum? | The Herd
Victor Wembanyama scored 28 points and 10 rebounds in the San Antonio Spurs’ 118-91 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of the WCF. Jason McIntyre says that Wemby showed up in the biggest moments, and asks if he can carry this momentum into Game 7. Plus, he discusses Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s struggles and asks if he will cost the Thunder the series.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder will be shorthanded in Saturday’s pivotal Game 7, as one of Oklahoma’s key contributors has been sidelined with an injury.
OKC guard Jalen Williams has been ruled out for Game 7 with a hamstring issue, ESPN reported on Friday. Williams appeared to aggravate his left hamstring during the Thunder’s 122-113 victory in Game 2. He missed the next three games before returning for Game 6, but logged just 10 minutes off the bench in Oklahoma City’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, which forced a winner-take-all Game 7.
“He’s obviously not 100%,” Mark Daigneault, the head coach of the Thunder, said.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams watches during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in Game One of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 18, 2026. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Daigneault applauded Williams for fighting through the injury and doing everything he could to help Oklahoma City.
“He didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know what to expect. So, it was a matter of getting him out there in kind of an insulated role and see what he can bring to the team. He’s an All-Star player, he’s an All-NBA player. He hasn’t done a full return to play [protocol] like he would if this was the regular season, and yet, he just wants to do whatever he can to try to contribute whatever he can to the team.”
BLOCKBUSTER GAME 7 SHOWDOWN: FOUR BEST BETS FOR SAN ANTONIO SPURS AT OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
“I give him a lot of credit to get himself out there. He did the best he could. He’s certainly not the reason we lost.”
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams reacts to a shot by forward Luguentz Dort in the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs during game one of the Western Conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on May 18, 2026. (Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)
Williams did not talk to reporters after Thursday’s game in San Antonio.
Williams underwent surgery last offseason to repair a wrist injury but still played a key role in the Thunder’s run to the NBA Finals last season. He appeared in just 33 regular-season games before this year’s playoffs.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams drives into the paint during the first quarter of Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 20, 2026. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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The winner of Saturday’s Game 7 will advance to the NBA Finals to face the New York Knicks. New York snapped a nearly three-decade Finals drought by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.
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CLOVIS — Cool conditions produced a bunch of fast times Friday at the CIF state track and field championships.
Rosary Academy sprint coach Jon Gilmer was worried 4×100-meter relayers Tra’via Flournoy, Justine Wilson, Pfeiffer Lee and Maliyah Collins might get complacent at prelims, but the Royals were the top qualifiers in 45.13 seconds — nearly a full second faster than Canyon Country Canyon (46.07) — at Buchanan High School.
“It’s different not having Calabasas here,” Gilmer said. “Now we’ve got to push ourselves.”
Rosary set a state record (44.23) at the Arcadia Invitational on April 11, but lost to the Coyotes one week later at the Mt. SAC Relays. However, the anticipated state finals clash was not to be as Calabasas dropped the baton in the Southern Section finals and failed to advance.
Collins had a huge lead by the time she received the stick for the anchor leg Friday.
“This is maybe our fourth- or fifth-fastest time but we just wanted to make finals,” said Wilson, who ran the second leg before handing off to Lee. “We want to run faster tomorrow when we go for a PR, the meet and the state record.”
Calabasas might be out of the relay, but three Coyotes remain in contention in the 100, led by Malia Rainey (the top qualifier in 11.54), Marley Scoggins (11.63) and Olivia Kirk (11.63).
Calabasas sprinter Marley Scoggins, center, wins her 100-meter heat at the CIF state track and field preliminaries on Friday.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
Collins won her heat in 11.62, the third-fastest time.
Servite won the first heat in the boys 4×100 relay in 40.29 — two hundredths off its winning time at last year’s state finals — and is primed to defend its title in the event. Concord De La Salle (40.81) was the second-fastest qualifier, followed by the other heat winners, Rancho Cucamonga (40.87) and Loyola (40.93).
“We got the stick around pretty good today,” said Jorden Wells, who ran the first leg Friday instead of his customary second leg, which was run by Jaelen Hunter. “Did it feel different? Not really, I’ve done it before.”
Wells said his twin brother Jace will run the first leg Saturday, he will run the second while Kamil Pelovello and Benjamin Harris will stay in the third and fourth positions.
Harris, the favorite to win the 100 meters, won his heat in a wind-legal 10.36, but three others were fractions faster in wind-aided times — Elk Grove’s Cy Lugo (10.20), Will Wood’s Deshawn Seymour (10.34) and De La Salle’s Damari Dean (10.34). Newbury Park’s Jaden Griffin won the last heat in 10.37, setting the stage for an exciting finals sprint as all nine qualifiers ran under 10.48.
Harris put himself in position for a Saturday double by winning his 200 heat in 21.10 but as he did in the 100, Lugo (the Sac-Joaquin Section record holder) had the fastest time (20.73), followed by Seymour (20.88), Camren Hughes (20.93) of Palos Verdes and Jace Wells (21.02). Jordan Wells (21.11) also made the cut.
Newbury Park’s Jaden Griffin, center, shouts after winning his heat in the 100 meters at the CIF state track and field preliminaries on Friday.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
Servite (3:15.43) had the second-fastest qualifying time in the 4×400-meter relay behind only El Cerrito (3:14.96) of the North Coast Section.
Coming off a state-record 3:33.83 at the Masters Meet in Moorpark, Long Beach Wilson’s 4×400 girls relay had the fourth-fastest qualifying time (3:46.73) without two out of its best runners (Clara Adams and Saniah Varnado), taking second in the first heat behind San Luis Obispo (3:45.85) and safely advancing to the finals along with Heat 2 runner-up Rosary (3:45.08) and Heat 3 winner Canyon Country Canyon (3:46.77).
Having broken the Southern Section record in the 400 meters six days earlier in 51.98, Adams put it in cruise control to win her heat in 53.53, the fastest qualifying mark. Joining her in the final will be her three relay teammates Varnado (54.42), Wilson (54.57) and Fowler (54.62). Adams later won her 200 heat in 23.60, a tenth of a second behind fastest qualifier Naiaja Sizemore of Vanden.
San Jacinto Valley Academy’s Kaahliyah Lacy ran a wind-legal 13.59 for the top qualifying spot in the girls 100 hurdles and Varnado (40.85) was the top qualifier in the 300 hurdles.
Another showdown is brewing in the boys 400, where Loyola’s Ejam Yohannes (47.08) and Hunter (47.21) won their heats in the two fastest times Friday. Hunter clocked 46.32 to set a California freshman record last spring, but lost to Yohannes by 11 hundredths of a second at the Masters Meet.
City Section champion Jayden Rendon showed good form in his bid to defend the state 300 hurdles crown, posting the fastest prelims time (36.80). He also advanced to the finals in the 110 hurdles with a 13.83 effort. Moorpark’s Davis Benson (14.03) nabbed the last spot.
Corona Santiago’s Braelyn Combe, right, wins the first heat of the 800 meters at the CIF state track and field preliminaries on Friday.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
Corona Santiago senior Braelyn Combe won her 1,600 heat in 4:46.88 and is set for a four-lap battle with San Diego Section champion Chiara Dailey of La Jolla, who won the second heat in 4:46.00. Combe is the defending champion, having edged Hanne Thomsen of Santa Rosa Montgomery by five hundredths of a second in the finals last year.
“I just wanted to advance with as little effort as possible,” Combe said. “It was not as hard as I expected. I don’t want to leave any regrets. I’m taking it one race at a time.”
Combe also had the fastest time (2:08:25) of three heats in the 800 meters.
Venice senior Lawrence Kensinger, who set the City Section shot put record with a state-leading throw of 65 feet 11 inches last week, had the third-best mark at prelims (59-6¾) and easily advanced to the finals. Defending state high jump champion JJ Harel of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame tied nine others for the second-best mark (6-6) heading into the second day.
Aliso Niguel senior Jaslene Massey had the top marks in the girls shot put (51-3¾) and discus (175-6) and transgender athlete AB Hernandez from Jurupa Valley was the leading qualifier in the girls long jump (20-5½) and triple jump (41-8½) and was one of 13 qualifiers in the high jump.
AB Hernandez competes at the CIF state track and field preliminaries at Buchanan High School on Friday.
(Tomas Ovalle / For The Times)
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We’re approaching the biggest sporting event North America has ever hosted.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place across the USA, Canada and Mexico in 13 days.
Bettors and fans already have their sights set on the global spectacle, which will kick off on June 11. The World Cup final will be held at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.
After the World Cup groups were announced in December, Spain opened as the favorite at +450, followed by England (+550) and France (+750).
Now, with less than two weeks to go, Spain has slightly drifted to +475, with both France and England making up ground on the oddsboard.
Let’s dive into the odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 29.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
2026 World Cup winner odds
Spain: +475 (bet $10 to win $57.5 total)
France: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)
England: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Brazil: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)
Argentina: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Portugal: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Germany: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Netherlands: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Norway: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Belgium: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Colombia: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Morocco: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Uruguay: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
United States: +6000 (bet $10 to win $610 total)
Switzerland: +6500 (bet $10 to win $660 total)
Japan: +6500 (bet $10 to win $660 total)
Mexico: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Croatia: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Ecuador: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Senegal: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
Sweden: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
HOST NATIONS
United States
The United States is led by Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Chris Richards, with several players competing in Europe’s top leagues. The U.S. has appeared in 11 previous World Cups, with its best finish coming in 1930 when the team reached the semifinals.
Canada
Canada’s key players include Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, giving the squad top-tier pace and goal-scoring ability. Canada has made two previous World Cup appearances, and is still looking for its first win ever in the tournament.
Mexico
Mexico’s top contributors include Raul Giménez and Edson Álvarez, forming a strong mix of attacking talent and midfield stability. Mexico has played in 17 previous World Cups and reached the quarterfinals twice, in 1970 and 1986.
UEFA TEAMS TO KNOW
Spain
Spain’s top talents include Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Rodri, forming a core that blends elite playmaking with scoring depth. Spain has appeared in 16 previous World Cups and won the tournament once, lifting the trophy in 2010. The team also won the 2024 Euros.
France
France enters with Kylian Mbappé as the star player, with the 26-year-old just five goals shy of passing Miroslav Klose (16) for the most career goals at the World Cup. France has made 16 previous World Cup appearances and won the title twice, in 1998 and 2018.
England
England’s key players include Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, forming one of the nation’s strongest generations in decades. England has reached 16 previous World Cups and won the trophy once, in 1966.
Germany
Germany features Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich as central figures in a talented squad. Germany has participated in 20 previous World Cups and won four titles, most recently in 2014.
Portugal
Portugal’s top group includes Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, with Cristiano Ronaldo still involved as the team’s all-time leading scorer and cap leader. Portugal has competed in eight previous World Cups and recorded its best finish in 2006, reaching the semifinals.
Netherlands
The Netherlands features top players such as Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Denzel Dumfries, forming a core built around elite defending and midfield control. Memphis Depay should also be on the team, the country’s all-time leading goalscorer. The Netherlands has appeared in 11 previous World Cups and finished as runner-up three times, in 1974, 1978 and 2010.
CONMEBOL TEAMS TO KNOW
Argentina
Argentina is anchored by Lionel Messi, with Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez— headlining one of the most talented rosters in the tournament. Argentina has played in 18 previous World Cups and won three, including the most recent tournament in 2022.
Brazil
Brazil’s roster is led by Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and Marquinhos, giving the team elite attacking and defensive quality. Brazil has appeared in every World Cup and holds a record five titles, with its most recent one coming in 2002.
Uruguay
Uruguay’s leading players include Federico Valverde, Darwin Núñez and Ronald Araújo, forming a core with elite midfield range and speed. Uruguay has appeared in 14 previous World Cups and won the tournament twice, in 1930 and 1950.
Colombia
Colombia is headlined by Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez, with the former playing for Bayern Munich and the latter having a decorated World Cup résumé. Colombia has made six previous World Cupsand recorded its best finish in 2014, reaching the quarterfinals.
CAF TEAMS TO KNOW
Morocco
Morocco’s key contributors include Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazaroui and Brahm Díaz, each with major European club experience. Morocco has appeared in six previous World Cups and achieved its historic best finish in 2022, reaching the semifinals.
Senegal
Senegal’s top players include Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye, forming one of Africa’s most experienced cores. Senegal has appeared in three World Cups and reached its best finish in 2002, advancing to the quarterfinals.
Ghana
Ghana is led by Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams, giving the squad strong playmaking and midfield presence. Ghana has competed in four previous World Cups and reached its best result in 2010, making the quarterfinals.
AFC TEAMS TO KNOW
South Korea
South Korea is headlined by Son Heung-min, supported by key players such as Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in. South Korea has played in 11 previous World Cups and reached its best finish in 2002, advancing to the semifinals as co-host.
Japan
Japan features Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma as its leading players, blending top European experience with emerging talent. Japan has appeared in seven previous World Cups and reached the Round of 16 four times, its best result to date.
Australia
Australia’s top players include Jackson Irvine and keeper Mathew Ryan as its most experienced members. Australia has competed in six previous World Cups and reached the round of 16 twice, in 2006 and 2022.
OFC TEAMS TO KNOW
New Zealand
New Zealand is led by all-time leading scorer Chris Wood, with 45 international goals to his name. New Zealand has appeared in two previous World Cups (1982, 2010), and did not advance from the group stage in either appearance.
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