BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
With the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 entering its final stages, several of the tournament favourites are using international friendlies to finalise their squads and tactical plans ahead of football’s biggest event.
Defending champions Argentina national football team, five-time world champions Brazil national football team, along with Spain national football team, France national football team, England national football team, Germany national football team, Portugal national football team and Netherlands national football team are all scheduled to play crucial warm-up matches before shifting their full attention to the World Cup.
Brazil will face Egypt national football team on June 6 in what is expected to be a challenging encounter against a side led by star forward Mohamed Salah. The match will provide Brazil with an important opportunity to assess their readiness before the tournament begins.
Argentina, one of the favourites to lift the trophy once again, will play two friendlies. Lionel Scaloni’s side will first take on Honduras national football team on June 6 before facing Iceland national football team on June 9.
European giants Spain will meet Peru national football team on June 8, while France will take on Northern Ireland national football team as they continue preparations for another World Cup challenge.
England’s final test before the tournament will come against Costa Rica national football team on June 10, while Germany are scheduled to face hosts United States men’s national soccer team on June 6 in a highly anticipated clash.
Portugal will play two matches before the tournament, facing Chile national football team on June 6 and Nigeria national football team on June 10.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands will begin their preparations against Algeria national football team on June 3 before taking on Uzbekistan national football team on June 8.
Away from the field, football fans in India received major news with Zee Entertainment securing broadcasting rights for FIFA tournaments, including the 2026 and 2030 World Cups. The agreement ensures extensive coverage of the tournament across India through Zee’s sports platforms.
Live streaming of World Cup matches will also be available via ZEE5, giving fans access to every major moment from the tournament.
As the final round of international friendlies approaches, teams will be eager to build momentum, avoid injuries, and settle on their strongest line-ups before the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially kicks off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
#FIFAWorldCup2026 #WorldCup2026 #Football #Argentina #Brazil #England #France #Spain #Germany #Portugal #Netherlands #MohamedSalah #ZEE5 #FootballNews #RoadToWorldCup #InternationalFriendlies #WorldFootball #SportsNews