The Elephants may lack the big names of yesteryear, but don’t write the Elephants off just yet

Expectations are heightened for one of the hosts, with multiple players in their prime

Les Rouges are playing at just their third World Cup

Carlo Ancelotti’s side were without the injured Neymar and Arsenal’s Champions League final players Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli, while PSG’s Marquinhos was also absent

Returning to the world stage after 12 years the 2023 African champions are ambitious and have plenty of options in attack This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day …

Fewer than 60,000 saw Wigan beat Hull KR in the Challenge Cup final and the sport needs to address its attendance problemThere was more Challenge Cup history under the Wembley arch on Saturday afternoon as Wigan Warriors secured a record-extending victory in rugby league’s most prestigious competition. But there was a slice of more sobering history too.The …

Slot says connection to Liverpool ‘goes beyond football’Diogo Jota’s death ‘one of club’s most difficult moments’Arne Slot has claimed Liverpool have the foundations to compete at the highest level for years to come and has thanked supporters for a connection that “goes beyond football”.Slot was sacked by Liverpool on Saturday 13 months after …

Giro d’Italia triumph completes grand slam of Grand Tours although the Dane may still require a dip in from from his great rival to prevail in JulyJonas Vingegaard’s achievement in completing a grand slam of Grand Tours lifts him into a select club of champions that have recorded victories in the tours of Italy, France and Spain. The 29-year-old Dane …

Thirst for renewal is strong and new players could help bridge the gap to PSG but there are no guaranteesThe greatest lie ever told about penalty shootouts is that they are a lottery. This is a recognisable and trainable footballing skill, a test not just of ball-striking and placement but research, psychology, mettle under pressure. Eberechi Eze puts the …

The incident caught attention around the world, with Portoviejo player Edison Kaisedo hit by his own side's medical buggy, which resulted in him hitting the ground and writhing in pain.

The rule will see players penalised for obstructing or preventing an opponent from playing the ball at free kicks and corners, essentially preventing players from acting as blockers.

The former England and Liverpool midfielder said on Instagram: 'I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.'

Michael Carrick is keen to bolster Manchester United's midfield ahead of next season to help Kobbie Mainoo.

Express Sport rounds up all of the latest French Open news, updates and scores.

All the latest transfer news, rumours and updates as Manchester United close in on a deal.

Arne Slot has written an open letter to Liverpool supporters after being sacked at the weekend.

Test whether you are able to name every team to have ever participated in a World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti had to win over the Brazilian public and restore calm to chaos as he bids to return the country to World Cup glory.

The most successful team in World Cup history, Brazil have not reached the final since 2002. Can Carlo Ancelotti lead A Seleção to glory in North America?

Premier League-title winning manager was sacked over the weekend