Latest
cranking up
This World Cup is threatening to become a classic of the genre
Old aristocracies faltered as where once they gorged, now they merely looked bloated relics of the past.
Yesterday
1st July 2026
king kane
England's World Cup mission is simple: protect Harry Kane at all costs
For a country that has turned its national sport into a billion-pound industry, they still somehow make themselves look like paupers when the world is watching.
Preview
As Haaland scores and Mbappe soars, will England finally take flight at World Cup?
France take knockout stages by storm as Thomas Tuchel says defeats for other big European countries can calm his side down.
This week
28th June 2026 - 2nd July 2026
CAS IS KING
Vulnerable but with a titanium spirit: Casemiro is the symbol of this Brazil team
For 45 minutes Japan had them just where they wanted, then Carlo Ancelotti worked his magic.
World Cup DiaryGoodbye to Boston with Harvard's wild turkeys and a Fenway stroll, but is this really America?
Soccer
Pico Lopes prepares for Messi as family scramble to return for World Cup history
Cape Verde star’s mother and father flew back to Dublin due to work commitments but have secured time off to try make it back to Miami.
2026 world cup
Messi genuflection comes at a cost but no one will feel short-changed
Argentina icon comes off the bench to score free-kick in preparation for round of 32 clash with Pico Lopes’ Cape Verde.
World Cup Diary
Goodbye to Boston with Harvard's wild turkeys and a Fenway stroll, but is this really America?
The 42 takes in some of the city’s famous sights to hear stories of regret, hope for the future, and an enduring love.
Last week
21st June 2026 - 27th June 2026
Trés Bien
Ousmane Dembele's comic-book class can help France scale greatest heights
A 32-minute hat-trick and a selfless performance from talisman Kylian Mbappe indicate this is a united force.
2026 world cup
MLS 3.0 can change game forever in United States - 'There's a lot of pressure to just take the shackles off'
Leading New England Revolution executive Cathal Conlon says country is on cusp of taking its seat at top table in world football.
songs and stories
England's reality check with hesitant display that won't be tolerated deeper into World Cup
Ghana good value for 0-0 draw and will be left frustrated that they didn’t do more to expose Thomas Tuchel’s side on break.
the goat
Westminster chaos, Messi genius, and England's hopes resting on Harry Kane
Real life intrudes on World Cup bubble as milestones keeping coming for the game’s greatest player.
Selecao'Individual stars will not be decisive': Brazil comes to a crossroads with the Ancelotti Doctrine
Star PowerMbappé, Haaland, Messi: 24 hours that summed up the emotion and stardust of this World Cup
pico lopes
Cape Verde become story of World Cup – and the Crumlin man at the heart of it wants more
Defender targets qualification to knockout stages after 2-2 draw with Uruguay.
Ambition
Cape Verde become story of World Cup but Pico Lopes wants more - 'We have to make the most of it now'
Defender targets qualification to knockout stages after 2-2 draw with Uruguay.
Stunning
Cape Verde draw with Uruguay to continue wild, glorious World Cup adventure
End-to-end game ends 2-2 as Pico Lopes continues to dream of reaching the knockout stages.
Soccer
Pico Lopes goes global and decade of good habits can keep World Cup fairytale alive
Cape Verde face Uruguay in Miami full of confidence after draw with Spain.
up close
America captivated by a World Cup that won't cure all ills but does show a better way
Glimpse of Bebeto, Kaka and Rivaldo is also a reminder of the power of the game’s mystique.
Last month
June 2026
in the groove
Matheus Cunha gets Brazil Surfin' USA as they begin to embrace generational pressure
Manchester United forward on the double after Carlo Ancelotti turns to him to help inspire side to victory over Haiti.
Preview
Brazil at a crossroads with the Ancelotti Doctrine - 'Individual stars will not be decisive for this World Cup'
Suffering from a cough and with more pressure than the country’s president, veteran boss cannot afford slip up against Haiti.
among the people
The perils of watching England in the World Cup with Scotland fans in an Irish pub
The 42 braves downtown Boston in the name of enlightenment and friendship.
Soccer
The 24 hours that sum up the emotion and stardust of this World Cup
Three of the greats deliver more magic as stories from the fringes also take centre stage.
no mercy
The beast is alive at the World Cup! Erling Haaland double helps Norway ease past Iraq
Striker’s debut on the biggest stage of all sets a marker down for more to come this summer.
Family Fortunes
'It is a history that will remain forever' - Pico Lopes' parents speak of pride at World Cup heroics
Along with younger brother Jacques, Carlos and Judy Lopes reflect on emotions of Monday’s 0-0 draw with Spain.
2026 world cup
Inside Pico Lopes' day of glory with Cape Verde: Ray Houghton embrace and video call with Shamrock Rovers' teammates
Cape Verde defender describes to The 42 the emotions of drawing 0-0 with Spain.
History Boys
Dubliner Pico Lopes helps Cape Verde stun Spain with 0-0 draw in World Cup opener
Shamrock Rovers centre back at the beating heart of one of tournament’s greatest ever underdog stories.
InterviewMeet the college dropout who slept in tents and hitchhiked his way to play at the World Cup
togetherThe power of a Mexican GAA club: 'I never heard about Gaelic football and now it’s part of my community'
dream coming true
The Dubliner at the World Cup: Pico Lopes' journey of a lifetime with Cape Verde
The 42 meets defender’s wife and family ahead of Spain game as they prepare for 30-foot campervan trip around America.
dream coming true
Dubliner Pico Lopes' journey of a lifetime to World Cup with Cape Verde
The 42 meets defender’s wife and family ahead of Spain game as they prepare for 30-foot campervan trip around America.
together
The power of a Mexican GAA club: 'I never heard about Gaelic football and now it’s part of my community'
In a city that can chew you up and spit you out, Los San Patricios provides connection in Mexico City.
together
History of United States allows for celebration to pierce the sense of fear
A week in Mexico stirred the spirit of this World Cup. The hope is that will be a sign of things to come.
process
The behind-the-scenes story of why Brentford chose Damien Duff
The former Ireland international has been appointed as the Bees’ new assistant manager.
