Category: Sports

NHL betting sites have grown rapidly in popularity across the U.S. and Canada, fueled by a passionate fan base and the sport’s fast-paced, high-scoring action. Bettors now have access to a wide variety of hockey markets, including moneylines, puck lines, totals, player props, parlays, and Stanley Cup futures. This guide highlights the best NHL sportsbooks and apps for 2026, helping bettors find the right fit based on bonus value, live betting experience, odds competitiveness, and app performance. All the sportsbooks featured are fully licensed and legal in eligible states, ensuring a secure and regulated betting environment for hockey fans. Best NHL Betting Site Promos for April 2026 When it comes to NHL betting, sportsbook promotions can give bettors a significant edge throughout the season. From boosted odds on marquee matchups to parlay insurance during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, these offers can add extra value to your wagers. Below are some of the best NHL sportsbook promos available right now. You should also check out our best sportsbook promos page. Top NHL Betting Sites Reviewed DraftKings NHL Betting Site DraftKings stands out as one of the most comprehensive NHL betting sites, known for its sharp pricing, deep player prop menu, and regular hockey-focused promos. With its strong presence in U.S. sports markets, it’s a go-to for fans who like variety and flexibility. NHL Betting StrengthsDraftKings consistently offers competitive odds across moneylines, puck lines, totals, and props. Its market depth is excellent, with player shots, goals, points, team totals, alternate puck lines, period bets, and Stanley Cup futures all readily available. Unique FeaturesThe platform offers live Same Game Parlays for NHL games, frequent odds boosts on high-profile matchups, and early payout promos when teams take a multi-goal lead. Its integration of advanced stats helps bettors make informed decisions quickly. NHL Betting User Experience & Mobile AppThe DraftKings app is fast and data-driven, making it easy to toggle between pregame lines, props, and in-play markets. Navigation is smooth even during packed NHL slates. NHL Sportsbook Bonuses & PromotionsDraftKings regularly runs rivalry game boosts, Stanley Cup playoff specials, and parlay insurance on multi-leg hockey wagers. It’s one of the most consistent books for NHL-specific promos throughout the season. App Ratings & Highlights FanDuel NHL Betting Site FanDuel excels in NHL betting thanks to its slick interface, competitive odds, and innovative live betting features. Its user-friendly design makes it a top choice for both casual fans and sharp bettors. NHL Betting StrengthsFanDuel offers strong pricing on moneylines, puck lines, totals, and popular props like goal scorers and shots on goal. It has robust market depth, covering period bets, team totals, alternate lines, and player performance markets. Unique FeaturesFanDuel’s Same Game Parlay builder works seamlessly for NHL, letting bettors combine spreads, totals, and player props. It also frequently runs profit boosts and early payout promos when a team leads by multiple goals. NHL Betting User Experience & Mobile AppThe app is widely regarded as the smoothest in the industry. Live betting is fast, intuitive, and easy to access, even during the busiest game nights. NHL Sportsbook Bonuses & PromotionsFanDuel is known for rivalry night boosts, parlay insurance on playoff games, and enhanced SGP offers during marquee matchups like the Winter Classic and Stanley Cup Playoffs. App Ratings & Highlights bet365 NHL Betting Site bet365 has earned a reputation as a live-betting powerhouse, and that strength translates perfectly to NHL wagering. It’s especially popular among bettors who value fast odds updates and extensive in-play menus. NHL Betting Strengthsbet365 provides sharp odds for moneylines, puck lines, totals, and player props. Its market depth is excellent, with extensive coverage of team totals, period markets, alternate lines, and detailed player performance props. Unique FeaturesThe book’s in-play betting interface is among the fastest in the industry, with live period lines, team props, and shifting totals updated almost instantly. It also offers early payout promos and frequent odds boosts on major NHL games. NHL Betting User Experience & Mobile AppThe app prioritizes speed and functionality, making it a favorite for live bettors. It’s not as flashy as some competitors but is extremely efficient and reliable. NHL Sportsbook Bonuses & Promotionsbet365 focuses on odds boosts and early payout offers, particularly for Stanley Cup Playoffs and major rivalry games, appealing to bettors who thrive on live action. App Ratings & Highlights BetMGM NHL Betting Site BetMGM blends national reach with strong hockey promos, making it a solid all-around option for NHL bettors. It often partners with major events and teams to offer tailored promotions. NHL Betting StrengthsBetMGM offers competitive pricing on standard markets and a growing selection of props, including shots, goals, and team totals. Futures coverage includes conference winners, division races, and Stanley Cup odds. Unique FeaturesBetMGM frequently runs “Lion’s Boosts” for NHL games, particularly during the postseason, and has a solid early cash-out feature for live bettors. Its parlay builder is flexible for hockey markets. NHL Betting User Experience & Mobile AppThe app is stable and easy to navigate, making it a good fit for users who want a straightforward betting experience without unnecessary clutter. NHL Sportsbook Bonuses & PromotionsBetMGM is known for its first-bet insurance offer and rotating NHL promos, including boosts on marquee matchups and playoff parlay insurance. App Ratings & Highlights Fanatics NHL Betting Site Fanatics brings a unique angle to NHL betting through its FanCash rewards system, allowing bettors to earn credit for merchandise or future wagers. It’s a fresh option for fans who like to mix betting with fandom. NHL Betting StrengthsFanatics offers competitive odds on moneylines, puck lines, and totals, along with expanding player prop options like goals and shots on goal. Its futures markets cover Stanley Cup odds and division races. Unique FeaturesThe FanCash rewards system sets it apart, giving users up to 5% back on wagers. It’s also steadily improving its live betting interface and prop depth as its sportsbook grows. NHL Betting User Experience & Mobile AppThe app is modern, clean, and designed for ease of use, making it accessible for both casual and experienced bettors. NHL Sportsbook Bonuses & PromotionsFanatics runs standard Bet & Get or safety net offers and often features boosted odds on major NHL games, including Stanley Cup Playoff matchups and rivalry nights. App Ratings & Highlights Caesars NHL Betting Site Caesars appeals to experienced NHL bettors with strong odds, regular boosts, and high betting limits. It focuses on reliability and pricing over flashy features. NHL Betting StrengthsCaesars consistently offers competitive lines on moneylines, puck lines, and totals. Its futures coverage is robust, and player props continue to expand each season. Unique FeaturesThe book frequently offers profit boosts on rivalry games and marquee matchups. It’s also known for higher max limits, making it a popular option for serious NHL bettors. NHL Betting User Experience & Mobile AppThe Caesars app is clean and efficient, with an interface built for quick bet placement and easy navigation. NHL Sportsbook Bonuses & PromotionsCaesars runs frequent NHL boosts, including enhanced odds for Winter Classic, playoff series, and Stanley Cup outrights. App Ratings & Highlights NHL Betting Markets Explained NHL betting offers a wide range of markets that cater to both casual fans and experienced bettors. From traditional moneylines and puck lines to player props, period bets, and season-long futures, hockey provides plenty of ways to get in on the action. Understanding how each market works is key to finding value and building a smart betting strategy throughout the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. NHL Moneyline Betting Moneyline betting is the simplest way to wager on an NHL game — you’re betting on which team will win outright. For example, if the Rangers are -150 against the Devils at +130, a $100 bet on the Devils would return $130 if they win. Overtime and shootouts count toward moneyline results, so you’re backing the team to win by any method. This market is straightforward and ideal for casual bettors who just want to pick the winner without worrying about the margin of victory. For more on moneylines, click here. NHL Puck Line Betting (Spreads) Puck line betting is the hockey version of point spreads, typically set at -1.5 goals for the favorite and +1.5 goals for the underdog. For example, if the Lightning are -1.5 (+160) against the Sabres at +1.5 (-190), Tampa Bay must win by two or more goals to cover, while Buffalo can cover by either winning outright or losing by a single goal. Puck lines make uneven matchups more competitive and often offer better odds than standard moneylines. This market is best for bettors looking for bigger payouts or value in close games. For more on point spreads, click here. NHL Totals (Over/Unders) Totals betting focuses on the combined number of goals scored by both teams in a game. You simply wager on whether the final total will go over or under the line set by the sportsbook. For example, if the Bruins and Maple Leafs have a total of 6.5 and the game ends 4–3, the Over wins. There are variations of this market, including team totals (betting on one team’s goal output) and period totals (like the first or second period only). Totals are best for bettors who pay attention to team pace, goaltender performance, and offensive trends. For more on totals, click here. NHL Player Props Player props focus on individual performances rather than team outcomes, giving bettors a chance to zero in on specific players. Common markets include goals, assists, total points, shots on goal, and goaltender saves. For example, you might bet Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points or Igor Shesterkin Over 27.5 saves in a given game. These markets are perfect for fans who closely follow star players and individual matchups. FanDuel and DraftKings currently offer the deepest NHL player prop menus, making them ideal choices for prop-focused bettors. For more on prop betting, click here. NHL Futures: Stanley Cup, Division, and Awards Futures are long-term bets on team or player outcomes that unfold over the course of the season. They’re popular among bettors who like to make early predictions and lock in potentially lucrative odds. Common NHL futures markets include Stanley Cup Winner, Hart Trophy (MVP) Winner, Conference or Division Champions, and Season Points Totals. These bets are best for season-long bettors who enjoy following storylines and chasing big payout opportunities. DraftKings is known for posting Stanley Cup and awards markets early, giving bettors a chance to grab value before the odds shift during the season. For more on futures, click here. Hockey Live Betting Live betting allows you to wager during the game as odds shift in real time based on the action on the ice. For example, if the Avalanche trail early, their live odds might move from -200 pregame to +140, creating a new opportunity mid-match. Hockey’s fast pace, frequent momentum swings, and quick scoring make live betting especially dynamic. bet365 is widely praised for its live hockey markets and instant line updates, making it a top choice for in-play bettors. For more on live betting, click here. Best NHL Betting Apps for Mobile Players Mobile speed is crucial for NHL bettors, especially during high-leverage moments like power plays or late-game empty-net situations when odds can shift in seconds. A fast, reliable app lets you react instantly, locking in bets before lines move and taking advantage of sudden momentum swings on the ice. Best Overall NHL Betting App Experience: FanDuel FanDuel offers one of the smoothest and fastest mobile experiences for NHL betting. The interface is clean, navigation is intuitive, and bet slips update in real time, which is especially valuable during fast-changing in-game situations. Its Same Game Parlay builder works seamlessly for hockey, and it consistently ranks as one of the top-rated sportsbook apps on iOS. Best Live NHL Betting App: bet365 bet365 stands out for its lightning-fast live odds refresh rates, making it ideal for reacting to sudden shifts during power plays, goals, or momentum swings. The app offers deep in-play options, including period-by-period lines and next-goal markets, giving bettors more flexibility and precision when wagering in real time. Best NHL Betting Welcome Bonus: BetMGM BetMGM’s welcome offer provides first-bet insurance up to $1,500, giving new users a safety net if their initial wager loses. The sportsbook also frequently features NHL-specific promos like parlay boosts and overtime insurance, making it a strong choice for hockey fans looking to maximize early value. Best NHL Sportsbook Loyalty Program: Fanatics Sportsbook Fanatics Sportsbook rewards bettors with FanCash on every NHL wager, which can be redeemed for bonus bets or merchandise. The platform also runs frequent team- and player-based promotions, adding extra long-term value for dedicated hockey fans who bet regularly throughout the season. Best Ongoing NHL Betting Promos: DraftKings DraftKings consistently delivers strong NHL promotions throughout the season, including odds boosts for marquee matchups and enhanced offers on Stanley Cup futures. Its integration of advanced stats and betting tools makes it easy for bettors to find value and build informed wagers week after week. Best NHL Betting Site for Experienced Bettors: Caesars Caesars is a top choice for seasoned NHL bettors thanks to its high betting limits and consistently strong odds, making it well-suited for larger wagers and sharp action. Its Caesars Rewards program also adds unique value, offering perks like travel and dining benefits that can be earned through regular betting activity. NHL Sportsbook Odds & Line Shopping Line shopping means comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks before placing a bet to make sure you’re getting the best possible value. Even small differences in pricing can make a significant impact over the course of a season. For example, if the Rangers are listed at +115 on the moneyline at bet365 but +120 at Caesars, taking the better number gives you a higher potential payout for the same bet. On the puck line, you might see the Maple Leafs -1.5 at +155 on DraftKings compared to +145 on FanDuel. For totals, DraftKings might offer Over 6 goals, while BetMGM posts Over 6.5 — a crucial half-goal difference that can decide whether your bet wins or pushes. These small edges add up, which is why serious NHL bettors use multiple sportsbooks to find the best lines before locking in their wagers. NHL Futures & Season-Long Bets Futures are long-term wagers on team or player outcomes placed before or during the NHL season, ranging from preseason Stanley Cup odds to player award markets. These bets are popular because they offer big payout potential, season-long engagement, and hedging opportunities as teams rise or fall throughout the year. They allow hockey fans to back their predictions on everything from the eventual Stanley Cup Champion to individual award winners. Common NHL futures markets include: DraftKings offers some of the deepest NHL futures markets, including player awards and season specials, and updates lines frequently. FanDuel is known for creative markets and award race odds for trophies like the Hart, Vezina, and Calder. Caesars appeals to experienced bettors with higher limits on futures wagers, while bet365 often posts early international and preseason futures, making it a great option for finding early value. Futures require patience, as they tie up your bankroll for months, but the potential returns can be substantial. Line shopping is crucial because odds often vary between sportsbooks; even a small difference between +700 and +800 can significantly impact your long-term ROI. Keeping multiple sportsbook accounts ensures you can grab the best available number before the market shifts. NHL Live Betting Sites Live betting, also known as in-play betting, lets you wager on NHL games as they happen. Odds update in real time after every goal, penalty, or period, giving bettors the chance to react to momentum swings, goalie changes, and power plays as the action unfolds. NHL games are perfect for live wagering because momentum shifts constantly. A single goal, penalty kill, or power play can dramatically change the odds. Goalie substitutions or early leads often trigger major moneyline movement, while tight, low-scoring games make totals especially volatile. Bettors can also find value between periods as lines adjust to puck possession trends and shot totals. Examples of live betting shifts include: FanDuel offers one of the smoothest live interfaces and is a top pick for in-game Same Game Parlays. DraftKings provides a deep menu of live props and real-time stats for team totals and next-goal markets. Caesars delivers reliable updates and a straightforward layout for traditional lines and totals. bet365 is widely regarded as having the fastest odds refresh and the most comprehensive in-play NHL menu. For live NHL bettors, speed is everything. Odds can change between face-offs, so quick reactions are key. Hockey’s rapid scoring pace leads to frequent volatility, and lines may overreact to single goals or penalties. Keeping multiple sportsbook apps open allows you to compare live odds in real time and find the best number, especially during power plays or intermissions. How We Rank the Best NHL Betting Sites Not all sportsbooks are created equal, and that’s why rankings matter. NHL betting requires fast, reliable apps, deep market coverage, sharp pricing, and promotions tailored to the sport’s unique pace and intensity. Our rankings focus on what matters most to real hockey bettors — from how well a sportsbook handles live betting during power plays to the depth of futures markets and availability of rivalry night boosts. Welcome Bonuses & Promotions We evaluate how competitive each sportsbook’s welcome offers are, including first-bet insurance, Bet & Get deals, and ongoing NHL-focused promos. Extra credit goes to books that offer hockey-specific boosts, like enhanced odds for marquee games, overtime insurance, or playoff parlay specials. These promotions give both new and returning bettors added value throughout the season. Odds & Pricing Small differences in pricing add up over the course of the NHL season. A line at -108 instead of -110 may not seem like much, but it can significantly impact long-term returns. We compare pricing across sportsbooks, highlighting strengths: FanDuel often shines in player props, DraftKings is strong on futures and specials, and bet365 stands out for live betting odds. Line shopping is essential, and our rankings point to where you’re most likely to find value. Market Variety A top NHL betting site offers more than just moneylines and puck lines. We look for sportsbooks with deep markets across totals, player props, live betting, and futures, plus variety in niche markets like period bets, alternate puck lines, and team totals. The more options available, the more flexibility bettors have to find their edge. Live Betting & Speed Live betting is a major part of NHL wagering. Odds can shift in seconds during power plays, goalie changes, or late-game situations, so a sportsbook’s ability to update lines quickly is critical. We evaluate each platform’s speed and responsiveness to ensure bettors can act fast when opportunities arise. User Experience & App Design Navigation, clean bet slips, and smooth performance during busy slates are key to a great betting experience. We highlight sportsbooks with reliable apps and intuitive interfaces that make it easy to find markets and place bets without lag — especially during high-pressure in-game moments. Payment Options & Payout Speed The best NHL betting sites support trusted payment methods like PayPal, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers, and they deliver fast, reliable withdrawals. Quick payouts help bettors stay flexible and ready to reinvest throughout the season. Trust & Safety All ranked sportsbooks are fully licensed and regulated in the U.S., with strong track records for security and responsible gaming. We also factor in the quality of customer support and the availability of tools to help users manage their betting responsibly. The Takeaway These rankings aren’t just about the biggest brands — they’re about matching each sportsbook’s strengths to your betting style. Some players may value big bonuses and boosts, while others prioritize deep player prop menus, sharp pricing, or live betting speed. Choosing the right sportsbook can give you a real edge all season long. Where Can You Bet on Hockey? NHL Legal States Best Betting Sites & Apps for Other Sports Responsible Hockey Betting Resources NHL Betting Sites FAQ What is the best NHL betting site in 2026? Which sportsbooks have the best NHL player props? Can I bet on hockey games live? Do sportsbooks offer NHL same-game parlays? How do NHL futures odds work? Is NHL betting legal in my state?

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. Illinois sports betting is fully legal online and in person. Online wagering launched in June 2020, following retail openings earlier that year. You can bet through licensed apps statewide or at approved retail locations. As of January 2026, the Illinois Gaming Board lists 10 legal online sportsbooks operating in the state. This guide covers IL sportsbook promos, the best sportsbook apps, how to start betting, local sports teams to know, and key legal facts so you can get set up quickly and safely. Illinois Sports Betting Overview Is Illinois Sports Betting Legal? Yes. Sports betting has been legal in Illinois since June 2019, when lawmakers passed SB 690. Retail sportsbooks opened in March 2020, and online betting began in June 2020. The market is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. You can wager online or on mobile with licensed operators, and in person at approved retail sportsbooks and casinos. You must be 21 or older and physically located within Illinois, and sportsbooks use geolocation to verify your location. College Sports Betting in IL: No In-State Teams or Player Props Top Illinois Sportsbook Apps Ranked & Reviewed Illinois’ online market is competitive, with several major national operators live statewide. While more sportsbooks may enter over time, this section focuses on the top five based on market share, app quality, promotions, and betting features. DraftKings Illinois FanDuel Illinois BetMGM Illinois Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois Caesars Illinois bet365 Illinois All Legal IL Sportsbooks Best IL Sportsbook Promos & Welcome Offers (April 2026) New Illinois users can unlock tons f instant value right now by stacking the biggest Bet & Get style deals. Claim the welcome promos first, then decide which app you like best for live betting, parlays, and props. Always check the in-app terms for minimum odds, settlement timing, and expiration before placing your qualifying wager. DraftKings Sportsbook IL Promo – Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + 100% Profit Boost on an NCAA Tournament Winner Bet Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: FanDuel Sportsbook IL Promo – Get $300 Back in Bonus Bets Every Day For 10 Days Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: BetMGM IL Promo – Get a $50 BetMGM Reward Points Bonus + $1500 Back in Bonus Bets, If Your First Bet Doesn’t Win with Code ‘FOXSPORTS’ Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: Fanatics Sportsbook IL Promo – Bet $5, Get $200 in FanCash Instantly with Promo Code ‘FOXSPORTS’ Offer Summary: Key Details: Standout Perk: Quick How-to-Claim: Caesars Sportsbook IL Promo – Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers with Code ‘FOXDYW’ Key Details: Standout Perk: How-to-Claim: bet365 IL Promo – Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose with Code ‘FOX365’ Offer Summary: Key Details Standout Perk Quick How-to-Claim Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. How to Start Betting on Sports in Illinois 1. Choose a Legal IL Sportsbook Compare welcome bonuses, odds quality, and app UX. Check for Bulls, Bears, White Sox, Cubs, and Fire promos. 2. Register Online Illinois allows remote sign-up. You’ll typically enter: full name, email, date of birth, last 4 of SSN, and physical address. Verify location and age (21+). 3. Claim a Welcome Bonus Click the “claim” button on this page to opt in. Read the terms and conditions for minimum odds, qualifying bet, and expiry. 4. Deposit Funds Common IL methods: credit and debit card, online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Play+ prepaid. 5. Place Your First Bet Example: bet $5 on the Bears to win at DraftKings to unlock bonus bets. You can also try a simple total or moneyline. 6. Withdraw Winnings Payout options usually include online banking/ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and Play+. E-wallets often pay fastest, while bank transfers can take longer. Check processing times in the app’s cashier. Illinois Sports Betting Handle The betting handle is the total amount of money wagered with legal sportsbooks over a given period. It counts every dollar staked before any winnings are paid out. Handle is not the sportsbook’s revenue. Revenue equals handle minus payouts, and the hold (or win rate) is revenue divided by handle. Quick example: if bettors place $200 million in wagers and sportsbooks pay out $188 million, revenue is $12 million and the hold is 6%. Responsible Gaming in Illinois Sports betting should be enjoyable and fit your budget. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, confidential help is available in Illinois and nationwide. Most sportsbooks also offer deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion to help you stay in control. Help and resources: Gambling disclaimer: Only individuals aged 21 and over are permitted to gamble. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling is subject to local state regulation and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly – information relating to responsible gambling can be found here. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!

Ali Al-Hamadi and Iraq now know their path to glory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after learning their group stage opponents, which stadiums they will play at, and the times for the games. When is the World Cup? How to Watch? The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The FOX family of networks and the FOX Sports app are your complete home for World Cup content, including live matches, complete highlights, commentary and analysis, and full-match replays. What is Iraq’s Group and Who are the Opponents? Iraq will be in Group I. Its opponents will be: What is Iraq’s World Cup Schedule? Iraq discovered its three group-stage opponents at the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 5. The team’s three group stage games will be as follows: Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports

Kylian Mbappé and France now know their path to glory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after learning their group stage opponents, which stadiums they will play at, and the times for the games. When is the World Cup? How to Watch? The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The FOX family of networks and the FOX Sports app are your complete home for World Cup content, including live matches, complete highlights, commentary and analysis, and full-match replays. What is France’s Group and Who are the Opponents? France will be in Group I. Its opponents will be: What is France’s World Cup Schedule? France discovered its three group-stage opponents at the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 5. The team’s three group stage games will be as follows: Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!

The stage for the best sporting event on the planet is set. The world will tune in this summer for soccer’s biggest event as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11. Spread across three countries and 16 cities, we’ll witness 48 teams strive for glory and immortality. The full field is now complete. Here’s the complete list of teams across the 12 groups that will be competing at the World Cup. How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within FOX One’s new, innovative World Cup viewing experience and the FOX Sports App. Every match will be available in 4K on FOX One and most major Pay TV providers. Who Is Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup? For the first time ever, there will be three countries hosting the World Cup — the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Only once in the tournament’s history have there been co-hosts, with the 2002 edition being held in South Korea and Japan. Eleven cities will be hosting the tournament in the U.S. including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and the San Francisco Bay Area. Canadian cities, Toronto and Vancouver, will also host games with three Mexican cities — Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City — also included. For 2026, the majority of the 104 matches will be held in the U.S., with 78 games spread across 11 cities. Canada (two cities) and Mexico (three cities) will have 13 matches each. Group A Mexico South Korea South Africa Czechia Group B Canada Switzerland Qatar Bosnia & Herzegovina Group C Brazil Morocco Scotland Haiti Group D United States Australia Paraguay Türkiye Group E Germany Ecuador Ivory Coast Curaçao Group F Netherlands Japan Tunisia Sweden Group G Belgium Iran Egypt New Zealand Group H Spain Uruguay Saudi Arabia Cape Verde Group I France Senegal Norway Iraq Group J Argentina Austria Algeria Jordan Group K Portugal Colombia Uzbekistan Congo DR Group L England Croatia Panama Ghana

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) — Two games against elite competition. Two losses that left fans of the United States men’s national team short of any confidence that the country’s squad has any hope of making a deep run when they co-host the World Cup in just over two months from now. Three days after a 5-2 drubbing by Belgium in the same building, the Americans suffered a 2-0 defeat to sixth-ranked Portugal in front of 72,297 fans at the home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Francisco Trincão scored in the first half and João Félix in the second as the U.S. ended this month with another sobering reality check. And that for prompted Pochettino to give a blunt assessment: “Belgium and Portugal both have top-100 players, some players playing that are in the top 100 in the world,” Pochettino said during his post-match press conference. “I think we don’t have [that].” Here are my takeaways: 1. Christian Pulisic continues to struggle The Argentine coach made six changes from the starting lineup that lost to Belgium. Poch reinstalled Freese, brought in central defenders Chris Richards and Auston Trusty, midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris and defender Alex Freeman. With just two days between games, that was probably the plan all along. The biggest eyebrow-raiser was the decision not to start any of the dedicated strikers — Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi or Patrick Agyemang — and deploy Christian Pulisic as a frontrunner. The idea, as Pochettino had hinted at on Monday, was to get his struggling star, who was mired in a seven-match scoreless streak for the national team, closer to the target. And for the most part, it worked. Pulisic got his chances. But once again, he failed to convert any of them. And once again, an elite European opponent went up the field after one miss and converted a goal of their own. A frustrated Pulisic picked up a yellow card late in the half. And when the Americans came out for the final 45 minutes, the AC Milan standout was on the bench, with Agyemang at the tip of the spear instead. “I think he was very active,” Pochettino said of Pulisic. “When you’re frustrated it’s because you want to win, you want to fight, you want to score…I think frustration is good to have. “He’s going to score, because he has the quality,” Poch added. “I am sure that he’s going to come back to his club, and the moment that he scores, he’s going to score again.” 2. Another defensive lapse leads to Portugal’s opener … The home side came out with the sort of intensity and flight Pochettino said was lacking in the second half over the weekend. They out-shot the Portuguese 9-3 in the first half, three of those on target to the visitors’ two. Yet once again, they were punished for an elementary mistake. Just as was the case twice against Belgium on Saturday, too many defenders collapsed toward the end line in a transition moment led by Bruno Fernandes, leaving acres of space around the penalty spot. While the Americans surrounded the Manchester United star and prevented him from testing keeper Matt Freese, Roberto Martinez’s savvy captain made them pay when he back heeled the ball into space for a late runner. It found its way to Trincão, and he made no mistake, coolly slotting into the ball-sized gap between Freese’s hand and the inside of his far post. Just like that, the USA was down a goal and forced to chase the game. “We competed really well,” the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager said afterward. “I think we lost the game on the first goal we conceded.” 3. …And to their second goal, too The final score wasn’t as embarrassing this time around. That’s not going to be much solace for supporters worried that their team isn’t close to ready to take on the world’s best when the World Cup begins in June. Most concerning of all is the fact that Pochettino’s players seem to be repeating the same mistakes. Like Seleção’s first goal, the one that put Portugal up by two was preventable. That one came off a corner kick. And again — is there a theme emerging here?  — the U.S. inexplicably left a huge area of space right in the middle of the field. Eight Americans were inside the six-yard box when Fernandes stuck the ball; rather than send it into the mixer, he found wide-open substitute Felix, who was under no pressure as he settled the ball, let it bounce, then calmly stroked it past a helpless Freese. “He has to get it through all those bodies.” said Trusty, who had a strong performance despite the loss. “If it hits one of those bodies it’s a straight counterattack, but it went through. And the goal is obviously hard for Freese to see when you have 1,000 bodies in front of you.” 4. A long couple of months await the USA’s fans The danger of scheduling two of FIFA’s Top 10-ranked teams in the final window before Pochettino must pick his World Cup squad was that the U.S. would suffer a pair of dispiriting defeats. [WORLD CUP: USA Game Locations, Dates, Times] Somehow, the worst case scenario was somehow even worse than that. While the hosts were better on Tuesday than they had been the game before, there is no sugarcoating the fact that this wasn’t a good week for the Americans. Not only did they suffer a pair of self-inflicted wounds, they couldn’t even manage a single goal  on Tuesday to give their supporters a little bit of hope heading into the summer. A day before the game, Martinez — an international coach for the last decade — said that he never puts much stock in March matches. This time of year, national teams have been idle for four months. They aren’t the well-drilled teams they are at other times of the year, especially in the summer. After watching the U.S. get outclassed in a matter of days, backers of the Stars and Stripes better hope he’s right. “The results are not what we want, obviously,” said Freese, who made a number of fine saves after sitting out in favor of Matt Turner on Saturday. “That said, I do think there are pockets of positives and little details that can take us to the next level. It’s important that we continue to work on them, and work on them quickly.” Doug McIntyre is a soccer reporter for FOX Sports who has covered United States men’s and women’s national teams at FIFA World Cups on five continents. Follow him @ByDougMcIntyre.

In what was likely his final home appearance for Argentina’s national squad, Lionel Messi scored a goal and provided an assist in a 5-0 rout of Zambia on Tuesday night in a farewell friendly ahead of the World Cup. The 38-year-old Messi set up Julian Alvarez in the fourth minute and then scored in the 43rd at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires. The crowd gave him a standing ovation and pleaded with him to help Argentina win another World Cup. The global tournament kicks off June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Nicolas Otamendi and Valentin Barco also scored for Argentina. The defending world champions raised some concern after their lackluster performance last Friday in a 2-1 victory over Mauritania. In the lead-up to the Zambia friendly, coach Lionel Scaloni had warned that if the team didn’t improve its performance he would take drastic measures regarding the 26-man World Cup squad, which must be submitted by May 30. For the last home game before the World Cup, Scaloni started with a lineup similar to that one that defeated France in the 2022 final, with the notable exclusion of midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who is recovering from a muscle injury and performed poorly against Mauritania. Argentina, which also won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, will open against Algeria on June 16 in Group J, followed by games against Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27. Reporting by The Associated Press.

Aaron Wan-Bissako and Congo DR now know their path to glory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after learning their group stage opponents, which stadiums they will play at, and the times for the games. When is the World Cup? How to Watch? The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The FOX family of networks and the FOX Sports app are your complete home for World Cup content, including live matches, complete highlights, commentary and analysis, and full-match replays. What is Congo DR’s Group and Who are the Opponents? Congo DR will be in Group K. Its opponents will be: What is Congo DR’s World Cup Schedule? The team’s three group-stage games will be as follows:

Chances are, if you follow college basketball, you saw the clip. In the immediate aftermath of UConn freshman Braylon Mullins knocking down a memorable 35-foot 3-point shot to give the Huskies a 73-72 lead with just 0.4 seconds left in their Elite Eight showdown with Duke, the broadcast cameras caught something almost as jarring as the shot itself. UConn head coach Dan Hurley walked away from the bench and appeared to briefly bump heads with official Roger Ayers. Within minutes, the moment exploded across social media, arguably eclipsing the sheer brilliance of Mullins’ shot itself, which will be remembered as one of the single greatest shots the sport has ever witnessed.Naturally, the internet did what it does best: speculate and dissect … every single frame. But according to Hurley, the moment wasn’t meant to be confrontational. Instead, it was actually meant to be celebratory. Appearing on the “Triple Action” podcast with FOX Sports’ Rob Stone, Mark Ingram and Urban Meyer, Hurley downplayed the bizarre interaction when asked about it. “Really, at that point in the game, we had it won,” Hurley told Ingram. “And he [Ayers] is such an easy guy to work with during the game, that I thought he was coming over to chest-bump me to celebrate the shot.” That explanation might not sit well with everyone, as a number of college basketball pundits immediately questioned why no technical foul was assessed to Hurley. In fact, it was a debate that lit up social media timelines, arguably as quickly as the highlight itself.But Hurley was very quick to insist that there was no bad blood between himself and Ayers. In fact, quite the opposite, as Hurley went out of his way to describe Ayers as a “cool-ass ref,” adding they had positive interactions throughout the entire game. “It’s not like that for me with him,” Hurley said. “My experience with him has been — we haven’t won every game, I haven’t agreed with every call. But in no way was that me and a ref that I had been at their throat the whole game. “There were other points in the game where I had my arm around him, walking out of a timeout. We were cracking jokes and laughing.” Then, there is the other side of the internet debate. As Stone suggested, they might have actually been sharing a spontaneous celebration. But Hurley clarified that Ayers was trying to communicate how much time was remaining on the game clock. “He was just coming up to tell me there was 0.3 [seconds]—‘I think there’s going to be 0.3 or 0.4 on the clock,’” Hurley said. “And I was still so hyped from the shot going in.” Lost somewhere in the viral video is the reality that the Huskies pulled off one of the most stunning comebacks in NCAA Tournament history, punching their ticket to the program’s third Final Four in four years under Hurley. UConn trailed by as many as 19 points in the second half, but slowly chipped into Duke’s lead before taking the lead in the final second. Next up, Hurley’s UConn team will take on Illinois at 6:09 p.m. ET Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium. Chances are there will be another viral moment on Saturday night. So whether it’s a game-changing shot, an eyebrow-raising stare down, or something in between, you probably won’t want to look away.

The college basketball season is winding down, but for many teams the offseason has already started. The coaching carousel has changed the landscape, and while the transfer portal doesn’t officially open until April 7, many players have expressed their intentions. Let’s take a look at some of the top players who are set to hit the transfer portal. Mouhamed Sylla plans to enter the transfer portal Georgia Tech’s 6-foot-10 freshman center plans on entering the transfer portal, per Joe Tipton. He had a solid freshman season. He averaged 9.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks each game. South Florida’s Wes Enis seeks the transfer portal upon opening Wes Enis will be entering the transfer portal with a ‘Do Not Contact’ tag, per On3. During the American Conerence tournament, he was averaging 21.5 points and 2.5 steals, also collecting a spot in the All-AAC First Team. Overall, he averaged 16.4 points, 2.4 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game, showing increased aggression on the boards. South Florida’s former coach Bryan Hodgson went to Providence, so Enis’ DNC could indicate he is following him there. Georgetown guard intends to enter transfer portal Malik Mack plans to enter the transfer portal after his second season with Georgetown. He had a solid season with 13.6 points and 4.1 assists. He also played for Harvard during his freshman year, averaging 17.2 points, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals. Georgia’s star rim-protector plans to enter transfer portal Somtochukwu Cyril has plans to enter the transfer portal after leading the SEC in blocks per game with 2.3. This defensive-heavy season also included 9.3 points on the other end and 5.4 boards per game. Brant Byers plans on entering the transfer portal After stepping into a larger role this season with Miami (OH), he decided it was time to part ways. Byers will be entering the NCAA transfer portal. He averaged 14.2 points on an impressive 47.8% field goal percentage and 4.1 rebounds. He was also named ALl-MAC after his breakout season. Thomas Dowd plans to leave Troy The 6-8 junior is reportedly planning on entering the transfer portal. He had a great season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks each game, making the first team All-Sun Belt. Buffalo’s Star intends to hit the transfer portal Daniel Freitag plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. This past season, he averaged 19.8 points per game, dishing out 3.8 dimes a game and grabbing 4.3 boards each game. Though his first season with Wisconsin didn’t go to plan due to an ankle injury, he came back and had a stellar season with the Bulls. Georgia Tech’s Baye Ndongo intends to enter transfer portal The 6-9 forward plans to enter the transfer portal, per Draft Express. He spent the last three seasons with the Yellow Jackets, averaging 12.6 points, 8.5 boards, and 1.1 blocks. This season, he was the second-leading scorer on the team behind senior forward Kowacie Reeves. Isaiah Harwell plans to leave Houston The No. 14 recruit coming out of high school spent a season with Houston and decided it was time to leave. He plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal after a lackluster season. In 2024, he tore his ACL, greatly affecting his ability to play at the highest level, as this season he averaged only 3.6 points and 2.0 rebounds. He did show flashes of success, having a 20-point performance against Jackson State. Sananda Fru plans to enter transfer portal The 6-11 center from Berlin, Germany, will be entering the transfer portal. The German center was ranked among the ACC’s top offensive rebounders and shot-blockers. He started 29 of his 35 games, delivering 9.0 points and 6.1 rebounds, all while shooting 75.3% from the field. Anthony Robinson plans to leave Missouri The 6-3 junior plans to enter the transfer portal. Starting over half of his 33 games played, he contributed a solid 8.9 points, 3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. His steal numbers earned him a spot in the SEC All-Defensive team last year. Georgia’s Jeremiah Wilkinson plans to enter transfer portal Georgia guard Jeremiah Wilkinson plans to enter the transfer portal. The 6-1 sophomore had a stellar season offensively, delivering 17.4 points, starting 21 of his 31 games played. He played one season with the Bulldogs after spending his freshman year at Cal. He also had a solid offensive season there, averaging 15 points per game for the Bears. Andrew McKeever intends to enter transfer portal The 7-3 sophomore plans to enter the transfer portal after averaging 8.2 points and an impressive 9.2 rebounds coming off the bench. McKeever becomes the latest Saint Mary’s player to leave the school after head coach Randy Bennett took the job at Arizona State. Devin Royal plans to leave Ohio State The 6-6 junior forward will be entering the transfer portal. Devin Royal spent three seasons with the Buckeyes, averaging 10.6 points and 4.9 rebounds across his time with Ohio State. Kentucky’s Jaland Lowe plans to enter transfer portal Lowe will be entering the transfer portal when it opens. The 6-1 junior played only one season with the Wildcats, and only played nine games until he suffered a season-ending injury to his left shoulder. Though a limited sample size, he had eight points and 2.4 assists coming off the bench for the majority of his games because of lingering injuries. Fifth-year senior Frankie Collins intends to enter transfer portal Entering his last potential season of eligibility, Frankie Collins will need a medical hardship waiver to be available as a playe. He would be going into his sixth season as a college basketball player, previously playing with Michigan, ASU, TCU, and most recently, Vanderbilt. He averaged 7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists, until the 9th game of the season where he suffered a torn meniscus. Isaiah Johnson plans to enter transfer portal The 18-year-old breakout star has announced his desire to enter the transfer portal. Receiving an All-Big 12 Honorable mention, and leading all the Power-4 freshman guards in scoring efficiency, he’ll be a coveted target for teams looking for a new point guard. He averaged 16.9 points, one steal, and three assists a game, all while starting only 15 of his 32 games played. He also broke Colorado’s all-time freshman scoring record with a staggering total of 540 points. SDSU’s Miles Byrd intends to enter transfer portal The 6-6 junior has declared his intention to transfer. Miles Byrd is entering his final year of eligibility after three seasons with the Aztecs. He contributed solid numbers, averaging 10.4 points, 2.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds, starting every game. SDSU finished the season 14-6, placing second in the Mountain West Conference tournament, just barely missing the NCAA tournament. Karson Templin plans to leave Utah State The Mountain West Conference’s sixth man of the year, Karson Templin, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. The 6-9, 230-pound forward added much-needed intensity off the bench and played a crucial role in their conference championship, as well as NCAA tournament qualification. He poured in 8.8 points and 4.2 rebounds, shooting 50.2% from the field. Utah State coach Jarrod Calhoun left for Cincinnati, which certainly impacted Templin’s decision, but it’s possible he returns to Logan. LSU’s Dedan Thomas Jr. plans to enter transfer portal Upon its opening, Dedan Thomas Jr. will be entering the transfer portal. The 6-1 junior averaged 15.3 points, 6.5 assists on 45.9 from the field. This season was cut short due to a left-foot injury causing him to play only 16 of the 31 games with the Tigers. Center Olivier Rioux intends to leave Florida Rioux is entering the portal, according to The Field of 68. The redshirt freshman, who’s listed as the tallest basketball player in the world at 7-foot-9, appeared in 11 games for the Gators this season, playing just 1.5 minutes per contest. After earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Florida was eliminated by the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the tournament. Virginia Tech’s Avdalis plans to enter transfer portal After starting every game for Virginia Tech his freshman season, Neoklis Avdalis will be entering the transfer portal. The forward averaged 12.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in his debut with the Hokies. Avdolis, who was born in Greece, previously played internationally, for Greece’s HEBA A1 League. Twice in the 2025-2026 season he scored 30 points, and he was named ACC Rookie of the Week on two occasions, as well. Williams leaving Iowa State for portal In addition to the other Iowa State players already sent to enter the transfer portal, junior guard Jada Williams is also planning to leave the team for a new one next season. Per USA Today, Williams, who averaged 15.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, a steal and a Big 12-leading 7.7 assists per game joins junior forward Addy Brown, sophomore guard Reagan Wilson, freshman guard Reese Beaty, sophomore guard Aili Tanke and junior center Lilly Taulelei, as was already known, along with another newly announced Cyclones player in junior forward Alisa Williams and freshman guard Freya Jensen. Five Iowa State players set to enter portal Five Iowa State women’s players, including one of its stars, Addy Brown, are planning to enter the transfer portal on April 7 per the Des Moines Register. Brown played in just 21 game this season thanks to an unnamed lower-body injury, but at the initial time of her absence she was second on the Cyclones in points, rebounds and assists per game – the versatile star was missed in-season, and the forward’s absence for her senior season will leave a hole that Iowa State must fill, as well. Brown averaged 31.5 minutes, 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and just 1.8 fouls per game over her three years for Iowa State. Brown isn’t the only Cyclones player to announce her intentions to play elsewhere in 2026-2027, however. Sophomore guard Reagan Wilson, freshman guard Reese Beaty, sophomore guard Aili Tanke and junior center Lilly Taulelei will also enter the portal. All of those besides Beaty averaged 9 minutes per game or fewer in 2025-2026, but those are still openings that have to be filled by a team that will now be without the player whose absence helped to crater what had been a promising campaign. San Diego State guard BJ Davis plans to enter transfer portal After starting 31 games in his sophomore season, Davis took a step back, coming off the bench as a junior at San Diego State. With starting point guard Elzie Harrington continuing to progress, Davis plans to go elsewhere for his final season of eligibility. Saint Mary’s forward Paulius Murauskas plans to enter transfer portal After head coach Randy Bennett left Saint Mary’s for Arizona State, Murauskas was the first domino to fall. He played one season at Arizona and two at Saint Mary’s, where he led the team in scoring with 18.4 points per game this season. The Gaels made the NCAA Tournament in each of Murauskas’ two seasons. He has one year of eligibility remaining. Georgetown guard KJ Lewis plans to enter transfer portal For a second straight season, Lewis will enter the transfer portal. He played two seasons at Arizona before coming to Georgetown, and will now finish out his collegiate career at a third stop. North Dakota guard Greyson Uelmen plans to enter transfer portal After a valiant effort fell short in the Summit League Tournament title game, North Dakota guard Greyson Uelmen will enter the transfer portal. Uelmen has two seasons of eligibility remaining. Oregon stars plan to enter the transfer portal After a 12-20 season, Oregon has lost two of its top players. Forward Kwame Evans Jr. and point guard Jackson Shelstad plan to enter the transfer portal. Evans will have one year of eligibility remaining, while Shelstad will have two because he played only 12 games due to an injury to his right hand. North Dakota State guard Damari Wheeler-Thomas plans to enter the portal After three seasons at North Dakota State, Wheeler-Thomas plans to enter the transfer portal. He averaged 14.5 points in his junior season, and helped the Bison earn an NCAA Tournament automatic bid as a 14-seed. South Carolina guard Eli Ellis plans to enter portal Ellis, 6-foot, averaged 8.6 points per game, coming off the bench for the Gamecocks in his freshman season. He has three years of eligibility remaining. Robert Morris forward DeSean Goode plans to enter portal Goode averaged 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds during his sophomore season at Robert Morris, and won Player of the Year in the Horizon Conference. He has two years of eligibility remaining.