The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams

 

Tournament Setup & What to Know First

The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams. That means 12 groups (Groups A–L), each holding 4 teams.

The three host nations — Mexico national football team, Canada national football team and United States men’s national soccer team — were pre-assigned to different groups: Mexico

The draw uses a “pot” and seeding system: Pot 1 teams are top seeds (including the hosts + top-ranked nations), while Pots 2–4 contain the rest, including teams that will qualify via playoffs. 

Because of the 48-team format, more teams advance to the knockout stage: this increases the chances for “underdogs” and reduces the safe predictability that often comes with 32-team tournaments.

Newcastle Jets vs Melbourne City Prediction: 6/4 & 5/6 Picks to Land for Fourth Consecutive H2H

The A-League returns with another exciting clash as Newcastle Jets host Melbourne City, and once again, this fixture promises goals, intensity, and value-packed betting opportunities. With three consecutive head-to-head outcomes already following a consistent pattern, punters are eyeing a fourth straight result — and the odds of 6/4 and 5/6 are firmly in focus.

Miracle Duo Send 86-Year Cricket Record Tumbling… But Not Without Cruel Umpire Blow

Cricket has a habit of writing some of the most dramatic stories — full of joy, heartbreak, controversy and unexpected turns. In the most recent match, a “miracle duo” smashed a seemingly unbreakable 86-year-old record — only to have their achievement marred by a harsh blow from an umpire’s decision. What unfolded was as brilliant as it was bittersweet.

New Winter Weather Advisory for Piedmont, Freezing Temperatures Bringing Risk for Slippery Travel

 



Winter has arrived in full force for Piedmont, and with it comes a fresh Winter Weather Advisory warning residents to brace for freezing temperatures and potentially hazardous travel conditions. If you live in the region or plan to travel through it, now is the time to prepare. Let’s break down what to expect and how you can stay safe during the upcoming cold spell.

Cary‑Hiroyuki Tagawa — and what his passing means for film, TV and many of his fans

 

Beyond Shang Tsung — a vast, varied career

While many remember Tagawa for his villainous role Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat (1995) — a character he reprised across films, TV-series and video games — that was only one facet of his long acting journey.

His breakout came with The Last Emperor (1987), a film by Bernardo Bertolucci that won multiple Academy Awards. That role helped open doors to a wide range of genres — from historical dramas to action films.

Over nearly four decades, Tagawa appeared in dozens of notable films: from action and adventure to period dramas, including titles such as Licence to Kill, Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes, Memoirs of a Geisha, 47 Ronin and more.

Netflix’s new series The Abandons is being widely judged as a disappointment

 

What critics and viewers don’t like

Despite big names and high production value, The Abandons is often described as “shallow” and “over-blown.” Reviewers say its plot is clichéd, its dialogue feels forced, and many characters come off as one-dimensional. 

Many feel that the show tries too hard — borrowing heavily from well-known Western tropes — but fails to deliver originality. The writing is called derivative and heavily reliant on formulaic conflicts, which makes even dramatic moments feel predictable.

The pacing and tone have also drawn criticism: scenes jump quickly, character motivations and world-building are often underdeveloped, and the series is described as emotionally hollow — viewers struggle to feel invested in the conflict.

The news about MG U9 pickup truck and its official price in Pakistan

 

Official Price & Purchase Details

MG Pakistan has officially announced the ex-factory price for the U9 pickup. The “Explore Pro (Standard)” variant is priced at Rs 22,749,000, and the “Explore Pro + Smart Hatch Option” variant is priced at Rs 23,949,000.


Pre-bookings had previously opened with a down payment of Rs 8,000,000 (non-refundable).


Buyers must pay the remaining balance 30 days before the confirmed delivery date. Freight/shipping charges will be applied separately.

What MG U9 Offers — Engine, Features & Utility

The U9 is powered by a 2.5-liter turbo-diesel engine, delivering robust performance suited for both city driving and off-road or heavy-duty use.

It comes with a 4×4 drivetrain, differential locks, and features designed for load carrying and towing — making it a versatile choice for work, travel, and utility tasks.