Tottenham Hotspur

SPURSPLAY

The 2026 World Cup kicks off tonight and there is plenty of Spurs interest in the tournament with 10 of our players set to don their respective nations' jerseys at the world's biggest sporting event.

There will be 104 matches being played at this summer's tournament - the most ever at a World Cup - so, to help you keep track of how our players are getting on, who and when they are playing plus how you can watch the game (UK), here is all you need to know.

For our players, it all begins in the early hours of Sunday morning (14 June) with new boy Andy Robertson the first in action with him set to lead Scotland into their first World Cup match in 28 years

Group stage

Sunday 14 June

Andy Robertson - Scotland vs Haiti

Kick-off 2am

Watch on the BBC

Micky van de Ven – Netherlands vs Japan

kick-off 9pm

Watch on ITV

Monday 15 June

Lucas Bergvall – Sweden vs Tunisia

Kick-off 3am

Watch on ITV

Pedro Porro – Spain vs Cape Verde

Kick-off 5pm

Watch on ITV

Rodrigo Bentancur – Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia

Kick-off 11pm

Watch on ITV

Tuesday 16 June

Pape Matar Sarr – Senegal vs France

Kick-off 8pm

Watch on the BBC

Wednesday 17 June

Cristian Romero – Argentina vs Algeria

Kick-off 2am

Watch on ITV

Kevin Danso – Austria vs Jordan

Kick-off 5am

Watch on the BBC

Djed Spence vs Luka Vuskovic – England vs Croatia

Kick-off 9pm

Watch on ITV

Friday 19 June

Andy Robertson - Scotland vs Morocco

Kick-off 11pm

Watch on ITV

Saturday 20 June

Micky van de Ven vs Lucas Bergvall – Netherlands vs Sweden

Kick-off 6pm

Watch on the BBC

Sunday 21 June

Pedro Porro – Spain vs Saudi Arabia

Kick-off 5pm

Watch on the BBC

Rodrigo Bentancur – Uruguay vs Cape Verde

Kick-off 11pm

Watch on the BBC

Monday 22 June

Cristian Romero vs Kevin Danso – Argentina vs Austria

Kick-off 6pm

Watch on the BBC

Tuesday 23 June

Pape Matar Sarr – Senegal vs Norway

Kick-off 1am

Watch on ITV

Djed Spence – England vs Ghana

Kick-off 9pm

Watch on the BBC

Wednesday 24 June

Luka Vuskovic – Croatia vs Panama

Kick-off 12am

Watch on the BBC

Andy Robertson - Scotland vs Brazil

Kick-off 11pm

Watch on the BBC

Friday 26 June

Lucas Bergvall – Sweden vs Japan

Kick-off 12am

Watch on the BBC

Micky van de Ven – Netherlands vs Tunisia

Kick-off 12am

Watch on the BBC

Pape Matar Sarr – Senegal vs Iraq

Kick-off 8pm

Watch on ITV

Saturday 27 June

Rodrigo Bentancur vs Pedro Porro – Uruguay vs Spain

Kick-off 1am

Watch on ITV

Djed Spence – England vs Panama

Kick-off 10pm

Watch on ITV

Luka Vuskovic – Croatia vs Ghana

Kick-off 10pm

Watch on ITV

Sunday 28 June

Kevin Danso – Austria vs Algeria

Kick-off 3am

Watch on the BBC

Cristian Romero – Argentina vs Jordan

Kick-off 3am

Watch on the BBC

Details of any subsequent knockout fixtures involving our players will be added as fixture details are confirmed.

Colin lined up alongside Colin Hendry in central defence as Scotland took on Brazil in the opening match of the 1998 World Cup in France. Opposite, in the yellow corner, a quite fearsome front four of Giovanni, Bebeto, Rivaldo and, of course, spearheaded by R9, Ronaldo – not forgetting the likes of Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Dunga!

Scotland were also packed with talent – Burley, Lambert, Collins, Durie, Gallacher – and weren’t there to make up the numbers.

Fast-forward 28 years and the greatest football show on earth is all set to kick off again this evening as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup.

It’s one of the showpiece matches in football – and Colin was part of it at the Stade de France in 1998, an experience he was happy to share with us again this week.

So Colin, what’s it like to… play in the opening game of the World Cup?

Colin: “It’s a game that’s certainly put on a pedestal. It’s either the hosts country of the previous winners and in this case, it was the previous winners in Brazil. Initially, following the draw, it took a little while to realise that that was going to be the opening game! It just adds another level to that game - playing Brazil, playing the winners, opening the World Cup, and the first time we'd been there for a number of years as well. There is a big build-up. I must admit, once you get into March or April time, as soon as the draw's made, you're thinking, ‘I've got to make sure I keep my form and stay in the squad’.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking, I must say. The only slight advantage was we had something similar in Euro 96, when our first game was against Holland, who were big, big favourites, yet we got Gary McAllister and John Collins on the ball and that gave us all self-belief and confidence to settle down. That experience definitely helped, because now we’re going into this game against Brazil and you’ve got Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Bebato, it was a multi-talented team and we had the worst possible start. It was all about settling into the game, first passes, stay solid, get through the first 10 minutes – and they scored after five minutes (Cesar Sampaio) from a corner. You’re thinking all about their Samba football, and they beat us from a corner and an own goal!

“It was a pity, because through qualifying, we were excellent defensively, minimal goals against us in the qualifying campaign, which takes a bit of doing. But then we’re undone early from a corner. That Brazil team had speed, and they attacked down the outside, but they were big, physical, fast, technical players as well. They scored from corner kick and they took goal-kicks long. They mixed it up.

“As an experience, it was very emotional, especially when the national anthem was played. My thoughts at that moment were on my family and friends in the crowd and a lot of people back home in Stranraer, a small town back in Scotland and the people watching the game there on TV. I’d come from there and with 21 other players, was on the pitch ready for the opening game of the World Cup. I remembered a couple of moments playing school football as a kid and there I was. You could easily lose yourself in the fantasy of that moment.”

It’s the start of a football feast – an expanded format of 48 teams playing 72 group games from 11 June until 27 June in America, Mexico and Canada before 32 progress to the knockout stage. By the time the final whistle blows in the final at New Jersey Stadium on 19 July, we’ll have witnessed 104 matches!

As we count down the hours to the 8pm kick-off in Mexico City – remembering that Heung-Min Son’s South Korea follow against Czech Republic at 3am on Friday morning – we asked 20 Spurs legends – 11 of whom played the World Cup – a simple question, with a tricky answer…

Who wins the World Cup, and why?

Here’s what they had to say – and make sure you have your say in the comments!

Darren Anderton

Played at the 1998 World Cup with England

It's a tough one. I want to say England – and we can do it, for sure. However, I really like the French. I just think that they've got such a good mentality now. They've had nightmares in the past, like every team has, but I think that's the squad that stands out to me - they're going to be the team to beat. Then, you always think when it's over here, North America, South America, it's the South American teams that will win it. So, for me, Brazil and Argentina, you've got to look at them as well, but I think the best team all round is probably France.

Paul Allen

FA Cup winner at Spurs

Obviously, I will be cheering on England and would love to see us win it. Outside of England, I think France could be the team to beat, with their current squad and previous World Cup history. I think they are strong contenders. They have depth and talent within their squad and will be physically strong and competitive.

Ossie Ardiles

Played at the 1978 and 1982 World Cups with Argentina, winner in 1978

You have to mention the usual suspects – so, for South America, it's always Brazil and Argentina. Brazil aren’t great right now though. This is why Carlo Ancelotti is in charge, and they are trying to see he can make some kind of miracle, because don’t forget they only qualified in the last game in South America qualifying. So, Argentina is the best, but I would never, ever write Brazil off. In Europe, you are talking specifically Spain and France. Also, Portugal, they have a super team. It’s not just about Ronaldo, they have a super midfield with the two guys from PSG (Neves and Vitinha), wonderful, plus Bruno Fernandes. I think they are going to be there, definitely.

Seb Bassong

Played at the 2010 World Cup with Cameroon

I have mixed feelings, but I would say Portugal, simply because for me they have an amazing squad and they have been working on that squad for a long time. Cristiano Ronaldo has to be on the bench, not start the game. They have such a wonderful bunch of kids, talented, that have been winning the Champions League with PSG, for instance, and so many others. So, my take would go on Portugal.

Dimitar Berbatov

League Cup winner at Spurs

France - great players. Or… England – it’s about time.

Colin Calderwood

Played at the 1998 World Cup with Scotland

I think one of the African teams might win it – Ghana, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Egpyt, Morocco, Tunisia. They’re out of everyone’s focus a little. They all have the physicality you need, and I just think they're all good teams. Don’t forget Morocco reached the semi-finals last time in Qatar. The African Nations tournament this year was also really good. I just think they’re all so strong, physical, athletic, good players. Also, the emotion those countries bring to the World Cup helps the tournament massively in terms of atmosphere. It just shows how passionate people are about football all over the world, it’s lovely to see.

Michael Dawson

Member of England 2010 World Cup squad

I'd like to say England, and they certainly could do it. I’ve actually given us more of a chance in the previous two tournaments, which is a little strange when we've got a manager who is a serial winner in Thomas Tuchel! I think we've an incredible squad, incredible manager, but I think we’ll come up just short. France are my favourites, but if our big players turn up, if Harry Kane has a tournament of his life, for instance, why can't England win it? It’s all about big players in big moments and that's why I just look at France, I just think they can score the big goals at big times, they been there before and at the moment, I’d just go for them.

Eric Dier

Played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups with England

I hope England win it, because they've got a great manager and they've got Harry Kane. I also think they've got some of the best players in the world in a few positions. They’ve also built up a lot of experience over recent tournaments and have a lot of players in the squad who have won trophies, players who have managed to get over the line - maybe that could be the difference.

Erik Edman

Played at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups with Sweden

Everyone says France because of the quality and depth of the squad they have, but I hope Spain will win it. I like the way they play, and they also have a playing style that probably can cope with the heat! After watching them beat Sweden 3-1 recently, I think Norway can go quite far, they look solid and have both pace and power up front, and will be good at set plays which very often has a decisive impact on games in a World Cup.

Micky Hazard

FA Cup and UEFA Cup winner at Spurs

Argentina – it’s Lionel Messi’s final appearance at the World Cup. He will be so up for it, and if he fires, any team fires.

David Howells

FA Cup winner with Spurs

I've a strong feeling for Brazil. I just feel, in the continent where it is, under the conditions that they're going to have to play under, it's going to be very difficult for a European team to win. I feel like the support Brazil will get, and the players they have in their team, in their squad, strength in depth, a winning manager in Carlo Ancelotti - a manager who knows how to win. I've just got a strong feeling that Brazil will be the team to beat, so they're my tip for the World Cup.

Chris Hughton

Played at the 1990 World Cup for Republic of Ireland

For me, France. It’s about the quality of players, of course, but mostly the experience of winning in recent years.

Martin Jol

Took Spurs back into Europe as manager, 2004-07

Favourites for the World Cup are Spain and France, because of the quality in their attack. My dark horses or outsiders will be Portugal, England and Brazil (if Ancelotti can create a winning mentality). If you really want one winner of the World Cup, I will give it to Spain. For me, England shot themselves in the foot because of (Cole) Palmer, who could have been a difference maker to really give the Three Lions a chance to win the World Cup – then I would have made them a favourites as well!

Ledley King

Played at the 2010 World Cup with England

I think there are four teams that probably feel like a good chance. I'd say France, Spain, England and Argentina, with Portugal as my dark horses. I think England's tournament will be the next Euros, I think we win that one. So, if I had to pick one for this World Cup, I would probably have to go for Spain.

Paul Miller

FA Cup and UEFA Cup winner at Spurs

I believe France will win the World Cup as they have top players in all the big positions. Plus, most of their team are consistent trophy winners for their clubs, so they know what it takes to get over the line.

Gus Poyet

Capped 26 times by Uruguay

I go three or four natural candidates, a couple I like. France are very, very strong – sometimes you don't know if the starting XI is the best or the four or five changes that come from the bench, and that's a great advantage. They are big. They are strong. They have the speed, the technique. I mean, they’ve got everything! Then I would say Spain, Argentina. I also fancy England more than ever. For the first time, in my opinion, it's more of a team than individuals. Okay, Harry Kane is there, the leader, and there are more – but it's more about the team. Also, if Thomas Tuchel achieves what I think he's trying to achieve, to make a team play in a certain way, then England have everything. I have to say also, I like Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil. He’s more than a coach, plus the quality of the players.

Graham Roberts

FA Cup and UEFA Cup winner at Spurs

I’m going for France as they have best squad. Also, I think they have players all over the pitch who can score – forwards, midfielders, and they’re strong at the back, so they have everything!

Erik Thorstvedt

Played at the 1994 World Cup for Norway

I’ll go for France. They are just stacked with good players, and a manager that has been with them for a long time.

Kevin Wimmer

Capped nine times by Austria

France are always amazing, but I will go with Brazil, I’ve watched their friendly against Panama (Brazil won 6-2) and they have so much individual quality, plus Carlo Ancelotti. If they can make a team together on the pitch I think they have some of the highest quality individuals and they can do it. Look, maybe France will win it, but I will go for Brazil because I like the style of football they play, it’s very joyful to watch and they have amazing players. Also, I hope it goes well for Sonny and South Korea. I’m still good friends with Sonny and I hope he can make an impact as always, hopefully they’ll get out of their group.

Jan Vertonghen

Played at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups for Belgium, bronze medal in 2018

I'm saying Belgium, of course, sorry, I have to! Why? I think they have a group who's very well aligned, better than the than the previous years, in my opinion. Everyone is on the same page. I’m just convinced that something can be special. Obviously, the bigger favourites are probably France and Portugal, but I believe Belgium can do it and that they can grow into the tournament.

It all starts with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa at the famous Azteca (now known as the Estadio Banorte) in Mexico City.

Co-hosted by USA and Canada, this will be the 23rd World Cup, the inaugural tournament back in 1930.

Here's the final instalment looking back at the Spurs players to grace the biggest footballing stage of all...

Spurs at the World Cup | 2022

We waited 88 years and 20 tournaments for a Spurs player to win the World Cup – then two lifted the trophy in the space of four years!

Following Hugo Lloris’ success with France in 2018, Cristian Romero was an integral part of the Argentina side that ensured Lionel Messi followed in the footsteps of Diego Maradona by winning the great price of all. By the time of the final, a Spurs player was going to come back to Hotspur Way as world champion – Cuti’s Argentina took on Hugo’s France in an epic final.

Cristian Romero

Cuti played in all seven of Argentina’s matches en route to winning the trophy, starting six of them including the final. He was in the Albiceleste’s starting XI for their opening game 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, but was taken off on 59 minutes and didn’t start the next game against Mexico. However, after playing the final 21 minutes in the 2-0 win over Mexico, he then started every subsequent game – Poland, Australia, a quarter-final thriller against the Netherlands that went to penalties, Croatia and then a memorable final against France. Argentina led 2-0 until Kylian Mbappe’s late double took it to extra time. Messi made it 3-2, only for Mbappe’s hat-trick goal two minutes from time to take it to penalties – Argentina scored four out of four to win it 4-2.

Hugo Lloris

Club captain Hugo came close to becoming the first player in history to lift the World Cup trophy twice, only for France to lose the final to Argentina. However, he did become a record-breaker when he featured against England in the quarter-finals, becoming France’s most-capped player by winning his 143rd cap. Hugo was on the pitch for every minute of six out France’s seven matches, missing the third group game against Tunisia when his country had already qualified.

Harry Kane, Eric Dier

Harry became England’s joint top goalscorer during the tournament, but suffered the heartbreak of missing a crucial penalty in the quarter-final against France as the Three Lions’ exited the competition. Kane’s successful penalty in that game, scoring against Hugo Lloris, took him level with Wayne Rooney on 53 England goals, but he missed his second spot-kick with seven minutes remaining as his side lost 2-1. The England captain, Harry started all five of his nation’s games, also scoring against Senegal in the Round of 16. Eric featured in two matches, twice called off the bench by England manager Gareth Southgate, featuring for 20 minutes in 6-2 group stage win over Iran and played the final 13 minutes of his nation’s 3-0 defeat of Senegal in the Round of 16.

Ivan Perisic

A runner-up with Croatia at the 2018 World Cup, Ivan helped his country to a third-place finish this time around. The midfielder played more minutes in the 2022 tournament than any other outfield player in the Premier League, starting all seven of Croatia’s matches as they defeated Morocco in the third/fourth place play-off. Ivan scored once, in the 1-1 draw with Japan in the Round of 16, which Croatia won on penalties. They did the same against Brazil in the quarters before succumbing to Argentina in the last four.

Richarlison

Richarlison was our top scorer at the tournament with his three-goal haul. A regular starter for his country, Richy opened his account with both goals in Brazil’s opening game 2-0 win over Serbia with his second a Goal of the Tournament contender as he controlled, swivelled and fired home an acrobatic volley. He featured in four matches in total, missing the final group game against Cameroon, and scored his third goal in the 4-1 defeat of South Korea in the Round of 16, before Brazil exited on penalties to Croatia.

Heung-Min Son

Featuring in his third World Cup, Sonny made it 10 appearances in the Finals as he added four more games to his tally last month. Sonny was in tears as he helped South Korea reach the Last 16, setting up Hwang Hee-Chan to score a dramatic late winner against Portugal to secure second spot in their group. However, Sonny, who captained South Korea, was unable to prevent his side losing 4-1 to Brazil in the Round of 16. He played every minute of his side’s four games.

Pape Matar Sarr

African champions Senegal reached the Round of 16 at last month’s tournament, with Pape Matar Sarr featuring in two of their four games. Although yet to make a competitive first team appearance for us, the midfielder came off the bench for the final 13 minutes of Senegal’s 3-1 group stage win over hosts Qatar and was introduced as a half-time substitute during his side’s 3-0 defeat by England in the Last 16.

Rodrigo Bentancur

Rodrigo Bentancur’s World Cup ended in a double disappointment as he was forced off injured in Uruguay’s final group game, which saw them exit the competition despite a 2-0 win over Ghana. The defensive midfielder had started both previous matches in the group stage as Uruguay drew 0-0 with South Korea and lost 2-0 to Portugal. He was substituted in the 34th minute against Ghana and had to watch on from the bench as his side won but South Korea’s victory over Portugal in the other game saw them progress at Uruguay’s expense.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was ever-present for Denmark at the tournament, as they failed to progress past the group stage. Making his World Cup debut, Hojbjerg played every minute of Denmark’s three group matches but there was disappointment for the all-action midfielder as his side drew 0-0 with Tunisia before suffering defeats to France (2-1) and Australia (1-0).

Ben Davies, Joe Rodon

Wales were making their first appearance at a World Cup since 1958 and Ben and Joe featured in all three of their group games in Qatar. He started every game, playing the full 90 minutes as Wales drew 1-1 with USA and then lost 2-0 to Iran, before being substituted 59 minutes into their 3-0 defeat to England in the final game, a result which ended their interest in the competition.

The attacking midfielder, 18, joined our Academy as an eight-year-old and has been a regular in our Under-18 side over the last two seasons.

Part of our Under-17 Premier League Cup-winning squad in 2024/25, a campaign which also saw him make his Under-21s debut, Ronny had three goals and three assists in the Under-18 Premier League to his name during the recently-concluded season.

His family are no strangers to Spurs, his uncle John Moncur having played for us in the late-1980s and early-1990s while his grandfather, also named John, held senior scouting and youth development roles with us over 25 years through until 2005.

Congratulations, Ronny!

In their final warm up game ahead of the 2026 World Cup - which begins in the Americas today (Thursday 11 June), England took the lead early on through Declan Rice but wouldn't double their advantage until after Djed entered the action on 64 minutes, with Anthony Gordon rattling home on 4 minutes later from the spot.

Having kicked-off an hour later than planned following heavy rain in Orlando, USA, it was also a late, late show on the pitch with Ollie Watkins bagging a third for the Three Lions in the final minutes of the game.

Djed came on to play on the left-hand side of defence and was once again at his lively best, charging at defenders, always looking to help create something for his country. It was his sixth international cap.

Next up for Djed and England is their World Cup opener against Croatia - that kicks-off in six days' time in Dallas, Texas.

SPURSPLAY

We announced this evening that the Argentina centre-back will join us on 1 July, subject to international clearance, following the expiration of his contract with AFC Bournemouth.

Marcos joins Andy Robertson as early arrivals as he steps into an exciting new era under Roberto De Zerbi.

Speaking to us exclusively, Marcos had this message: “I will do my best to make the fans proud, to win stuff with Tottenham and just be a good person and do the hard work that we have to do to take Tottenham to the place that they belong.”

Outstanding for Bournemouth last season, where he played 37 of 38 matches in the Premier League, the ball-playing defender made over 2,300 passes - no outfield player completed more long passes than him (182).

Strong at the back and a threat in attack, no centre-back produced more assists than Marcos, while he sat in the Premier League’s top three players for most interceptions, most blocks and most clearances.

“I like to play with the ball,” he added. “I like to have the ball at my feet and try to help the team build and be as offensive as we can, try to press as high as possible.

"I’ve just got that feeling of playing forward all the time. I don't like to play too much to the sides. I just try to break the lines and try to be more offensive.

“I played against Roberto De Zerbi when he was at Brighton and I like the way that his team plays and I'm looking really forward to this.

“I know a little bit of Romero from the national team, I also played with Solanke and a little bit with Rodrigo Bentancur - we played against each other in the youth in Argentina, so I know a few of the players.

“Spurs really showed me that they wanted me, why they want me and what they expect from me. I'm happy for that. I'm excited from day one, I'm really happy to be a player for Tottenham.

“I'm happy because it's one of the dreams that I had. I will try to do my best to make the fans proud, to win stuff with Tottenham and just be a good person and do the hard work that we have to do to take Tottenham to the place that they belong. I think that's going to be the aim for everyone. There is no more motivation than that."

We can now confirm the squad number Marcos Senesi will wear for the Club.

After the defender completed his switch to north London earlier today (Wednesday 10 June), he has been assigned the number five shirt.