Just five more sleeps until the FIFA World Cup Final - and today we’re lining up the contenders for the cup, the ageing lions and the young superstars who’ve made this tournament so gripping - and asking: what’s with all the rolling-on-the-pitch histrionics? Our football columnist Josh Whittington is here.

Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

World Cup 2026: France, England, Spain, Argentina remain - who to hate, and who to back

Messi meets England at last with World Cup final place on the line

Commentary by Josh Whittington: FIFA World Cup takes a breath: Erling Haaland fires, Cristiano Ronaldo exits and the Socceroos feel the reality check

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino opens door to controversial 64-team World Cup format

This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.