World Cup guide and Iraola special: football media goes in-depth

With 1,248 players to track at the World Cup 2026, the Guardian has published a complete player guide. Each squad member has a clickable picture for further information, offering fans everything they need to know and more. But for Liverpool supporters, the July edition of Blood Red is an Andoni Iraola special, on sale now at participating retailers or online. The magazine devotes 16 pages to the Basque manager, marking what it calls the return of heavy metal football to Liverpool. Chris Smith speaks to journalists who covered Iraola at Rayo Vallecano and Bournemouth; they say the Spaniard is the perfect fit for the club, city and fans. Morgan King examines how Iraola might set up Liverpool tactically and which players could benefit. Gareth Roberts stresses the importance of Liverpool managers understanding the club and its culture, and says the signs are already promising with the Basque boss. Tony Evans explores why Reds supporters are so ready to elevate managers to messiah-like figures, suggesting the reasons even predate Bill Shankly. The Blood Red special is available online with postage and packaging costs, or in retailers across the UK.