FIFA World Cup 2026

A quarter of World Cup games risk searing heat

One in four 2026 World Cup games could take place in very hot conditions as climate change has increased the risk of extreme heat in North America since the US hosted the 1994 tournament, researchers warned Thursday.
14 May 2026, 13:27 PM

Madonna, Shakira, BTS to headline first World Cup final half-time show

Madonna, Shakira and K-pop megastars BTS will headline a Super Bowl-style half-time show at the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA said Thursday.
14 May 2026, 12:45 PM

US relaxes visa bonds for World Cup fans

In order to have the bond requirement waived, ticket holders from affected countries must have registered in that system, known as FIFA PASS, by April 15.
14 May 2026, 00:33 AM

Government initiates move for FIFA World Cup broadcast

The Bangladesh government on Wednesday initiated a move to ensure the broadcast of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, holding a discussion with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) to address the ongoing telecast uncertainty.
14 May 2026, 00:30 AM

Messi in World Cups: The astonishing numbers

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is knocking at the door. While discussions around teams’ tactics, squads, and schedules are reaching fever pitch, the football world is also preparing to witness the final chapter of an epic.
13 May 2026, 21:37 PM

Tucson prepares to welcome Team Iran for World Cup

In the Strait of Hormuz, US warships menace Iran's oil tankers, while in Washington President Donald Trump demands "complete victory." But in Tucson, they're getting ready to welcome the Iranian football team as if nothing were amiss.
13 May 2026, 12:47 PM

Neymar World Cup call based on fitness and form, not sentiment, says Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti will walk into Monday's Brazil squad announcement with a nation peering over his shoulder and one burning question hanging in the Rio de Janeiro air: Neymar or no Neymar?
13 May 2026, 09:18 AM

Mexico cancels plan to cut school year for World Cup

Mexico canceled plans to shorten its school year ahead of the World Cup after widespread backlash from parents, think tanks and local authorities, the government said Monday.
12 May 2026, 14:24 PM

A month to go, World Cup unease lingers

Just a month left before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, but as anticipation builds for football’s grandest stage, anxiety is proving an equally dominant emotion.
11 May 2026, 09:00 AM

When hairstyles turned heads 

The FIFA World Cup is more than just a football tournament held every four years -- it is a vibrant global spectacle that often transcends the battles on the pitch. Yet, the excitement surrounding the tournament is not confined to goals or trophy triumphs alone.
10 May 2026, 17:58 PM

A World Cup for super rich

And it is not just ticket prices that have spiralled.
10 May 2026, 07:30 AM

Iran says will play in World Cup, demands hosts accept conditions

Iran's football federation said on Saturday that the men's national team will take part in the 2026 World Cup this summer, but demanded that joint hosts the United States, Mexico and Canada agree to its conditions amid the Middle East war.
9 May 2026, 16:32 PM

Bangladesh’s Sanjoy to perform at FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony

Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy is among the featured performers and will appear in the United States’ opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12, where the US will face Paraguay. The main stage will also feature global stars such as Katy Perry and BLACKPINK’s Lisa.
9 May 2026, 14:12 PM

Brehme’s penalty: The moment Maradona’s Argentina fell silent

That night in Rome, the moon was out, but there was no light. Beneath the vast galleries of Stadio Olimpico, the night slowly sank into a gloom as if the world itself already knew that a king would soon fall. Just as the air grows heavy before every tragedy, it felt that way that night. The smell of fatigue lingered on the grass, mingling with the crowd’s screams of fear, and there stood Diego Maradona in the midfield, looking utterly alone.
9 May 2026, 11:30 AM

‘Hope he can be there’: Messi, Ronaldinho back Neymar for 2026 World Cup

Neymar has received the backing of former teammates Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho to play for Brazil in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, set to begin on June 11 across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
9 May 2026, 10:59 AM

World Cup to hold trio of star-studded opening ceremonies

The 2026 World Cup will feature a trilogy of opening ceremonies, with each of the host countries -- Mexico, the United States and Canada -- getting its turn at a star-studded celebration.
9 May 2026, 10:00 AM

Messi says Argentina up against 'other favorites' in World Cup repeat bid

Lionel Messi says Argentina fans are right to dream of a second straight World Cup crown, but warns other contenders, including France and Spain, "are in better shape".
9 May 2026, 09:30 AM

'Elitist' World Cup leaves Mexican soccer family on sidelines

A passion for football binds three generations of the Rueda family in Mexico City, from Pele fan Fernando to Maradona aficionado Jairo and France follower Emilio.
9 May 2026, 08:36 AM

Bangladeshi broadcasters risk FIFA World Cup blackout

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin in just 33 days, but there is a strong possibility that Bangladeshi viewers may face a World Cup blackout, as no broadcaster in the country has secured telecast rights for the global showpiece event as of yesterday.
9 May 2026, 08:00 AM

In the ranks of legends: Forlan, the Jabulani ball magician

Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta, Kaka, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Wayne Rooney -- before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, many of these stars were on the list of potential Golden Ball winners. Amid this constellation of talent, the name of an experienced Uruguayan striker was barely mentioned.
8 May 2026, 18:17 PM