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Fifa World Cup

Fifa World Cup
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Fifa World Cup. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
2026
Fifa World Cup 2026
2022
Fifa World Cup 2022
2018
Fifa World Cup 2018
Official sponsors pay billions for exclusivity, meaning host nations must establish “clean zones” around stadiums where unauthorised advertising and street trading are prohibited. Photo: Reuters
Law

Legal Tales | Everything you never wanted to know about hosting the World Cup

Why lawyers have to keep their eye on the ball when nations become eager to host the next Fifa World Cup.

Fame and celebrity

Meet Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernández, a footballer on screen – and in real life

Hong Kong economy

Fifa World Cup: Hong Kong pubs, restaurants enjoy net gains from big matches

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

World Cup tears, and trials with Son Heung-min: meet Sri Lanka star in Hong Kong

Set to leave city after 3½ years, Waseem Razeek was ball boy for 2006 final between France and Italy; injury ruined own World Cup chance.

Waseem Razeek playing for Erfurt against SV Werder Bremen II in 2017. Photo: Getty Images
Malaysia

Chinese tourist’s World Cup flag blunder in Malaysia goes viral

The visitor demanded a hotel fly China’s flag, unaware the display only featured nations that had actually qualified for the tournament.

Fame and celebrity

Meet Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal’s girlfriend, Inés García

Yamal was last linked to Nicki Nicole, but stepped out in May at FC Barcelona’s celebration with García, an influencer with a million followers.

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Fame and celebrity

Who is pro golfer Alexa Melton, US footballer Christian Pulisic’s ex?

The pair made a public appearance at the US Open 2024 and called it quits ahead of the World Cup amid cheating rumours later retracted by Melton.

Pro golfer Alexa Melton and US footballer Christian Pulisic dated for around two years before their split earlier this year. Photo: @golfergirl365/TikTok
Fifa

World Cup integrity questioned as Trump, Fifa defend Balogun suspension actions

Belgium’s football federation challenged Fifa’s ruling to overturn a ban on the US forward, who was cleared to play on Monday.

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Belt and Road Initiative

Cabo Verde wows at World Cup – with an economic assist from China

From boots to building a stadium, China played a vital role in helping the West African nation qualify for football’s biggest tournament.

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China-Japan relations

Chinese province calls foul on fans cheering Japanese World Cup team

Some Chinese fans in Shanghai are reported to have worn Japanese national team jerseys and cheered Japan’s win over Tunisia last month.

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Fans in Shanghai cheer during a Fifa World Cup match between Japan and Tunisia on June 21. Japan won 4-0 but were later knocked out of the tournament. Photo: Reuters
Fifa World Cup 2026

Meet Magi Sadeq, Egypt captain Mohamed Salah’s wife and childhood sweetheart

The biotechnology graduate from the World Cup footballer’s hometown of Nagrig is mother to their 2 daughters – but what part of their home life leaves her less than happy?

Mohamed Salah and Magi Sadeq with their two daughters last year. Photo: @mosalah/Instagram
Timepieces

5 biggest watch moments in June, from celebrity timepieces to a titan’s death

Brad Pitt, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland rocked their timepieces at the Fifa World Cup, while Breitling joins Watches and Wonders 2027.

Fifa World Cup 2026

Rima Edbouche – the anti-WAG? Meet Ousmane Dembélé’s modest hijabi wife

Ballon d’Or winner of 2025 and Paris Saint-Germain member Dembélé is repping France at the World Cup 2026 – supported by his low-key wife.

Fifa World Cup 2026

Video | South Korean fans target head coach for early World Cup exit

South Koreans call for an overhaul of the country’s football establishment and a probe into the head coach’s appointment.

South Koreans call for an overhaul of the country’s football establishment and a probe into the head coach’s appointment
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Fifa World Cup 2026

Video | Japan fans hopeful despite World Cup loss to Brazil

Japan took a first-half lead, but Brazil levelled after the break before sealing the win with a late goal.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 - Brazil v Japan - Fans gather in Tokyo - Tokyo, Japan - June 30, 2026 Japan fans react at the Bee Bar in Tokyo during the match REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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Fifa World Cup 2026

Meet Katie Goodland, England captain Harry Kane’s wife and childhood sweetheart

The all-time highest goalscorer for the men’s national football team is leading his country’s challenge at the 2026 World Cup – but what do you know about his wife?

United States

With no team in World Cup, Chinese fans root for Ronaldo, Messi … and a referee

Chinese team has not played in tournament for 24 years, so supporters follow world’s two most famous players and a strict mainland official.

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Education in Hong Kong

Hong Kong school rearranges overnight World Cup watch party after feedback

Chi Lin Buddhist Primary School says event now to be held on morning of July 12 and previous circular aimed to gauge parents’ views.

Chi Lin Buddhist Primary School in Tseung Kwan O. A teacher said the school decided to hold the gathering on a Sunday morning to boost participation. Photo: Elson Li
Lionel Messi

Meet Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo, an Instagram sensation in her own right

The pair met when they were kids and married in 2017 – they now have 3 sons, and she’s worked with Adidas, Alo Yoga and Dolce & Gabbana.

Fifa World Cup 2026

Meet US team football coach Mauricio Pochettino, who looks like Russell Crowe

Before the World Cup, Pochettino played for and coached teams including PSG and Espanyol – football runs in the family, and his 2 sons both work in the sport.

Fifa World Cup 2026

Meet Nigeria’s goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, dubbed the world’s sexiest footballer

Nigeria may not have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but there’s a reason the team is still attracting a lot of attention: Maduka Okoye.

Is Maduka Okoye the sexiest football player in the world right now? Photo: @madukaokoye/Instagram
Fifa World Cup 2026

12 of the World Cup 2026’s oldest players, from Ronaldo to Messi

Should Ronaldo still be playing? Is this Messi’s last World Cup? But neither are the oldest this tournament – Scotland’s Craig Gordon is 43.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among the oldest players this World Cup. Photos: @cristiano, @leomessi/Instagram
Fifa World Cup 2026

Revolutionary Guard claim is ‘outright lie’, says Iran’s football federation

The US claimed someone tied to the IRGC, under the guise of the Iranian federation chief, tried to board Iran’s team flight to Los Angeles.

Celebrity style

11 most stylish World Cup bag moments so far

Forget boring duffels – World Cup footballers have been showing off their style game, from Lamine Yamal’s Chanel to Noa Lang’s Hermès.

United States

Iranian American protesters gather as football team prepare for World Cup opener

Anti-government protesters gathered in Los Angeles, home to the biggest Iranian community outside Iran, ahead of the Iran-New Zealand match.

Football fans wave Iran and US flags during a protest outside Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) ahead of the 2026 World Cup football match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, California on Monday. Photo: Reuters
China trade

At World Cup, Mexico leans on China tech and transport to meet logistical needs

Infrastructure and cloud solutions from China are bolstering the Fifa event as one of the host nations balances strategic partnerships with rising Washington pressure.

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Mexico City’s renovated light rail line is seen ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Photo: Reuters
Fifa

My Take | The World Cup will not solve the globe’s problems, but it can bring us together

After months of controversy, the tournament has finally kicked off, and it may just live up to its billing as the greatest show on earth.

US-China relations

China missed the World Cup. Its brands didn’t

From broadcast operations to sponsorships, Chinese companies hold key roles at football’s biggest event despite geopolitical friction.

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