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Fifa World Cup 2026

Fifa World Cup 2026
The 2026 Fifa World Cup will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States across 16 cities, making it the first to be hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994. A total of 32 teams will compete to take the trophy, with the games planned for as-yet-unscheduled dates in the summer months.
A sign stands outside the offices of the Korea Football Association in Seoul. Photo: dpa
South Korea

South Korean football body apologises after report on referee sex scandal

The Korea Football Association refers to reports about events that ‘even many within the organisation ‌were unaware of’.

Americas and the Caribbean

Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball heads to US auction

Get to Know

All about Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, pictured flexing abs with his dad

South Korea

South Korean football faces ‘whistles in favour’ foreign referee sex scandal

In response, a South Korean football official refers to ‘unpleasant incidents 15 years ago’ and that the body now ‘strictly’ follows rules.

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A football friendly match between South Korea and Honduras in Daegu stadium in 2018. Photo: Reuters
South Korea

Police raid South Korea FA in investigation into World Cup coach appointment

Officers conduct ‘search and seizure operations’ at the Korea Football Association (KFA) headquarters.

Fifa

After Ref Cam lights up World Cup, what’s next for Lenovo’s AI tech in football?

Chinese multinational raised the bar for television coverage, now bosses eye bringing their expertise to the game’s mainstream.

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Fame and celebrity

Meet Lamine Yamal’s parents, Sheila and Mounir – and viral brother Keyne

The Spanish football star was born when his parents were teens, and the story behind his unique compound name stems from their humble past.

Lamine Yamal with mum Sheila Ebana and brother Keyne, who went viral during the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Photo: @forblaugrana/Instagram
Americas and the Caribbean

Argentina’s president decrees expulsion of foreigners expressing ‘hate’ against nation

Move follows backlash over World Cup defeat as legal experts and opposition politicians denounce emergency measure as unconstitutional.

Fifa

Uefa votes to boycott World Cup if Fifa goes ahead with private investor plan

The core investor would be a US investment firm created by Joshua Kushner, the brother of US President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Fifa

Fifa boss Infantino accuses World Cup critics of spreading hate, false narratives

Chief of football’s global governing body defends the tournament as a success that celebrated unity, safety and inclusion in an open letter.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino (left) said detractors had overlooked the joy and togetherness experienced by millions ‌of fans around the world who witnessed the World Cup. Photo: dpa
Fame and celebrity

Meet French football icon Zinedine Zidane’s son Luca, who played for Algeria at the World Cup

The 28-year-old goalkeeper made his debut for Real Madrid when Zizou was the manager; he now plays for Granada CF in La Liga 2.

French football icon Zinedine Zidane and his son Luca Zidane in 2024. Photo: @luca/Instagram
Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Dynamism returns to Hong Kong retail with World Cup windfall

Scenes from shopping centres and eateries during the final match prove the city hasn’t lost its penchant for vibrant nightlife.

Erling Haaland

Meet Erling Haaland’s dad Alfie, who played for Norway in the 1994 World Cup

Before a knee injury forced his retirement, Alfie Haaland enjoyed a successful football career at Manchester City and more … but guess what he wanted his youngest son to become?

Donald Trump

Kalshi cashes in with US$27 billion World Cup windfall, but legal issues remain

Prediction market start-up lets people wager on ‌the outcome of events such as sport and elections and has gained popularity since 2024.

Ferran Torres (centre) celebrates scoring Spain’s winning goal during the World Cup final against Argentina. Photo: Getty Images
Food and Drinks

On the Menu | How Argentina’s World Cup meltdowns echo restaurant award tantrums

Just as Argentina suffered a sad case of sour grapes over losing to Spain, so too have restaurateurs and chefs been ungracious in defeat.

Argentina’s Leandro Paredes clashes with Spain’s Gavi after the end of the World Cup 2026 final. Spain won 1-0. Like in sports, tantrums and meltdowns are also aplenty in the hospitality world, Charmaine Mok says. Photo: Imagn Images via Reuters
Erling Haaland

Vozinha, Haaland named in World Cup dream team, but no place for Kane, Yamal

Fans voted for Cabo Verde’s hero goalkeeper but left out golden gloves winner Unai Simon, World Cup winner Lamine Yamal.

Sex and relationships

Meet Maduka Okoye’s baby mama Jelicia Westhoff, who’s accused him of cheating

The Dutch model, who shares a son with the Nigerian goalie voted the world’s sexiest footballer, went on a rant after he was spotted with rapper Cardi B.

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Fifa

China’s World Cup frenzy: 70 billion views, 83.3 billion yuan in lottery sales

Figures from CCTV and China Sports Lottery reveal tournament’s reach while sponsors and retailers also benefit from huge interest.

The World Cup final had a peak real-time viewership of 41.23 million in China, according to CCTV. Photo: EPA
Fifa

Spain return home for massive parade, with World Cup and all-conquering identity

Winning team, who are greeted in Madrid by almost two million people including royals and prime minister, are apex of a now-dominant system.

Celebrity Families

Meet England footballer Jude Bellingham’s parents, Denise and Mark

Mark is a retired non-league footballer, while Denise was an HR professional – but now they’re both involved in their 2 sons’ football careers.

Erling Haaland

Spain leapfrog Argentina in Fifa rankings after World Cup win, Norway biggest climber

France and England remained No 3 and No 4, while Tunisia dropped 12 places after being the only African nation to miss out on the knockouts.

Spain overtook Argentina for the No 1 spot in the Fifa men’s ⁠world rankings after winning the World Cup. Photo: Getty Images
China’s private sector

Fifa effect: Hong Kong developers bet on sport fever to keep shoppers spending

Neighbourhood malls to host year-round events encouraging consumers to open their wallets after World Cup mania delivers double-digit gains.

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More than 1,000 soccer fans packed the Olympian City shopping mall in Tai Kok Tsui as they cheered for their teams during the World Cup final match live broadcast between Spain and Argentina. Photo: Sun Yeung
Fifa

More teams, bigger format but same result: key takeaways from 2026 Fifa World Cup

Despite fears beforehand over how fans would be treated and how the hosts would fare, there were thrills aplenty and some fairy-tale stories.

Spain

Teen dies during Spain World Cup celebrations

The teen died and several people were injured after a fountain collapsed in western Spain during celebrations.

Fifa

Spain’s World Cup win sparks surge in flight searches as Argentina face backlash

Data from mainland travel agency shows a sharp rise in inquiries for flights to Spain as losing fans deal with their side’s actions.

Supporters of Spain celebrate their team’s win at a bar in Beijing on Monday morning. Photo: EPA
Athletes

Meet Ferran Torres, who scored Spain’s winning World Cup goal

The 26-year-old was discovered when playing futsal with friends at school, and played for Valencia and Man City before joining Barcelona.

Ferran Torres wearing Under Armour FC last month. The Spanish footballer just scored a winning goal at the World Cup. Photo: @ferrantorres/Instagram
Lionel Messi

France’s Kylian Mbappe wins second World Cup Golden Boot, Spain sweep other awards

Midfielder Rodri ‌collected the Golden Ball, goalkeeper ⁠Unai Simon won Golden Glove and defender Pau Cubarsi claimed Best Young Player.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong restaurants score extra HK$500 million thanks to World Cup

Crowds of football fans, including children and elderly, flocked to shopping centres for match between Spain and Argentina at 3am.

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