Advertisement
Advertisement
TOPIC

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.
Members of Iran’s football team before departing from Antalya Airport in Turkey for Tijuana, Mexico, to compete in the Fifa World Cup. Photo: EPA
Marco Rubio

Iran head to Mexico under shadow of new World Cup visa row with United States

Squad must enter and leave US soil on the same day as their matches, while member of Iraqi team denied entry in Chicago after screening.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal and Chile brawl in not so friendly World Cup warm-up, 2 sent off

Chinese Football Association (CFA)

China World Cup hopes pinned on Ma Ning, could ‘impartial’ ref oversee final?

US-Iran tensions

Iran slams US ‘discriminatory treatment’ over World Cup visa refusals

12 officials, including team manager and press officer, have reportedly been denied entry for the tournament.

A dozen officials with the Iran World Cup delegation have been refused visas to enter the United States. Photo: AFP

Fifa World Cup: 5 teens who could enjoy their coming-of-age moments this summer

The young guns tipped to shine in Canada, Mexico and the United States will be following a well-worn path to fame and fortune.

Fifa

Fifa hits fans in pocket again, bans reusable water bottles at World Cup

Football bosses claim safety concerns behind last-minute move despite warnings over searing temperatures in Canada, Mexico and the US.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

World Cup winner Materazzi on how shortsighted Italy are slipping behind Morocco

Former defender believes four-time world champions paying for lack of forward planning, recalls high drama of 2006 World Cup final.

Marco Materazzi stands beside the match ball from the 2006 World Cup final during his visit to the Fifa Museum in Hong Kong. Photo: Sam Tsang.
Fifa

Scotland’s Tartan Army to bring ‘the party’ on return to World Cup after 28 years

Thousands of fans will defy exorbitant prices to visit Boston and Miami, hoping to see their team get past group stage for first time.

Chinese tourists

Will the World Cup help Mexico dispel Chinese tourists’ safety fears?

A boost of visitor numbers for the tournament should also include travellers from China, though surveys show lingering safety concerns.

6
United States

My Take | World Cup ticket prices are showing the ugly side of the beautiful game

State attorneys general in the US have launched probes into Fifa’s ticketing strategy. The governing body must never forget the sport is nothing without its fans.

The dome of Science World is being transformed into a giant official match ball of the FIFA World Cup 2026 ahead of the tournament in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Photo: Xinhua
Cristiano Ronaldo

Essential spearhead or disruptive presence? Ronaldo heading to sixth World Cup

Debate around Cristiano Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal rages on ahead of this summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the US.

The decision to pick Cristiano Ronaldo is not without its controversy, with some wondering if his presence in the Portugal side will do more harm than good. Photo: AP
Fifa

New Zealand World Cup player finds social media stardom, another cancels wedding

Tim Payne becomes superstar after being identified as ‘least known’ World Cup-bound player, while Michael Woud will now play ‘bridesmaid’.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi to lead Argentina at World Cup, but Real Madrid star misses out

Messi will play in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, but there is no place for teen Franco Mastantuono in squad.

RedNote

Notorious Chinese ref shows ‘playful’ side as RedNote signs World Cup TV deal

Best known for his strict handling of unruly players, Ma Ning’s new social media account has drawn plenty of attention from football fans.

Ma Ning’s RedNote profile picture, which many users described as “playful” and “cute”. Photo: RedNote/MaNing
Letitia James

Fifa to be investigated over ticketing for 2026 World Cup by top US legal chiefs

Attorneys generals of New York and New Jersey say football body must answer allegations of ‘inflated prices’ and ‘misleading fans’.

US legal officials have demanded answers regarding ticket prices for games at MetLife Stadium. Photo: AFP

Buoyant Japan coach Moriyasu targets World Cup glory despite Mitoma blow

The Asian team have never gone beyond the last 16 but they were the first to qualify and are confident after beating Brazil and England.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi faces World Cup uncertainty after tests diagnose muscle fatigue

Inter Miami provided no clear timetable for the superstar’s return weeks before Argentina prepare to defend their crown.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Mexico

Mexico’s president sees ‘no issue’ with her country hosting Iran World Cup team

Claudia Sheinbaum said she was told by Fifa the US was reluctant to have the Iranian team spend time outside the matches on US territory.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace in Mexico City on Monday. Photo: Luis Barron / eyepix via ZUMA Press Wire / dpa
Fifa

Son says he is still in form as clouds hang over South Korea’s World Cup hopes

Defiant talisman facing questions about his faltering performances and international future, while coach Hong Myung-bo is unpopular with fans.

Lionel Messi

‘Tired’ Lionel Messi gives Argentina injury scare weeks before World Cup

South America superstar limps out of Major League Soccer game against Philadelphia Union.

Fifa

Palmer, Foden left out of England World Cup squad, with Toney the surprise pick

Exclusion of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire among coach Thomas Tuchel’s other surprises but most of his regular stars are selected.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Chelsea's Cole Palmer have paid the price for poor seasons with their clubs. Photo: AFP
Diplomacy

Letters | Canada’s World Cup role offers model of cooperation in a fraught world

Readers highlight Canada’s open, responsible and respectful diplomacy, and warn against lifting Hong Kong’s ban on electric mobility devices.

A visitor poses for a photograph with the official Fifa World Cup 2026 Toronto countdown clock at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Canada, on May 11. Photo: Xinhua
Fifa

Iran players apply for US, Canada visas in signal they will play at World Cup

Iran squad pause training to attend appointments for Canadian visas, with some seeking US ones; however, travel, ⁠security concerns persist.

Pep Guardiola

Rising star to global icon: who could be the 2026 World Cup’s breakout player?

Five contenders from Argentina, France, England, Brazil and Spain have the opportunity to become football’s next superstar.

Fifa

Iran confirms squad heading to Turkey for Fifa World Cup preparation

Iran and the US cut diplomatic ties in 1980, and the players are expected to use their time to complete the procedures for obtaining visas.

Members of Iran’s national football team attend a farewell ceremony in Tehran ahead of their departure for the World Cup. Photo: AFP
Lionel Messi

The last dance: Messi and Ronaldo get ready for sixth and final Fifa World Cup

Two best players of their generation prepare to make history this summer, 20 years after their first appearances at football’s biggest tournament.

Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi (centre) holds the World Cup after beating France in the 2022 final in Qatar. Photo: AFP
Fifa

Injured winger Mitoma fails to make Japan’s World Cup squad as Tomiyasu returns

Liverpool’s Endo and Crystal Palace’s Kamada also make cut as coach Hajime Moriyasu picks best 26 ‘for Japan to win on the world stage’.

China Mobile

CCTV, Fifa agree World Cup TV deal covering 4 tournaments until 2031

State broadcaster says agreement with governing body was reached on Friday and will cover men’s and women’s events.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement