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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.
Argentina’s Leandro Paredes (centre) knocks down Spain’s Gavi after the World Cup final. Photo: AP
Court of Arbitration for Sport

Paredes banned for 10 games after World Cup final fracas, Argentina fined

Argentine Football Association says its legal department would request the grounds for the rulings from Fifa before filing an appeal.

Get to Know

Meet fried chicken mogul Todd Graves, who spent US$100 million on a World Cup party

South Korea

South Korean football body apologises after report on referee sex scandal

Americas and the Caribbean

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

The football used by the Argentinian legend to score his infamous goal in the 1986 World Cup is expected to fetch US$10 million.

The ball that was used in the 1986 World Cup match between Argentina and England during which Diego Maradona scored the “Hand of God” goal is displayed before auction at Heritage Auctions in Beverly Hills, California, on Friday. Photo: AFP
Get to Know

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

The teenager, whose mum’s identity remains a mystery, is in Al Nassr’s youth team, and has trained with Real Madrid’s youth setup in the past.

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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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.

The Korea Football Association has been under scrutiny since the national team’s shock exit from the World Cup. Photo: AFP
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.

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.

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.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei. Photo: AFP
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.

US President Donald Trump (right) and Fifa president Gianni Infantino get ready to present the World Cup to Spain in New Jersey. Photo: dpa
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.

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.

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.

Fans cheer during the World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina at the Olympian City shopping centre in Tai Kok Tsui on July 20. Photo: Sun Yeung
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?

Erland Haaland’s dad, Alfie Haaland, also played for Manchester City. Photo: @alfiehaaland/Instagram
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.

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.

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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.

Cabo Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha (right) shakes hands with Lionel Messi after their side’s went to extra time at the World Cup. Photo: Xinhua
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.

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.

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.

Spain players on buses during the World Cup victory parade through the streets of Madrid on Monday. Photo: Reuters
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.

Jude Bellingham celebrating joining Real Madrid in 2023, with his family by his side. Photo: @judebellingham/Instagram
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.

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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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 celebrate on the podium during the awards ceremony after they beat Argentina 1-0 on Sunday to win the 2026 Fifa World Cup in New Jersey. Photo: Xinhua
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.

A fountain in Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain’s Salamanca province, is cordoned off on Monday after it collapsed during World Cup celebrations. Photo: EPA
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.

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.

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