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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

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

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.

43 minutes agovideocam

Fifa World Cup 2026

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

2 hours ago

Timepieces

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

3 Jul 2026 - 3:29PM

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.

1 Jul 2026 - 6:00PM

Ousmane Dembélé with his wife, Rima Edbouche, and daughter after his team Paris Saint-Germain’s victory at the UEFA Champions League Final last May. Photo: Getty Images

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.

30 Jun 2026 - 5:14PM

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.

30 Jun 2026 - 12:31PM

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?

27 Jun 2026 - 6:00AM

Harry Kane, captain of England’s national football team, with his wife Katie Goodland. Photo: @harrykane/Instagram

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.

25 Jun 2026 - 8:35PMvideocam

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.

24 Jun 2026 - 5:35PM

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.

24 Jun 2026 - 12:35PM

Lionel Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo in May, celebrating the footballer’s collaboration with Adidas Football and Kith. Photo: @antonelaroccuzzo/Instagram

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.

24 Jun 2026 - 6:00AM

Seeing double? Coach of the US team, Mauricio Pochettino, bears a striking resemblance to actor Russell Crowe – and the internet has noticed. Photos: Reuters, AFP

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.

23 Jun 2026 - 6:09PM

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.

23 Jun 2026 - 1:45PM

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.

22 Jun 2026 - 4:38AM

Iran players pose for a team photo before their match against Belgium in Inglewood, Los Angeles on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

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.

21 Jun 2026 - 6:00AM

Jules Koundé and Kylian Mbappé are just two footballers who have had some truly stylish bag moments this World Cup. Photos: AFP

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.

16 Jun 2026 - 7:58AM

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.

14 Jun 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

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.

13 Jun 2026 - 10:14PM

Singers Elyanna and Jessie Reyez perform during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Photo: Reuters

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.

13 Jun 2026 - 6:23AM

Hong Kong celebrities and icons

7 Hong Kong women’s footballers on playing the sport and fashion game

With the Fifa World Cup 2026 under way, we asked players from a prominent Hong Kong women’s team about fashion, and the professionals that inspire them – from Lionel Messi to Mia Hamm.

12 Jun 2026 - 2:00PM

Fashion

3 fashion drops celebrating the Fifa World Cup 2026, by Adidas, Nike and Puma

It’s almost here … a festival of football sees 48 teams compete for the game’s biggest prize – here are fashions inspired by the event to help get you in the mood.

12 Jun 2026 - 6:00AM

Nike Football has created official kits for many of the 48 international teams taking part in the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Handout

Fifa World Cup 2026

Video | Can Hong Kongers afford the World Cup?

Club Travel’s cheapest ‘Hospitality Packages’ start at HKD$48,000, and include one group-stage match, and one night of accommodation.

11 Jun 2026 - 6:44PM

01:51

Fifa

Editorial | As the World Cup kicks off, politics should be left behind

It is regrettable that politics has tarnished the build-up to the largest World Cup the planet has ever seen.

11 Jun 2026 - 6:45AM

Athletes

Photo book This is Football celebrates the game as the Fifa World Cup kicks off

As the biggest tournament in world football kicks off, this lavish book looks back at seminal moments involving Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé and more.

11 Jun 2026 - 6:00AM

Fifa World Cup 2026

Gold-laden World Cup trophy’s value surges 157% – how much is the bullion worth?

While priceless to players, all that shimmers in the iconic Fifa statue has seen its intrinsic value skyrocket amid a historic rally since the last tournament.

10 Jun 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Fifa

Video | Why are World Cup tickets so expensive?

Fifa has come under fire from across the football world over its use of ‘dynamic pricing’ to determine ticket costs, which have soared to unprecedented highs.

10 Jun 2026 - 2:54PM

06:59

Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police warn World Cup fans against using overseas betting sites

Warning comes after Fifa names its first prediction market partner for tournament, which begins on June 11.

8 Jun 2026 - 7:00AM

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.

4 Jun 2026 - 12:51AM

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Fifa World Cup

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.

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

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

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.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}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.

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.

7 Hong Kong women’s footballers on playing the sport and fashion game

With the Fifa World Cup 2026 under way, we asked players from a prominent Hong Kong women’s team about fashion, and the professionals that inspire them – from Lionel Messi to Mia Hamm.

3 fashion drops celebrating the Fifa World Cup 2026, by Adidas, Nike and Puma

It’s almost here … a festival of football sees 48 teams compete for the game’s biggest prize – here are fashions inspired by the event to help get you in the mood.

Video | Can Hong Kongers afford the World Cup?

Club Travel’s cheapest ‘Hospitality Packages’ start at HKD$48,000, and include one group-stage match, and one night of accommodation.

Editorial | As the World Cup kicks off, politics should be left behind

It is regrettable that politics has tarnished the build-up to the largest World Cup the planet has ever seen.

Photo book This is Football celebrates the game as the Fifa World Cup kicks off

As the biggest tournament in world football kicks off, this lavish book looks back at seminal moments involving Lionel Messi, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pelé and more.

Gold-laden World Cup trophy’s value surges 157% – how much is the bullion worth?

While priceless to players, all that shimmers in the iconic Fifa statue has seen its intrinsic value skyrocket amid a historic rally since the last tournament.

Video | Why are World Cup tickets so expensive?

Fifa has come under fire from across the football world over its use of ‘dynamic pricing’ to determine ticket costs, which have soared to unprecedented highs.

Hong Kong police warn World Cup fans against using overseas betting sites

Warning comes after Fifa names its first prediction market partner for tournament, which begins on June 11.

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.

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

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