2026 FIFA World Cup

Infantino slams World Cup critics for 'spreading hate'

FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the 2026 World Cup, dismissing critics for spreading "hate and false rumours." He praised the tournament's safety, visa handling and unity efforts, while rejecting complaints over officiating and controversial disciplinary decisions.

July 27, 2026

Spain's world champions head home to million-strong Madrid welcome

Millions of fans are expected to greet Spain's World Cup winners heading home on Monday to a heroes' welcome in Madrid; the team will be received by King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez before climbing aboard an open-top bus for a parade through the city.

July 20, 2026

Pakistan-manufactured official FIFA World Cup 2026 football showcased at UN event

Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Program, Rana Mashhood, represents Pakistan at the UN headquarters during the event titled, 'One World, One Game, One Goal: Football as a Catalyst for Youth Mental Health and Well-Being,' organized by the UN Youth Office in collaboration with FIFA.

July 18, 2026

Colombia's Daniel Munoz celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group K football match between Colombia and Democratic Republic of Congo in Zapopan on June 23, 2026. (AFP)

Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 to reach World Cup knockouts

The South American country wins courtesy of a 76th-minute goal from Daniel Munoz, with Colombia now on top of Group K with six points, two points above Portugal.

June 24, 2026

'Let's be realistic': Haaland cools Norway's World Cup expectations

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Senegal 3-2 to reach the World Cup knockout stage, but the striker tempered expectations, saying his team is not a contender to win.

June 23, 2026

German National Team Coach Julian Nagelsmann (left) and Jonathan Tah attend the final press conference ahead of the second World Cup group stage match against Ivory Coast. (AFP)

Germany meet Ivory Coast in high-stakes World Cup clash, Sweden face Dutch

Several teams edge toward knockout qualification as group standings tighten, with co-host success, key player performances, coaching adjustments, and important upcoming matches shaping progression across multiple groups in tournament play.

June 20, 2026

Messi equals World Cup goalscoring record in Argentina win

Argentina's all-time top-scorer is just the third man to reach 200 caps after Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa; Ronaldo will equal Messi's record of six World Cup appearances if he plays for Portugal against DR Congo on Wednesday.

June 17, 2026

Iran's players hug each other after the 2026 World Cup Group G football match between Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 15, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Iran snatch draw in World Cup opener, Spain stunned by Cape Verde

Equalizers from Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi spare Team Melli from humiliation in the World Cup opener.

June 16, 2026

Iran's flag is displayed on a screen during the draw for the 2026 FIFA Football World Cup taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico, at the Kennedy Center, in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2025. (AFP)

Iran at the World Cup a 'major diplomatic asset': Football chief

Iran says it will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite the on-going Middle East War, while seeking guarantees, visa access and respect for its flag, anthem and staff from United States, Mexico and Canada

May 10, 2026

DR Congo's defender #04 Axel Tuanzebe (R) celebrates after scoring a goal in extra time during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final playoff football match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisc

Trump envoy wants Italy to replace Iran at World Cup: Report

Paolo Zampolli suggests to Donald Trump and FIFA that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup, despite officials insisting Iran will still participate.

April 23, 2026