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The Football Association of Hong Kong, China
A man plays football on the street in Mexico City. Photo: Getty Images
Fifa World Cup 2026

Shakira, the circle of life and early starts: 5 things to know ahead of World Cup

The World Cup kicks off early on Friday in Hong Kong, and whether you plan on watching highlights or seeing it live, here’s what you need to know.

Fifa

US says World Cup referee was banned over links to ‘terror organisations’

Fifa World Cup 2026

Messi scores on injury return as Argentina beat Iceland in World Cup warm-up

Hong Kong Jockey Club

Hong Kong Jockey Club and Lenovo vow to ‘rock the city’ during Fifa World Cup

Organisations form strategic alliance to launch ‘home of football’ campaign, kicked off with world-famous player at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Lenovo's ‘home of football’ campaign will begin in earnest with a themed night at Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday. Photo: HKJC
The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Lenovo's ‘home of football’ campaign will begin in earnest with a themed night at Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday. Photo: HKJC
Fifa

Iran says US has revoked Fifa World Cup ticket allocation for supporters

Move comes after Iran officials were banned from entering the US. The two countries remain at war after US and Israel bombed Tehran in February.

Fifa World Cup 2026

US rolls up welcome mat, referee banned from World Cup despite Fifa promises

Omar Abdulkadir Artan turned away by immigration officials. Fifa president Gianni Infantino previously said ‘everyone will be welcome’.

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Lan Kwai Fong Group

Lan Kwai Fong chairman Allan Zeman expects fans to ‘go crazy’ for World Cup

The tournament will be shown across the nightlife hub as part of a ‘Fifa World Cup Summer Frenzy Carnival’, organised with broadcaster Now TV.

Bruce Lam (left) and Allan Zeman holding up shirts showing the number of World Cup matches Now TV will broadcast (104) and the day they begin, June 12. Photo: Ada Li
Bruce Lam (left) and Allan Zeman holding up shirts showing the number of World Cup matches Now TV will broadcast (104) and the day they begin, June 12. Photo: Ada Li
Uefa

Christian Eriksen ‘conscious’ after another on-field collapse in Denmark match

The midfielder, 34, clutched his chest during a friendly against Ukraine in Odense, in a scene that echoed his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.

Fifa World Cup 2026

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.

English Premier League

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland delights Chinese fans with Weibo account

The Norwegian, who will play in the World Cup, answered questions in a 45-second video while ‘officially debunking some rumours’.

Manchester City star Erling Haaland launched his own Weibo account and said it was “time to clear up a few things”. Photo: Handout
Fifa World Cup 2026

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

First half punch-up sparked by clash between Portugal’s Rafael Leao and Ivan Roman. Ronaldo substituted at half-time.

Portugal’s Rafael Leao and Chile’s Ivan Roman clash during their side’s World Cup warm-up at National Stadium, in Oeiras, Portugal. EPA
Portugal’s Rafael Leao and Chile’s Ivan Roman clash during their side’s World Cup warm-up at National Stadium, in Oeiras, Portugal. EPA
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong captaincy fires Beijing Guoan star Yue Tze-nam’s European belief

Right-back acknowledges shock over being handed armband for Roberto Losada’s first game as permanent boss against Mongolia.

Fifa World Cup 2026

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.

Fifa World Cup 2026

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.

Pelé (left) introduced himself to the game globally at the 1958 World Cup. Here he is closing on Sweden goalkeeper Kalle Svensson during the final in Stockholm. Photo: Getty Images
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

‘Proud’ Losada off to winning start as Hong Kong stick rather than twist

Former Eastern boss Roberto Losada starts his full-time role as Hong Kong coach with 2-0 win over Mongolia.

Roberto Losada, here before taking charge against Guangdong last December, is the city team’s new permanent head coach. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Roberto Losada, here before taking charge against Guangdong last December, is the city team’s new permanent head coach. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Chinese Football Association (CFA)

Young Chinese footballer makes history signing for Barcelona’s famed academy

The 14-year-old Li Haoyan will join the club’s under-15 side next season after attracting interest from other teams like Espanyol, Villarreal.

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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.

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Fifa World Cup 2026

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.
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.

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Matt Orr hopes to use ‘ruthless’ Shanghai gig to help Hong Kong’s ‘new project’

Striker says stint with Chinese giants Shanghai Port has taken his game to ‘the next level’; hopes to play ‘older-head role’ for city team.

Artificial intelligence

AI using ‘simple phone videos’ to unearth football talent beyond scouts’ radar

Tech companies are launching apps that allow young players to upload videos recorded on their phone of them showcasing their ball skills.

Brazilian footballer Marcela Geremias de Lima controls the ball while being recorded for the Cuju app in Sao Paulo. Photo: AFP
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

‘Passion’ of US helped change mindset of Hong Kong footballer who refused to quit

Marco Wong rewarded for patience and hard work at FA Cup winners Tai Po after period in cold led to fears over career.

Marco Wong (below) was excellent in Tai Po’s 2-1 win over Eastern District in the FA Cup final at Mong Kok Stadium on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua
Marco Wong (below) was excellent in Tai Po’s 2-1 win over Eastern District in the FA Cup final at Mong Kok Stadium on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Losada unfazed by Hong Kong job waiting game, promises ‘more dynamic’ team

Football association says there are no snags in head coach recruitment process, as city team prepare for Mongolia and Cambodia encounters.

Alibaba

Alibaba signs 6-year AI deal with Uefa, will give fans ‘immersive experience’

Chinese technology giant agrees partnership that will bring artificial intelligence and cloud services to Champions League and Euro 2028.

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Uefa Champions League

Mikel Arteta accepts Arsenal must improve after PSG Champions League final loss

Boss acknowledges team ‘need to do better ... to get the outcome we want’ after penalty shoot-out heartbreak in Budapest.

William Saliba wistfully gazes at the Champions League trophy that again evaded Arsenal. Photo: Xinhua
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