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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

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

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.

21 Jul 2026 - 12:10PM

Spain

Teen dies during Spain World Cup celebrations

20 Jul 2026 - 8:39PM

Fifa World Cup 2026

Meet Ferran Torres, who scored Spain’s winning World Cup goal

20 Jul 2026 - 3:39PM

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong restaurants score extra HK$500 million thanks to World Cup

Crowds of football fans, including children and elderly, flocked to shopping centres for match between Spain and Argentina at 3am.

20 Jul 2026 - 10:47PM

Spain celebrate their World Cup win against Argentina. Photo: Associated Press

Fifa World Cup 2026

Spain beat 10-man Argentina to win one-sided World Cup final

Ferran Torres scores only goal of a game in which defending champions did not create a chance in more than 90 minutes.

20 Jul 2026 - 11:58AM

China exports

China did not qualify for the World Cup. It may have won in economic terms

While its men’s team has not competed since 2002, this year’s tournament has generated significant profit for many Chinese firms.

19 Jul 2026 - 4:03PM

Fifa World Cup 2026

Editorial | World Cup has showcased the beautiful game despite some ugly moments

While high ticket prices, visa issues and a Trump intervention cast a shadow on the tournament, the engrossing competition has also brought people together.

19 Jul 2026 - 7:15AM

Buddhist Chi Lin Primary School’s “World Cup Round of 16 Family Fun Day” in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, on July 12, with students and their parents cheering for their favourite team during the Argentina vs Switzerland game. Photo: Dickson Lee

Law

Legal Tales | Everything you never wanted to know about hosting the World Cup

Why lawyers have to keep their eye on the ball when nations become eager to host the next Fifa World Cup.

16 Jul 2026 - 9:30AM

Fame and celebrity

Meet Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernández, a footballer on screen – and in real life

The Mexican actor was signed by El Paso Locomotive FC in May and made his long-awaited professional debut on the pitch last Saturday.

16 Jul 2026 - 8:00AM

Hong Kong economy

Fifa World Cup: Hong Kong pubs, restaurants enjoy net gains from big matches

Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman Allan Zeman says business ‘up 60 to 70 per cent’ in nightlife district and set to get ‘crazier’ for the final.

13 Jul 2026 - 12:41PM

Norway’s Erling Haaland (right) has become an internet sensation in China. Photo: Xinhua

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

World Cup tears, and trials with Son Heung-min: meet Sri Lanka star in Hong Kong

Set to leave city after 3½ years, Waseem Razeek was ball boy for 2006 final between France and Italy; injury ruined own World Cup chance.

11 Jul 2026 - 10:00AM

Waseem Razeek playing for Erfurt against SV Werder Bremen II in 2017. Photo: Getty Images

Malaysia

Chinese tourist’s World Cup flag blunder in Malaysia goes viral

The visitor demanded a hotel fly China’s flag, unaware the display only featured nations that had actually qualified for the tournament.

7 Jul 2026 - 1:50PM

Fame and celebrity

Meet Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal’s girlfriend, Inés García

Yamal was last linked to Nicki Nicole, but stepped out in May at FC Barcelona’s celebration with García, an influencer with a million followers.

7 Jul 2026 - 6:00AM

Fame and celebrity

Who is pro golfer Alexa Melton, US footballer Christian Pulisic’s ex?

The pair made a public appearance at the US Open 2024 and called it quits ahead of the World Cup amid cheating rumours later retracted by Melton.

7 Jul 2026 - 6:00AM

Pro golfer Alexa Melton and US footballer Christian Pulisic dated for around two years before their split earlier this year. Photo: @golfergirl365/TikTok

Fifa

World Cup integrity questioned as Trump, Fifa defend Balogun suspension actions

Belgium’s football federation challenged Fifa’s ruling to overturn a ban on the US forward, who was cleared to play on Monday.

7 Jul 2026 - 5:40AMvideocam

The United States’ Folarin Balogun, centre, during a World Cup match against Bosnia-Herzergovina in Santa Clara, California on July 1. Photo: Los Angeles Times / TNS

Belt and Road Initiative

Cabo Verde wows at World Cup – with an economic assist from China

From boots to building a stadium, China played a vital role in helping the West African nation qualify for football’s biggest tournament.

6 Jul 2026 - 9:00PM

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.

5 Jul 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

Fifa World Cup 2026

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

The biotechnology graduate from the World Cup footballer’s hometown of Nagrig is mother to their 2 daughters – but what part of their home life leaves her less than happy?

5 Jul 2026 - 6:00PM

Mohamed Salah and Magi Sadeq with their two daughters last year. Photo: @mosalah/Instagram

Timepieces

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

Brad Pitt, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland rocked their timepieces at the Fifa World Cup, while Breitling joins Watches and Wonders 2027.

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

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

02:23

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

02:36

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

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

Chi Lin Buddhist Primary School in Tseung Kwan O. A teacher said the school decided to hold the gathering on a Sunday morning to boost participation. Photo: Elson Li

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

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

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Fifa World Cup

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.

Teen dies during Spain World Cup celebrations

Meet Ferran Torres, who scored Spain’s winning World Cup goal

Hong Kong restaurants score extra HK$500 million thanks to World Cup

Crowds of football fans, including children and elderly, flocked to shopping centres for match between Spain and Argentina at 3am.

Spain beat 10-man Argentina to win one-sided World Cup final

Ferran Torres scores only goal of a game in which defending champions did not create a chance in more than 90 minutes.

China did not qualify for the World Cup. It may have won in economic terms

While its men’s team has not competed since 2002, this year’s tournament has generated significant profit for many Chinese firms.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | World Cup has showcased the beautiful game despite some ugly moments

While high ticket prices, visa issues and a Trump intervention cast a shadow on the tournament, the engrossing competition has also brought people together.

Legal Tales | Everything you never wanted to know about hosting the World Cup

Why lawyers have to keep their eye on the ball when nations become eager to host the next Fifa World Cup.

Meet Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernández, a footballer on screen – and in real life

The Mexican actor was signed by El Paso Locomotive FC in May and made his long-awaited professional debut on the pitch last Saturday.

Fifa World Cup: Hong Kong pubs, restaurants enjoy net gains from big matches

Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman Allan Zeman says business ‘up 60 to 70 per cent’ in nightlife district and set to get ‘crazier’ for the final.

World Cup tears, and trials with Son Heung-min: meet Sri Lanka star in Hong Kong

Set to leave city after 3½ years, Waseem Razeek was ball boy for 2006 final between France and Italy; injury ruined own World Cup chance.

Chinese tourist’s World Cup flag blunder in Malaysia goes viral

The visitor demanded a hotel fly China’s flag, unaware the display only featured nations that had actually qualified for the tournament.

Meet Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal’s girlfriend, Inés García

Yamal was last linked to Nicki Nicole, but stepped out in May at FC Barcelona’s celebration with García, an influencer with a million followers.

Who is pro golfer Alexa Melton, US footballer Christian Pulisic’s ex?

The pair made a public appearance at the US Open 2024 and called it quits ahead of the World Cup amid cheating rumours later retracted by Melton.

World Cup integrity questioned as Trump, Fifa defend Balogun suspension actions

Belgium’s football federation challenged Fifa’s ruling to overturn a ban on the US forward, who was cleared to play on Monday.

Cabo Verde wows at World Cup – with an economic assist from China

From boots to building a stadium, China played a vital role in helping the West African nation qualify for football’s biggest tournament.

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

The biotechnology graduate from the World Cup footballer’s hometown of Nagrig is mother to their 2 daughters – but what part of their home life leaves her less than happy?

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

Brad Pitt, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland rocked their timepieces at the Fifa World Cup, while Breitling joins Watches and Wonders 2027.

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.

Editorial | World Cup has showcased the beautiful game despite some ugly moments

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