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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.
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
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.

Fifa

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

Fashion

9 fashion-forward collabs for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, from Nike to Loewe

Fifa

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’.

Somalian referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry to the United States and will miss the World Cup. Photo: AFP
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.

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.

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Marco Rubio

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.

Members of Iran’s football team before departing from Antalya Airport in Turkey for Tijuana, Mexico, to compete in the Fifa World Cup. Photo: EPA
Cristiano Ronaldo

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.

Chinese Football Association (CFA)

China World Cup hopes pinned on Ma Ning, could ‘impartial’ ref oversee final?

The 46-year-old is poised for second finals, while country’s footballers must wait at least another four years to add to 2002 appearance.

US-Iran tensions

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.

A dozen officials with the Iran World Cup delegation have been refused visas to enter the United States. Photo: AFP

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
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.

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.

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.

Thousands of Scotland's famous fans arriving at Paris' Parc des Princes stadium in September 2007 for a Euro 2008 qualifying match against France. Photo: AFP
Chinese tourists

Will the World Cup help Mexico dispel Chinese tourists’ safety fears?

A boost of visitor numbers for the tournament should also include travellers from China, though surveys show lingering safety concerns.

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A replica of the World Cup trophy on display at Mexico City’s Museo Yancuic this month. Photo: Reuters
United States

My Take | World Cup ticket prices are showing the ugly side of the beautiful game

State attorneys general in the US have launched probes into Fifa’s ticketing strategy. The governing body must never forget the sport is nothing without its fans.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Essential spearhead or disruptive presence? Ronaldo heading to sixth World Cup

Debate around Cristiano Ronaldo’s importance to Portugal rages on ahead of this summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the US.

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Fifa

New Zealand World Cup player finds social media stardom, another cancels wedding

Tim Payne becomes superstar after being identified as ‘least known’ World Cup-bound player, while Michael Woud will now play ‘bridesmaid’.

New Zealand defender Tim Payne (left), seen here after a match against New Caledonia last year, has become the country’s most followed footballer with the help of an influencer. Photo: AFP
Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi to lead Argentina at World Cup, but Real Madrid star misses out

Messi will play in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, but there is no place for teen Franco Mastantuono in squad.

RedNote

Notorious Chinese ref shows ‘playful’ side as RedNote signs World Cup TV deal

Best known for his strict handling of unruly players, Ma Ning’s new social media account has drawn plenty of attention from football fans.

Letitia James

Fifa to be investigated over ticketing for 2026 World Cup by top US legal chiefs

Attorneys generals of New York and New Jersey say football body must answer allegations of ‘inflated prices’ and ‘misleading fans’.

US legal officials have demanded answers regarding ticket prices for games at MetLife Stadium. Photo: AFP

Buoyant Japan coach Moriyasu targets World Cup glory despite Mitoma blow

The Asian team have never gone beyond the last 16 but they were the first to qualify and are confident after beating Brazil and England.

Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma (front left) scores during an international friendly against England at Wembley Stadium in March. Photo: Kyodo
Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi faces World Cup uncertainty after tests diagnose muscle fatigue

Inter Miami provided no clear timetable for the superstar’s return weeks before Argentina prepare to defend their crown.

Mexico

Mexico’s president sees ‘no issue’ with her country hosting Iran World Cup team

Claudia Sheinbaum said she was told by Fifa the US was reluctant to have the Iranian team spend time outside the matches on US territory.

Fifa

Son says he is still in form as clouds hang over South Korea’s World Cup hopes

Defiant talisman facing questions about his faltering performances and international future, while coach Hong Myung-bo is unpopular with fans.

Son Heung-min (right) has not lit up Major League Soccer in the US since joining the Los Angeles FC from English club Tottenham last year. Photo: AFP
Lionel Messi

‘Tired’ Lionel Messi gives Argentina injury scare weeks before World Cup

South America superstar limps out of Major League Soccer game against Philadelphia Union.

Lionel Messi asked to come off with an apparent leg injury. Photo: Getty Images
Fifa

Palmer, Foden left out of England World Cup squad, with Toney the surprise pick

Exclusion of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire among coach Thomas Tuchel’s other surprises but most of his regular stars are selected.

Diplomacy

Letters | Canada’s World Cup role offers model of cooperation in a fraught world

Readers highlight Canada’s open, responsible and respectful diplomacy, and warn against lifting Hong Kong’s ban on electric mobility devices.

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