Advertisement
Advertisement
TOPIC

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.
Ma Ning disallows an Al-Ittihad goal in an AFC Champions League Elite tie in April. Photo: Getty Images
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

Fifa World Cup: 5 teens who could enjoy their coming-of-age moments this summer

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.

Workers water the newly installed pitch at MetLife Stadium ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo: Getty Images

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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.

6
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.

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.

Lionel Messi will lead Argentina into the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States this summer. Photo: Reuters
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’.

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.

Lionel Messi, an icon for the defending World Cup champions Argentina, grabbed the back of his left leg and asked to come off in a match for Inter Miami. Photo: Getty Images
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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.

Fifa

Iran players apply for US, Canada visas in signal they will play at World Cup

Iran squad pause training to attend appointments for Canadian visas, with some seeking US ones; however, travel, ⁠security concerns persist.

Players of the Iranian team leave the US Embassy after completing their visa application procedures for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in Ankara, Turkey, on Thursday. Photo: EPA
Pep Guardiola

Rising star to global icon: who could be the 2026 World Cup’s breakout player?

Five contenders from Argentina, France, England, Brazil and Spain have the opportunity to become football’s next superstar.

Pedri (right) has proven to be a fitting heir to Xavi Hernandez for both club and country and could be one of the breakout stars at this year’s World Cup. Photo: Reuters
Fifa

Iran confirms squad heading to Turkey for Fifa World Cup preparation

Iran and the US cut diplomatic ties in 1980, and the players are expected to use their time to complete the procedures for obtaining visas.

Lionel Messi

The last dance: Messi and Ronaldo get ready for sixth and final Fifa World Cup

Two best players of their generation prepare to make history this summer, 20 years after their first appearances at football’s biggest tournament.

Fifa

Injured winger Mitoma fails to make Japan’s World Cup squad as Tomiyasu returns

Liverpool’s Endo and Crystal Palace’s Kamada also make cut as coach Hajime Moriyasu picks best 26 ‘for Japan to win on the world stage’.

Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma (right) shoots at goal against Wolves on Saturday before later going off with a hamstring injury that has ruled him out of the World Cup next month. Photo: Reuters
China Mobile

CCTV, Fifa agree World Cup TV deal covering 4 tournaments until 2031

State broadcaster says agreement with governing body was reached on Friday and will cover men’s and women’s events.

The 2026 Fifa World Cup will be televised in China after all. Photo: AP
Chris Martin

Scientists warn Fifa that World Cup games at risk of searing heat

One in four games could take place in very hot conditions; meanwhile, Madonna, Shakira, BTS to headline first-ever half-time show in final.

Chinese Football Association (CFA)

China youth teams make World Cups amid Fifa hopes of seeing nation back at the top

Both under-17 men’s and women’s teams reach final stages of Asian Cup to book World Cup spots as Mattias Grafstrom praises Chinese system.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement