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Sport

FIFA chief says fans 'should chill' about Somali ref denied US entry

The 2026 men's World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams and is the biggest and most ambitious in the event's history, with matches taking place in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

No Comment

Marktweg in The Hague becomes iconic orange street for World Cup

Residents of Marktweg in The Hague have once again transformed their street into a sea of orange ahead of the FIFA World Cup, continuing a popular local tradition that has become a symbol of community spirit and support for the national team.

Somalia

Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan receives warm welcome home

Andrew Giuliani, who is leading the White House task force for the FIFA World Cup, has said Artan was denied entry to the US for a "very good reason," without offering further details.

The Cube

No, Mbappé hasn't made sexual harassment allegations against Macron

A report attempting to mimic a legitimate Eurosport article claims that French football sensation Kylian Mbappé has made a series of revelations about inappropriate behaviour by Preisdent Emmanuel Macron.

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Sport

Mexico gears up for 2026 World Cup opener at historic Azteca Stadium

Mexico City is preparing to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday when the hosts take on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The venue will become the first stadium in history to host three World Cup opening matches.

Markets

World Cup 2026: The analysts who called it twice have a new winner

Canadian investment research firm BCA Research has applied the same statistical rigour it uses to analyse global markets to predict the outcome of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday in Mexico City.

Sport

World Cup border issues continue as Cannavaro questions security frisk

Iran's World Cup ticket allocation has been cancelled, and 13 delegation members remain without visas, forcing the team to base itself in Mexico. Meanwhile, a Somali referee was turned away, an Iraqi striker was held for seven hours in Chicago, and Senegalese players were body-searched on arrival.

USA

FIFA says 'not involved' as award-winning Somali ref denied US entry

A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan, who says he was detained for 11 hours at Miami International Airport, would play no part in the World Cup.

Sport

Host cities in North America ready for biggest World Cup in history

The United States will host roughly 75% of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 78 of the 104 matches in the entire tournament taking place in 11 host cities.

Tech News

How cyber criminals are taking advantage of the FIFA World Cup

From fake websites to malicious calendar invitations, here is how cyber attackers have already been taking advantage of the FIFA World Cup hype.

Sport

Five surprising facts about the historic 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations. With record figures, extreme heat risks and Super Bowl-style spectacle, the North American tournament promises to break the mould.

Destinations

Guadalajara: A World Cup host city travel guide

Mexico's second-largest city is hosting its third men's World Cup after previously staging matches in 1970 and 1986.

Destinations

Toronto: A World Cup host city travel guide

Canada's largest city will host six World Cup matches, including the co-host nation’s opening fixture.

Mexico

Iran football squad cleared for US entry but staff still await visas

Iran's players have received US visas ahead of the World Cup, but several federation officials are still awaiting clearance before the team's opening match.

Destinations

Philadelphia: A World Cup host city travel guide

Philadelphia will host five World Cup group games as well as a Round of 16 clash on 4 July – exactly 250 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed in the historic city.

Destinations

Vancouver: A World Cup host city travel guide

BC Place in downtown Vancouver will host seven World Cup fixtures – including two of Canada's group games.

Sport

10 iconic moments that shaped World Cup history

The 2026 World Cup kicks off next week in Mexico City, where joint hosts Mexico play South Africa.

Culture news

Belle and Sebastian give Scotland an unofficial World Cup anthem

Frontman Stuart Murdoch says the song reflects five decades of following the fortunes of Scotland's national team.

Sport

New York mayor Mamdani and Bastian Schweinsteiger unveil World Cup trophy

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger welcomed the World Cup trophy to New York as part of FIFA's official Trophy Tour ahead of the 2026 tournament.

Travel News

World Cup fuels tourism boom in North America with Canada in the lead

This month’s football World Cup puts North America at the heart of global tourism and is set to trigger an economic boom across the region, with Canada leading the way, ahead of Mexico and the United States, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.