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FIFA unveils star-studded squad for historic World Cup half-time show

FIFA has announced the line up for its first-ever World Cup half-time show with Madonna, Shakira and BTS all set to feature as world football's governing body seeks to emulate the success of the NFL's Superbowl show.

Iran

Iran's World Cup team feted with public farewell amid US visa fears

Iran's football team was given a state send-off in Tehran on Wednesday with Hezbollah flags and anti-US chants from those gathered, as players and officials await US visas for their World Cup group games.

No Comment

Iran national team heads toward 2026 World Cup amid 'death to America' chants in Tehran

Supporters gathered in Tehran to send off Iran’s national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, chanting slogans including “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

Travel News

US waives $15,000 visa bond fees for some World Cup fans

The Trump administration is suspending controversial visa bond payments of up to $15,000 (€12,800) for some World Cup supporters travelling to the US after concerns the rules could damage attendance at the 2026 tournament.

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Travel News

Waterfront goals: Seattle will host a floating World Cup fan zone

The Pacific Northwest city is turning its waterfront into a floating football festival complete with fan zones, watch parties and a pitch.

Climate

‘Cancellation-level heat’ could hit World Cup, climate scientists warn

Climate scientists are calling on FIFA and fans “to realise that there is no aspect of society not affected by climate change”.

Europe News

Yamal’s Palestine flag wave revives debate over politics in football

Yamal waved a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s La Liga title celebrations, reviving a debate over whether politics and sport should be mixed with just a month to go before the World Cup begins amid geopolitical tensions.

Sport

How much would you pay to see Ronaldo? Here's the cheapest ticket

The match between Portugal and Colombia in the 2026 World Cup is becoming a phenomenon off the pitch. The anticipation surrounding what could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup has caused the price of the cheapest tickets to explode.

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From Messi to Mbappé: Argentina’s World Cup sticker obsession returns

Thousands of football fans in Buenos Aires are gathering in parks and public squares to swap World Cup stickers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iran

Iran seizes football star Karimi's assets in clampdown on opponents

Iran’s judiciary says it has seized more properties belonging to former national football captain and football star Ali Karimi, alongside a wider wave of measures targeting prominent cultural, sport, and media figures accused of opposing the regime or cooperating with “hostile foreign entities”.

Business

Can you afford the 2026 World Cup? What fans paid over the years

The 2026 World Cup is facing criticism over record-high ticket prices, with fans saying it is becoming far less affordable than past tournaments. Compared to previous World Cups-where even final tickets were often under a few thousand dollars-2026 prices can reach $15,000 or more for premium seats.

Culture news

'Dai Dai': Shakira teases official World Cup 2026 anthem

Shakira marks her fourth musical participation in FIFA tournaments with the song 'Dai Dai', which will be released in full on 14 May. The 2026 World Cup kicks off on 11 June.

Travel News

World Cup hotel boom may ‘fall short of expectations’ in US

A new report by the American Hotel & Lodging Association says anticipated demand ‘has not translated into strong hotel bookings’ and that domestic travellers are ‘outpacing’ international visitors.

Travel News

World Cup travel demand rises, but not all cities will get the win

While the tourism picture points to an increase in activity in the run-up to this summer's tournament, research suggests the broader impact may be far more limited.

Iran

Iranian football chiefs turned away at Canada border over IRGC link

Iran's World Cup participation controversy has escalated with a diplomatic incident at Canada's borders involving Iranian football officials. Iran's group stage matches are scheduled in the US, and Tehran authorities have asked FIFA to move them to alternative venues. FIFA has refused.

Travel News

World Cup no longer just about football: Digital nomads invade Mexico

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is driving the arrival of European digital nomads in Mexico, a phenomenon transforming tourism with longer stays, remote working and a greater impact on the local economy.

Sport

Tickets to World Cup final in US appear on resale site for €1.9m each

FIFA does not control prices on its Resale/Exchange Marketplace but charges a 15% purchase fee to each ticket buyer and a 15% resale fee to each ticket seller.

Sport

Italian officials roundly reject pitch to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy missed out on the World Cup for the third successive time after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying playoff final.

Mexico

Sheinbaum urges better security at Mexico tourist sites after shooting

Security officials said that the shooting at the world-famous Teotihuacan pyramids that left one person dead and 13 others wounded "wasn't spontaneous."

Sport

Infantino insists Iran will play at US-cohosted World Cup despite war

The FIFA chief has confirmed that Iran will play in the World Cup despite the ongoing war, saying sport should build bridges and remain outside politics.