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Sport

Romanian football great Mircea Lucescu dies at age 80

Lucescu had a lengthy coaching career and was in his second spell with the Romanian national team until stepping down last Thursday after falling ill during training.

Culture news

Ronaldo and Messi join forces again for viral LEGO World Cup campaign

Joined by Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr, the four football stars compete (and fail) to claim a brick-built World Cup trophy in LEGO's “Everyone Wants a Piece” ad.

Business

FIFA raises top ticket price for World Cup final to $10,990

FIFA raised its top ticket price for the World Cup final to $10,990 (€9,533) during the glitch-hampered reopening of sales Wednesday after the 48-team field for this year's tournament was finalised.

Sport

“It feels like a nightmare”: Fans upset as Italy fails to qualify for third straight World Cup

Italy’s World Cup hopes ended in heartbreak after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia, leaving stunned fans in Rome lamenting another missed chance and a 16-year absence from football’s biggest stage.

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Destinations

Can the FIFA World Cup stop the US tourism 'Trump slump'?

The event was expected to see football fans streaming to the US, but proposed ESTA changes and social media scrutiny may see visitor figures much lower than hoped for.

USA

England superfan hoping to sell house to fund his World Cup holiday

Fan groups accused FIFA of a "monumental betrayal" in December when tickets were put on general sale ranging from $140 for the cheapest group games to $8,680 for the final.

Business

Promised $60 tickets, charged $4,185 — is the EC coming for FIFA?

Euroconsumers and the Football Supporters Europe (FSE) network have filed a formal complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of abusing its monopoly position over 2026 World Cup ticket sales.

Sport

Taking part in World Cup 'not possible', says Iranian sports minister

The Iranian sports and youth minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that his country's football players would not be safe in the US, which will be one of the World Cup's host countries this summer.

Travel News

Wizz Air to launch charter flights from UK to US for the World Cup

The airline expects strong interest from football teams participating in the World Cup.

Mexico

Mexican cartel clashes spark security concerns ahead of FIFA World Cup

The violence erupted just under four months before Mexico City hosts the opening match of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa.

Travel News

Travel groups denounce US proposed changes to ESTA

Travellers may soon need to share social media handles, selfies and extra personal details under proposed US travel rule changes.

USA

Ex-FIFA chief Sepp Blatter backs calls to boycott World Cup in the US

The international community's concerns about the United States as host stem from Trump's expansionist posture on Greenland, travel bans and aggressive tactics in dealing with immigration enforcement protestors.

Sport

FIFA accused of 'monumental betrayal' over World Cup ticket prices

FIFA said in September that tickets released through its website would initially range from €51 for group-stage matches to €5,727 for the final, but those prices are subject to change as it adopts dynamic pricing.

Culture news

Football vs soccer: Does Trump want to rename sport before World Cup?

For Americans, the word “football” refers to American football, a sport primarily played with hands. Donald Trump has suggested a new name for the NFL, because “soccer” deserves the name “football”... And even some of his critics are saying he's got a point.

Switzerland

Sixteen European teams to battle for four World Cup spots in playoffs

Sixteen nations will compete for the last four European spots in the 2026 World Cup. Italy faces Northern Ireland, while Wales takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Travel News

World Cup fans could get their US visa fast-tracked. Here’s why

Donald Trump says that US embassies will offer visa appointment priority to those with 2026 World Cup tickets.

Earth News

Climate change could force FIFA to rethink the World Cup calendar

Scientists warn extreme heat could endanger players and fans at the 2026 World Cup without major schedule changes.

Football Now

Carlo Ancelotti: Can he lead Brazil to World Cup glory?

In partnership with Media City

After winning domestic titles in five of Europe’s biggest leagues, Carlo Ancelotti now faces a new challenge as the head coach of the Brazilian national team.

Football Now

2026 FIFA World Cup: First four nations book their spot

In partnership with Media City

The identity of the 48 teams taking part at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are beginning to emerge, with four teams already qualifying for next year’s tournament.

Economy

Will Trump’s tariffs against Canada and Mexico hit the 2026 World Cup?

Increasing concerns about the feasibility of holding the 2026 FIFA World Cup between the US, Canada and Mexico have emerged, following Trump's tariffs against both these countries.