The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.
Lionel Messi equalled the men's World Cup all-time scoring record with a hat-trick in Argentina's Group J opener against Algeria on Tuesday.
Iran's football federation announced its World Cup ticket allocation has been revoked just days before the tournament, leaving many fans unable to attend.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that Jude Bellingham faces significant competition for a starting position in the upcoming World Cup, despite being considered a potential starter.
This year's WAGs include influencers, models, actors, and lifelong companions whose own careers and stories are drawing as much attention as the football itself.
Qatar snatched their first ever World Cup point with a stoppage-time goal to draw 1-1 with Switzerland in an energetic and one-sided Group B opener on Saturday.
Norwegian parliamentarians recreated the Viking rowing celebration made famous by their soccer fans, showing cross-party unity in support of the national team during the World Cup.
India's newly appointed T20I captain Shreyas Iyer has showed his love for football, backing five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.
FIFA's 'Debut FIFA World Cup' sleeve patch for the 2026 tournament is designed to celebrate first-time players and personalise kits.
France captain Kylian Mbappe became his country's all-time leading scorer with a double against Senegal at the World Cup on Tuesday.
Iran's coach and their key player said the national team will strive to bring joy and unity to Iranian people around the world, despite war and other tensions making their FIFA World Cup adventure uniquely challenging.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup record fell as Lionel Messi scored a historic hat-trick and reached 16 tournament goals.
India delivered a commanding performance at the World Boxing Cup 2026 (Stage 2) in Guiyang, China, securing six medals after a strong showing in the quarterfinals. Prachi (57kg), Minakshi (51kg), Deepak (70kg), and Nikhil (55kg) were among the Indian boxers who advanced to the semifinals, guaranteeing podium finishes.
Iran's Football Federation will lodge an official protest with FIFA after the United States reportedly denied the national team's request to travel to Los Angeles two days before their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against Belgium, citing geopolitical tensions and previous visa issues.
FIFA has granted US President Donald Trump permission to present the World Cup trophy, a role he previously undertook at the Club World Cup. This decision allows him to remain on the podium during celebrations, a departure from standard protocol, and he is expected to attend the final at MetLife Stadium.
Belgian winger Jeremy Doku faces a personal dilemma during the World Cup as his wife is due to give birth to their first child. He hopes to be present for the birth, potentially requiring him to leave the tournament.
Esha Singh won gold in the women's 25m pistol final at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, setting a new world record score of 43. This is India's first medal at the Munich World Cup.
Tunisia have sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi and replaced him with fellow Frenchman Herve Renard in the wake of the 5-1 defeat by Sweden in their World Cup opener in Monterrey on Sunday, the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) said.
Packed with legendary players and remarkable milestones, these fascinating FIFA World Cup facts offer a glimpse into the tournament's rich history.
Points Table Of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Merlin, a domesticated duck dressed in a miniature Mexico shirt and custom socks, has become an unexpected unofficial mascot for Mexico's World Cup team. After going viral during street celebrations, Merlin's popularity soared, with fans embracing the feathered supporter and his owner, Karla Gomez, expressing delight at his newfound fame.
Morocco outmuscled Scotland for a 1-0 win thanks to the tournament's fastest goal on Friday, taking control of Group C in the World Cup and moving into top spot with one match left to play.
Iranian footballer Mohammad Mohebi's goal celebration during a World Cup match against New Zealand sparked controversy after some interpreted his hand gesture as a 'gun signal'. Mohebi denied any political intent, stating it was a spontaneous reaction.
Indian junior shooters made a strong start at the ISSF Junior World Championship in Suhl, Germany, securing two gold medals and one bronze on the opening day. Sejal Kamble won individual gold in the junior women's 10m air pistol, while the team of Kamble, Vanshika Choudhary, and Navya Bishnoi also claimed gold.
Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal as Tunisia coach after a single game at the World Cup places him on an ignominious list that includes one of the most successful coaches in tournament history.
Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team, known as 'The Leopards', make a striking and stylish entrance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fans at the World Cup are vocally protesting FIFA's newly introduced mandatory three-minute hydration breaks, booing the stoppages during matches in Dallas, Toronto, and Boston. Critics argue these breaks disrupt game flow and serve commercial interests, with one match seeing a team concede a goal shortly after a break.
Indian boxers Nikhil, Deepak, and Saneh secured victories in their respective weight categories at the Boxing World Cup Stage 2 in Guiyang, China, advancing to the next round. Two other Indian boxers faced defeats, while two more are scheduled to compete on the following day.
India generates 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, nearly 20 per cent of the world's total.
Canadians and tourists at Niagara Falls celebrated Canada's historic first-ever win at the FIFA World Cup against Qatar. The euphoric victory, witnessed by hundreds at a special viewing event, sparked widespread joy and a renewed interest in football across the nation.
Arjun Singh and Veer Shah have been selected as captains for India's U-18 and U-14 pickleball teams, respectively, for the upcoming World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. The squads were finalised after selection trials in Ahmedabad, with officials expressing confidence in the team's potential to perform well.
With a dazzling hat-trick against Algeria, Lionel Messi once again defied age, expectations and logic at the World Cup, prompting coach Lionel Scaloni to call his performances "inexplicable" and admit he is simply no longer surprised by the Argentine legend's brilliance.
From losing his father to terrorism and watching conflict tear apart his family, to nearly abandoning football before leading Iraq back to the World Cup, Aymen Hussein has overcome obstacles that would have broken many others.
Japan's fans once again captured the world's admiration after clearing thrash from the stands following their Group F match against the Netherlands on Sunday.
Indian-origin forward Nishan Velupillay made his FIFA World Cup debut for Australia on June 14, coming on in the second half of their 2-0 victory over Turkiye. The 25-year-old, whose journey from academy football has been rapid, is considered one of Australia's most exciting attacking prospects. He now has eight international appearances and three goals for the Socceroos.
Kunal Upreti, known as Spark, has become India's sole Trackmania representative at the Esports World Cup 2026 after excelling in the Asia and Oceania qualifiers. He will compete for a significant prize pool, representing both India and S8UL on the global stage.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 got underway in Mexico on Thursday with Colombian superstar Shakira performing the official World Cup song Dai Dai in a spectacular opening ceremony.
Prestianni Law enforced for the first time at FIFA World Cup as Almiron sees red.
New Zealand's football coach Darren Bazeley lauded his team's performance in a 2-2 draw against Iran at the World Cup, where they came close to securing their first-ever win. Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, but Iran equalised late, leaving all Group G teams with one point.
US president Donald Trump in recent weeks has renewed threats to make Canada the 51st US state, and said he might not renew the trilateral trade agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico -- the co-hosts of this year's World Cup.
