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.
FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, will feature separate opening ceremonies in each of the three countries. The ceremonies will feature a diverse lineup of musical performers and cultural showcases.
With less than a month to go, football fans have all fingers -- and toes -- crossed, notes Kanika Datta.
Hector Bellerin's late goal secured a draw for Real Betis against Real Madrid, impacting Real's LaLiga title aspirations as Barcelona's lead widens.
Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa reach the Europa League semi-finals, while Braga and Freiburg also advance in a dramatic night of European action.
UEFA has fined Benfica 40,000 euros for racist behaviour by supporters during their Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Real Sociedad defeated Atletico Madrid in a penalty shootout to win the Copa del Rey, marking their fourth title in the competition after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Arsenal resume their Premier League title push with a nine-point lead after a morale-boosting win in Europe, but a resurgent Manchester City and an intense race for Champions League spots ensure a thrilling run-in.
Guadalajara violence postpones matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city
Kai Havertz scored a late goal to give Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
Lionel Messi was accidentally tackled by a security guard during Inter Miami's friendly win over Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico after a fan invaded the pitch.
Bologna advanced to the Europa League quarter-finals after a thrilling 4-3 win against AS Roma.
For Mourinho, it was an emotional night at the Estadio da Luz, capped by an extraordinary 98th-minute header from Trubin that ensured Benfica snatched a last-16 spot on goal difference.
Vinicius Jr scored a sublime second-half winner as Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0 in their Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday, which was halted for 11 match under FIFA's anti-racism protocol.
Several soccer games in Mexico were postponed due to violence following a military operation and the reported death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho."
Arsenal's Eberechi Eze opened his Champions League account with a stunning goal as his team outclassed Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at home to reach the quarter-finals with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
'We've hit rock bottom; we've been knocked out by a second division team.'
Harry Kane scored his 36th goal of the season but Bayern Munich let a second-half lead slip to draw 2-2 with Hamburg SV.
Argentina, who hold the record with six titles, lost a final for the second time after their defeat by Brazil in 1983.
India asserted its supremacy with a commanding 3-1 victory over Wales in a 9/16 classification match at the FIH Junior Women's World Cup.
Mbappe fires Real Madrid to the summit, Bayern lose at home and Dortmund stay in the title hunt.
Real Madrid suffered a shock 2-0 loss and finished with nine men against Celta Vigo in LaLiga on Sunday.
IMAGES from the UEFA Champions League matches played on Tuesday
It was a tough night for Ronaldo in his 50th World Cup qualifier as he struck the base of the post in the 17th minute with a left-footed snapshot from just inside the penalty box, with the rebound falling perfectly for Bernardo Silva who inexplicably scuffed his effort wide.
Spirited Rayo Vallecano hold Real Madrid to 0-0 draw
Alexia Putellas and Claudia Pina netted two goals apiece as Spain cruised to an easy 4-0 victory over Sweden in the first leg of their Women's Nations League semi-final on Friday, taking a commanding lead ahead of the return in Gothenburg next week.
Inter edge Genoa to go top
Atletico Madrid extended their unbeaten run in LaLiga to nine matches with a 2-0 victory over hosts Real Betis on Monday.
Barcelona closed the gap on their rivals Real Madrid, moving up to 28 points and pulling two clear of third-placed Villarreal.
On a goals-filled night in the UEFA Champions League, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Marseille score resounding victories.
'Las Cafeteras' were within touching distance of their first continental title until Marta, introduced as a late substitute, delivered a moment of magic with a stunning equaliser six minutes into stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time.
Real are on 24 points, two ahead of Barcelona and the top two will go head-to-head in next Sunday's El Clasico. Getafe are 12th in the standings on 11 points.
Spain secured their place at the 2026 World Cup after a nervy 2-2 draw with Turkey in Seville on Tuesday.
Portugal qualified for the 2026 World Cup on Sunday with a 9-1 hammering of Armenia that included hat-tricks from both Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves.
IMAGES from the UEFA Champions League matches played on Wednesday
FIFA boss Infantino also presented President Trump with the very first ticket to the tournament's grand finale.
Arsenal forward Stina Blackstenius struck a late winner as the London team shocked holders Barcelona 1-0 on Saturday to claim their second Women's Champions League title and first in 18 years to the delight of their 5,000 travelling fans.
'Ancelotti hasn't had time to show us his game plan yet. It's only been two or three days of training.'
Barcelona dropped their first points in LaLiga this season as Rayo Vallecano fought back to secure a 1-1 draw at home to the champions.
