'It's really easy to get into and the kids love it.'
Iran's national soccer team attended visa appointments in Ankara, Turkey, applying for Canadian visas and some players also submitting applications for US entry ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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.
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.
Canada's national football team is preparing for their World Cup Group B match against Qatar in Vancouver, aiming to improve on their opening draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina. Coach Jesse Marsch emphasizes setting the tone early and confirms Alphonso Davies' fitness for the crucial game.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could significantly alter the sport's economics and logistics, despite opposition from major confederations like UEFA and AFC.
Morocco's impressive rise in global football is uniquely funded by its vast phosphate reserves, with the state-owned OCP Group investing heavily in national team development. This strategic investment, driven by a royal directive, supports training academies and infrastructure, contributing to the nation's recent successes like reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The country's abundant phosphate resources provide a stable economic base for these ambitious sporting endeavours.
From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Cape Verde's fairytale run, VAR controversies and unforgettable fan moments, relive the memories that made the 2026 FIFA World Cup the biggest and most dramatic tournament in history.
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.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney playfully attempted to recruit Norwegian football star Erling Haaland for Canada's World Cup squad during a NATO summit meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, who humorously declined the offer.
Morocco showcased their evolution as a top football nation with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Canada in the World Cup last 16.
The 10 takeaways from the FIFA World Cup, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, has launched a new social-first series called 'More to Love'. This campaign aims to thank international fans who visited the US during the FIFA World Cup and encourage them to return to explore more of the country's diverse attractions, including its national parks and landmarks. The campaign is being amplified globally, including in India.
Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, has launched a new social-first series called 'More to Love'. This campaign aims to leverage the success of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which was hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, to encourage international fans to return and explore more of the country's diverse attractions, including its national parks and various states. The campaign is being amplified globally, including in India.
Dutch football players Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville were subjected to racist, discriminatory, and hateful online abuse after missing penalties in their World Cup shootout defeat to Morocco. The Dutch football association (KNVB) has condemned the abuse, calling it appalling, and plans to file a case with 'Meld Online Discriminatie' which could lead to a criminal investigation. Morocco won the thrilling Round of 32 match 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, advancing to face Canada.
France is preparing for a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Les Bleus, strong favourites with a perfect record and a dangerous attacking unit led by Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise, are anticipating a tactical battle. Morocco, unbeaten in their last 10 matches, aims to make history for African football and secure their first-ever win against France.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will conclude with a spectacular closing ceremony at New Jersey Stadium, featuring performances by global superstars like Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem.
The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.
Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been given a five-match ban after receiving a red card for a tackle which seriously injured Canada midfielder Ismael Kone, FIFA said on Wednesday.
Germany's national football team has been eliminated from the World Cup in the round of 32, marking their third consecutive early exit from the tournament. The German Football Association (DFB) has announced that changes will be made, with DFB President Bernd Neuendorf stating they will examine the reasons for the team's underperformance. The future of coach Julian Nagelsmann, who wishes to stay, is now uncertain.
South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who played a key role in his country's 2026 World Cup campaign, has died at the age of 25, with no cause of death immediately provided.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that the governing body will discuss expanding the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, following the already planned increase to 48 teams in 2026. Infantino believes a larger tournament encourages smaller nations and highlights the success of previous expansions, with the 2030 event already set to be hosted across six nations on three continents.
The FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina garnered nearly 63 million viewers in the United States, setting new viewership records and highlighting football's increasing popularity in the country.
Stephen Eustaquio's stoppage-time winner sent Canada into the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, with coach Jesse Marsch paying an emotional tribute to the midfielder's late parents after the dramatic 1-0 win over South Africa.
In Peru, there is a wave of new baby Haalands. In Argentina, Lionel has raced up the rankings, and in Mexico a girl was reportedly named after three soccer players. Parents in Latin America are already christening a new generation of babies after the stars of the World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will conclude with a spectacular closing ceremony at New Jersey Stadium, featuring performances by global superstars like Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem. The ceremony will celebrate the journey of 48 teams across three host countries and 16 cities, marking the end of a record-breaking tournament.
Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed immense pride after his team defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout to advance to the World Cup last 16.
Zee Entertainment said on Monday it had secured the rights to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 38 other FIFA events through 2034.
The World Cup final offers football's grandest stage a deliciously odd pairing: Argentina, all pulse, fire and Lionel Messi, against Spain, the European champions who appear to treat chaos as an administrative error and have turned control into something close to an art form.
Fans heading to watch Portugal play Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 in Toronto on Thursday are being warned to keep hydrated and limit their alcohol intake after a heat warning issued by Environment Canada.
Toronto will hand out free soccer-themed condoms during the FIFA World Cup as part of a public health campaign promoting safer sex and sexual health awareness.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada for a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Panama due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK, where he faces rape and sexual assault charges. Canada's Federal High Court upheld the visa refusal, despite Ghana's government calling the decision "extremely unfair" and questioning the reliance on unproven allegations.
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set to kick off in New Jersey, with fans flocking to the stadium despite high ticket prices and enhanced security measures, as both teams vie for the coveted title.
The complete schedule and all the results of FIFA World Cup 2026 in IST.
Despite initial challenges like unsold tickets and a rained-out fan festival, visitors are flocking to Toronto for the first-ever World Cup soccer match in Canada. Fans are drawn by factors such as lower drinking age compared to the US, cultural similarities, and Canada's diverse immigrant population, creating a unique and determined atmosphere for the tournament.
Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa said the hydration breaks introduced in each half of matches at the World Cup add nothing to football while destroying the sport's cultural essence.
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi will not participate in the upcoming World Cup match against Germany in Canada.
Belgium players celebrated their 4-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 victory over hosts United States with a dance inspired by US President Donald Trump. Romelu Lukaku and teammates performed the viral dance after Lukaku's stoppage-time goal sealed their quarter-final spot. The US Men's National Team thanked supporters after their elimination, while Belgium, led by Charles De Ketelaere's brace, will face Spain next.
Legendary footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has voiced concerns about Cristiano Ronaldo's role in Portugal's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, citing the 41-year-old's physical decline and suggesting his selection is based more on reputation than current performance. This comes as Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Croatia to advance to the Round of 16.
Nora Fatehi has successfully transitioned to the global stage, with her FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem Siir Siir becoming a viral hit, especially following Morocco's impressive draw against Brazil.
