News as it breaks
Experienced Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton has been appointed to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, FIFA has announced. The world football governing body confirmed the appointment in a post on its official X account ahead of the blockbuster last-four clash at Dall “The match…
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has described his side’s FIFA World Cup semi-final clash against France as “a final before the final”, expressing confidence that his players can overcome the former world champions and secure a place in the tournament’s final. Spain booked their place in the last…
Peter Obi has praised Afrobeats star Davido for using a global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert to draw attention to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the plight of abducted schoolchildren. In a statement posted on his official X account, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate described the…
South Korea launched their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic, overcoming missed chances and a second-half scare to claim all three points in Guadalajara. The Koreans dominated large periods of the match but appeared destined to pay for their profligacy in front of…
FIFA has banned fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup stadiums, introducing a last-minute policy change that will require supporters to purchase bottled water inside venues during the 2026 tournament. The decision, first reported by The Athletic, reverses earlier guidance that allowed spectators to carry empty, transparent…
Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to divide opinion, with supporters hailing the veteran forward as the nation’s talisman while critics argue his presence may hinder one of the strongest Portuguese teams in history. At 41, Ronaldo is preparing for what could…
Iran’s football federation says the United States has not yet issued visas for the country’s national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Federation chief Mehdi Taj said Iranian officials were seeking urgent guarantees from FIFA over the unresolved visa process, according to state news agency IRNA. …
Scientists and climate experts have warned that players and fans could face dangerous heat conditions during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging football’s governing body to strengthen safety measures ahead of the tournament. According to a report by BBC Sport, medical experts, climate researchers and sports scientists signed an open…
Iran’s national football team has insisted that no country can exclude it from the upcoming FIFA World Cup, responding sharply to remarks by Donald Trump suggesting the team’s “life and safety” could be at risk in the United States. The statement came after the former U.S. president questioned whether…
United States President Donald Trump has warned that members of Iran’s national football team could face threats to their “life and safety” if they participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place in North America. Trump made the remarks on his Truth Social platform, raising concerns…
