Morocco faces a "herculean task" preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, budgeting £4bn-£4.8bn for direct football investments and £17bn for infrastructure upgrades. This accelerated expenditure, equivalent to 11.9% of its 2024 GDP, raises public concerns about costs versus long-term benefits, prompting lessons from past hosts like South Africa.
The 2026 men's World Cup drew huge crowds, social media attention and strong fan engagement across North America. Its lasting legacy will depend on whether that interest translates into deeper support for soccer and MLS.
The US is considering a bid to host the 2029 Club World Cup, aiming to leverage the success of the current World Cup. FIFA has held talks with US officials, but a formal bid is pending confirmation of the selection process. The US co-hosted the current World Cup and is set to host the 2031 Women's World Cup.
Comedian Henry Bretz, known for parodying Karl Stefanovic, was blocked by the former TV host on social media. Bretz, who co-hosts a radio show, started impersonating Stefanovic after the podcaster launched his show, viewing it as a dangerous blueprint similar to US trends. Stefanovic initially liked Bretz's videos but later blocked him after a parody criticizing a story about a sausage sandwich.
Belgium defeated the United States 3-1 in the World Cup last 16 in Seattle. The US, co-hosts of the tournament, are now eliminated, with Belgium advancing to face Spain in the quarter-finals. The match saw controversy over a suspended red card for US striker Folarin Balogun.
Belgium decisively defeated the United States 4-1 in Seattle, ending the co-hosts' World Cup campaign and advancing to face Spain in the quarter-finals. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice, Hans Vanaken added another, and Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory.
Mexico's World Cup journey ended with a loss to England, sparking mixed emotions. While fans celebrated the team's effort, the nation also reflected on its role as a co-host, with the country's president highlighting unity despite underlying social issues.
England secured a dramatic 3-2 win against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane (penalty) gave England a lead, but Mexico fought back with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez (penalty). England played the second half with 10 men after Jarrell Quansah was sent off.
Mexico has reached the World Cup Round of 16 with four wins and no goals conceded. They broke a knockout stage losing streak dating back to 1986 and will now face England at the Azteca Stadium.
Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to secure England's 3-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the World Cup. England will now face Mexico in the last 16.
England is set to play the Democratic Republic of Congo in the World Cup's last 16 in Atlanta, aiming to avoid the upsets that saw Germany and the Netherlands eliminated. Coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledges England's favorite status but warns of narrow margins.
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium, ending a 40-year World Cup knockout stage win drought. Julian Quinones scored and assisted Raul Jimenez in the match, which was delayed by stormy weather.
Mexico secured a spot in the World Cup's last 16 by defeating Ecuador 2-0. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez in the first half, fueled by strong home support and delayed by weather, sealed the victory.
France's potent forward line, featuring Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise, is set to challenge Sweden in a World Cup last-32 match. Norway's Erling Haaland and co-hosts Mexico also feature in key fixtures.
Iran's football federation has accused a senior US official of "lies" and "mistreatment" after he celebrated their World Cup exit. The federation stated that Iranians are "used to" such remarks and that US officials lack commitment to international law.
Meta's Threads is rolling out new features for its Live Chats, including translation support, co-host capabilities for up to three users, and message deletion for hosts. The platform is also expanding access to 'Community Champions' and teasing desktop support and pinned messages.
Iran's head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to address the "very unfair" treatment his team has received from the US co-hosts during the World Cup, citing visa denials for officials and disruptive travel arrangements.
The US Men's National Team lost their final World Cup group stage match against Turkey 3-2 due to a late goal, despite having already secured a spot in the round of 32. Players like Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter remain confident, shifting focus to their upcoming knockout game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Bay Area.
South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in a World Cup match, with Thapelo Maseko scoring the decisive goal in the second half. This victory secured South Africa's first-ever knockout stage berth in the tournament, while South Korea still holds a chance to advance as a best third-placed team.
The USMNT defeated Australia 2-0, with Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun starting upfront in Christian Pulisic's absence. The tactical shift to two strikers proved effective against Australia's low block, leading to an early own goal and a second-half score.
Australia's Socceroos lost 2-0 to co-hosts USA in their World Cup Group D opener in Seattle. Despite a humbling first half, the team believes they can still qualify for the knockout stages with a positive reaction in their final group match against Paraguay.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has endorsed the USMNT's chances of winning the World Cup, following their 2-0 victory over Australia. The team, now guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage, is confident in their aspirations, with defender Alex Freeman emerging as a key player.
The Socceroos lost 2-0 to co-hosts USA in Seattle, putting their World Cup campaign on the bubble. Despite a poor first half, the team believes they can still qualify for the knockout rounds with a positive result against Paraguay in their final group match.
The World Cup match between the US and Australia highlights a shared struggle for soccer's place in two countries dominated by other sports. Despite rivalry, the game serves as a mirror for their unusual sporting cultures and a lesson in empathy.
