Spain's national football team returned to Madrid after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026, with public celebrations planned for July 20 at Cibeles Communications Palace. They secured their second title by defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time, ending a 16-year wait.
Stephen Chow Sing-chi's new film, Kung Fu Soccer, has ignited controversy in South Korea, with allegations that it deliberately parodies the country's women's national football team, drawing strong reactions from internet users and a university professor.
A K-Football Reform Committee, including Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo, advocates for direct elections for the next KFA president, facing strong opposition from Jeonbuk Football Association president Seo Gang-il, who questions their qualifications and the proposed by-law amendment.
Former South Korean men's national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo will attend a parliamentary hearing on July 22 regarding the team's early exit from the FIFA World Cup. Hong stated he will not shun responsibility and will explain the team's performance to the public.
Former Hong Kong coach Jorn Andersen is set to become the new head coach of Myanmar's national football team. He arrived in Yangon to finalize contract details, with an official signing expected soon. Andersen previously led Hong Kong to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup finals.
UK PM Keir Starmer and Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre exchanged light-hearted barbs in national team jerseys at a NATO summit, ahead of their countries' FIFA World Cup quarterfinal clash in Miami on July 11.
UK PM Keir Starmer and Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre exchanged light-hearted barbs in national team jerseys at a NATO summit, ahead of their countries' FIFA World Cup quarterfinal clash in Miami on July 11.
Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years after defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout in Vancouver. This marks their fourth quarterfinal appearance in history.
Egyptians across the nation gathered in coffee houses and fan zones to watch their national football team's World Cup round-of-16 match against Argentina. Despite a 2-3 loss, fans expressed pride in the team's historic performance, their best ever in the tournament, and lauded coach Hossam Hassan's support for the Palestinian people.
Former South Korean men's national football team head coach Paulo Bento has expressed interest in returning to the role, according to a Korea Football Association (KFA) official. Bento previously coached South Korea from 2018 to 2022, leading them to the knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup.
Iran's national football team received a hero's welcome in Tehran after being eliminated from the World Cup without a loss, despite facing significant political pressure and US visa restrictions that hampered their campaign.
Mexico's national football team faces a critical World Cup knockout match against Ecuador on Tuesday, battling a long history of first-round exits and national anxiety despite their best-ever group stage performance. Coach Javier Aguirre and a "new generation" aim to overcome psychological hurdles.
Norwegian parliamentarians performed the viral "Viking row" inside the chamber, led by Speaker Masud Gharahkhani, to support the national football team for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting a widespread embrace of Viking imagery as a symbol of national pride.
The US has eased travel restrictions for Iran's national football team for the 2026 World Cup after Tehran protested unequal treatment. Iran's delegation can now arrive a day earlier for their match against Egypt in Seattle.
The Egyptian national football team faces unexpected logistical changes for their upcoming match against Iran in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Security concerns forced a change in their travel and accommodation plans, moving their base from Seattle to Spokane, impacting their strategy to minimize player fatigue.
The US national football team secured a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle, guaranteeing their advancement to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. Cameron Burgess scored an own goal in the 11th minute, and Alex Freeman added another goal in the 43rd minute.
Lionel Messi's family has denied reports of his father Jorge Messi's death, stating he is under medical observation and recovering. The family urged for privacy and responsible reporting amid speculation about his health.
Canada secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Qatar in their second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held in Vancouver. Goals from Larin, David, Saliba, and an own goal propelled Canada to the top of Group B.
Lionel Messi led Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in his record sixth World Cup appearance, scoring all three goals. The match, attended by 69,050 spectators at Kansas City Stadium, saw Messi equal Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goal record with 16 goals.
Thousands in Cabo Verde celebrated a World Cup draw against Spain, a moment President Jose Maria Neves called defining for the nation. China's role in building the country's sports infrastructure, including the Estadio Nacional, was also highlighted as crucial to these achievements.
Iran's national football team secured a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles, but faced significant logistical and security challenges. Players and coaches complained about restrictive movements, immediate flights after matches, and intrusive security checks, contrasting with positive experiences in Mexico.
Kylian Mbappe has broken Olivier Giroud's record for most goals scored for the French national team, netting his 58th goal in his 99th appearance against Senegal. Mbappe, 27, has had a prolific career with both Real Madrid and the national team, including a World Cup win in 2018.
Spanish officials are downplaying concerns that investors could seize Royal Spanish Football Federation assets during World Cup matches in the US. Blasket Renewable Investments LLC issued subpoenas to entities involved in Spain's participation, seeking documents related to a 2013 dispute over renewable energy subsidies.
Iranian Americans in Los Angeles are divided over supporting the national football team, "Team Melli," at the World Cup. While some see the team as representing the Iranian government and plan protests, others wish to separate sports from politics and support the team.
