South Korea's World Cup preparations are overshadowed by a rift with the media after disparaging comments about captain Son Heung-min. Media access was cut off, interviews cancelled, and a media officer reportedly resigned.
Cape Verde's historic 0-0 draw against Spain in the World Cup featured defender Roberto "Pico" Lopes, who was recruited via LinkedIn. Born in Ireland to a Cape Verdean father, Lopes initially ignored the message, thinking it was spam. The team also set a record for the fewest fouls in a World Cup match.
Saudi Arabia's national football team, bolstered by high-profile signings like Ronaldo and Benzema in their domestic league, drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their World Cup opener. This performance, featuring a starting XI entirely from Saudi clubs, contrasts with past heavy defeats and suggests potential growth.
Iran and New Zealand drew 2-2 in a FIFA World Cup group stage match held in Inglewood, US. Mohammad Mohebi scored for Iran, becoming the first player from the Russian Premier League to score in the 2026 World Cup. Both teams have one point in Group G.
Iranian American fans are torn between supporting their national soccer team at the World Cup in Los Angeles and protesting the Iranian government, with some planning to bring anti-government symbols to the match against New Zealand.
A duck named Merlin, dressed in Mexico's national team colors, has become an internet sensation and the unofficial mascot of the World Cup after going viral during the team's opening victory celebration in Mexico City.
Bélgica e Egito empataram em 1 a 1 na estreia do grupo G da Copa do Mundo de 2026, em Seattle. Ashour abriu o placar para o Egito e Mohamed Hany marcou contra para a Bélgica. Ambas as equipes somam um ponto.
Tunisia has dismissed head coach Sabri Lamouchi following a 5-1 loss to Sweden in their opening World Cup match. The Tunisian football federation announced the decision on Instagram, with plans to appoint Mondher Kebaier as interim coach. Lamouchi, hired in January, was already facing criticism after a 5-0 friendly loss to Belgium.
FIFA is reportedly planning to invite Russia's U-15 national football team to an international tournament in the United States in September. This comes despite Russia's ongoing ban from FIFA competitions following its military operation in Ukraine.
Germany's 7-1 World Cup victory over Curacao attracted over 23 million viewers. President Steinmeier began his official visit to Indonesia. Meanwhile, a CDU expert called the Iran-US deal a 'disaster,' while a report predicts a shrinking German working population by 2036.
Germany's 7-1 World Cup win captivated over 23 million viewers, while President Steinmeier began an official visit to Indonesia. An Islamist trial also commenced in Essen.
A LaLiga study suggests over half of Spanish football fans will watch the 2026 World Cup in bars, but bar owners report a shift towards home viewing post-pandemic. While bars anticipate increased takings if Spain progresses, many fans now prefer home gatherings with food delivery orders rising.
Iran striker Mehdi Taremi stated that the controversy surrounding their World Cup participation undermines FIFA's message of peace. The team faced visa issues and protests upon arrival in Los Angeles, with many Iranians believing the team doesn't represent the country.
Saudi national team players Mohammed Al-Owais and Saud Abdulhamid stressed the importance of respecting Uruguay in their upcoming World Cup match, despite Uruguay's travel issues. They also highlighted the team's readiness, quick adaptation to the coach's tactics, and the strong support from Saudi fans.
Russian President Vladimir Putin called US President Donald Trump to wish the American organizers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup success. Putin, referencing Russia's successful hosting of the 2018 World Cup, extended his good luck to the North American hosts.
Manuel Neuer, 40, will start as goalkeeper for Germany's first 2026 World Cup match against Curacao in Houston, Texas. This marks Neuer's return to international play after a nearly two-year absence due to injury.
Two individuals have been detained in connection with the theft of equipment from England's national team vehicles during their transit from Florida to Kansas City, their World Cup base camp. The English Football Association confirmed the incident, which occurred Friday night, is under police investigation.
The Spanish national football team is using advanced cooling technology called Climacool, developed by Adidas, to combat high temperatures during training in Chattanooga, USA. The system includes cooling vests and shoe covers designed to lower body and foot temperature, helping players maintain physical readiness.
US TV drones, including KMBC 9 (ABC affiliate), filmed Algerian national team's training sessions, breaching strict secrecy measures. This has caused discontent within the Algerian delegation, who aimed to protect tactical aspects before their World Cup matches, particularly against Argentina. Further controversy arose from Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Lampe's technical analysis of the team's play after a closed-door friendly.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has angered Italian authorities by joking about the national football team's failure to qualify for the World Cup. Italy's Sports Minister Andrea Abodi plans to discuss the comments with Infantino.
Brazilian footballer Rodrygo reflects on his journey to the World Cup, overcoming a serious knee injury sustained in March. Despite missing the tournament, he plans to support the Seleção from the US, drawing strength from family, club, and national team support.
Tim Ream became the oldest USMNT player at a World Cup and the first to benefit from the 'mistaken identity' rule change, where a yellow card was overturned and issued to an opponent for simulation.
The USMNT secured their largest World Cup victory, a 4-1 win against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Folarin Balogun scored twice, Christian Pulisic contributed an assist, and Gio Reyna added a late goal in the team's first home World Cup match in 32 years.
The USMNT secured their largest-ever World Cup victory, a 4-1 win against Paraguay, marking their return to home soil in the tournament after 32 years. Folarin Balogun scored twice, with Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna also contributing goals in a dominant performance.
