Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter criticizes FIFA's plan to create a $20bn subsidiary to run the World Cup, stating the tournament belongs to the people, not executives or investors.
Neymar, 34, announces retirement from international football after 16 years with Brazil, ending his career as the nation's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances.
FIFA's plan to sell World Cup chunks to private investors sparks outrage; Uefa must decide by 19 September, with potential seismic implications for football's governance and future.
Roberto Mancini, reappointed as Italy's coach after the team's 2026 World Cup qualification failure, apologizes for his abrupt 2023 departure, taking full responsibility and promising to restore the team's former glory.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić retires after officiating the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, concluding a 19-year career marked by high-profile UEFA and FIFA appointments.
Uefa and Andy Burnham have condemned Fifa’s plan to invite private investment into a new commercial subsidiary. Fifa says the move would expand football development funding, but critics fear it could commercialise the World Cup further.
Fifa has proposed Fifa Forward Enterprise, a new body that would centralize commercial rights and allow minority private investment. The plan could bring extra funding to member associations but raises questions about control and influence.
Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, despite concerns over their age, should be in India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad due to their skill, experience, and continued run-scoring ability.
A surge in UK consumer confidence, dubbed the 'Burnham bounce', driven by optimism in economic prospects, coincides with England's strong World Cup run and policy interventions like VAT cuts. However, deep inequalities and gloomy outlooks among older Britons and the poorest households threaten sustainability.
Lionel Messi makes first public appearance after Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup final loss to Spain, watching a local match in Rosario before returning to Inter Miami.
Jayden Adams, a 25-year-old South African midfielder, found football as his 'safe space' amidst a life marked by socioeconomic challenges and personal tragedies, ultimately rising to international acclaim before his sudden death.
World Cup gold medallist Lakshay, 23, provisionally suspended after testing positive for stanozolol in an out-of-competition dope test, threatening India's first-ever rowing World Cup gold and Asian Games medal hopes.
R Ashwin advocates for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to India's national team for the 2027 ODI World Cup, citing his recent IPL success, experience, and versatility, amid concerns over the current pace attack's inexperience.
The World Cup brought a significant boost to UK pubs, with 30m extra pints sold and £150m in added sales, outperforming previous tournaments like Euro 2024, though benefits were uneven across the hospitality sector.
Casemiro made his Inter Miami debut in a 1-0 win over Montreal amid an MLS investigation into his transfer for potential tampering, with Luis Suarez scoring the winning penalty.
Cristian Volpato, 22, tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice by police in Sydney for speeding, just days after playing for Australia in the 2026 World Cup.
After the FIFA World Cup 2026, football returns quickly with WAFCON 2026, the UEFA Super Cup, domestic league openers and new qualification cycles across continents.
Jürgen Klopp, newly appointed Germany manager, threatens to resign if his family is targeted by public scrutiny, as he takes over a team seeking rebound from another disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign.
Jürgen Klopp, 59, has been officially confirmed as the new coach of the German national football team by the DFB in Frankfurt. He replaces Julian Nagelsmann and is tasked with improving the team's performance after a disappointing World Cup showing, with his debut set for September 24.
India's Sainyam secured a silver medal in the women's 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, scoring 243.4. The 22-year-old from Chandigarh showcased consistent performance, building on her strong domestic and international record, including previous junior gold medals.
Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids celebrated their World Cup final half-time performance alongside Burna Boy and Shakira in New Jersey, a 'life-changing' experience for members like 10-year-old Sierra. The group, founded by Dauda Kavuma to support vulnerable children, balances global fame with an 'education-first' mentality.
Erling Haaland's insatiable drive for improvement, even after Norway's historic 2026 World Cup quarter-final run, defines his career. Despite breaking records, he believes every strength can be sharpened, a mentality evident in his post-tournament reflections.
Australian World Cup midfielder Cristian Volpato allegedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice for speeding on Anzac Bridge in Sydney. Police suspended his international driver's licence for six months and are conducting further analysis of a secondary oral fluid sample.
Australian World Cup representative Cristian Volpato, 22, allegedly tested positive for cocaine during a roadside drug test after being stopped for speeding 50km/h over the limit on Sydney's Anzac Bridge early Friday morning, according to New South Wales police.
