Stories
Match reports, analysis and opinion — how it all went down.
NewsWhy some African fans are rooting against South Africa — and what is behind it
When Bafana Bafana lost their World Cup opener, much of the continent cheered for Mexico. Behind the unusual sight is a serious story about xenophobia, migration and a fractured African solidarity.
🗓 Fri, 12 Jun ·2 min read
NewsSouth Africa's World Cup fallout: fury at the discipline, pressure on Broos
South Africa's 2-0 defeat to Mexico has divided opinion at home — pride in the defence, fury at the attack and the red cards, and a 'Hugo must go' debate. Inside the reaction.
🗓 Fri, 12 Jun ·2 min read
NewsShakira and Burna Boy open the 2026 World Cup in a first-ever triple ceremony
The 2026 World Cup launched with three opening ceremonies for the first time — Shakira and Burna Boy at a historic Estadio Azteca, then Toronto and Los Angeles. Inside the music, the moments and the meaning.
🗓 Fri, 12 Jun ·3 min read
NewsTuchel's England cruise past Costa Rica as Saka returns
England signed off their preparations with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando. Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Ollie Watkins scored, and Bukayo Saka was back in the squad.
🗓 Thu, 11 Jun ·1 min read
NewsRonaldo misfires but Portugal beat Nigeria in final World Cup warm-up
Portugal saw off Nigeria 2-1 in Leiria in their last tune-up before the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo missed two clear chances, but Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição had the answers.
🗓 Thu, 11 Jun ·1 min read
NewsFollow the money: inside FIFA's record $13 billion World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will be the richest in history — FIFA projects $13 billion for the cycle, an $871m prize pool and a record payout for the winners. Where the money comes from, and who is left paying the bills.
🗓 Wed, 10 Jun ·2 min read
NewsThe biggest World Cup ever: 48 teams, 104 matches, 39 days
The 2026 World Cup rips up the format — 48 teams, 104 matches, a new Round of 32 and 39 days across three nations. The scale of the biggest tournament football has ever staged.
🗓 Wed, 10 Jun ·1 min read
NewsJapan walk off a dangerous pitch in Mexico, then decamp to Nashville
Japan abandoned their Monterrey training base after the pitch turned out hard, uneven and unsafe. A 48-hour scramble and a rival club’s help later, the Samurai Blue have settled in Nashville for Group F.
🗓 Wed, 10 Jun ·1 min read
NewsMessi on target as Argentina cruise past Iceland
The world champions signed off with a 3-0 win over Iceland, Lionel Messi scoring from the spot on his return alongside Valentín Barco and Thiago Almada.
🗓 Wed, 10 Jun ·1 min read
NewsWorld Cup ticket prices explode, and now FIFA is under investigation
FIFA used dynamic pricing at a World Cup for the first time. Final seats reached nearly $33,000 at face value, prices across most matches rose 34%, and New York and New Jersey have subpoenaed FIFA over how the seats were sold.
🗓 Tue, 9 Jun ·2 min read
NewsScotland are back at the World Cup, but some of the Tartan Army can't get in
Scotland reached their first World Cup since 1998. Days before kickoff, dozens of fans found their approved US travel permits revoked with no explanation, after spending thousands on the trip. The team, though, travelled fine.
🗓 Tue, 9 Jun ·1 min read
NewsIran's World Cup base camp is in Mexico, and the trouble starts there
Iran landed in Tijuana, not Arizona. The players have US visas; 15 staff do not. Their visa terms force a same-day border run for every match, and their fans’ ticket allocation is in dispute. The situation in Group G, in Kenyan time.
🗓 Tue, 9 Jun ·2 min read
NewsSomali referee Omar Artan denied US entry, ruled out of the World Cup
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, CAF's referee of the year and the first Somali set to officiate a men's World Cup, was turned back at Miami airport. FIFA says he can no longer take part.
🗓 Tue, 9 Jun ·1 min read