Page 2 - Latest Updates on FIFA
How an Italian sculptor created the World Cup trophy that became an icon
Designed by Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy symbolises struggle, victory and fan jubilation, and remains football's ultimate prize
 "How an Italian sculptor created the World Cup trophy that became an icon")
The politics of image: How the World Cup became a battlefield of symbols
As several scholars have written, a symbol has language. But a symbol also has multivale¬n¬ce. It can mean many things at the same time
 "The politics of image: How the World Cup became a battlefield of symbols")
Balogun suspension sparks integrity debate despite FIFA, Trump defence
The Belgian Football Association said it informed the U.S. Soccer Federation it was contesting Balogun's eligibility
 "Balogun suspension sparks integrity debate despite FIFA, Trump defence")
Trump asks Fifa to review US player's suspension, striker cleared to play
The reversal of Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension is highly unusual. It was the first time since 1962 that FIFA has nullified a suspension for a red card received during the World Cup
 "Trump asks Fifa to review US player's suspension, striker cleared to play")
Fifa deletes more abusive posts during 2026 World Cup than Qatar 2022
FIFA says it has deleted more than 30 million abusive posts and comments since its social media protection service was created before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
 "Fifa deletes more abusive posts during 2026 World Cup than Qatar 2022")
Fifa World Cup 2026: Counter-drone systems deployed at all US match venues
Giuliani said all 78 World Cup matches in the United States, along with fan festivals in every host city, will be protected by counter-drone systems throughout the tournament
 "Fifa World Cup 2026: Counter-drone systems deployed at all US match venues")
Fifa World Cup 2026 exposes growing global prediction market rift
The World Cup could generate roughly $3 billion in additional wagers and drive as much as $10 billion in betting volume across sports-betting and prediction-market platforms, according to analysts
Brands hit goal as Fifa-themed offerings spark a surge in consumer sales
FIFA World Cup 2026 fever is boosting sales of jerseys, TVs and fan merchandise as brands tap into rising football enthusiasm across India
 "Brands hit goal as Fifa-themed offerings spark a surge in consumer sales")
FIFA says fans in concourses caused empty-seat appearance during matches
FIFA on Friday blamed the empty seats during the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on fans who watched from the concourses.
Fifa World Cup's lesson for finance: Don't trust predictions too much
A London-based strategist's model has correctly predicted the last three Fifa World Cup winners and now identifies the Netherlands as a surprise contender for the 2026 title despite low odds
 "Fifa World Cup's lesson for finance: Don't trust predictions too much")
Best of BS Opinion: E85 policy push needs a coherent transport roadmap
From India's biofuel push and FIFA's commercial priorities to pressure on the rupee, shifts in the global arms market and Malayalam cinema's evolution, here are today's key opinion pieces
 "Best of BS Opinion: E85 policy push needs a coherent transport roadmap")
FIFA's own goals: Revenue maximisation is tarnishing sporting values
Ticket prices for the final stand at over $7,500, more than four times the price of the 2022 final
Indian markets love FIFA World Cup, shows data. Will 2026 be different?
The only exception has been 1998 (CY98) when the BSE Sensex slipped 16.5 per cent as market sentiment was dented due to Pokhran nuclear tests in May and the ensuing economic and trade sanctions.
 "Indian markets love FIFA World Cup, shows data. Will 2026 be different?")
Record eight players aged 40-plus set to feature at 2026 Fifa World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo will be the oldest outfield player at 41 and is set to feature in a record sixth World Cup
 "Record eight players aged 40-plus set to feature at 2026 Fifa World Cup")
Fifa World Cup workers threaten strike before $2,000-a-ticket game
Workers are seeking higher wages and stronger protections for personal information from immigration authorities
 "Fifa World Cup workers threaten strike before $2,000-a-ticket game")
Iran's World Cup team approved for visas to play games in the US: Officials
One US official said all players on the Iranian team were approved for visas and were in the process of receiving them
 "Iran's World Cup team approved for visas to play games in the US: Officials")
Fifa to let fans bring bottled water to World Cup, but with some caveats
Mamdani had raised concerns about reports that Fifa had banned fans from bringing bottles of water to World Cup matches, demanding answers from Fifa
 "Fifa to let fans bring bottled water to World Cup, but with some caveats")
Fifa's $13 bn World Cup faces backlash as high costs hit fans, host cities
Host cities are shifting World Cup costs to fans and taxpayers, for instance, in New York, a New Jersey Transit trip to MetLife Stadium that usually costs $13 is priced at $98 during the tournament
 "Fifa's $13 bn World Cup faces backlash as high costs hit fans, host cities")
Zee's Fifa bet: Can football deliver returns in cricket-dominated India?
Football remains a niche sport in India compared to cricket; yet, Zee believes Fifa can help build Zee5, strengthen its sports channels and attract premium advertisers over the next decade
 "Zee's Fifa bet: Can football deliver returns in cricket-dominated India?")
Zee partners FIFA to broadcast 39 global football events in India till 2034
Zee Entertainment secures FIFA media rights in India until 2034, covering 39 global football events, including the FIFA World Cups and Women's World Cup
 "Zee partners FIFA to broadcast 39 global football events in India till 2034")