Latest Updates on FIFA World Cup

According to officials connected to the White House's World Cup coordination efforts, the President's schedule prevented him from attending the match.

At 39 and 41 respectively, Messi and Ronaldo enter what is widely expected to be their final World Cup campaigns, each carrying the hopes of a footballing nation.

The head of the Palestinian Football Association is waiting in Mexico City for permission to enter the United States with other federation heads attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jibril Rajoub went to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday. But he is among several people accredited to attend the World Cup who have been denied visas or have yet to receive them from the United States. "I don't believe that it's fair to use or to abuse and deny the right of all footballers all over the world to attend," the veteran Palestinian political figure said in an interview with The Associated Press. The Palestinian team did not qualify for the World Cup, but FIFA typically invites the heads of football associations from around the world to the event every four years, which it frames as a celebration of global unity. "Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year. We are working exactly for that," FIFA President Gianni

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not play in his team's World Cup opener Wednesday after Canada denied his visa application while he awaits trial in London on multiple charges of rape. FIFA said Friday in a statement that the 32-year-old Partey won't be able to travel from his team's base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for Ghana's opening match with Panama in Toronto. "His visa application has been refused by the Canadian government," the governing body of world soccer said. "FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country." Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Nor did the Ghana soccer association. Partey was travelling back to Ghana's base camp in Rhode Island after his visa denial. He will be able to play June 23 when Ghana plays

Many venues hosting World Cup matches are operating below their normal maximum capacity because FIFA requires modifications to meet tournament standards.

European nations have won four of the last five World Cups and occupied 15 of the last 20 semi-final places

Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, USA and Paraguay will be in action on July 12 in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Norwegian side secured FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification with a perfect eight wins from eight matches, becoming one of only two UEFA nations to complete a flawless campaign

The result leaves the Koreans level on points with co-hosts Mexico, who defeated South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener earlier in the day.

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

The tournament officially begins today and will conclude on July 19 with the World Cup final in New Jersey.

Zee5 has introduced two dedicated subscription plans for the Fifa World Cup 2026: a quarterly Fifa World Cup 2026 + All Access pack priced at Rs 799 and an annual version costing Rs 1,699.

According to the Ipsos survey, 59 per cent of Indians plan to follow the Fifa World Cup 2026, placing India among the world's most engaged markets. Argentina leads global interest at 79 per cent.

The live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Mexico and South Africa will be available on the Unite8 Sports Network.

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.

Football World Cup 2026 opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10.30 pm IST today, while the opening match between Mexico and South Africa will start at 12.30 am IST on Friday.

From visa restrictions and travel bans to concerns over fan accessibility and the treatment of players and officials at US entry points, the 1st 48-team WC isn't living up to the expectations.