Page 3 - Latest Updates on FIFA World Cup

Explained: Why English referees cannot officiate Argentina at the World Cup

FIFA does not appoint referees to matches involving their own countries to preserve neutrality. But in the case of English and Argentine officials, the restrictions go a step further.

Mikel Merino strikes late as Spain knock out Belgium to reach last four

In a contest that showcased Spain's patience, tactical discipline and ability to seize decisive moments, Luis de la Fuente's side overcame a resilient Belgian challenge to set up a SF clash vs FRA.

Spain vs Belgium HIGHLIGHTS World Cup, QF: Merino scores late again as ESP beat BEL 2-1

Spain will now take on France in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Dallas.

FIFA WC final resale prices touch nearly $11.5 million on FIFA marketplace

FIFA had nearly 1,200 category two tickets priced at $7,380 on sale Friday for the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The governing body's last-minute tickets sales site, which at times had listed the game as sold out, had 1,178 seats available across five sections of the top deck along the sidelines: 282 in section 344, 299 in section 343, 139 in section 335, 443 in section 334 and 15 in section 333. FIFA also was selling 68 front category one tickets in the lower deck at prices ranging from $19,995 to $32,970 and had remaining hospitality tickets in its Trophy Lounge and Trophy Lounge+ sections priced at $34,500 and $32,500, including food and drinks. Soccer's governing body did not immediately respond to a request for details on why the additional tickets had become available. In addition, FIFA had tickets available at $1,600 to $3,995 for Saturday's quarterfinal between Argentina and Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, ...

World Cup QF: Spain vs Belgium preview, prediction, head-to-head, stats

The winner of the Spain vs Belgium match will face France in the semifinal after Didier Deschamps' side defeated Morocco 2-0 in the opening quarterfinal

Mbappe stars as France outclass Morocco to reach World Cup semifinals

With the win, France reached the World Cup semifinals for a third consecutive edition and will now face Spain/Belgium for a place in the final.

France vs Morocco HIGHLIGHTS World Cup QF: Mbappe, Dembele help FRA beat MAR 2-0 to book semis berth

The clash was a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal, where France defeated Morocco 2-0 before eventually losing an epic final to Argentina.

USA star player Christian Pulisic fractured his leg in WC loss to Belgium

U.S. star Christian Pulisic fractured his right leg during the Americans' World Cup loss to Belgium and will be sidelined for several weeks, a person familiar with the injury said Thursday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the diagnosis, first reported by The Athletic, had not yet been announced by the U.S. Soccer Federation. Pulisic has a bone bruise and a microfracture of his tibia and fibula, the person said. He is expected to be able to resume training before AC Milan's Serie A opener at Torino on Aug. 23, the person added. Pulisic hit a leg of Belgium captain Youri Tielemans while attempting a shot in the 52nd minute of Monday's 4-1 round-of-16 loss at Seattle. He remained in the game but was hobbling and Sebastian Berhalter replaced him in the 59th minute. Pulisic failed to score in the World Cup, missing one of the Americans' five matches because of a calf injury and leaving two other games early. He has 30 goals in 90 international

FIFA World Cup 2026: England player Jarell Quansah suspended for two games

England defender Jarell Quansah was handed a two-match suspension on Thursday for his red card offense against Mexico in the World Cup round of 16. That means Quansah will miss England's quarterfinal match against Norway in Miami Gardens on Saturday and also the semifinals if Thomas Tuchel's team advances. Quansah was sent off in the second half of England's 3-2 victory against Mexico on Sunday for a dangerous foul on Jesus Gallardo. FIFA confirmed the two-match suspension for serious foul play. FIFA's handling of red card punishments has come under intense scrutiny after its disciplinary committee suspended the one-game penalty of star United States striker Folarin Balogun after President Donald Trump intervened and contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino defended the independence of FIFA's disciplinary committee and insisted the Balogun case was properly handled. Right back saga continuesQuansah's prolonged extension is the latest issue for Tuchel to contend with a

World Cup QF: France vs Morocco preview, predictions, head-to-head, stats

France have won all five matches and scored 14 goals, but Morocco's fast-break threat, unbeaten run and big-match maturity make this quarterfinal far from routine

One in five Fifa World Cup goals came from substitutes. Who benefits most?

Substitutes have scored 50 of the 266 goals in the Fifa World Cup 2026 so far. But some teams have gained far more from their benches than others on the road to the quarterfinals

FIFA WC RO16 round-up: Ronaldo, Neymar retire; Messi's record run continues

Morocco and Norway script upsets, England, France and Spain edge through tense encounters, while Belgium and Argentina survive to complete the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final line-up

FIFA investigates altercation involving IShowSpeed at World Cup tie

FIFA said on Tuesday that it is investigating an incident involving streamer and YouTuber IShowSpeed with a fan in the stands during the World Cup match between Argentina and Cape Verde on Friday. IShowSpeed was livestreaming the game and could be heard asking a fan in an Argentina jersey what was being said toward him. The fan speaking in Spanish appeared to be telling IShowSpeed, who is Black, to "go cry to the zoo." "FIFA strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms," the soccer body said in a statement. "These actions have no place in football, at the FIFA World Cup, or anywhere in society. ... The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect. It brings together people, cultures and communities from around the world, and anyone who acts in a manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game." Messages sent to IShowSpeed and publicists seeking comment were not immediately returned. IShowSpeed, a 21-year-old American, has more th

EU lawmakers demand FIFA probe over Trump call before USA-Belgium match

Dozens of European lawmakers are gathering support to launch an investigation in the European Parliament of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino over his involvement in the decision to permit U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play despite an earlier red card. Balogun was shown a red card during the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, which normally would make him ineligible to play in team's next game, but FIFA lifted his suspension for a match on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened with Infantino on behalf of the 25-year-old striker. European Parliament lawmakers Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters and Niels Fuglsang said in a joint statement that FIFAs decision to "change the rule on red card suspensions mid-tournament is a disgrace and a perversion of justice." "Once again, we've seen Infantino and FIFA surrender to the demands of the Trump administration," the statement said. The lawmakers are asking the national football associations of the EU countries to spur the FIF

Who will reach the world cup semifinals? Quarterfinal schedule, timings IST

Fifa World Cup 2026 quarterfinals feature France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium, Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland. Check IST timings, players to watch and semifinal predictions

Atlanta chaos fallout: Egypt cries foul over refereeing, pro-Messi bias

Argentina's 3-2 comeback win over Egypt had the scoreline of a classic, but VAR controversy, touchline fury and accusations of favouritism gave Atlanta a darker edge

Switzerland end 72-year wait, set quarterfinal date with Argentina

Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernandez's penalty before Ruben Vargas scored the decisive kick as Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 in a shootout

Argentina escape Egypt scare as Messi sparks late World Cup comeback

Argentina trailed Egypt 2-0 till the 79th minute before Lionel Messi inspired a stunning late comeback to seal a 3-2 win and reach the quarterfinals

Argentina vs Egypt HIGHLIGHTS World Cup, pre-QF: Argentina rally from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2

Argentina vs Egypt HIGHLIGHTS: The defending champions keep their title defence alive and will now face the winner of Colombia vs Switzerland in the last eight.

As Messi dominates World Cup, global war rages for Maradona's ghost

Unlike Messi Maradona lived a life of excess - glorious highs shadowed by criticism and controversy