Page 4 - Latest Updates on FIFA World Cup

Visa problems force South Africa to postpone Mexico trip for FIFA World Cup

South Africa's national men's team has postponed its travel to Mexico because of visa issues, just 11 days ahead of the World Cup. Bafana Bafana was supposed to leave for Mexico on Sunday to start its preparations for the tournament. The team is set to play co-host Mexico in the opening game in Mexico City on June 11. "The South African senior men's national team has experienced challenges regarding visas for some players and officials, and as a result the group could not travel to North America this morning as originally planned," the South African Football Association said in a statement Sunday. "SAFA is working around the clock to ensure that the team travels to Mexico City as soon as possible ahead of the opening match of the global tournament," the statement said. The team will continue to train in Johannesburg, South Africa, until departure. SAFA said it would provide an update on the situation after an emergency meeting on Sunday evening. South Africa also faces the Czech .

Can the Fifa World Cup 2026 help US beer industry kick its slump?

Beer makers are betting on the FIFA World Cup to revive demand, but shifting consumer habits could limit the boost to sales

Five long-standing FIFA World Cup records that may take the fall in 2026

The expanded format has sparked debate among football figures, with concerns raised about maintaining competitive quality.

Vazquez's first-half header lifts Mexico past Australia 1-0 in a WC warm-up

Defender Johan Vazquez scored a first-half goal and Mexico beat Australia 1-0 on Saturday night in a warm-up match for the World Cup. On a corner kick taken by Alexis Vega, Vazquez connected with a header that went in past the right post of goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in the 27th minute. Mexico extended its unbeaten streak to seven games this year and has not lost since Nov. 18, when it fell 2-1 to Paraguay in a friendly match in San Antonio. Mexico will open World Cup play June 11 against South Africa at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City. On the 18th, it will face South Korea in Guadalajara and close out the first round against Czechia on the 24th. The Mexicans will have one last warm-up match next Thursday night in Toluca against Serbia. Australia will open the tournament against Turkey on June 13 in Vancouver, British Columbia, then play the United States in Seattle on the 19th, and conclude the group stage against Paraguay on the 25th, in Santa Clara, California. The Australians l

Canada picks Alphonso Davies for FIFA World Cup despite hamstring issue

Alphonso Davies was named to Canada's World Cup squad on Friday night although it's too soon to tell whether he'll be ready for the team's opener because of a hamstring injury. The defender, who plays for Bayern Munich, was injured earlier this month in the loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinals. Davies is Canada's captain and among the most prominent players named to the team, along with Juventus forward Jonathan David, Southampton forward Cyle Larin and Villarreal midfielder Tajon Buchanan. Coach Jesse Marsch named nine defenders, 10 midfielders, four forwards and three goalkeepers to the 26-player roster for the World Cup, which opens on June 11. Marsch included Davies on the team's latest 32-player training camp roster earlier this week, but he did not immediately join the team, instead remaining in Germany to continue his recovery. The team trained this past week in Charlotte, North Carolina, ahead of a pair of preparation matches against Uzbekistan on

Goldman's model shows Spain as 26% probable winner of FIFA World Cup

The analysis combined historical match data, team rankings, scoring talent and geographic factors to forecast the tournament's outcome

Zee nears FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights deal in India: Reports

Reports suggest the proposed agreement is valued at approximately $30-35 million, a figure considerably lower than earlier expectations for the tournament's Indian media rights

Carlo Ancelotti to Thomas Tuchel: Meet the coaches of FIFA World Cup 2026

From experienced tacticians like Carlo Ancelotti and Didier Deschamps to younger modern coaches such as Julian Nagelsmann, the competition promises fascinating tactical battles.

Lionel Messi to lead reigning champions Argentina in FIFA World Cup 2026

With his selection, Messi joins Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo as the only male footballers to appear at six different FIFA World Cups.

FIFA WC 2026: Check Argentina's full schedule, squad and team preview here

Argentina arrive in North America after an impressive qualification campaign, finishing with a record of 12 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws.

Will Neymar be fit to play Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 opener vs Morocco?

The veteran forward had earlier brushed aside concerns surrounding his fitness after missing Santos' previous three matches.

Why FIFA World Cup 2026 Ball 'Trionda' needs charging before every game?

Sportswear giant Adidas, which has produced official World Cup balls since 1970, had unveiled the 'Trionda' ball for the 2026 tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026 predictions: Winners and Runner-ups for all 12 groups

Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the competition promises heavyweight clashes, debut stories, and potential upsets across all groups.

FIFA WC 2026: Check Netherlands' full schedule, squad and team preview here

The Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign against Japan, immediately facing a difficult test in their quest to finally make history.

Mexico prez sees 'no issue' hosting Iran's World Cup team during tournament

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday that she has "no issue" with her country hosting Iran's World Cup team after its training base was moved from the United States to Mexico for the summer soccer competition. The team will still play its matches in the US but its base has been moved to Tijuana, Mexico, just south of San Diego, California, according to Iran's soccer federation. The development comes against the backdrop of the war in Iran, which the US and Israel launched on Feb 28. Sheinbaum said at a news conference Monday that she was told by a FIFA representative the US was reluctant to have the Iranian soccer team spend time outside the games on US territory. "The United States doesn't want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States," Sheinbaum told reporters. She said a FIFA representative had then asked, "Can they stay overnight in Mexico?" "And we said, Yes, no problem. We have no issue with that'," she said. Iran's soccer team is slate

FIFA WC 2026: Check Spain's full schedule, squad and team preview here

Spain arrive at the World Cup with a near-perfect qualifying record, finishing with 5 wins, 1 draw, and 0 defeats. They scored 21 goals and conceded just 2, underlining their control at both ends.

Injury scare for Argentina? Messi limps off field days before FIFA WC

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo stated that the final update regarding Messi's fitness can only be provided after a thorough medical examination of the Argentine

Iran's football federation says team's WC base has been moved to Mexico

The president of the governing body of Iranian soccer said Saturday the nation's World Cup training base has been moved to Mexico from the United States after getting approval from FIFA. Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, announced the decision Saturday in a statement issued by the federation's media relations official. FIFA has not confirmed the move. Iran had been scheduled to train in Tucson, Arizona, but a move has been a possibility because of uncertainty surrounding the war in the Middle East and security concerns. Officials at Tucson's Kino Sports Complex had no comment. The federation says the team will now be based in Tijuana, Mexico, just south of San Diego. This year's World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. "All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved FIFA," Taj said in his statement. "Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held

Zee and Jio in the race for 2026 FIFA WC broadcast rights in India: Reports

The deal is reportedly valued between $30-35 million and would secure access to television and digital audiences across the country for the tournament

FIFA WC 2026: Check Portugal's full schedule, squad and team preview here

Portugal's confidence is further boosted by their status as reigning UEFA Nations League champions, underlining their recent success on the international stage.