FIFA World Cup 2026
A large share of Ecuador’s World Cup last-16 squad comes from a small province without a top-flight club
Esmeraldas. A region in northern Ecuador with a distinct history.
Sunderland’s momentum continues at the World Cup
The Black Cats, nine players in the final stage, four already on the scoresheet.
Qatar’s football federation paid supporters for the 2026 World Cup, The Telegraph reports
According to the British newspaper, around a thousand people were involved in a paid cheering operation, many of whom had never watched a football match before the games in North America.
Club World Cup expansion to 48 teams increasingly likely, with leagues set to field more than two clubs each
An agreement between FIFA and the EFC, the international clubs’ organisation, is driving the expansion, as financial stakes rise and the tournament’s value becomes a central concern.
The United States national team is doing very well at the World Cup, also because it has “adopted” puppies in its training camp
The initiative, launched with support from a federation sponsor, is set to continue through the knockout stage and beyond.
Cruyff and the pitch in Guadalajara, still visible at one of the most striking stadiums of the 2026 World Cup
During his brief spell as consultant at Chivas Guadalajara, the Dutch legend insisted on natural grass, a decision whose effects are still visible today.
European-born players reshaping African national teams
Families, federation development and the expanded World Cup format are redrawing global football hierarchies.
After Miami, Messi even more decisive with Argentina. And maybe no coincidence
A life choice for Argentina, and for the game’s greatest player’s legacy.
Infantino on hydration breaks: purely sporting decision
“No additional revenue, commercial agreements signed well in advance,” FIFA president says.
United States ease security restrictions on Iran national team
A small change, on paper, opening the door for Team Melli to enter the country two days before matches, a shift that leaves them in far better conditions than those they have had so far.
Cristiano Ronaldo has also scored at this World Cup, but the difficult part comes now
The brace against Uzbekistan breaks new records, and CR7 is again in a tournament that, in effect, had been waiting for him.
We are living through a World Cup that, thanks to artificial intelligence, will change football forever
Thanks to Lenovo, AI is now shaping the game: referee Ref Cams, FIFA AI Pro for tactical analysis, and hyper-realistic 3D avatars of all players called up for the tournament.