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On December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, recognizing his efforts to promote peace and unity globally. The ceremony coincided with the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The prize, a departure from FIFA's traditional sports focus, sparked controversy due to Infantino's close ties with Trump and ongoing political tensions.
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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at Washington's Kennedy Center, attended by US President Donald Trump. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 12 groups of four teams. Scotland, having qualified after 28 years, awaits its group opponents and fixture details, with the tournament running June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to feature variable ticket pricing, with prices ranging from $60 to over $6,700. Fans face high costs, especially for the final, amid concerns over affordability. Ticket sales begin December 11, with resale prices expected to soar, driven by global demand.
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European and global qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are progressing, with key matches including Portugal vs Armenia and Ukraine vs France. The qualification process is affected by recent political tensions, injuries, and schedule concerns. Ticket sales open soon, with prices ranging from $60 to over $6,700, as the tournament approaches next summer in North America.
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South American teams Bolivia and Venezuela secured notable wins, with Bolivia defeating Brazil 1-0 and Venezuela losing to Colombia 6-3. Portugal and Norway achieved important victories in European qualifiers, while Jamaica and Honduras lead their regional groups. The qualification race for the 2026 World Cup continues with key matches across continents.
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Scotland's FIFA ranking rises after strong World Cup qualifying results, aiming for their first tournament since 1998. Meanwhile, the US men's team faces setbacks in friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with recent losses highlighting ongoing challenges against top teams.
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Tunisia secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup after a late goal from Ben Romdhane in a match against Equatorial Guinea. The victory guarantees their seventh World Cup appearance, with hopes to improve on past performances. Morocco and Egypt also secured wins in African qualifiers today.
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President Trump has stated he will move the 2026 World Cup matches from cities he deems unsafe, including Seattle and San Francisco, citing concerns over local governance and security. The tournament will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with FIFA overseeing venue decisions. Trump’s comments raise questions about security and logistical plans.
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Several African nations have secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with South Africa returning after 2010, Ghana qualifying automatically, and other countries like Algeria and Egypt also confirmed. Meanwhile, ongoing qualifiers in Asia and the Middle East continue to shape the final lineup for the expanded tournament.
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South Africa and Cape Verde secured their first World Cup appearances for 2026, with South Africa topping their group after CAF points deductions, and Cape Verde winning their first-ever qualification, joining other African nations in North America. Nigeria and Cameroon face playoff routes.
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South Africa secured its first World Cup appearance since 2010 after Nigeria's late win over Benin. Nigeria's qualification hopes hinge on their final match, with South Africa's points deduction and recent incidents complicating the race. The final group matches are decisive for the continent's qualifiers.
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President Trump has publicly questioned the safety of the 2026 World Cup in the US, specifically targeting Boston and Chicago. He suggested he could move the games due to local protests, unrest, and immigration enforcement issues, raising concerns about security and logistical plans for the tournament.
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England became the first European team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with other teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania also securing spots. Forty-three teams will qualify through continental tournaments, with two more in intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March. The three host nations qualify automatically.
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South Korea beat Paraguay 2-0 at home, following a 5-0 defeat by Brazil last week. The team aims to build confidence ahead of next year's World Cup, with recent matches highlighting their resilience and tactical adjustments under coach Paulo Bento.
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Ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are progressing, with a domestic exclusivity phase for US, Canada, and Mexico residents running until Friday. Over 1 million tickets have already been sold globally, amid questions about visa requirements and ticket pricing, including dynamic pricing for the first time.
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The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 begins in Qatar with 16 teams competing across six venues, including Lusail Stadium. Algeria defends their title, while Iraq and Tunisia aim for World Cup qualification. The tournament runs until December 18, with regional stars and qualifiers shaping the region's football landscape.
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On November 17, 2025, the US government announced the FIFA Pass, a new system to expedite visa appointments for 2026 World Cup ticket holders. The initiative aims to ease entry for millions of fans attending matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico, despite ongoing border security concerns under President Trump’s administration. The system prioritizes visa interviews but does not guarantee entry.
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Curacao, with a population of 156,000, has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest nation ever to do so. The team secured its spot with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica, in a dramatic CONCACAF qualifying finale. Haiti and Panama also qualified, with the expanded 48-team tournament set for North America.
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The UK has submitted a bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup, proposing 22 stadiums across 16 cities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The tournament would feature 48 teams, 104 matches, and aim to be the most accessible ever, with a projected global audience of 3.5 billion. The bid includes plans for new and redeveloped stadiums, with Wembley Stadium set to host the final if successful.
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Iran's soccer federation reports visa issues blocking officials from attending the World Cup draw in the US. The travel ban, announced in June, includes exemptions for athletes, but it is unclear if these apply to the draw on December 5. The Iranian delegation is led by FIFA official Mehdi Taj.
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Iran's soccer delegation faces visa issues amid US travel bans, prompting Iran to send a coach to the World Cup draw to ensure its seat is filled. The US travel ban, announced in June, includes exemptions for athletes, but visa obstacles persist, complicating Iran's participation.