-
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.
-
The Oakland Athletics have reached key construction milestones for their new Las Vegas stadium, with cranes in place and foundational work underway. The team’s move is scheduled before the 2028 season, and fan experiences are already opening. Meanwhile, the city hosts the upcoming Copa América draw amid ongoing tourism challenges.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The 2026 World Cup draw took place at the Kennedy Center, featuring entertainment, political figures, and star-studded moments. The event announced the 12 groups for the expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, with notable attendance by President Trump and other leaders.
-
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has been finalized, revealing group placements for 48 teams across North America. Key details include host country allocations, seedings, and match schedules, with the tournament set to begin on June 11, 2026, in Canada, Mexico, and the US. The draw determines group compositions and knockout matchups.
-
Incidents of racial abuse against Black players have increased across European football this season, with arrests made in Spain and ongoing investigations in Germany and Italy. Despite anti-discrimination efforts, racism persists, prompting calls for tougher penalties and greater accountability.
-
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.
-
A major Egyptian development project around Mount Sinai, including hotels and villas, threatens the UNESCO World Heritage site and local Bedouin communities. Critics warn it risks damaging the region's cultural and spiritual significance, amid diplomatic tensions and protests from heritage advocates.
-
UEFA is debating suspending Israel from international football amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza. The move follows UN calls and protests across Europe. A majority of UEFA's executive committee is expected to support the suspension, which could impact Israel's World Cup qualifiers scheduled in two weeks. FIFA's stance remains uncertain.
-
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.
-
Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu has called on FIFA and UEFA to act regarding Israel's treatment of Palestinians. UEFA is moving toward a vote to suspend Israel from competitions amid international pressure and athlete protests. The US opposes banning Israel from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
-
Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah signed an agreement to host the Trophee des Champions at Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium on January 8. This marks the second year the match is played outside France, following Qatar's hosting last year. PSG leads with 13 titles, while Marseille has three.
-
On September 29, 2025, Electronic Arts (EA) agreed to be acquired in a $55 billion leveraged buyout by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake Partners, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners. The deal offers EA shareholders $210 per share, a 25% premium, and will take EA private by early fiscal 2027, ending its 36-year public trading history.
-
Tickets for next year's FIFA World Cup open for sale amid ongoing uncertainty over match schedules and US immigration policies. Fans selected via lottery can purchase in four categories, with prices ranging from $60 to over $6,700. The schedule remains unconfirmed until December.
-
President Trump suggested last week he might move 2026 World Cup matches from US cities he deems unsafe, citing security concerns. FIFA officials emphasize that host city decisions are theirs, and logistical challenges make such relocations unlikely. The tournament is set for June 2026 across North America, with security and scheduling under scrutiny.
-
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of promoting peace and unity in football amid ongoing Gaza conflict and protests over Israel's participation in upcoming matches. Discussions include potential suspensions and calendar revisions, with a focus on football's unifying role.
-
Amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, calls grow for FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from international football, citing allegations of genocide and violations of international law. Despite widespread protests and legal reports, football authorities sideline the issue, raising concerns over double standards and political influence in sports decisions.
-
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.
-
Uefa has approved plans for European football matches to be played abroad, including Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami and Milan vs Como in Perth. This move aims to boost revenue but raises concerns over fan engagement, league fairness, and the integrity of domestic competitions. The regulations are under review, with decisions driven by financial interests.
-
Fifa has suspended seven Malaysian footballers for 12 months and fined the Football Association of Malaysia $438,000 over allegations of falsified documents used to claim Malaysian heritage. Malaysia disputes the findings, citing administrative errors and preparing an appeal. The case raises concerns about citizenship integrity and regional rivalry in Southeast Asian football.
-
Italy's match against Israel in Udine was played amid heightened security due to protests over the Gaza conflict. Thousands demonstrated, some clashed with police, and security measures included a large police presence, drones, and roadblocks. The match, crucial for Italy's qualification, proceeded despite tensions and low ticket sales.
-
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.
-
FIFA's ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, have seen high demand from over 212 countries, with tickets for the final in New Jersey priced up to $57,500. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, with tickets available through multiple phases and resale options.
-
Morocco's U-20 team won their first-ever FIFA World Cup, defeating Argentina 2-0 in Chile. The victory marks a historic achievement for Arab and African football, with Morocco also hosting a refugee women's team supported by FIFA amid ongoing restrictions in Afghanistan.
-
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.
-
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.
-
The Palestinian national football team played their first match in Europe since 2023, at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, with 50,000 spectators. The game was a political statement supporting Palestinian rights, with many fans waving flags and paying tribute to slain players, amid ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.
-
The upcoming Euro 2028 will be co-hosted by Britain and Ireland, with no plans for dynamic pricing. Organizers emphasize affordability and accessibility, contrasting with recent demand-based pricing at other tournaments. The final will be at Wembley, with matches across multiple UK and Irish cities, aiming to boost local economies and fan engagement.
-
Luis Rubiales was targeted by egg throwers at a public event, with one egg splattering on a screen behind him. The incident occurred amid ongoing controversy over his actions at the 2023 Women's World Cup, including his conviction for sexual assault and his book claiming a conspiracy against him. The event highlights ongoing tensions surrounding his reputation.
-
As of early December 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused green card, citizenship, and asylum applications from nationals of 19 countries previously designated as high-risk under a 2025 travel ban. This follows a November attack in Washington by an Afghan national granted asylum. USCIS will conduct comprehensive reviews and interviews for immigrants from these countries who entered since January 2021, with no set date to lift the pause.
-
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.
-
Iraq secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their Asian playoff. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, with qualifiers from six continents. The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C., with the final tournament beginning in June 2026 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
-
Cristiano Ronaldo received a three-match ban from FIFA after a red card incident in Portugal's qualifying match against Ireland. The ban includes deferred games under probation, affecting his participation in the upcoming World Cup. Ronaldo's disciplinary record and recent activities are also under scrutiny amid broader geopolitical developments.
-
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.
-
Iran reversed its decision to boycott the World Cup draw in Washington after initially refusing to participate due to US visa issues. Coach Ghalenoei will attend as the team’s technical representative, amid ongoing US-Iran tensions and diplomatic disputes over visa denials linked to political conflicts.
-
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.
-
The US government is preparing for the 2026 World Cup across North America amid concerns over immigration policies and security. While efforts are underway to facilitate visas for fans and delegations, restrictions and rhetoric from President Trump raise questions about the event's welcoming spirit and safety measures.
-
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.