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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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mass protests across Italy occurred on Saturday, driven by a national strike supporting Palestinians and condemning Israeli actions in Gaza. The protests responded to the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli forces, with demonstrations including calls to suspend Israel from international sports and political condemnation from Prime Minister Meloni. The protests were largely peaceful but disrupted transportation and services nationwide.
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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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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.
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Indonesia has denied visas to Israeli athletes for the upcoming World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, citing political opposition linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The decision follows domestic opposition and longstanding policies, casting doubt on Israel’s participation. The event is scheduled for October 19-25, 2025.
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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.
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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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On October 14, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly criticized Time magazine's cover photo accompanying a story praising his role in brokering a Gaza ceasefire. He called the image, taken from a low angle, the "Worst of All Time," complaining it made his hair "disappear" and featured a "floating crown." The cover story hailed the ceasefire as a major achievement of his second term.
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The US, UK, and regional actors are coordinating a complex plan to establish a transitional Palestinian government in Gaza, overseen by a Board of Peace chaired by President Trump. The process involves regional negotiations, Palestinian diaspora candidates, and ongoing tensions with Hamas, amid international aid and security concerns.
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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.
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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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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.
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Cristiano Ronaldo visited the White House on Nov 19, 2025, as part of US efforts to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia. The visit coincides with Prince Mohammed bin Salman's first US trip since 2018 and US arms sales to Riyadh. Ronaldo's presence highlights Saudi's growing influence in sports and geopolitics.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejects US military intervention amid reports of US contractors installing restricted land signs near the border. The incident, close to SpaceX facilities, has prompted diplomatic efforts and border boundary clarifications, highlighting ongoing US-Mexico tensions over sovereignty and security concerns.
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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.
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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 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.
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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.