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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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Lionel Messi is close to finalizing a multi-year contract extension with Inter Miami, keeping him in MLS through at least 2026. The deal aims to secure his presence for the club's new stadium opening and beyond, with negotiations in the final stages. Messi has not publicly addressed his World Cup plans.
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The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony took place at Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, honoring the world's best footballers. Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappé are among top contenders, with Scottish players Scott McTominay and Caroline Weir nominated for the first time. The event celebrated achievements across men's and women's football.
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European football qualifiers see key wins for England, Norway, and Portugal, with Italy and Spain also progressing. Pro-Palestinian protests occurred around Italy's match, amid security concerns. Cristiano Ronaldo set a scoring record, and Norway's Haaland reached 50 goals for his country. The story highlights qualification progress and related protests.
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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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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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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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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw took 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. The event included celebrity hosts and performances, with final playoff teams to be decided in March 2026.
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The US State Department has introduced new visa criteria targeting foreign workers involved in online censorship activities. The rules prioritize visitors for major sporting events like the World Cup and Olympics, while scrutinizing H-1B applicants for links to content moderation that suppresses free expression. The policy aims to control foreign influence and security risks.
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Neymar returned from injury to score key goals for Santos, helping the club avoid relegation in Brazil's top league. He played 19 matches, scored eight goals, and is considering knee surgery. Neymar also remains in contention for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad, with coach Carlo Ancelotti yet to confirm his selection.
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On December 5, 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington DC. The prize recognizes Trump's efforts in brokering peace deals, including a Gaza ceasefire, despite criticism over his administration's military actions and human rights record. The event highlighted Infantino's close ties with Trump amid global controversy.
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The US government has proposed requiring travelers from 42 countries to submit five years of social media data, email addresses, phone numbers, and family details before entry. The move, linked to upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup, faces criticism over privacy and potential impact on international visitors.
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The expanded 48-team World Cup draw has been announced, highlighting potential upsets and tough groups. England faces Croatia first, while teams like Brazil, France, and Norway are positioned for strong runs. The format aims to reduce early eliminations, but unpredictability remains high.
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Multiple sources report that ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico are significantly higher than previous tournaments, with costs reaching up to $16,590 for some fans. Critics call the pricing 'extortionate' and a betrayal of tradition, prompting calls for FIFA to halt sales and review pricing policies.
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Lionel Messi's scheduled appearance at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was marred by chaos after he left early, leading to fan violence, vandalism, and arrests. The event was poorly managed, with ticket holders unable to see Messi, prompting apologies from officials and an investigation.