-
On December 5, 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded US President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington, DC. The prize recognizes individuals for exceptional peace efforts. The award sparked criticism due to Trump's controversial policies and military actions, while Infantino praised Trump’s peace initiatives and their close alliance.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
On October 17, 2025, Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group, supported by West Midlands Police, banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their November 6 Europa League match against Aston Villa due to security concerns linked to violent clashes at a 2024 Amsterdam match. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other leaders condemned the ban as wrong and antisemitic, while officials seek ways to overturn it.
-
Turkish authorities have detained officials and suspended over 1,000 players amid a major betting and match-fixing investigation. The scandal involves top-tier clubs, referees, and players, revealing a moral crisis in Turkish football. The investigation continues, with key figures under scrutiny.
-
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.
-
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.