Controversial half-time show could change World Cup branding forever Is this the 'Americanisation' of football? Creative Bloq · May 15
Football: China state broadcaster reaches World Cup deal with FIFA China Media Group has secured broadcasting rights for four World Cup tournaments. This deal covers the men's events in 2026 and 2030, and the women's tournaments in 2027 and 2031. Chinese fans can now watch these major soccer events. The agreement includes free-to-air and paid television, as well as online… The Economic Times · May 15
FC Barcelona tells Euronews 'no comment' after Israel accuses Yamal of 'inciting hatred' In response to a Euronews request for a comment, FC Barcelona declined to back its star player Lamine Yamal after Israel’s defence minister accused him of “inciting hatred towards Israel” for waving a Palestinian flag. The club said it had “no comment” to make on the issue. Euronews · May 15
Why one goalkeeper has Bristol City to blame after World Cup snub Nikita Haikin's World Cup dreams look to be over - and Bristol City are inadvertantly to blame FourFourTwo · May 15
Halftime hits: FIFA reveals star-studded squad for historic World Cup final show FIFA has announced the line up for its first-ever World Cup half-time show with Madonna, Shakira and BTS all set to feature as world football's governing body seeks to emulate the success of the NFL's Superbowl show. Euronews · May 15
Shakira returns to World Cup stage with new song for 2026 tournament The biggest World Cup, featuring 48 teams, kicks off on June 11 and is being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico The Independent UK · May 15
The World Cup has an official song with Shakira and Burna Boy combining for 'Dai Dai' The World Cup — officially — has an official song The Independent UK · May 15
Shakira and Burna Boy release official 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem, 'Dai Dai' Colombian superstar Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy have released the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem The Independent UK · May 15
Antipoverty advocate Global Citizen hopes the World Cup halftime show drives money for education Global Citizen is gearing up for its biggest event yet: the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show The Independent UK · May 14
Saudi Arabia signs soccer World Cup deal and says sports investment is a priority Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund became an “official tournament supporter” of the World Cup on Thursday and reaffirmed its commitment to invest in sports despite notable retreats from other ventures in recent months The Independent UK · May 14
France boss Deschamps unveils 26-man squad for 2026 World Cup French football boss Didier Deschamps on Thursday night anointed Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé as captain of the France squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Radio France Internationale · May 14
FIFA Announce 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show Headliners: Full Details The 2026 World Cup final will feature a halftime show, with FIFA taking a page out of the NFL’s playbook. Sports Illustrated · May 14
Sky-High World Cup Ticket Prices Dropping On Resale Markets On Subdued Demand FIFA World Cup ticket prices are dropping after demand did not support prices that many fans described as sky-high. International Business Times · May 14
Handling it well: Hearts heavy after Celtic penalty and now wary of Paradise loss In today’s Football Daily: Fitba, visas and Ludek Miklosko The Guardian - UK · May 14
International Business Times UK · May 14 BTS Becomes First KPop Group to Perform at FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show With Madonna and Shakira BTS to headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show in 2026 with Madonna and Shakira, merging sport, music, and education support
The Independent UK · May 14 Saudi Arabia’s PIF takes on 2026 World Cup role just weeks after announcing LIV Golf funding cut The announcement comes just weeks after Saudi Arabia’s PIF confirmed it was cutting LIV Golf funding
The Economic Times · May 14 Iran says no US visas issued yet for 2026 World Cup Iran's football team faces uncertainty for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Federation chief Mehdi Taj reports no visas have been issued yet. The team awaits guarantees from FIFA regarding the visa process. Players are expected to travel for fingerprinting. Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand, Belgium,…
The Economic Times · May 14 Soccer: PIF named 2026 World Cup official tournament supporter as Saudi steps up football ambitions Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is now an official supporter for the 2026 World Cup in North America and Asia. This move strengthens the country's connection with global football. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. The partnership supports various football initiatives worldwide. This includes grassroots programs and youth…
Euronews · May 14 Iran's World Cup team feted at home with public farewell amid US visa fears Iran's football team was given a state send-off in Tehran on Wednesday with Hezbollah flags and anti-US chants from those gathered, as players and officials await US visas for their World Cup group games.
Euronews · May 14 Trump administration drops $15,000 visa bond for some World Cup fans travelling to the US The Trump administration is suspending controversial visa bond payments of up to $15,000 (€12,800) for some World Cup supporters travelling to the US after concerns the rules could damage attendance at the 2026 tournament.
The Economic Times · May 14 Foreign ticket holders from World Cup qualifying countries won't have to pay bonds to enter US The United States is easing travel rules for World Cup fans. Foreign visitors from countries that qualified for the tournament and bought tickets will no longer need to pay large visa bonds. This change applies to citizens from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia.
The Economic Times · May 14 Football: Iran hold World Cup departure rally despite continuing concerns Thousands gathered in Tehran for Iran's World Cup send-off. Players showcased their new kit and made patriotic statements. However, concerns linger about the team's entry into the United States for the tournament. Iran's FA is relying on FIFA to resolve visa issues. The team will train in Turkey before the…
FourFourTwo · May 14 World Cup 2026 will prolong half-time interval for extravagant show, with acts announced The World Cup will include a half-time show this summer and its acts have been announced
The Independent UK · May 14 Why billions of people could miss out on watching the World Cup Fifa is yet to secure broadcasting agreements in China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Myanmar
The Independent UK · May 14 FIFA announces Super Bowl-style World Cup final halftime show featuring Madonna, Shakira and BTS The World Cup final will feature a star-studded halftime show headlined by Madonna, Shakira and boy-band BTS