The Latest Breaking News from the World Cup

Fifa accelerate plans for 64-team World Cup amid Gianni Infantino sell-off proposal

Infantino is under heavy fire for his plans to privatise the World Cup with Uefa pledging to boycott the tournament if the proposal is passed

The Independent UK · Jul 31

Exclusive: MEPs demand Infantino appear before European Parliament over FIFA's private investment plan

As European football associations threaten to boycott the World Cup, a draft letter obtained by Euronews accused the FIFA President of using the organisation as a “political career ladder”.

Euronews · Jul 31

Uefa could boycott the World Cup if Fifa plan goes ahead – what happens next?

The 55 member countries of Uefa – Europe’s governing body for football, whose teams are among the world’s best and tend to dominate international competitions, have drawn a line in the sand. On July 30, Uefa pledged to boycott all competitions run by Fifa, the sport’s global body, if a…

The Conversation · Jul 31

Internet Reacts to FIFA's Plan to Sell a Slice of the World Cup to a Kushner-Linked Fund

FIFA's plan to sell a 20% World Cup stake to a fund tied to Joshua Kushner has triggered a UEFA boycott vote, US lawmaker anger, and a Concacaf rejection.

International Business Times UK · Jul 31

‘Nobody is selling football’: Fifa issues response to Uefa’s threat of World Cup boycott

Football’s governing body wants to sell minority stakes in the World Cup to private investors - a move which has drawn criticism from member associations

The Independent UK · Jul 31

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso joins the debate as FIFA's commercialisation plan sparks concerns over football's future

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has opposed FIFA's plan for private investment in the World Cup. He said football should remain accessible to fans, and not become commercial asset. UEFA has also resisted the proposal, fearing financial returns will overshadow the sport's interests.

The Economic Times · Jul 31

FIFA insists it will proceed with private investor plan proposal despite UEFA boycott threat

FIFA vowed on Friday to press ahead with an "open and democratic" consultation on a proposed private investment plan, despite widespread opposition to the proposal.

Euronews · Jul 31

UEFA vows FIFA World Cup boycott over private investor plan

UEFA has announced its opposition to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to open the World Cup's commercial rights to private investors. At an emergency meeting, UEFA's 55 member associations unanimously voted to withdraw from the World Cup should the reform be adopted.

France 24 · Jul 31

FIFA vows to proceed with private investor plan consultation as opposition spreads

FIFA has pledged to push ahead with consultations for a plan to allow private investors to buy a stake in a potential commercial subsidiary of the world football governing body despite stinging criticisms. Europe's UEFA has threatened to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions over the proposal.

France 24 · Jul 31

‘A New Generation’—Carlo Ancelotti Names Brazil Stars He’ll Never Select Again

The recent 2026 World Cup is seen as an opportunity to draw a line in the sand.

Sports Illustrated · Jul 31