For Italy, absent from the tournament for a third straight time having failed to qualify, Balich's role ensures a presence on football's biggest stage - albeit this time behind the scenes.

One in four 2026 World Cup games could take place in very hot conditions as climate change has increased the risk of extreme heat in North America since the US hosted the 1994 tournament, researchers warned Thursday.

Madonna, Shakira and K-pop megastars BTS will headline a Super Bowl-style half-time show at the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA said Thursday.

Iran held a send-off ceremony Wednesday for the national football team as it prepared to play in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

In order to have the bond requirement waived, ticket holders from affected countries must have registered in that system, known as FIFA PASS, by April 15.

The Bangladesh government on Wednesday initiated a move to ensure the broadcast of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, holding a discussion with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) to address the ongoing telecast uncertainty.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is knocking at the door. While discussions around teams’ tactics, squads, and schedules are reaching fever pitch, the football world is also preparing to witness the final chapter of an epic.

In the Strait of Hormuz, US warships menace Iran's oil tankers, while in Washington President Donald Trump demands "complete victory." But in Tucson, they're getting ready to welcome the Iranian football team as if nothing were amiss.

Sweden coach Graham Potter announced his World Cup squad on Tuesday but there was no place for Tottenham Hotspur forward Dejan Kulusevski, who has been out of the game for a year with a knee injury and has not recovered in time for the tournament.

Mexico canceled plans to shorten its school year ahead of the World Cup after widespread backlash from parents, think tanks and local authorities, the government said Monday.

In the mornings, Pak Doo-ik worked with a dental drill as an army dentist. In the afternoons, he played football.

Ochoa is set to become one of the few players to appear at six World Cups, alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, having previously represented Mexico at Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

Advocaat, who at 78 will become the oldest manager in World Cup history, resigned in February for family matters.

The Argentine Football Association on Monday unveiled Argentina’s preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, with coach Lionel Scaloni naming a 55-man roster from which the final 26-player squad will be selected later this month.

The decision has reignited hope among Brazilian supporters eager to see their talisman return on football’s biggest stage.

Bosnia manager Sergej Barbarez opted for a blend of experience, youth and new faces when he announced his World Cup squad on Monday, with veteran striker Edin Dzeko leading the line and uncapped midfielder Ermin Mahmic also included.

To fully grasp the story, we must return to 1994. In the Rose Bowl in California, when Italy’s Roberto Baggio missed his penalty

Just a month left before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, but as anticipation builds for football’s grandest stage, anxiety is proving an equally dominant emotion.

The FIFA World Cup is more than just a football tournament held every four years -- it is a vibrant global spectacle that often transcends the battles on the pitch. Yet, the excitement surrounding the tournament is not confined to goals or trophy triumphs alone.

And it is not just ticket prices that have spiralled.