World Cup

World Cup news

Gianni Infantino

CONCACAF 'rejects' Infantino's plan to sell off parts of FIFA

CONCACAF is the latest confederation to come out against FIFA's shock plan to sell off part of its commercial rights to private investors. The confederation, which covers 41 football associations in North and Central America, released a statement Thursday afternoon saying they had 'rejected' the plan. Their move comes hours after UEFA boycotted FIFA competitions.

Ceferin Infantino

UEFA agrees to boycott FIFA competitions over Infantino plan

UEFA has asserted that its 55 member associations will not participate in FIFA competitions as long as Gianni Infantino's shock plan to sell off parts of World Cup rights to private investors exists. Their emphatic move comes after a series of statements and mixed reactions from football federations around the world - who were reportedly kept in the dark as to FIFA's decision-making.

Advertisement
FBL-WC-2026-MATCH49-SCO-BRA

Ancelotti defends Neymar World Cup call-up after retirement

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has broken his silence on Neymar’s retirement from international football, staunchly defending his choice to include the veteran in his 2026 World Cup squad. The Italian tactician admitted the superstar’s physical preparation was a source of frustration but insisted his presence was vital for the Selecao.

Infantino

Bayern boss blasts Infantino over 'disgusting' FIFA plans

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, expressing his disgust at proposals to involve private investors in the World Cup. The outspoken Bavarian chief suggested that the global governing body has lost its way, prioritising commercial gain over the integrity of the sport.

Gianni Infantino

'Not an obligation' - Infantino defends World Cup sell-off plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended controversial plans to sell a minority stake in the World Cup following a furious backlash from regional confederations. Infantino insisted the $20 billion commercial proposal is merely an "opportunity" and "not an obligation" as consultation begins.

US-POLITICS-TRUMP

CONCACAF expresses deep frustration over Infantino's World Cup idea

Gianni Infantino is facing fierce backlash after giving football associations an ultimatum to back a controversial plan to sell off part of FIFA to private investors. CONCACAF has expressed deep frustration over being kept in the dark about the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, highlighting a severe lack of communication and demanding better governance from global leaders.

Gianni Infantino

European football bodies call emergency meeting over FIFA investment plans

The French government has announced an emergency meeting involving European football's governing bodies to discuss FIFA's controversial plan to open commercial activities to private investors. The proposed changes have sparked widespread concerns over the future governance and financial integrity of the sport, prompting swift political intervention to ensure transparency.

Argentina

FIFA probe Argentina stars over brawl and banner

FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), several high-profile players, and a member of the coaching staff following a series of controversial incidents. The investigation centers on a violent post-match brawl during the World Cup final against Spain and the display of a politically charged banner regarding the Falkland Islands.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Press Conference

Dutch FA slams FIFA World Cup sale

The Dutch Football (KNVB) has become the latest major governing body to voice its opposition to FIFA president Gianni Infantino's controversial proposal to sell off stakes in the World Cup. The plan, which involves private investors taking ownership in a new commercial subsidiary, has sparked a civil war within the global game.

De la Fuente - Cucurella

Cucurella shows off new tattoo of Spain boss De la Fuente

Marc Cucurella has proven to be a man of his word by unveiling a permanent tribute to Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente after his country's 2026 World Cup success. The Real Madrid left-back made a bold promise at the start of Spain's campaign in North America and has now shared the final results with his millions of followers.

Neymar

'I gave my blood' - Neymar confirms Brazil retirement

Neymar has officially confirmed his retirement from the Brazil national team following a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign under Carlo Ancelotti. The Santos superstar also took the opportunity to hit back at recent media reports claiming he has been "bullying" younger team-mates in the Vila Belmiro dressing room.

Gianni Infantino

FIFA aims to sell stakes in major competitions to investors

FIFA has confirmed it is exploring a proposal to create a $20 billion company that would combine commercial rights and event operations across its men's, women's and youth tournaments. The new entity would sell minority stakes to private investors while, FIFA says, leaving control of competitions, governance and the international match calendar with soccer's global governing body.

FBL-FRA-ZIDANE-FFF

'Dream come true' - Zidane FINALLY named new France manager

Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new manager of the France national team following the departure of Didier Deschamps. The Real Madrid legend has signed a four-year contract with Les Bleus, ending years of intense speculation surrounding his highly anticipated return to the international stage.

Donald Trump Gianni Infantino

Infantino faces grilling from US politicians over Trump relationship

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been called to testify before the United States House Judiciary Committee following intensifying scrutiny over his association with Donald Trump. The request marks a significant escalation in tensions between soccer’s governing body and American lawmakers regarding political neutrality and ethics.

DFB Press Conference

Matthaus warns Klopp over Germany role

German football legend Lothar Matthaus has issued a clear warning to newly appointed national team manager Jurgen Klopp, insisting that his famous charisma and elite pedigree will mean nothing if he fails to deliver instant results. While expressing immense excitement over the former Liverpool boss signing a four-year contract, Matthaus stressed that Klopp faces a brutal reality check trying to salvage a baseline of consistency following Germany's latest catastrophic World Cup cycle.

Gianni Infantino

'Sorry you were so consumed by hate!' - Infantino blasts World Cup critics

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit back at his detractors in extraordinary fashion, claiming that those who criticised the 2026 World Cup were "consumed by hate." In a lengthy and defiant statement, the head of world football’s governing body defended the tournament’s legacy and urged his opponents to "meditate or pray" instead of spreading negativity.