Iran says staff blocked from entering US after players given World Cup visas

Iranian officials say technical staff have been denied visas, hours after the US said players could enter the country.

One billion pints: beer giants prepare for booziest World Cup in history

An expanded tournament held in beer-friendly countries will result in an extra 1bn pints being consumed, say analysts

Brazil, 24 years from a World Cup title, looks to a foreigner to rediscover its soul

The Italian Carlo Ancelotti, the most decorated club coach in soccer history, is the first foreigner to lead the most successful nation.

By Marina Dias

Mexico steps up security at World Cup 2026 fan zone amid growing unrest

Co-hosts’ government adamant Zocalo event will go ahead 100,000 expected at official Fifa Fan Fest for kick-off Mexico is planning to increase the police and security presence around Zocalo plaza in Mexico City to ensure the World Cup Fan Fest can go ahead amid growing social unrest and public protests. Much of the city’s historic centre, including the Catedral Metropolitana and Aztec ruin Templo Mayor, is locked down, but the president Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is adamant that Zocalo ...

By Matt Hughes in Mexico City

World Cup stadium workers vote to authorize strike days before tournament citing ICE concerns

SoFi Stadium workers voted to authorize a strike one week before the World Cup, citing stalled contract talks and fears over ICE presence at matches.

Spain’s World Cup 2026 team preview: Players to watch, group matches, squad

Led by some outrageously young and talented players, are Spain set to repeat another Euro-World Cup double in 2026?

Frustrations on multiple fronts set to collide with Mexico City World Cup opening day

Several sectors and movements are planning to launch protests and blockades on highways across Mexico, targeting the FIFA World Cup's opening day in Mexico City on June 11.

Germany news: Teen Karl to miss World Cup through injury

Bayern Munich's 18-year-old midfielder Lennart Karl sustained an injury during training in Chicago. Meanwhile, politically-motivated crimes have doubled in a decade, according to a newspaper report. DW has the latest.

What does Washington’s latest AI chip guidance mean for Chinese tech firms?

China’s Ministry of Commerce has lashed out at Washington’s latest guidance on advanced artificial intelligence chip exports, accusing the United States of abusing export controls and disrupting the global semiconductor supply chain. But trade lawyers and industry insiders said the actual fallout over the new document could be far more limited than the geopolitical fireworks suggest. The US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued guidance on May 31, stating licences would be required to...

By Howard Liu

Socceroos star labels US punditry 'rubbish' ahead of FIFA World Cup

Connor Metcalfe takes aim at comments coming from US experts ahead of the Socceroos' upcoming FIFA World Cup campaign.

By Tom Wildie

The World Cup looms for Mexico – but is cartel violence under control?

Cities in Mexico are preparing to host nearly one million people and 13 games in the world’s most-watched sporting competition. But just months after an eruption of violence do authorities really have organised crime under control? Alex Croft reports

By Alex Croft

I delayed buying a new laptop so I could afford my first World Cup trip

Worchihan Zingkhai at a soccer match. Courtesy of Worchihan Zingkhai Worchihan Zingkhai is a lifelong football fan, but seeing the World Cup in person felt out of reach. He lives in a town in northeast India where salaries are low. He'd been saving up for a new laptop. Instead, he pooled his earnings to afford two World Cup tickets in Atlanta. He has no regrets. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Worchihan Zingkhai, 40, a content creator from a village in Manipur, India. ...

FIFA World Rankings 2026: Updated list of every World Cup nation, from Spain to New Zealand

From multiple winners to debutant minnows, the 2026 World Cup will welcome the full spectrum of global football.

Sling Goes All-In for June With $60 Streaming Package for NBA Final, Stanley Cup Final and World Cup

OTT provider Sling is making its bid to be a top summer streaming destination, with a new deal that gets you access to the World Cup, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals and dozens of other live TV shows and marquee events in one package. Sling is billing it as “everything worth watching in June” and […]

By Tim Chan

Bill aims to end H-1B route to Green Cards & cut OPT: What the new act proposes

U.S. Representative Chip Roy has introduced the "American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act of 2026" to reform the H-1B visa program. The bill aims to end H-1B visas as a path to permanent residency and eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. It seeks to prioritize American STEM professionals by enforcing stricter wage standards and preventing displacement of U.S. workers.

By TOI TECH DESK

FIFA allows water bottles again at World Cup 2026, but with riders

France to edge out Spain for World Cup glory, economists say

France will beat Spain to lift the World Cup trophy on July 19 and five-time winners Brazil are expected to be the biggest flops, according to a Reuters survey of economists who said football was still harder to call than inflation. For 160 respondents from nearly every continent, this poll conducted once every four years […]

Ranking the 50 greatest players in World Cup history

US Bill Seeks To End H-1B Visa Route To Green Card

Congressman Chip Roy introduced the American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act on Thursday. The proposed legislation also seeks to scrap the optional practical training (OPT) programme

US get World Cup prayer as Pope Leo roots for the home team

Boza Serves as Panama’s Musical Ambassador for World Cup 2026 & More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music

Plus, Maná's drumkit lands at The Met, and Hamilton, RaiNao and other Latin artists join YouTube Foundry’s 2026 class.

By Isabela Raygoza

Pentagon raises Israel spy threat to highest level: NBC report

'They are exceedingly interested in what we are up to,' says think tank expert

By Anadolu Agency

The Roots of the U.S.-Russia Rivalry

A deep dive into the history of US-Russia relations.

By Yves Smith

France to lift World Cup trophy, Brazil to flop: economists say - The Daily Star

France to lift World Cup trophy, Brazil to flop: economists say  The Daily Star

FIFA to allow disposable water bottles at World Cup games after outcry

FIFA clarifies its World Cup water bottle policy, now allowing fans to bring one soft, plastic disposable bottle after an initial ban sparked outcry. Read More: https://punchng.com/fifa-to-allow-disposable-water-bottles-at-world-cup-games-after-outcry/

By Punch Newspapers

The beautiful game, the ugly politics: U.S. visa row hits World Cup credibility - Tehran Times

The beautiful game, the ugly politics: U.S. visa row hits World Cup credibility  Tehran Times

Iran state TV says US denied visas to 15 World Cup delegation members

The United States, one of the three host countries of the 2026 World Cup, has refused to grant visas to 15 members of Iran's delegation, state television reported on Saturday. The post Iran state TV says US denied visas to 15 World Cup delegation members appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Henry Oduah

Mona Montrage, 31 other Ghanaians named in US ‘Worst of the Worst’ arrested criminal list

A total of 32 Ghanaian nationals have been listed in a United States government database that identifies foreign nationals arrested for various criminal offences, with some of those affected facing possible removal proceedings.

By David Apinga

International Sports Press Association claims Iranian, African journalists denied visas for FIFA World Cup - Dailyhunt

International Sports Press Association claims Iranian, African journalists denied visas for FIFA World Cup  Dailyhunt

International Sports Press Association claims Iranian, African journalists denied visas for FIFA World Cup - Dailyhunt

International Sports Press Association claims Iranian, African journalists denied visas for FIFA World Cup  Dailyhunt

Explained: Why ALL squad players are taking part in pre-match ceremony & anthems at World Cup as FIFA makes unusual change - Goal.com

Explained: Why ALL squad players are taking part in pre-match ceremony & anthems at World Cup as FIFA makes unusual change  Goal.com