News — World Cup 2026

Council of Europe Demands FIFA Integrity Reforms Post-World Cup

Following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Council of Europe has issued a scathing critique of FIFA, calling for urgent integrity reforms amidst allegations of fraud and political interference.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 20, 2026

Analysis

FIFA's Yellow Card Reset: Reshaping World Cup 2026 Knockout

FIFA's updated disciplinary rules for the 2026 World Cup, introducing two yellow card resets, are profoundly impacting team strategies as the tournament enters its critical semi-final stage.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 12, 2026

News

VAR chaos and political storms overshadow France vs Morocco

A VAR controversy in France’s Round of 16 win has cast a shadow over their quarter-final with Morocco. FIFA’s handling of key decisions and US Soccer’s protocol breach add to the tournament’s governance turbulence.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 10, 2026

Analysis

FIFA faces fresh governance storm as EU lawmakers target World

European Parliament motion signals unprecedented scrutiny of FIFA’s decision-making ahead of the 2028 Olympics and 2026 World Cup, with MEPs citing conflicts of interest and lack of transparency.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 10, 2026

Analysis

FIFA’s Balogun red-card storm exposes deeper governance rot

EU lawmakers push for Infantino probe as Trump’s lobbying and referee scrutiny collide at the World Cup.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 9, 2026

Analysis

La Liga’s Folarin Balogun row exposes FIFA’s governance vacuum

Javier Tebas accuses FIFA of ‘complicit silence’ as clubs demand answers over Folarin Balogun’s stalled transfer. The fallout could reshape transfer windows and player mobility.

Kickoff EditorialJuly 8, 2026

News

FIFA under fresh scrutiny as Mexico’s anti-gay chant returns at

FIFA faces renewed calls for sanctions against Mexico after fans chanted an anti-gay slur during their Group A win over Czechia. The incident threatens the co-host’s standing ahead of the tournament.

Kickoff EditorialJune 28, 2026

News

FIFA faces fresh pressure as Mexico’s anti-gay chant resurfaces

FIFA is under renewed scrutiny after Mexico fans chanted an anti-gay slur during their group-stage win over Czechia, threatening the co-host’s standing ahead of 2026.

Kickoff EditorialJune 28, 2026

News

FIFA’s World Cup stance tests Seattle’s Pride Match as

As the US prepares to host Iran and Egypt in Seattle, FIFA and Iran’s federation remain silent on the ‘Pride Match’ controversy, raising fresh questions about the tournament’s inclusivity ahead of the 2026 finals.

Kickoff EditorialJune 27, 2026

News

Iran-Egypt VAR drama and US World Cup treatment fuel fresh FIFA

A dramatic VAR review and Iran's claim of unfair treatment by the US host nation have overshadowed World Cup 2026’s knockout bow, prompting fresh FIFA questions.

Kickoff EditorialJune 27, 2026

News

Cape Verde Islands 0-0 Saudi Arabia

Cape Verde Islands and Saudi Arabia played out a goalless draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 match

Kickoff EditorialJune 27, 2026

News

South Africa 1-0 South Korea

South Africa edged out South Korea 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, a crucial win for the African side

Kickoff EditorialJune 25, 2026

Analysis

World Cup 2026: The Group Stage Shake-Up as Six Nations Face

As the final group matches loom, six nations face the prospect of an early exit from the expanded 48-team tournament. The stakes have never been higher.

Kickoff EditorialJune 24, 2026

News

World Cup 2026: The seismic fallout from Ivory Coast’s Elye Wahi

The arrest of Ivory Coast’s Elye Wahi for alleged spot-fixing just weeks before the 2026 World Cup has sent shockwaves through Qatar and the global game.

Kickoff EditorialJune 18, 2026

News

France 3-1 Senegal

France defeat Senegal 3-1 in World Cup 2026 match

Kickoff EditorialJune 16, 2026

News

Iran’s World Cup odyssey exposes FIFA’s travel chaos

Iran’s team were forced to abandon Los Angeles after their opener and return to Mexico. FIFA’s logistical failure risks overshadowing the tournament’s early drama.

Kickoff EditorialJune 16, 2026

News

VAR Official Under Investigation Over 'White Power' Gesture at World Cup

An Australian VAR official is under urgent FIFA investigation after appearing to make a hand gesture associated with white supremacist movements during the Germany vs. Curaçao match.

Kickoff EditorialJune 15, 2026

News

World Cup Kicks Off, Transfer Rumours Swirl

The FIFA World Cup 2026 began with a spectacular opening ceremony and immediate host nation victories. Transfer speculation continues, while VAR drew early attention.

Kickoff EditorialJune 13, 2026

News

World Cup ticket prices: what's behind the backlash and the probe

FIFA's first use of dynamic pricing has sent some seats soaring into the thousands, drawn an investigation from US attorneys general, and — more recently — pushed the cheapest tickets sharply lower.

Kickoff StaffJune 6, 2026

News & Analysis

Crysencio Summerville Seals Shock £68m Move to Al Hilal

Council of Europe Demands FIFA Integrity Reforms Post-World Cup

FIFA's Yellow Card Reset: Reshaping World Cup 2026 Knockout

VAR chaos and political storms overshadow France vs Morocco

FIFA faces fresh governance storm as EU lawmakers target World

FIFA’s Balogun red-card storm exposes deeper governance rot

La Liga’s Folarin Balogun row exposes FIFA’s governance vacuum

FIFA under fresh scrutiny as Mexico’s anti-gay chant returns at

FIFA faces fresh pressure as Mexico’s anti-gay chant resurfaces

FIFA’s World Cup stance tests Seattle’s Pride Match as

Iran-Egypt VAR drama and US World Cup treatment fuel fresh FIFA

Cape Verde Islands 0-0 Saudi Arabia

South Africa 1-0 South Korea

World Cup 2026: The Group Stage Shake-Up as Six Nations Face

World Cup 2026: The seismic fallout from Ivory Coast’s Elye Wahi

France 3-1 Senegal

Iran’s World Cup odyssey exposes FIFA’s travel chaos

VAR Official Under Investigation Over 'White Power' Gesture at World Cup

World Cup Kicks Off, Transfer Rumours Swirl

World Cup ticket prices: what's behind the backlash and the probe