FIFA names 2026 World Cup officials as African omissions draw attention
FIFA has confirmed its match officials for the 2026 World Cup, but much of the reaction in Africa has focused on the big names left off the list....
World Cup 2026
Buffon steps down as Italy delegation head after World Cup failure
Gianluigi Buffon has stepped down as Italy’s head of delegation after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending the country’s drought to three straight tournaments. His exit came after Italy lost a playoff to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties and after FIGC president Gabriele Gravina also resigned....
James Rodriguez hospitalised after dehydration scare following Colombia loss to France
James Rodriguez has been hospitalised in Minnesota after suffering severe dehydration following Colombia’s friendly defeat to France, with the Colombian federation saying the issue was not related to a musculoskeletal injury or his football activity....
Gattuso leaves Italy after World Cup failure as Azzurri crisis deepens
Gennaro Gattuso has left his role as Italy head coach after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending the country’s collapse into a wider leadership crisis that has already claimed Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon....
DR Congo seal historic World Cup return with extra-time win over Jamaica
DR Congo are back at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974 after Axel Tuanzebe’s extra-time goal secured a 1-0 play-off win over Jamaica in Guadalajara....
Gattuso apologises after Italy miss World Cup again
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has apologised after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup, describing the playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina as a painful blow....
Tuchel asks for perspective after England lose to Japan at Wembley
Thomas Tuchel urged calm after England’s 1-0 home defeat to Japan, saying the loss should be treated as a lesson rather than a panic point before the World Cup....
Infantino says Iran will play World Cup matches in US as scheduled
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says Iran will still play their 2026 World Cup group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite recent uncertainty around travel, safety, and calls for a venue shift....
Ghana to Face Wales in Historic Friendly Match Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Ghana Football Association has confirmed that Ghana’s senior national team will face Wales in an international friendly on June 2, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be held at the Cardiff City Stadium and marks the first-ever senior men’s meeting between the two nations....
FIFA’s Gianni Infantino Reassures on Mexico’s World Cup Hosting Amid Violence Concerns
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reassured on Mexico’s safety for the 2026 World Cup following recent cartel violence. Despite clashes in Guadalajara, Infantino emphasized confidence in the event’s success. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also assured fans there is no risk to their safety, offering guarantees for the World Cup’s security....