SPECIAL REPORT: Fifa world cup - What You Need To Know

World Cup 2026

Record-winners Egypt were one of favourites to add AFCON 2025 to their seven titles but focus turns to FIFA World Cup.

Football fans at AFCON are dismayed with US president’s travel ban on select African nations before World Cup in June.

The winner of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will get record $50m jackpot – still less than half offered at Club World Cup.

Supporter groups say soaring prices threaten to turn 2026 tournament into ‘Corporate Games’.

EXPLAINER

The global showpiece of world football begins on June 11 with FIFA’s largest World Cup now only half a year away.

Iran’s football boss has labelled World Cup game chosen by organisers as an LGBTQ ‘Pride Match’ as an ‘irrational move’.

Dates, start times and venues for all 104 matches at the 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

EXPLAINER

Mexico will open the World Cup against South Africa, while holders Argentina will face Algeria in their first game.

Head coach Ghalenoei is part of the delegation attending the draw despite saying they would boycott it over visa issues.

US travel bans and immigration policies seem to contradict the welcoming spirit envisioned for the World Cup tournament.