FIFA WORLD CUP

In a powerful display of respect and civic responsibility, Japanese football fans once again captured global admiration by staying behind after a major match to clean the stadium—long after the final whistle had blown. The now-viral footage shows groups of supporters methodically collecting trash, wiping down seats, and organizing waste into bags they brought themselves after the Japan vs Netherlands game in Dallas on Sunday. Japanese football fans have once again earned global admiration after staying behind at a stadium to clean up litter following a recent match. Videos and photos circulating on social media showed supporters of the Japanese national team collecting plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other waste from the stands after the final whistle. The gesture, which has b...

Somali referee Omar Artan will reportedly receive his full FIFA remuneration for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being unable to participate in the tournament after being denied entry into the United States. Artan’s World Cup dream was cut short when U.S. immigration authorities refused him entry upon arrival at Miami International Airport earlier this week. The 34-year-old official was reportedly detained and questioned for about 11 hours before being informed that he would not be permitted to enter the country. His diplomatic passport and single-entry U.S. visa were rejected, preventing him from taking part in the competition. According to reports, U.S. authorities cited alleged links to individuals suspected of having connections with terrorist organizations. However, Artan str...

Five-time winners Brazil needed a superb Vinicius Junior equaliser to draw 1-1 with Morocco in their opening game at the World Cup on Saturday as Scotland marked their return to the tournament after a 28-year absence with a nervy 1-0 victory over Haiti. On the first day to feature four matches at the 48-team tournament, Qatar won the first World Cup point in their history when Miro Muheim’s own goal earned the 2022 tournament hosts a 1-1 draw with Switzerland. The meeting of Brazil and 2022 semi-finalists Morocco at the MetLife Stadium just outside New York City was a clash of the teams ranked sixth and seventh in the world respectively. Ismael Saibari ran through to give Morocco a 21st-minute lead with a clever scoop in the Group C opener, but Vinicius produced a moment of magic ...

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti and Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi have unveiled their starting lineups ahead of the highly anticipated Group C clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The encounter, scheduled to take place in New Jersey, marks the opening match of the tournament for both nations, with Brazil seeking to begin their campaign strongly against a Moroccan side eager to continue its rise on the global stage. Brazil's Starting XI Five-time world champions Brazil will rely on a blend of experience and attacking flair as they chase all three points. Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker Defenders: Danilo Marquinhos (Captain) Gabriel Magalhães Guilherme Arana Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães João Gomes Lucas Paquetá Forwards: Rodrygo Vinicius J...

South African football fans have expressed disappointment over what they described as a poor turnout and lack of vocal support during their national team’s World Cup match against Mexico. Many supporters noted that the atmosphere inside the stadium fell short of expectations for a major international fixture, with large sections of the stands appearing underfilled or subdued as the match unfolded. The encounter, which saw South Africa face the host nation Mexico in a Group A World Cup fixture, ended in a 2–0 defeat for the African side, further deepening frustration among fans who had hoped for a stronger showing both on and off the pitch. Speaking after the game, some supporters lamented that the team seemed to lack the energetic backing typically associated with major tournament...

The decision proved costly as South Korea completed the turnaround three minutes later. In-Beom Hwang delivered a dangerous cross into the area and substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh met it perfectly, firing into the centre of the net to put the Asians ahead for the first time. South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup on Friday, scoring twice in the second half to secure a dramatic victory. The Koreans dominated large spells of the contest but found themselves trailing just before the hour mark when Czech defender Ladislav Krejci headed home from close range in the 59th minute to give his side a surprise lead. Despite controlling possession and creating numerous opportunities, South Korea struggled to find a breakthrou...

Ivory Coast home-based fans have been denied visas to the United States, the president of the national supporters’ committee told AFP on Thursday. The run-up to the World Cup, which kicks off Thursday, has been dogged by the visa policies of the main host nation, the United States. Somali referee Omar Artan was turned away Sunday and some support staff for the Iranian team have been denied entry. The Ivory Coast supporters group, said Julien Kouadio Adonis, president of the National Committee of Elephants Supporters (CNSE), which operates under the country’s Ministry of Sport, organises trips for the country’s small number of travelling fans to follow the team abroad. “The supporters have cancelled the trip because the US government does not want to see supporters from...

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh says one of his greatest wishes is to witness an African country lift the FIFA World Cup trophy before the end of his lifetime. Oliseh, who played a key role in Nigeria’s historic gold medal triumph at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, noted that while Africa has enjoyed several memorable moments on football’s biggest stage, the continent is still waiting for its first World Cup title. Since the tournament began in 1930, 49 African teams from 13 different countries have participated in the World Cup. However, only one African side has managed to reach the semi-finals — Morocco national football team at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. That achievement surpassed the previous best performances by African nations, including Cameroon in 1990, Seneg...

Somalian referee Omar Artan has vowed to return stronger and secure another opportunity to officiate at the FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States ahead of the tournament. Artan received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Mogadishu on Wednesday, with more than 100 supporters gathering at the city's main airport to celebrate and show solidarity. Waving Somali flags and chanting in support, the crowd greeted the award-winning referee as he arrived on a Turkish Airlines flight. Speaking to journalists, Artan expressed determination to overcome the setback and continue representing his country on the global stage. “I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud. Despite what has happened, I remain motivated and focused,” he said. Hi...

The United States government has defended its decision to deny entry to a Somali referee and several members of Iran’s support staff ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the actions were necessary to safeguard the tournament’s integrity and security. Speaking at an event organised by the Atlantic Council in Washington on Tuesday, Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, said visa restrictions had only affected a small number of officials and not players or coaches. According to Giuliani, 35 national teams have already entered the United States, with no player or coach denied a visa. “We’ve had 35 teams that have come into the United States. No players, no coaches have been denied,” he said, adding that some officials were refused entry for what he...