FIFA WORLD CUP

Colombian pop superstar Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy will perform the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico City. The pair will take to the stage at Estadio Azteca on 11 June ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, performing *Dai Dai*, the tournament’s official anthem. As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Dai Dai is a celebration of football’s power to unite people across cultures and continents,” FIFA said in a statement announcing the performance.” The title of the song, an Italian phrase meaning “let’s go” or “come on,” is expected to be one of the centrepieces of the opening ceremony. Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla will also perform during t...

With the World Cup fast approaching, FIFA officials have issued a strict warning to fans about prohibited items that will not be allowed inside stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.According to FIFA’s updated security policy, all banned items will be confiscated at entry points, while possession of certain restricted goods, particularly illegal substances or prohibited electronic smoking devices in some host countries, could lead to detention or prosecution.Authorities say the measures are part of a unified security framework designed to ensure safety across all tournament venues. Everyday items such as beach umbrellas, selfie sticks, inflatables, folding chairs, and oversized bags are among those explicitly prohibited.Electronic smoking devices are also banned inside stad...

FIFA has acknowledged a ticketing error that allowed dozens of fans to secure free tickets for the 2026 World Cup and is now asking the affected supporters to pay the correct amount or risk losing their seats. The world football governing body confirmed that about 60 fans were allocated tickets at “0 USD” following a payment issue during the checkout process. In a statement via its X handle on Thursday, it said, “FIFA can confirm that approximately 60 FIFA World Cup 2026 fans received a communication on Wednesday, 3 June, regarding tickets that had been allocated at no charge (0 USD) due to a prior payment issue during the checkout process.” While apologising for the error, FIFA said the tickets remain reserved, and affected supporters have been invited to complete payment. ...

FIFA has banned fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup venues in a last-minute policy change that will force thirsty supporters to pay for bottled water, The Athletic reported on Wednesday. As recently as last month, FIFA’s official stadium code of conduct included a clause which read: “For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 litre in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium.” However, The Athletic reported on Wednesday that those guidelines had now been tweaked to explicitly ban refillable bottles. “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be brought into the stadium,” an updated stadium code of conduct reads. In a statement to AFP, a FIFA spokesperson said the rule change was taken on safet...

Four of Nigeria’s biggest music stars — Davido, Burna Boy, Rema and Ayra Starr — have been unveiled as part of the official soundtrack album for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The quartet secured spots on the star-studded album announced by FIFA Sound ahead of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. FIFA World Cup confirmed the lineup in a post shared on X on Tuesday, revealing the artistes featured on the official album scheduled for release on June 5. “The squad for the Official #FIFAWorldCup 2026™ Album is here! Pre-save for the album release on June 5. Stay tuned for more to come ,” the organisation wrote. According to the tracklist released by FIFA Sound, Afrobeats stars Rema, Davido, Ayra Starr and Burna Boy will feature alongsi...

Football supporters will witness several major changes to the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a series of new regulations designed to reduce time-wasting, enhance officiating, and improve the flow of matches. The tournament, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will also mark the first World Cup featuring 48 participating nations. FIFA's head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, confirmed that the updated laws will be implemented throughout the competition. One of the most notable adjustments is the introduction of a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins. Players who fail to restart play before the countdown ends could see possession awarded to the opposing team. Similar sanctions will app...

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature advanced drone technology in stadiums. Devices equipped with equipment such as defibrillators, epipens, and first aid kits will be on standby at venues across the US, Canada, and Mexico as part of an attempt to ensure fan safety, according to the Mirror US. The drones, which can drop into specific locations in stadiums, will also carry radios; in the event of an emergency, those nearby to the person in distress can liaise with specially-trained medics. Motorola Solutions, which is providing security, will use ‘Guardian’ drones, which have a 10lb payload that allows them to deliver often vital supplies in hard-to-reach places. The devices will carry first aid kits, defibrillators, EPIPens, and radios so those close to the person in distress c...

The expanded 48-team format of the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises an exciting group stage packed with blockbuster fixtures, tactical battles, and high-stakes encounters. From football giants clashing for supremacy to emerging nations looking to make a statement, here are the 10 standout matches to watch. Germany vs Ivory CoastJune 20, Toronto, CanadaGermany's talented young squad, led by stars like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, will face a difficult challenge against an athletic and dangerous Ivory Coast side. The Ivorians' direct attacking style and pace on the counter could test Germany's defensive discipline in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Mexico vs South KoreaJune 18, Zapopan, MexicoThis fixture could be one of the tournament's hidden gems. Mexico's technical qu...

With only 12 days remaining until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, national teams across the 48-nation tournament are finalizing squads, monitoring injuries, and adjusting strategies as the countdown enters its final stretch across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Global build-up reaches final stage Most participating nations have either confirmed or are in the final phase of trimming their 26-man squads, with FIFA’s final submission deadline set for June 1. Several major teams are already shaping their tournament identity, while injury setbacks and late fitness tests are forcing last-minute changes. Argentina: Messi leads historic sixth World Cup Lionel Messi will headline Argentina’s squad in what will be a record-extending sixth World Cup appearance, with...

Iran's ambassador to Mexico has revealed that the country's national football team still lacks US visas and is not competing in the World Cup on “equal terms” because of difficulties training ahead of the tournament. Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh visited the north-western Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Iranians have relocated their training camp. They were originally planned to be based in Tucson, in the US state of Arizona. The ambassador told a news conference that “the country to the north” – meaning the US – had not followed through on its responsibility of hosting the Iranian team. “We don’t know whether or not they’re going to give the players their visas,” he added. Iran will play their three World Cup group games in two West Coast US cities: Los An...