Jul 06 FIFA questioned as Trump, Infantino defend actions surrounding ruling to let Balogun play in U.S. match By Graham Dunbar, Associated Press "Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not," UEFA said, adding "the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined."… Continue reading
Jul 05 AP report: FIFA lifts U.S. player Balogun's red card suspension at World Cup after Trump calls Infantino By Ronald Blum, Michelle L. Price, Associated Press “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump said in a statement on social media. Continue reading
Jul 04 Lionel Messi scores 20th World Cup goal, extends streak to 8 games and takes Golden Boot lead By Tim Reynolds, Associated Press Messi’s goal in the 29th minute was the 20th of his World Cup career, extending his record and moving him two ahead of France’s Kylian Mbappé on the all-time list. Continue reading
Jun 27 World Cup final day of group play will set the field for the round of 32 By Associated Press Going into the final day of group play at the World Cup, there are essentially eight teams vying for four spots in the round of 32. Continue reading
Jun 17 Lionel Messi ties men's World Cup goals record with a hat trick as Argentina tops Algeria By Dave Skretta, Associated Press Lionel Messi used the front of his white-and-blue, sweat-soaked jersey to wipe the tears from his eyes, a flood of emotions cracking his usually calm, confident demeanor after he gave Argentina an early lead in its World Cup opener against… Continue reading
Jun 13 Fact-checking claims about 'unprecedented' demand for World Cup tickets By Maria Briceño, Alex Min, PolitiFact Many of the 2026 World Cup matches were not sold out as of Friday — and the existing ticket sales have unfolded amid pricing controversies. Continue reading
Jun 11 How health sleuths are watching for threats like measles during the World Cup By Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press While millions of soccer fans cheer or groan over World Cup matches spanning North America, health officials will be on high alert for germs. Continue reading
Jun 11 World Cup celebrations clash with social tensions in Mexico By Megan Janetsky, María Verza, Associated Press Mexico kicks off festivities Thursday with a star-studded event, even as some critics say the government has spent too much time and money catering to international visitors at residents' expense. Continue reading
Jun 11 Mexico City installed a chandelier in its metro for the World Cup. Cue the mocking memes By Megan Janetsky, Associated Press The cosmetic makeover that authorities have attempted to give the capital as visitors arrive from around the globe also has become a symbol of criticisms that the government is prioritizing its superficial appearance for World Cup fans over fixing critical… Continue reading
Jun 11 With kickoff hours away, Hong Kong customs officials seize $20 million in World Cup fake goods By Kanis Leung, Associated Press All were destined for overseas markets, with nearly 80% set to be shipped to the Americas, where the World Cup is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Continue reading