World Dec 05 A supersized World Cup field begins taking shape at Friday's draw The world’s top 11-ranked teams have all qualified, with No. 12 Italy among 22 nations competing in playoffs for the final six berths to be decided March 31. By Ronald Blum, Associated Press
Nation Nov 17 WATCH: Trump's World Cup task force announces new visa interview system for ticketholders The Oval Office event was to announce a new initiative that would allow ticketholders to the World Cup to receive prioritized interviews for visas. By Associated Press
World Oct 20 Israeli soccer game abandoned after rioting rival fans throw flares and smoke grenades In a statement early Monday, a police spokesman said a handful of fans had attended the game on Sunday and fired dozens of flares and smoke grenades onto the field. By Sam Mednick, Associated Press
World Oct 17 UK police pressured to reverse ban on Israeli soccer fans at Birmingham match Pressure mounted Friday on police authorities in the English city of Birmingham to reverse a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer fans attending a Europa League game at Aston Villa next month over security concerns, a decision that drew widespread condemnation. By Jill Lawless, Pan Pylas, Associated Press
Sep 25 UEFA expected to suspend Israel from European soccer body By Graham Dunbar, Associated Press European soccer body UEFA is moving toward a vote to suspend its member federation Israel over the war in Gaza, people familiar with the proposal told The Associated Press. Continue reading
Jun 06 What the Trump travel ban means for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games By Graham Dunbar, Associated Press There is significant uncertainty regarding visa policies for foreign visitors planning trips to the U.S. for the two biggest events in sports. Continue reading
Apr 01 US-Canada-Mexico joint World Cup goes from unity to acrimony thanks to tariffs and 51st state threats By Howard Fendrich, Associated Press President Trump's tariff wars with Canada and Mexico set a backdrop for the soccer showcase being jointly hosted by the three North American neighbors. Continue reading
Nov 08 5 people hospitalized after attackers assault Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam By Mike Corder, Associated Press Peter Holla, the city’s acting police chief, told a news conference that the fans were “willfully attacked.” He said people on scooters staged “hit-and-run” attacks, making it difficult for police to track them down. Continue reading
Oct 15 How a homophobic soccer chant became a costly embarrassment for Mexico By Carlos Rodriguez, Associated Press Multiple sanctions from FIFA and campaigns by Mexican soccer officials to educate fans have not been able to stamp it out. Continue reading