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
Jun 11 Haiti has to change its World Cup jersey after being deemed too political By Colleen Barry, Associated Press The jersey, by Colombian sportswear manufacturer Saeta, originally included a depiction of the final battle of the Haitian War of Independence in 1803 on its front. Continue reading
Jun 09 Watch 8:14 Roger Bennett on what to expect at the World Cup By Geoff Bennett, Karina Cuevas The countdown is on to the start of the World Cup. The tournament is the biggest in the event's history, with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico. But organizers have faced criticism over ticket prices and… Continue watching
May 28 Watch 7:17 What to expect from the U.S. team as the World Cup approaches By Geoff Bennett, Ryan Connelly Holmes, Solveig Rennan We are weeks away from the first men’s World Cup on U.S. soil in more than 30 years. There's great anticipation around it, plenty of complaints about high prices, and questions about how the U.S. team will fare. Geoff Bennett… Continue watching
May 23 Iran's soccer federation says its World Cup base camp has been moved to Mexico from the United States By David Brandt, Associated Press The president of the governing body of Iranian soccer said Saturday the nation's World Cup training base has been moved to Mexico from the United States after getting approval from FIFA. Continue reading
May 14 World Cup final halftime show to feature Madonna, Shakira and BTS By Associated Press The governing body said the show would support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is raising $100 million to help children access education and soccer. It will be curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. Continue reading
May 02 Expensive tickets for early World Cup games still on general sale By James Robson, Associated Press Tickets for most of the World Cup group games remain on general sale with just over a month to go until the tournament kicks off on June 11. But prices are exorbitantly high. Continue reading
Apr 22 Mexico to boost security at tourist sites ahead of World Cup after shooting at pyramids By Megan Janetsky, Associated Press The Monday shooting, carried out by a lone gunman on top of one of the Teotihuacan pyramids — a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of Mexico's most frequented tourist attractions — killed one Canadian tourist and injured a dozen more. Continue reading