Soccer

World Cup poses an unprecedented security challenge at a fraught moment

The World Cup comes against the backdrop of the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran, mounting political violence in President Donald Trump’s orbit and growing fears of artificial intelligence-fueled disruptions, creating a complex threat environment for authorities.

The World Cup pitches are the result of years of engineering to find just the right grass

While it took a herculean effort to engineer the right grass for the different stadiums and to make sure it’s in pristine condition for the duration of the tournament, the goal is that it never really attracts attention.

Iran's soccer team readies to leave for World Cup as some officials still await US visas

Iran’s World Cup soccer team prepared to set off from Turkey for their training base in Mexico on Saturday ahead of three group matches in the United States later this month.

Mexico City’s altitude poses a key challenge for teams at the 2026 World Cup

Heat won’t be the only environmental factor affecting players’ performance at the World Cup. Teams playing in two of Mexico’s host cities must adapt to another challenge: altitude.

West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan quits ahead of 'historic allegations' to be made against him

Bombito starts on bench as Canada faces Ireland in final FIFA World Cup tune-up

Canada coach Jesse Marsch made one change to his starting 11 for the country’s final tune-up before the FIFA World Cup, inserting Luc de Fougerolles for Moïse Bombito at centre back.

Iran's World Cup team approved for visas to play games in the US, officials say

Members of Iran’s World Cup soccer team have been granted visas to the United States, two U.S. officials said Friday, clearing them to enter the United States from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of their first two matches near Los Angeles this month.

Larin joins Southampton on permanent transfer

Cyle Larin’s stay in England will continue. Southampton announced Friday that the Canada forward’s loan from Mallorca had been converted into a permanent transfer.

Germany's young midfield star Karl may miss World Cup after injury in training

Germany’s 18-year-old midfielder Lennart Karl may miss the World Cup after he was sent to the hospital for scans following an unspecified injury in training on Friday.

World Cup players to earn $5,000 each day for clubs from $355M FIFA fund

Players at this month’s World Cup will earn their clubs about $5,000 per day from a $355 million FIFA fund.

Rejuvenated in Italy, CanMNT’s Koné ready to take on the world

After a difficult spell in France, Montreal's Ismaël Koné starred in his first season in Serie A. About to play in his second FIFA World Cup, the Canada midfielder is ready to show his team is ready to compete.

Whitecaps midfielder Berhalter named to MLS all-star team

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter is heading back to Major League Soccer’s all-star game.

Brazil star Neymar (calf) not traveling for an exhibition game vs. Egypt

Neymar is not traveling to Cleveland with Brazil’s World Cup team for its exhibition tuneup against Egypt on Saturday, according to the country’s soccer association.

Mexico recovers early deficit, routs Serbia 5-1 in a World Cup warm-up match

The Mexican national team rallied from an early deficit to beat Serbia 5-1 on Thursday, concluding preparations for its opening match of the World Cup.

France stunned by Ivory Coast, Spain held by Iraq in World Cup warmups

Guéla Doué scored a goal and set up the winning strike as Ivory Coast surprised France — and Doué’s brother in the French dugout — with a 2-1 victory in a World Cup warmup match Thursday.

Canada set to face Ireland in final pre-World Cup friendly at 7pm ET on TSN

Canada’s men’s national soccer team gets one last tune-up before the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway on home soil next week as Les Rouges host the Republic of Ireland in a friendly from Montreal’s Saputo Stadium on Friday night.

Shakira and Burna Boy to play in first of three World Cup opening ceremonies

Shakira and Burna Boy will perform in Mexico City for the first of three opening ceremonies at the World Cup.

Bosnia's World Cup pursuit begins at a home-away-from home in the American Midwest

Far from its European homeland, Bosnia and Herzegovina has zealous fans in the American Midwest as it prepares for its second World Cup.

Morocco has more to prove after reaching semis at 2022 World Cup

Legal disputes and acrimony have replaced the accolades and euphoria for Morocco’s national soccer team ahead of this year’s World Cup.

MLS commissioner Garber optimistic about CF Montréal’s future

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber said he’s optimistic about CF Montréal’s future in the league, but certain conditions will need to be met for that to happen.