World Cup 2026
FIFA's Infantino apologizes for British fans joke and calls for Russia ban lift
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologized for a controversial joke about British football fans at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, describing it as a light-hearted remark to highlight the event's peaceful nature. In a Sky News interview, he defended awarding U.S. President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize and urged lifting the ban on Russia from international football competitions. His comments drew sharp criticism from Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
Opposition to boycott calls targeting the 2026 FIFA World Cup over U.S. President Donald Trump's policies has intensified, with South Africa's Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie calling the idea 'madness' amid a trophy tour generating fan excitement. FIFA and federations affirm participation plans despite the debate.
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Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has endorsed calls for fans to boycott the 2026 World Cup matches in the United States, citing concerns over the Trump administration's policies. Blatter supported Swiss lawyer Mark Pieth's advice to stay away amid immigration crackdowns and political unrest. The tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, faces growing international scrutiny.
FIFA announced on January 19 a record-breaking over 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup from fans across all 211 member associations during the initial 33-day sales phase, averaging 15 million daily despite backlash over high prices.
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Inflation in Mexico slowed to 3.69% at the end of 2025, but experts predict it will exceed 4% throughout 2026 due to the World Cup, wage hikes, new taxes, and tariffs. Factors like IEPS increases and duties on Chinese imports will pressure prices, particularly in services and goods. The Bank of Mexico may implement moderate interest rate cuts, adopting a cautious policy.
Vietnam claimed the biggest rise in FIFA's December 22 men's world rankings, jumping three spots to a 2025-high 107th globally (19th in Asia) after defeating Laos, while Malaysia fell to 121st over ineligible players. As Spain holds No. 1 in this final 2025 update (overview in series), the changes spotlight Asian preparations for major tournaments.
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Following the initial announcement, FIFA has shared more on its Netflix Games partnership for a 2026 World Cup football sim, stressing digital accessibility. Updates include Netflix's sports push and revised World Cup ticket pricing.
Colombia-Portugal 2026 World Cup match leads ticket demand with nearly 30 million requests
Jumatatu, 26. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 15:22:49Former FIFA president backs boycott calls for US World Cup matches
Jumapili, 25. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 22:44:47Mexico edges Bolivia 1-0 in World Cup preparation friendly
Ijumaa, 23. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 05:04:10FIFA's Infantino warns of sky-high 2026 World Cup resale ticket prices amid record demand
Ijumaa, 23. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 01:11:03FIFA president Gianni Infantino jokes about British fans at World Cup
Jumatatu, 5. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 20:52:14Tunisia's team left without coach six months before 2026 World Cup
Jumamosi, 3. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 10:44:59FIFA faces criticism for awarding Trump peace prize before Venezuela strike
Ijumaa, 2. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 20:01:48FIFA annoys TV broadcasters with late kick-off times for 2026 World Cup
Jumanne, 30. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 19:12:08FIFA defends 2026 World Cup prices as England final tickets go undersubscribed
Jumamosi, 27. Mwezi wa kumi na mbili 2025, 12:36:23Mexico's bridges and holidays calendar for 2026