International Football
World Cup boycott calls grow with more nations citing US actions
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Building on earlier endorsements like former FIFA president Sepp Blatter's support for a fan boycott, calls to skip the 2026 World Cup are intensifying from at least 11 nations amid expanded US travel bans affecting fans from 15 participating countries and new controversies including the abduction of Venezuela's president and Middle East military deployments. FIFA warns of sanctions for withdrawals.
FIFA has revealed the lineup for its expanded FIFA Series 2026, featuring 48 national teams in 12 groups across men's and women's competitions. The tournaments, set for March and April, will include teams from all six confederations and serve as preparation for major events like the World Cup. Matches will be broadcast globally to boost visibility for participating nations.
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UEFA and CONMEBOL have announced that Spain, winners of UEFA EURO 2024, will play Argentina, CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 champions, in the men's Finalissima 2026. The match will take place at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on 27 March 2026. This fixture revives the tradition of pitting European and South American continental champions against each other.