News
FIFA Faces Growing Opposition Over Controversial Plans
A video discusses FIFA's controversial plans and growing opposition, including potential European boycotts. The Czech Football Association president has voiced support for Gianni Infantino.
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News
Infantino tells Fifa critics to 'meditate, pray or watch football'
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has told critics to 'meditate, pray or watch a football match' instead of 'spreading hate and false rumours' about his leadership, the governing body and the World Cup. In an Instagram post, he downplayed controversies including visa denials, security issues, and officiating concerns.
News
Andrea Pirlo issues statement amid controversy over Russian brand
Andrea Pirlo has released a statement clarifying his collaboration with a Russian brand, which sparked debate in Italy as he was reportedly set to become the national team head coach. He denies any political meaning and expresses love for Italy.
Matches
Trump, Bieber and Shakira: A World Cup Final Like Never Before
The 2026 World Cup final featured a 27-minute halftime show with Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Shakira, a pre-match speech by Tom Cruise, and an appearance by US President Donald Trump. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time, but the game was overshadowed by the surrounding spectacle.
News
World Cup Final Half-Time Show Features Madonna, BTS, Shakira and
Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber performed at the World Cup final half-time show, which lasted 27 minutes and 22 seconds, the longest in tournament history. The extended break sparked controversy as FIFA rules allow only a 15-minute stoppage. Other performers included Burna Boy, Post Malone, and Jennifer Hudson.
News
More games, more controversy: The good and bad of the biggest World
The 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams, bringing debutants like Cape Verde and Curacao but also controversy over hydration breaks, high ticket prices, and political interference. The tournament saw 72 group-stage matches, new seeding rules, and a raft of law changes aimed at reducing time-wasting.
Matches
Laporte: Argentina 'like to leave a mark' on opponents
Spain defender Aymeric Laporte criticizes Argentina's physical tactics ahead of the World Cup final, saying they 'like to leave a mark on opponents.' Spain face Argentina on Sunday in a clash between European and world champions.
Matches
Embolo sent off for diving in Switzerland-Argentina quarter-final
Switzerland's Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation during the quarter-final match against Argentina in Kansas City.
Matches
England goal controversy: Norway claim spidercam interference
Norway's World Cup exit was marred by controversy after they claimed Jude Bellingham's equaliser should have been disallowed because the ball hit a spidercam wire. FIFA said the ball's chip showed no evidence of contact, but Norway remain unconvinced.
Matches
England 'got lucky' with disallowed goal, say pundits
BBC Sport pundits Wayne Rooney and Ellen White said England 'got lucky' after Torbjorn Heggem's second-half goal was disallowed for a foul on Elliott Anderson by Erling Haaland.
News
World Cup Delivers On-Field Drama but Faces Integrity Questions
The World Cup has been a box-office success with thrilling matches, but controversies including a Trump intervention and disputed refereeing decisions have raised concerns about sporting integrity, according to Miguel Delaney.
Opinion
World Cup 2022: Are Argentina Receiving Favorable Treatment?
Egypt has accused FIFA of bias favoring Argentina and Lionel Messi after their 3-2 loss. Allegations include refereeing errors and the appointment of an all-Argentine officiating team for France vs. Morocco. An analysis examines the claims.
Matches
VAR disallows Egypt goal against Argentina
Mostafa Zico's goal for Egypt was ruled out by VAR after a foul on Lisandro Martinez in the buildup during their World Cup last-16 match in Atlanta.
Matches
France overcome Paraguay's 'dark arts' to reach World Cup
France defeated Paraguay 1-0 in a bad-tempered World Cup match, with Kylian Mbappe scoring a penalty to secure a quarter-final berth. Paraguay faced criticism for rough tactics, including scuffing the penalty spot and unpunished fouls.
Matches
Joe Hart Criticizes Soft Foul Call Disallowing Cucurella Goal
Joe Hart analyzes the controversial decision to disallow Marc Cucurella's goal against Austria for a foul on goalkeeper Alexander Schlager during their World Cup last-32 match in Los Angeles. Hart believes the call was soft.
Matches
Senegal's dramatic World Cup exit: Latest comeback, controversy
Senegal led Belgium 2-0 with four minutes left but conceded two late goals and lost on a controversial extra-time penalty. The defeat marked the latest comeback in World Cup history and added to Senegal's recent heartbreak after losing the Africa Cup of Nations title.
Matches
VAR controversy mars Germany's World Cup exit as disallowed goal
Germany's Jonathan Tah had a goal disallowed in extra time against Paraguay after VAR deemed a soft foul on the goalkeeper. The decision drew sharp criticism from Alan Shearer, Julian Nagelsmann, and Jurgen Klopp, who compared it to goals Arsenal score regularly. Paraguay won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Matches
Germany goal disallowed by VAR in extra time
Germany's Jonathan Tah had an extra-time goal controversially disallowed by VAR for a foul by Waldemar Anton on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Matches
Algeria and Austria deny 'scripted' draw accusations at 2026 World Cup
Algeria and Austria played a dramatic 3-3 draw in the 2026 World Cup group stage, sending both teams through and eliminating Iran. Conspiracy theories of a fixed result emerged, but both managers strongly denied any collusion.
Women's World Cup
VAR consistency questioned at Women's World Cup after controversial
The Women's World Cup has seen a series of contentious VAR decisions, leaving fans and players confused. From Ghana's denied penalty against England to Brazil's disallowed goal and Germany's allowed goal despite a high boot, the application of VAR appears inconsistent. Statistics show similar intervention rates to the Premier League, but subjective calls vary.