Tag · 12 articles
Spain forward Esther Gonzalez has faced criticism after joining Saudi Women's Premier League club Al Qadsiah, following her departure from Gotham FC citing personal reasons. Fans and LGBTQ+ advocates have expressed concerns over her safety in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
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.
The 2026 World Cup was a tournament of conflicting emotions, blending entertaining but forgettable matches with a few epics. Its main legacy may be the non-football precedents set by FIFA, raising concerns for the future of the sport.
England and France face off in the World Cup third-place play-off, a match both coaches and players have criticized. Despite reluctance, the fixture offers a chance for bronze medals, prize money, and historical significance.
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.
President Donald Trump confirmed he asked Fifa to review Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension at the World Cup. Fifa suspended the ban for 12 months, sparking criticism from Uefa and Belgium. Balogun is now eligible to play in the last-16 tie against Belgium.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre expressed anger over a FIFA decision, calling it 'a kick in the stomach' and saying it changes everything. He stated he was not consulted and that neither he nor his players like the change.
Scotland may feel aggrieved after three key decisions in their World Cup Group C match against Morocco in Boston.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said photographers 'ruined' his first World Cup experience during the national anthem before facing Croatia.
Hydration breaks introduced at the 2026 World Cup to combat heat have been met with boos from fans who see them as commercial interruptions. Players and coaches, however, welcome the pauses for tactical regrouping and fluid intake.
Hydration breaks have become normalised at the 2026 World Cup, but England fans expressed disapproval by booing them. The article explores fan reactions to the breaks.
England winger Bukayo Saka says he will not comment controversially on the mandatory three-minute hydration breaks at the World Cup, after they drew criticism.
