Madrid, July 24 (IANS) FC Barcelona have suffered a major injury setback after confirming that Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong sustained a knee injury during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that could keep him sidelined for several months. Spanish media reports had suggested for several days that the 29-year-old had returned from the tournament injured, but Barcelona only confirmed the diagnosis. “The Dutch midfielder has suffered a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee,” the L…
Latest FIFA News & Updates
New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) Norway Football Federation (NFF) president Lise Klaveness has said she will seek her board’s approval to lodge a complaint with FIFA’s ethics committee over the governing body’s controversial decision to suspend USA forward Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban during the FIFA World Cup 2026.Balogun was shown a red card during the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic suspension for the Round of 16 clash ag…
Madrid, July 22 (IANS) Spain midfielder Gavi said on Wednesday that he did not believe Argentina’s Leandro Paredes should be banned for his role in the incidents that followed Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final.As Spain’s players began celebrating after the final whistle, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina swung a punch at Spain captain Rodrigo Hernandez, while Paredes, Thiago Almada and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala also became involved.Paredes appeared to gr…
Madrid, July 20 (IANS) Celebrations continued in Spain on Monday following the country’s second World Cup triumph, with Ferran Torres’ injury-time winner against Argentina on Sunday earning him a place alongside Andres Iniesta, who scored the decisive goal in the 2010 final.Beyond the honour of adding a second star to the national team shirt, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the 26 players in the squad also have significant financial reasons to celebrate.Winning the 2026 World Cup earn…
New York, July 20 (IANS) US President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino faced jeers from spectators upon taking the field to present the World Cup trophy, following Spain’s victory in the final, before the US president attempted to gatecrash Spain’s victory party. Trump arrived at the stadium on Marine One, with the president’s helicopter first flying over the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off. He received “scattered boos” following the performance of the U.S. national anth…
New York, July 20 (IANS) This was a World Cup that looked different from the outset. FIFA had already committed to an expanded 48-team format before it even chose a host, and when the joint bid from Canada, Mexico and the United States won that vote in 2018, the 2026 World Cup became the first to be staged in three countries. Football’s governing body later confirmed three other changes: an automatic red card for players who cover their mouths, mandatory hydration breaks in every match, and the …
New York, July 17 (IANS) FIFA has announced Slovenian official Slavko Vincic has been appointed to referee the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at the New Jersey Stadium on Monday (IST). “Playing with golden stripes is something beautiful. I am sure you agree with me. It’s beautiful and it’s absolutely great. As well, it’s great that the referee will be Slavko Vincic,” head of refereeing at FIFA, Pierluigi Collina said in a video shared by the sport’s global governing body o…
New Delhi, July 17 (IANS) When the FIFA World Cup 2026 champions are crowned at Jersey Stadium, in addition to the iconic trophy and prestigious gold medals, the first-ever championship rings will be presented to the winners. The tournament winners will receive bespoke championship rings, bringing one of the most recognisable American sporting traditions to the global game, FIFA said in a release.One side of the ring features the FIFA World Cup trophy, while the other will be customised to refle…
New York, July 17 (IANS) FIFA, football’s world governing body, has launched an investigation over a controversial banner displayed by Argentina’s players after their FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal win against England in Atlanta on the disputed Falkland Islands, which had caused a war between the two countries a few decades back.FIFA launched the probe after the Falkland Islands Government described as ‘insensitive’ the banner members of the Argentina team took out following their win against Eng…
New Delhi, July 16 (IANS) Lionel Messi has hit back at critics alleging FIFA favouritism toward Argentina, asserting that reaching a second consecutive World Cup final proves his side is among the best in the world and that their success is “not by chance.”Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, with the help of two Messi assists, struck the late goals in a dramatic turnaround in Atlanta after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute goal to take Argentina closer to retaining their world crown.Argentina’s jour…