Sports
2026 FIFA World Cup offers globe temporary fix, but not escape
The FIFA World Cup has always been more than football. Every four years, it becomes a global event capable of capturing the attention of billions and temporarily shifting the world’s focus away from its problems. As the 2026 tournament kicks off on Thursday with Mexico facing South Africa at the historic Estadio Azteca, the largest World Cup in history arrives at a moment when that distraction feels more necessary than ever.
The expanded competition, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States, will culminate on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. Over five weeks, the world will immerse itself in dramatic upsets, unforgettable goals and the emotional roller coaster that only football’s biggest stage can provide.
Yet this World Cup begins against a backdrop of war, economic uncertainty, climate anxiety and political division that extends far beyond the stadium gates.
Troubled world
As supporters flood host cities and television audiences soar into the billions, conflicts continue to shape daily life across several regions.
The war between Russia and Ukraine remains one of the defining geopolitical crises of the decade, with millions of Ukrainians displaced since the conflict began in 2022. In the Middle East, tensions involving Iran and its regional rivals continue to threaten stability and global energy supplies. The civil war in Sudan has displaced more than 12 million people, making it one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
These conflicts have consequences far beyond their borders. Disrupted trade routes, energy market volatility and rising security concerns have contributed to economic uncertainty across the globe.
The International Monetary Fund projects global economic growth of just over 3% in 2026, a modest figure by historical standards. Inflation has eased in some advanced economies, but the cost-of-living crisis remains a major concern for households worldwide. According to Ipsos’ “What Worries the World” surveys, inflation, poverty, corruption and healthcare remain among the top concerns cited by citizens across dozens of countries.
At the same time, climate challenges continue to intensify. Recent years have been the hottest ever recorded globally. North America has experienced devastating wildfires, Europe has endured record-breaking heat waves, and prolonged droughts have affected agricultural production in multiple regions. The United Nations continues to warn that climate-related disasters are displacing millions and placing increasing pressure on governments and economies.
Against this backdrop, the World Cup offers something increasingly rare: a chance for people to focus on something other than crisis.
Unifying power
Few events on Earth can command the attention of humanity like the World Cup.
The 2022 tournament in Qatar attracted billions of viewers worldwide, while the final between Argentina and France became one of the most-watched sporting events in history. When Argentina lifted the trophy after an unforgettable penalty shootout, an estimated five million people flooded the streets of Buenos Aires in celebration.
Those scenes illustrated football’s unique power.
For a few hours, nationality, religion, political affiliation and social status become secondary. A goal scored in Mexico City sparks celebrations in Los Angeles. Fans in Lagos debate tactics with supporters in London. Social media fills with the same clips, the same arguments and the same moments of joy or heartbreak.
The World Cup creates a rare form of global synchronization. Billions of people experience the same emotions at the same time.
This year’s expanded format could make that effect even stronger. Nations that historically struggled to qualify now have a place on football’s biggest stage. More countries mean more stories, more representation and more communities invested in the tournament.
The American challenge
The 2026 World Cup is also unique because it unfolds amid growing debate over immigration and border policies in one of its host nations.
Recent reports of visa delays, heightened scrutiny at ports of entry and travel restrictions affecting supporters from several countries have generated concern among fans and advocacy groups. Some organizations have warned that stricter immigration enforcement could discourage attendance from certain communities.
One of the most widely discussed incidents involved Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been selected for World Cup duty before reportedly being denied entry into the United States and removed from FIFA’s referee roster. The case intensified scrutiny of how immigration policies could intersect with a tournament built on international participation.
Supporters from countries facing visa restrictions or higher rejection rates have also expressed concerns about their ability to attend matches despite securing tickets.
For FIFA, the challenge is balancing security requirements with the tournament’s core principle of inclusivity. The governing body has repeatedly emphasized that the World Cup is intended to welcome the world.
Historical significance
This is not the first World Cup to take place during uncertain times.
The 1998 World Cup in France unfolded amid intense debates about immigration and national identity. France’s multicultural squad, led by Zinedine Zidane, became a symbol of unity after winning the country’s first title.
The 2010 World Cup in South Africa carried significance far beyond football. It represented the first World Cup held on African soil and was widely viewed as a celebration of the country’s transformation after apartheid.
The 2018 World Cup in Russia became a showcase of soft power, while the 2022 tournament in Qatar generated worldwide discussions about migrant workers, labor rights and the responsibilities of major sporting events.
Every World Cup reflects the era in which it is played.
The 2026 edition is no different.
A temporary therapy for a tired planet
The truth is that football cannot solve wars. It cannot lower inflation, stop wildfires or bridge every political divide.
What it can do is provide psychological relief.
For one month, conversations that normally revolve around conflict and uncertainty will shift toward tactics, star players and underdog stories. Families will gather around televisions. Cities will organize fan festivals. Colleagues will pause meetings to check scores.
Sports psychologists have long noted the emotional benefits of collective sporting experiences. Shared victories create a sense of belonging. Shared heartbreak builds community. In difficult times, those feelings matter.
That is why the World Cup often feels like therapy for a weary world.
Post final whistle
Eventually, the tournament will end.
A champion will be crowned. The celebrations will fade. The packed stadiums will empty.
Then the world will return to reality.
Governments will continue grappling with wars, economic pressures and climate challenges. Debates over immigration, security and globalization will persist. The issues that existed before kickoff will still be waiting after the final whistle.
But perhaps that is not the point.
The World Cup’s greatest value lies not in solving problems but in reminding people what remains possible. On the pitch, 48 nations will compete fiercely under a common set of rules. Off the pitch, billions will share the same moments of excitement, tension and joy.
In a world increasingly defined by division, that may be the tournament’s most important lesson.
For five weeks, football will offer humanity a brief opportunity to breathe.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 3 Jessica Pegula suffered surprise fourth-round defeats Saturday at the Toronto Masters, sending two of the tournament’s top seeds out in the same round.
Four-time Grand Slam winner Sabalenka suffered a blow to her preparations for a tilt at a third consecutive US Open title, beaten 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-4 by Russian 16th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.
“I wasn’t trying to think about the score or anything like beating number one,” said Alexandrova after ousting the Belarusian in 2 hours 29 minutes.
“I was just trying to do my best. I just tried to play every single point as if it was the last one because with her, you don’t get a lot of chances during the match,” Alexandrova said.
“I had a lot today, but I couldn’t realize some of them. I’m super happy that I could win because after the second set, I thought (winning) was already past me,” she added.
Alexandrova moves on to a quarterfinal against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who dispatched American Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 6-4 in 78 minutes.
Russian 15th seed Shnaider upset another top seed, Pegula, 6-3, 6-3 to book a last-eight date with Poland’s Iga Swiatek.
The 22-year-old left-hander took only 73 minutes to defeat Pegula.
“This week I’ve been very comfortable on both defending and just firing some winners,” Shnaider said.
“It was working well. I was choosing a bigger target today but sometimes ripping the ball,” she added.
Sabalenka dropped the first set on a tiebreak as her Russian opponent won five of the last six points.
“I was trying to play super aggressive, the way I didn’t play for a long time. It worked,” said Alexandrova.
“I had the feeling I have some kind of power and I can create something and it helped me mentally.”
Sabalenka leveled the match but in the decider faced match points on her serve in the 10th game.
She saved the first on a service winner and the second with an ace.
But, after sending a backhand beyond the baseline, the Belarusian made her sixth and final double fault to lose the match.
“I didn’t have any expectations before the match,” Alexandrova said. “I knew it was going to be super difficult when I walked on the court.”
“I was trying to risk as much as possible because it felt like it was the only way to create some chances. It caused many more mistakes, but at the same time I created many more opportunities,” she said.
Former world No. 1 Swiatek, the seventh seed, rallied to defeat Ukraine’s 10th-seeded Marta Kostyuk 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, saved nine break points in the last two sets without dropping serve.
“In the second I came out… playing a bit faster and more heavy and pushing Marta a little bit more,” Swiatek said.
“Game by game I felt like it was a good plan and a good choice and I went for it.”
FIFA has pushed back against what it called a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine the governing body and President Gianni Infantino over allegations concerning his conduct while at UEFA.
UEFA confirmed Saturday a “departure payment” was made to a female employee alleged to have been in a relationship with Infantino when he was the European organization’s general secretary.
The Daily Telegraph reported the woman received a six-figure sum and UEFA confirmed a payment was made along with covering the fees for an MBA course, adding it was “in line” with regulations at the time.
The allegations intensify the position of Infantino, who worked at UEFA for 16 years and was its general secretary between 2009 and 2016 before being elected FIFA president, following his aborted plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
While not directly referencing UEFA’s statement, FIFA accused Infantino’s critics of trying to weaken his authority and have him removed from his role without a due re-election process.
A lengthy statement said: “It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president.”
“Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s member associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.”
“Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its president. Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true,” it added.
“The FIFA president has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to European and world football, contributing to significant change in the game and, in particular, to broadening access, resources and opportunity across world football.”
“Change inevitably challenges established interests, but disagreement with that change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of FIFA’s president or the institution he was elected to lead,” the statement said.
“FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. But scrutiny is not a licence to distort facts, amplify unsubstantiated allegations or manufacture distractions designed to undermine progress. Where reporting is inaccurate or misleading, FIFA will challenge it directly and vigorously.”
“FIFA’s responsibility is to its 211 member associations and to football around the world. We will not be distracted or diverted from strengthening the organisation, delivering for our member associations and continuing the work of making football truly global,” it said.
“Through the FIFA president and the FIFA administration, our focus remains firmly on that mission, and we are more determined than ever to fulfil it.”
Infantino’s controversial proposal was rejected by UEFA and two other continental confederations. On Wednesday, Infantino was backed by FIFA’s management board following a meeting in Morocco and issued an apology over the process.
UEFA’s threat for its 55 member countries to boycott FIFA competitions until the plan was scrapped remains, with the European confederation saying Thursday that Wednesday’s announcement “changes nothing.”
Following the Daily Telegraph claims Friday, a FIFA spokesperson was reported to have told the newspaper Infantino “strongly denies these categorically untrue allegations.”
A UEFA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school.”
“The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time.”
“Such regulations have been tightened since 2016 and the current staff regulations, which apply to all UEFA employees at whatever level, reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organization.”
Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez led from the opening lap Sunday to win the British MotoGP at Silverstone, capitalizing on an early setback for championship leader Jorge Martin.
Spaniard Fernandez swept past pole-sitter Martin into Turn One and never looked back, stretching his advantage to more than four seconds before taking the chequered flag 2.54 seconds clear.
The victory was the Spaniard’s second in MotoGP and his first since last year’s Australian Grand Prix, completing an impressive recovery from a crash in Saturday’s sprint.
“I am really happy for the team. Yesterday I was quite frustrated after my mistake. But we are human, and it is part of the sport,” Fernandez said.
Spain’s Martin, who won the sprint, was hampered at the start when his ride-height device failed to disengage at Turn One, dropping him behind Marc Marquez and fellow Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi.
The championship leader recovered to reclaim second from Bezzecchi on lap nine but was unable to get close enough to challenge Fernandez.
Martin’s runner-up finish extended his championship lead to 31 points, with Bezzecchi, who finished third, moving up to second in the standings.
Ogura lost ground after his first retirement of the season, falling 37 points behind Martin. “The results here are a big boost of confidence for me and the team,” Martin said.
“It seems like we found a bit of direction to get the momentum on our side now. The race was fantastic. I made a small mistake at the start, but I am glad I was able to fight back.”
Defending world champion Marc Marquez endured another difficult afternoon, finishing seventh after starting sixth on the grid and dropping to fourth in the standings.
Bezzecchi faced stiff competition from Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez, who made a late mistake and dropped back.
Alex Marquez continued to put pressure on Bezzecchi, but was unable to chase him down as the Aprilia rider finished third to secure his second podium of the weekend.
The result was particularly significant for Bezzecchi, who led the championship earlier this season and was recording his first Sunday finish since winning his home Italian Grand Prix at the end of May.
Alex Marquez came fourth, KTM’s Pedro Acosta fifth and VR46 Racing’s Fabio Di Giannantonio sixth.
A spokesperson for FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly denied allegations that UEFA paid a six-figure departure package to a female employee who was reportedly in a relationship with Infantino while he was secretary general of European football’s governing body.
The Daily Telegraph reported Friday that the woman received the payment when she left UEFA following the alleged relationship with Infantino, who is married.
UEFA confirmed that a departure payment was made to the employee and that the organization also covered the cost of an MBA course at a local business school. UEFA did not confirm the alleged relationship.
The governing body said the payments complied with the staff regulations in place at the time and were approved under the procedures then governing departing employees. UEFA said those regulations have since been tightened.
“We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school,” a UEFA spokesperson said.
“The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time.”
UEFA added that its current regulations “reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organization” and apply to all employees regardless of their position.
FIFA, meanwhile, rejected any suggestion that Infantino had engaged in improper conduct.
“FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph.
The spokesperson also said no UEFA or FIFA employee had complained about Infantino’s behavior and that all departure and severance packages had been approved by the appropriate directors under the regulations applicable at the time.
Infantino joined UEFA in 2000 and served as its secretary general from October 2009 until his election as FIFA president on Feb. 26, 2016. He has led world football’s governing body since succeeding Sepp Blatter.
The allegations emerged as Infantino faces mounting pressure over a separate and controversial proposal to bring private investment into a FIFA-controlled company that would oversee commercial rights to the organization’s competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
The plan would have allowed private investors to acquire a stake of up to 20% in the proposed subsidiary. It drew strong opposition from UEFA and other continental confederations before FIFA withdrew the proposal.
FIFA’s management board backed Infantino following a meeting in Morocco on Wednesday, and Infantino apologized for the way the plan had been handled.
UEFA, however, said Thursday that the move had not resolved its concerns. The European confederation has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions involving its 55 member associations if the proposal is revived.
UEFA said the latest developments “change nothing” regarding its position.
Brazil star Vinicius Junior has extended his contract with Real Madrid to 2032, the Spanish giants announced Thursday, quelling months of speculation about his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Real Madrid FC and Vinicius Jr have agreed the extension of the contract of our player, who is tied to the club until June 30, 2032,” Los Blancos said in a statement.
The 26-year-old has been one of the lynchpins of Real Madrid’s attack in recent years. He has scored 128 goals and provided 100 assists in 375 matches since joining Madrid at age 18 and has helped the club win 14 titles, including La Liga three times and the Champions League twice.
“Vinicius Jr. has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history,” the club said in the announcement.
He had entered the final year of his contract, with Spanish and British media linking him with a move to Premier League champions Arsenal.
Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed.
Vinicius wrote on Instagram: “Eight years at the Bernabeu are too few… 6 more years, and forever!”
Vinicius had a busy summer playing for Brazil at the World Cup, where they were knocked out in the last 16. He was Brazil’s top scorer at the World Cup with four goals.
He and Los Blancos enter the 2026-27 season with a new coach – Jose Mourinho, for a second stint – and renewed expectations among fans.
Madrid haven’t won a major title in two years with superstar striker Kylian Mbappe onboard. The club went through two coaches in Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa last season.
The record 15-time European Cup winners have seen Paris Saint-Germain win consecutive Champions League titles. Madrid have finished runner-up to fierce rivals Barcelona for the La Liga title the past two seasons.
Earlier Thursday, Real Madrid reached a deal with Leipzig for the transfer of young Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old forward joined on a seven-year contract.
European football’s governing body is retaining its threat to boycott World Cups despite FIFA apologizing for its failed plan to open up its competitions to private investment.
UEFA on Thursday reiterated that it had lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and said conditions to withdraw its boycott threat had not been met.
“UEFA’s associations were very clear about the conditions attached to the non participation in FIFA competitions,” it said in a statement. “First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.
“These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency. That position holds.”
It was another bruising day for Infantino, with global football players’ union FIFPRO accusing him of “a profound abuse of presidential power.”
The English Football Association has also withdrawn its support for Infantino’s re-election.
Even Amnesty International said the “current crisis spotlights the need for governance reforms.”
FIFA and Infantino tried to present a united front following a high-level summit in Morocco on Wednesday when it announced the president had the full support of top staff in attendance.
The world governing body also apologized to its 211 members for errors made over its controversial plan to sell profits in the World Cup through a commercial subsidiary and committed to “ensure they do not happen again.”
FIFA said it hoped its meeting would “help restore confidence” in the organization after the turbulence created by Infantino’s now-abandoned project, which provoked widespread condemnation.
UEFA voted to abandon FIFA competitions if it went ahead. And even after Infantino’s hasty climbdown, Europe’s governing body said it had lost confidence in FIFA’s leadership – paving the way for a challenge to his presidency.
In its defiant statement, UEFA made it clear its position still held.
“Yesterday’s announcement that some people employed by the FIFA president (and whose careers depend on his favor) agree with him changes nothing,” it said.
UEFA did not say if teams would boycott FIFA’s next event – the women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland next month.
For Infantino, the immediate priority has been containing the political fallout ahead of March’s presidential election in Morocco, when he will seek a fourth term through 2031.
Infantino continues to enjoy strong support from many smaller associations, particularly across Africa and Asia, where FIFA development funding remains central to national soccer programmes, and he still appears well placed politically with no viable challenger emerging ahead of the election.
-
Politics3 days agoSister accused of aiding FETÖ assassin nabbed in Türkiye
-
Economy1 day agoTürkiye sets 2026 daily truck departures record at gate with Iraq
-
Economy3 days agoWhy Ukraine is targeting Wildberries – and why it matters
-
Politics1 day agoSomalia welcomes Saudi-Türkiye-Pakistan defense pact
-
Politics3 days agoTürkiye captures 104 Daesh suspects in nationwide operations
-
Economy1 day agoChina inflation eases in July, producer prices at 3-month low
-
Economy3 days agoWeather, war send global food prices to over 3-year high in July
-
Politics3 days ago‘So what?’: Turkish politician downplays widespread bribery allegations