The ball is now a witness: connected-ball tech and football's trust problem
A disallowed Croatian goal against Portugal shows connected-ball data now decides World Cup moments — and why accuracy alone cannot buy legitimacy.
Bellingham escapes punishment as FIFA mouth-cover rule explained
The England midfielder avoided sanction after covering his mouth in conversation, with FIFA guidance aimed at confrontational exchanges.
FIFA pressed ahead with World Cup dynamic pricing despite objections from its own US staff
Leadership reportedly overruled American-based employees who opposed surge-style ticket pricing, intensifying a debate over affordability, resale costs and how aggressively organisers should chase revenue.
Trump set to hand over the World Cup trophy at the 2026 final, says Infantino
FIFA's president has indicated the US leader will present the trophy to the winners on 19 July, adding a fresh political dimension to a final already framed by American venues and heavy security planning.
FIFA's dynamic pricing row exposes the tension at the heart of the expanded World Cup
Reports that senior leadership overruled staff who opposed dynamic ticket pricing have reignited a debate about whether the tournament can balance record revenue with the trust of ordinary fans.
Qatar's Assim Madibo handed five-match ban for World Cup tackle that broke Kone's leg
FIFA disciplinary action over the challenge that fractured Canada midfielder Ismael Kone's leg becomes one of the tournament's defining safety cases.
FIFA hydration breaks under scrutiny as World Cup crowds near record levels
Mandatory water breaks in North America's summer heat divide opinion, with FIFA defending player welfare as critics question the impact on rhythm and television.
World Cup 2026 roars into life as hosts and home nations make their mark
The expanded 48-team World Cup is under way across three nations, with Mexico christening the tournament at the Azteca, the USA thrashing Paraguay and a string of early results setting the tone for a sprawling festival of football.