World cup soccer

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he will seek re-election in March despite calls to resign

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, seeking a fourth term in March next year, has faced calls to resign after his plan to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup was scrapped amid widespread backlash in July.

Soccer Football - FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup - Group A - Poland v Argentina - Arena Katowice, Katowice, Poland - September 5, 2026 FIFA President Gianni Infantino inside the stadium before the match
Fans take pictures with a Lego World Cup trophy as they attend a watch party for the France vs Spain FIFA World Cup Semifinal match at Rockefeller Center on July 14, 2026 in New York City.

Lego sales rise as World Cup products draw new customers, despite Iran war raising cost of plastics

FIFA PRESIDENT Gianni Infantino faces growing questions over the direction of world soccer after Israel withdrew its support for his leadership ahead of next year’s presidential election.

Israel withdraws support for embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) awards US President Donald Trump (L) with the FIFA Peace Prize, December 5, 2025; illustrative.

Trump warns FIFA against replacing President Gianni Infantino after his subsidiary proposal


‘We’ll reach a major tournament’: Coach confident despite Israel's exit from World Cup qualifiers

“The harshest criticism we’ll hear is the criticism we direct at ourselves. We have a goal, and we know and will know how to reach it. I’m very proud of the players," said the team's coach.

The World Cup qualifying soccer match between Italy and Israel in Udine, Italy, on October 14, 2025.

Blue-and-white closes campaign in style: Israel impresses in 4-1 victory in Moldova

Israel finished its World Cup qualifying campaign on a high, defeating Moldova 4-1 in Chisinau, powered by a brace from defender Roy Revivo, his first two international goals.

 ISRAEL FORWARD Dor Turgeman celebrates after scoring the first goal in the 4-1 victory over Moldova to close out the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Israel national soccer team aims to finish 2026 World Cup qualifiers on a strong note

Ben Shimon & Co. close World Cup qualifiers at Moldova seeking redemption, growth, and steps toward future success

‘YOU DON'T choose when to take things seriously,’ said Israel coach Ran Ben Shimon this week before the national team’s final qualifier in Moldova.

Cristiano Ronaldo clarifies 'soon' means one or two years before retirement

"I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. But of course, let's be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years," he said.

Soccer Football - Saudi Pro League - Al Hazem v Al Nassr - King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia - October 25, 2025 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo during the warm up before the match

Irish soccer's governing body overwhelmingly backs call for UEFA to ban Israel

If UEFA decided to ban Israel, it would put the organization on a collision course with the government of the US, co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup, which strongly opposes such an action.

Protesters march against the Israeli football team during a pro-Palestinian demonstration ahead of the Italy v Israel match, October 14, 2025.

FIFA chief welcomes presence of female fans at Iranian Cup match

FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the event an "encouraging development" since women were banned from attending a previous 2022 World Cup qualifier.

 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group B - Wales v Iran - Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - November 25, 2022 An Iran fan is pictured wearing a 'Women Life Freedom' sticker on their arm, inside the stadium before the match.

Doha clears UK activist Andy Hall of defamation over migrant rights case

A Doha court overturned the 2022 defamation conviction of British activist Andy Hall, clearing him of charges linked to his advocacy for migrant workers’ rights ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

Activist Andy Hall attends a meeting at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to discuss his detainment in Qatar, July 2025.

Blue-and-white bows out of World Cup race race

Mistakes proved costly in the qualifier in Italy, with a 3-0 defeat officially eliminating the Israelis from contention.

ITALY'S GIANLUCA MANCINI scores Azzurri’s third goal past Israeli defender Or Blorian (5) in the 3-0 victory World Cup qualifying win for the hosts in Udine.

Clashes at pro-Palestinian march against Italy vs Israel FIFA World Cup qualifier

The march was attended by over 5,000 participants according to preliminary police estimates, and preceded the soccer match, which Italy ultimately won 3-0.

A pro-Palestine protester with a flare during a march against the Israeli soccer team ahead of the Italy v Israel match in Udine, Italy, October 14, 2025.

Israel set for pivotal World Cup qualifiers against Norway, Italy

With key road tests at Norway and Italy, Ben Shimon’s squad aims to keep World Cup dream alive.

IF ISRAEL can somehow win both of its upcoming World Cup qualifiers at Norway and Italy this weekend, it will place itself in great position to advance.