Cherry’s pick: Cape octopus predicts the winner of Bafana vs Mexico
Paul the octopus made headlines 16 years ago for his “superpower” predictions ahead of football’s most popular showpiece: the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup Sport News
FIFA World Cup | Bafana brace for ‘85 000 Mexicans shouting and singing’ at Azteca stadium
On-the-ground coverage from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing you the latest breaking news, live match reports, press conferences, exclusive interviews, fan reaction and behind-the-scenes stories from across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
‘Every few hours, it’s another story’: logistical controversies cast shadow on what should have been a joyous World Cup start
CAIRO: As an Egyptian sports journalist who has spent the past 16 years dedicated to covering Arab athletes at the pinnacle of their respective disciplines, this FIFA World Cup was supposed to be one of the most exciting events I have ever covered.
World Cup nears kickoff after pre-tournament turbulence
MEXICO CITY: The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the greatest footballing show on earth can rise above anger at soaring ticket prices, an uneasy political climate in Donald Trump’s America and the shadow of conflict in the Middle East.
Somali referee for World Cup is denied entry into the United States
Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry into the United States after getting selected to officiate in the World Cup. US Customs and Border Protection confirmed Monday that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry after arriving to Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday. While the CBP statement didn’t mention the person by name, Artan is the only World Cup referee from Somalia. “During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” CBP said in its statement.
Leverkusen striker Schick to lead Czech attack at World Cup
PRAGUE: Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick will lead the Czech Republic attack at the World Cup as spearhead of a 26-man squad announced in Prague on Sunday. The Czech Republic face Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A in only their second World Cup appearance since becoming an independent country after a 1993 split with Slovakia. At the 2006 World Cup the Czechs bowed out after the group stage with a team featuring Petr Cech, Pavel Nedved, Tomas Rosicky and Milan Baros. Czech coach Miroslav Koubek said earlier Group A was “extremely tough,” voicing concerns about the climate especially in Mexico where the Czechs will play two games. “Our goal is to reach the play-offs.
Saudi Arabia step up training in New York ahead of Ecuador friendly
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia continued preparations in New York on Friday ahead of a friendly against Ecuador as the Green Falcons build toward the World Cup, which starts next month.
Al-Buraikan strike enough to beat Al-Najma and take Ahli to fourth
RIYADH: Al-Ahli on Thursday night defeated hosts and newly promoted Al-Najma 1-0 in Buraidah to climb to fourth in the Saudi Pro League table, with the rest of the sixth round of matches still to come this weekend.