World Cup 2026

Travel News

US waives $15,000 visa bond fees for some World Cup fans

The Trump administration is suspending controversial visa bond payments of up to $15,000 (€12,800) for some World Cup supporters travelling to the US after concerns the rules could damage attendance at the 2026 tournament.

14/05/2026

Travel News

Waterfront goals: Seattle will host a floating World Cup fan zone

The Pacific Northwest city is turning its waterfront into a floating football festival complete with fan zones, watch parties and a pitch.

14/05/2026

Climate

‘Cancellation-level heat’ could hit World Cup, climate scientists warn

Climate scientists are calling on FIFA and fans “to realise that there is no aspect of society not affected by climate change”.

14/05/2026

Europe News

Yamal’s Palestine flag wave revives debate over politics in football

Yamal waved a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s La Liga title celebrations, reviving a debate over whether politics and sport should be mixed with just a month to go before the World Cup begins amid geopolitical tensions.

13/05/2026

Business

Can you afford the 2026 World Cup? What fans paid over the years

The 2026 World Cup is facing criticism over record-high ticket prices, with fans saying it is becoming far less affordable than past tournaments. Compared to previous World Cups-where even final tickets were often under a few thousand dollars-2026 prices can reach $15,000 or more for premium seats.

08/05/2026

Culture news

'Dai Dai': Shakira teases official World Cup 2026 anthem

Shakira marks her fourth musical participation in FIFA tournaments with the song 'Dai Dai', which will be released in full on 14 May. The 2026 World Cup kicks off on 11 June.

08/05/2026

Travel News

World Cup hotel boom may ‘fall short of expectations’ in US

A new report by the American Hotel & Lodging Association says anticipated demand ‘has not translated into strong hotel bookings’ and that domestic travellers are ‘outpacing’ international visitors.

05/05/2026

Travel News

World Cup travel demand rises, but not all cities will get the win

While the tourism picture points to an increase in activity in the run-up to this summer's tournament, research suggests the broader impact may be far more limited.

01/05/2026

Iran

Iranian football chiefs turned away at Canada border over IRGC link

Iran's World Cup participation controversy has escalated with a diplomatic incident at Canada's borders involving Iranian football officials. Iran's group stage matches are scheduled in the US, and Tehran authorities have asked FIFA to move them to alternative venues. FIFA has refused.

30/04/2026

Travel News

World Cup no longer just about football: Digital nomads invade Mexico

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is driving the arrival of European digital nomads in Mexico, a phenomenon transforming tourism with longer stays, remote working and a greater impact on the local economy.

28/04/2026

Sport

Tickets to World Cup final in US appear on resale site for €1.9m each

FIFA does not control prices on its Resale/Exchange Marketplace but charges a 15% purchase fee to each ticket buyer and a 15% resale fee to each ticket seller.

24/04/2026

Sport

Italian officials roundly reject pitch to replace Iran at World Cup

Italy missed out on the World Cup for the third successive time after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualifying playoff final.

23/04/2026

Mexico

Sheinbaum urges better security at Mexico tourist sites after shooting

Security officials said that the shooting at the world-famous Teotihuacan pyramids that left one person dead and 13 others wounded "wasn't spontaneous."

21/04/2026

Culture news

Ronaldo and Messi join forces again for viral LEGO World Cup campaign

Joined by Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr, the four football stars compete (and fail) to claim a brick-built World Cup trophy in LEGO's “Everyone Wants a Piece” ad.

03/04/2026

Business

FIFA raises top ticket price for World Cup final to $10,990

FIFA raised its top ticket price for the World Cup final to $10,990 (€9,533) during the glitch-hampered reopening of sales Wednesday after the 48-team field for this year's tournament was finalised.

02/04/2026

Sport

“It feels like a nightmare”: Fans upset as Italy fails to qualify for third straight World Cup

Italy’s World Cup hopes ended in heartbreak after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia, leaving stunned fans in Rome lamenting another missed chance and a 16-year absence from football’s biggest stage.

01/04/2026