The FIFA World Cup is more than just a football tournament held every four years -- it is a vibrant global spectacle that often transcends the battles on the pitch. Yet, the excitement surrounding the tournament is not confined to goals or trophy triumphs alone.

And it is not just ticket prices that have spiralled.

With each nation allowed up to 26 players, the tournament could feature as many as 1,248 footballers — the largest player pool in World Cup history.

He helped Inter win the Serie A title this season, proving a super sub for the Italian club with five league goals.

Education Secretary Mario Delgado said the decision to end the school year 40 days early was made in part due to a heat wave impacting several states.

That night in Rome, the moon was out, but there was no light. Beneath the vast galleries of Stadio Olimpico, the night slowly sank into a gloom as if the world itself already knew that a king would soon fall. Just as the air grows heavy before every tragedy, it felt that way that night. The smell of fatigue lingered on the grass, mingling with the crowd’s screams of fear, and there stood Diego Maradona in the midfield, looking utterly alone.

Neymar has received the backing of former teammates Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho to play for Brazil in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, set to begin on June 11 across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

The 2026 World Cup will feature a trilogy of opening ceremonies, with each of the host countries -- Mexico, the United States and Canada -- getting its turn at a star-studded celebration.

Lionel Messi says Argentina fans are right to dream of a second straight World Cup crown, but warns other contenders, including France and Spain, "are in better shape".

A passion for football binds three generations of the Rueda family in Mexico City, from Pele fan Fernando to Maradona aficionado Jairo and France follower Emilio.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin in just 33 days, but there is a strong possibility that Bangladeshi viewers may face a World Cup blackout, as no broadcaster in the country has secured telecast rights for the global showpiece event as of yesterday.

The average price currently sits at $567, down from $684 14 days ago and a whopping $720 30 days ago. The latter represents a 21.2% price drop in the past month.

Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta, Kaka, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Wayne Rooney -- before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, many of these stars were on the list of potential Golden Ball winners. Amid this constellation of talent, the name of an experienced Uruguayan striker was barely mentioned.

US lawmakers and international fan groups have slammed FIFA over its pricing structure for the tournament that kicks off in June, with Football Supporters Europe branding it a "monumental betrayal."

Some say true magic cannot be seen, only felt. By the time you realise something extraordinary has happened, it has already slipped into the past. You cannot catch it by reaching out, nor can you see it by closing your eyes. All that remains is a strange emptiness in your chest -- as if you witnessed something, yet cannot quite name it.

"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the six-match ban imposed by UEFA ... to have worldwide effect," FIFA said in a statement.

Across club football, he played 710 matches and scored 335 goals. In international football, he netted 31 times in 75 appearances for Argentina in their iconic sky-blue and white jersey. The one behind the numbers is Gonzalo Higuain, who lit up the pitch for European heavyweights like Real Madrid, Napoli, Juventus, Chelsea and AC Milan for years.

Eighty percent of respondents reported hotel bookings were tracking below initial forecasts. And around 65 percent of the total respondents cited visa barriers and broader geopolitical concerns as issues suppressing demand.

FIFA has faced searing criticism over the cost of World Cup tickets, with fan organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE) branding the pricing structure "extortionate" and a "monumental betrayal".

Iran have suffered a significant on-field blow ahead of their World Cup campaign after winger Ali Gholizadeh suffered a season-ending knee injury while playing for his club Lech Poznan in Poland.