2026 World Cup

At MetLife Stadium, Spain beat Argentina in a lacklustre final, dominated by tension and fatigue. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute

Spain 1–0 Argentina after extra time: La Roja win the World Cup 

On average, the races broadcast <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem;">on Rai 1 attracted </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem;">4.6 million viewers. Revenue has exceeded 50 million. The hydration breaks are racking up figures on a par with Sanremo</span>

A TV audience of two billion viewers is expected for tonight’s World Cup final

The Iberian country is one of the most dynamic in the Eurozone, whilst Buenos Aires is on a clear upward trend after years of deep crisis

Spain v Argentina: a grand final between two growing economies

FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai, takes stock of the 2026 World Cup, which generated 11.5 billion in revenue, and explains how it has transformed the North American market and the business model for major events

“It was a historic World Cup; football will never be the same again”

At Miami Stadium, the two European national teams put on an attacking spectacle: Saka scored a hat-trick and Mbappé set a new record by netting his tenth goal, taking his World Cup tally to 22.

England v France 6–4, a thrilling match in Miami: Saka leads the Three Lions, Mbappé makes history 

US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed their great satisfaction with the 2026 World Cup whilst speaking together at a press conference in New York

Trump and Infantino: mutual praise for the World Cup – the American dream

The Clearing House makes it possible to trace players’ careers and distribute the sums due to the clubs that trained them. Transfers involving just the 530 players selected for the World Cup alone generated 221 million dollars

The youth academy continues to reap the rewards even years later: FIFA has paid out almost a billion dollars to the clubs that trained the players

FIFA is working on a comprehensive overhaul of the transfer system, which is due to come into force on 1 January 2027

Agents, the EU Court backs FIFA: green light for restrictions on commissions and agency agreements

The share price has fallen by 33 per cent since the start of the year. Argentina’s victory dashed the giant’s hopes of sponsoring the world champions

Nike shares fall on Wall Street as the brand exits the World Cup alongside England

The break between halves in the match on 19 July could last well beyond the usual 15 minutes, with a half-time show featuring a host of distinguished guests

There’ll be a half-hour interval, Super Bowl-style, before the grand final

The semi-final between France and Spain, broadcast during prime time on Rai 1, attracted an average audience of 9,017,000 and a share of 49.4 per cent.

Rai: over 50 million in advertising revenue raised for the World Cup

The match in Atlanta ends 2–1. Argentina fall behind after a goal from Gordon, but, led by Messi, they find the strength to fight back, hitting the woodwork twice before scoring through Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez. 

The very heart of Argentina: England stage a comeback and reach the final once again 

From stadium attendance to television viewing figures, from digital engagement to the economic and social impact, the group stage of the North American tournament has set an impressive series of records.

A World Cup of records: unprecedented figures, crowds and spectacle

In Arlington, European champions Spain held France to a 2–0 victory, with a penalty from Oyarzabal and a second goal from Pedro Porro

Spain beat France to become the first team to reach the World Cup final

At the New York New Jersey Stadium, on Sunday 19 July, ahead of the final, a spectacular closing ceremony has been planned to celebrate the journey of the 48 national teams

Closing ceremony directed by Marco Balich: Laura Pausini, Tom Cruise and a global show

France, Spain, England and Argentina are preparing to face each other in the World Cup semi-finals, but the role of the capitals of these four countries in football is very different

Paris, Madrid, London and Buenos Aires: football in the major capitals of the World Cup

Following the crisis of the 1990s, France has built an unrivalled football ecosystem, and Paris has become the Silicon Valley of football. On 14 July, they face Spain in their third consecutive World Cup final

And so France turned its failures into the strongest national football team in the world

England beat Norway 2–1 thanks to an outstanding performance from Bellingham. Argentina secured a 3–1 victory over Switzerland. The semi-final will now take place on 15 July in Atlanta 

England and Argentina win in extra time.  The semi-final is on 15 July

The announcement was made on Saturday evening by the president of the Italian Football Federation, Giovanni Malagò. The two new executives will be tasked with identifying the next head coach of the Azzurri

Maldini appointed technical director of the national team. Leonardo named new advisor to the FIGC

The Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa international midfielder, who had just returned from the World Cup, was found dead on the morning of Saturday 11 July at the age of 25. An investigation has been launched

Jayden Adams found dead aged 25: South Africa and African football in shock

Spain beat Belgium in the quarter-finals. The first half ended in a draw, with goals from Fabian Ruiz and De Ketelaere. Merino scored the decisive goal with just a few minutes to go. Next up is the match against France in Dallas on 14 July

Spain v Belgium 2–1: La Roja reach the semi-finals  

The Corsi family’s club has announced that it has signed an exclusivity agreement with a US investment fund. It would be the sixth club in Serie B to be under foreign ownership

Serie B: an American investment fund in talks to take over Empoli 

The quarter-final between France and Morocco was a one-sided affair. Mbappé missed a penalty but then broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Dembélé doubled the lead six minutes later

Unbeatable France beat Morocco 2–0 to reach the semi-finals

Even in the quarter-finals of the North American World Cup, events on the pitch, disputes over independence and socio-economic tensions between countries are intertwined in an increasingly complex landscape of sports diplomacy 

When football is a dance between historical, political and cultural rivalries 

The debate on reforms: Lega Pro is calling for 1 per cent of TV rights revenue to be allocated to the division’s youth academies; Minister Abodi offers reassurances regarding funding, whilst FIGC President Malagò is pushing for new stadiums and training centres

The rebuilding of Italian football: youth academies, stadiums and the allocation of 1 per cent of TV rights revenue

The four matches in the tournament’s quarter-finals will all be played in the United States between 9 and 12 July

World Cup: a guide to the quarter-finals

In Atlanta, the Albiceleste secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-2 win over Egypt and will now face Switzerland, who beat Colombia on penalties. The match is scheduled to take place in Kansas City on 12 July

Argentina v Egypt 3–2: Messi misses a penalty, then leads an epic comeback. Switzerland await in the quarter-finals

In a decision likely to spark controversy, the International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, which was imposed in 2023 following the invasion of Ukraine. Protests from Kyiv

The IOC reopens the door to Moscow, caught between Olympic pragmatism and the return of geopolitics in sport

“Distinti e Popolari” è uno sguardo trasversale sul calcio e sullo sport non più, e non solo, come fatto di campo ma come specchio di una società veloce e frammentata. In questo podcast Michele Dalai, Alessia Tarquinio e Carlo Genta ospiteranno giornalisti, autori, scrittori e artisti per parlare dell’impatto del gioco sulla nostra quotidianità e di come i vasi di cultura, politica, sport e costume siano più che comunicanti. Un podcast in otto puntate (al lunedì e al venerdì) prodotto in collaborazione da Radio 24 e DAZN e disponibile sul sito e la app di Radio 24, in video sul sito di DAZN e su Spotify.

“Distinti e Popolari” offers a wide-ranging perspective on football and sport – no longer, and not merely, as something confined to the pitch, but as a mirror of a fast-paced and fragmented society. In this podcast, Michele Dalai, Alessia Tarquinio and Carlo Genta will be hosting journalists, authors, writers and artists to discuss the impact of the game on our daily lives and how the spheres of culture, politics, sport and society are deeply intertwined. An eight-part podcast (airing on Mondays and Fridays) produced in collaboration with Radio 24 and DAZN, available on the Radio 24 website and app, and as video content on the DAZN website and on Spotify.

Distinguished and Popular

A late goal from Merino sees Spain through to the next round. Following the controversy surrounding the Balogun incident, Belgium beat the USA 4–1. The two teams will face each other in the quarter-finals on 10 July in Los Angeles

Spain beat Portugal in the closing stages, whilst Belgium thrashed the USA

Norway knocked Brazil out (2–1), whilst England triumphed at the Azteca (3–2) in a spectacular match. In the quarter-finals, Norway and England will face each other at Miami Stadium on 11 July

Haaland crushes Brazil; England hold off Mexico to reach the quarter-finals

Adidas, Nike and Puma kit 77 per cent of the teams, but there are huge differences in the financial value of the contracts. Brazil, Germany, the US and France top the list.

Technical sponsors have provided over 500 million dollars to the 48 teams in the World Cup

In Houston, the North Africans beat Canada 3–0, whilst in Philadelphia the Bleus struggled more than expected to get the better of Paraguay (1–0). France and Morocco will face each other on 9 July in Boston in the quarter-finals

Morocco and France through to the quarter-finals. Ounahi leads the Atlas Lions, Mbappé sees off Paraguay

Veritice Abodi-Malagò to speed up the process. Certified proposals for the candidate facilities must be submitted by 31 July. There will be 9 or 10 facilities vying for five places

Euro 2032: the race for the stadiums enters its decisive phase – guarantees and a clear timetable are now needed

The World Cup is entering its crucial stage. From Canada v Morocco (4 July) to Switzerland v Colombia (7 July), the round of 16 matches are scheduled. Here’s where and when they’re being played

World Cup: a guide to the round of 16

Egypt went through on penalties against Australia after a 1–1 draw at the end of normal time. An incredible match between Argentina and Cape Verde was only decided in extra time (3–2). Colombia beat Ghana 1–0

Egypt, Argentina and Colombia through to the last 16. A heroic Cape Verde side exit the tournament ‘unbeaten’

In Brazil, Cazè TV, a YouTube channel, has acquired the rights to broadcast all 104 World Cup matches live

From the TV monopoly to participatory streaming: the ‘Cazé revolution’ in Brazil

Switzerland dominated Algeria to win 2–0. The Red Fury, who beat Austria 3–0, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, who beat Croatia 2–1, are set to face off in one of the most eagerly anticipated round-of-16 ties.

Switzerland through to the last 16. Spain and Portugal win and set to meet in Dallas

The deal involves the acquisition of an 80 per cent stake in the Ciociaria-based club and a 51 per cent stake in the company that manages the facilities and the Stirpe Stadium, for a total value of 41.5 million

The eleventh American club in Serie A: Frosinone moves to the Clara Vista training ground

Belgium staged a last-gasp comeback against Senegal (3–2 after extra time), whilst the United States beat Bosnia 2–0. The two sides will face each other on 7 July at Lumen Field Stadium

Belgium and the United States have progressed to the last 16 and will face each other in Seattle

In the round of 32, the match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and England ended 1–2. Cipenga’s opener was answered by the English centre-forward with two superb goals

Congo gave England a scare, but Kane turned things round with a brace

UEFA has announced the results of its regular financial audits of Juventus, Fiorentina, Napoli and Bologna. This marks the first application of the new financial fair play rules

UEFA cracks down on finances: Juventus fined and subject to a settlement; sanctions also imposed on Fiorentina, whilst Napoli and Bologna ‘escape unscathed’

Norway beat the Ivory Coast 2–1, whilst France gave Sweden no chance with a resounding 3–0 victory. It took Mexico just half an hour to see off Ecuador (2–0)

Haaland and Mbappé are delighting Norway and France. Mexico are also through to the last 16

In the round of 32, Germany came from behind against Paraguay but could only manage a 1–1 draw, before eventually losing on penalties. The same result saw out the Netherlands v Morocco match, with the North African side making fewer mistakes in the decisive penalty shoot-out to progress to the round of 16

The Netherlands and Germany are out of the World Cup; Morocco and Paraguay celebrate after a penalty shoot-out

Record figures for prize money for national teams (871 million) and the Club Benefits Programme for the clubs to which the players belong (355 million)

FIFA is distributing $1.2 billion amongst national teams and the club sector

In Houston, the Japanese took the lead but conceded an equaliser in the second half from a Casemiro header. In stoppage time, Martinelli scored the winning goal for the Seleção.

Brazil come from behind to win 2–1 against a tenacious Japan

Record figures for the group stage. The attendance rate is close to 100 per cent, with an average of over 64,000 spectators per match. Online, there were 17 billion impressions and 11 billion video views

The World Cup’s mega-business: from 4.6 million spectators in the stadiums to 17 billion impressions

The average number of goals scored in the group stage has never been so high in the last thirty years. A higher total was only achieved at the other World Cup held in the US in ’94

It’s the world championship of ‘American’ show business: an average of three goals per match  

The tournament kicks off with Canada v South Africa on 28 June and concludes with Colombia v Ghana on 4 July. Brazil v Japan and the Netherlands v Morocco are the most exciting fixtures. Here’s where and when the 16 matches will be played

England beat Panama 2–0 and Croatia beat Ghana 2–1. Uzbekistan suffered their third defeat against Congo (1–3), whilst Colombia and Portugal played out a goalless draw. Argentina beat Jordan 3–1, whilst Austria and Algeria played out a spectacular 3–3 draw.

Mission accomplished for Argentina, England and Colombia. Portugal have also qualified 

France beat Norway 4–1 thanks to a hat-trick from Dembélé. Senegal ran out 5–0 winners against Iraq. Belgium beat New Zealand 5–1. There were draws in Egypt v Iran (1–1) and Saudi Arabia v Cape Verde (0–0). Spain edged out Uruguay 1–0.

France are in fine form with Dembélé. Spain and Belgium top the table. Cape Verde spring a surprise 

In Group D, Paraguay and Australia drew 1–1, whilst Turkey beat the USA 3–2. In Group E, the Netherlands had an easy win over Tunisia (3–1), whilst Japan and Sweden drew 1–1. There was a surprise in Group F as Ecuador beat Germany 2–1, whilst the Ivory Coast beat Curaçao 2–0.

The USA, Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany and the Ivory Coast have progressed to the round of 16

More than four years after the invasion of Ukraine, a Russian national team will be able to take part in the new Under-15 Festival, scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan from 22 to 31 October

FIFA readmits Russia to youth football (for now)

The bill was tabled in the Senate by Paolo Marcheschi of Fratelli d’Italia

Tax on betting and a cap on agents’ fees: the draft bill to reform football

In Group A, Mexico and South Africa (who beat South Korea 1–0) have qualified for the round of 16; South Africa will face Canada, who finished second in Group B, which was won by Switzerland. In Group C, Brazil (who beat Scotland 3–0) and Morocco (who beat Haiti 4–2) have qualified.

Mexico, Switzerland and Brazil top their respective groups. A remarkable achievement by South Africa 

North American arenas are complex industrial facilities, property assets, technology hubs and revenue generators

From SoFi Stadium to the Azteca, the five most iconic stadiums of the 2026 World Cup

In Group K, Colombia have progressed to the round of 16 after beating Congo 1–0. Portugal won 5–0 thanks to a brace from CR7. Croatia beat Panama 1–0

England slip up against Ghana. Portugal and Ronaldo show no mercy to Uzbekistan

There is just over a month left to submit the documentation to the FIGC, which will then enter into discussions with the proposing bodies regarding any necessary adjustments

Ahead of Euro 2032, stadiums must be nominated by the end of July

The challenges facing the new federation president, Giovanni Malagò, as he grapples with the decline of Italian football

Italian football must become a cultural industry

Mbappé, Haaland and Messi lead France, Norway and Argentina into the round of 16, having beaten Iraq (3–0), Senegal (3–2) and Austria (2–0). Algeria beat Jordan 2–1

France, Norway and Argentina win and go through to the next round 

The Federal Council has been reappointed in its entirety. The new president will have to tackle a number of pressing issues straight away, starting with the appointment of the national team manager. Former FIGC president Gravina has launched a scathing attack on the government

Giovanni Malagò has been elected president of the FIGC with 68.58 per cent of the vote

In Group G, the match between Iran and Belgium ended goalless, whilst Egypt beat New Zealand 3–1. Uruguay could only manage a 2–2 draw against Cape Verde in Group H

Iran hold Belgium to a draw. Egypt are one step away from qualifying

In Rome, the showdown between former CONI president Giovanni Malagò and the current president of the National Amateur League, Giancarlo Abete

Italian football heads to the polls to elect the new president of the FIGC

Germany have already qualified for the round of 16 following their 2–1 victory over the Ivory Coast and the goalless draw between Ecuador and Curaçao (0–0). In Group F, the Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5–1 and Japan beat Tunisia 4–0. 

Germany stage a comeback to beat the Ivory Coast. The Netherlands and Japan run riot

In the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for 7 July, the USA and Iran could face each other in a clash where football and armed conflict intersect – a scenario that has occurred on several occasions throughout history

The US and Iran (and beyond): when football becomes the crossroads between war and peace

Between 2016 and 2026, investments were made through the Forward Programme, primarily to support grassroots football in the poorest countries 

FIFA has invested 5 billion over the last 10 years in the development of global football

The USA beat Australia 2–0 to qualify for the round of 16. Brazil (3–0 against Haiti) and Morocco (1–0 against Scotland) also secured victories. Turkey lost to Paraguay whilst down to ten men

Show of strength from the US, Brazil and Morocco. A disappointing performance from Montella’s Turkey

Alongside the matches in the stadiums, FIFA has organised fan zones in 13 host cities across the US, Canada and Mexico, with simultaneous events combining sport, music and local culture

Two million visitors in 14 days at the FIFA Fan Festivals

The federation is protesting against the safety regulations imposed by the US, which have resulted in a forced retreat to Mexico and whirlwind trips for the matches

Iran lodges a complaint with FIFA against the restrictions imposed on the team 

In the other Group A match, the Czech Republic and South Africa drew 1–1. In Group B, there were comfortable victories for Canada (6–0 against Qatar) and Switzerland (4–1 against Bosnia).

Mexico beat South Korea to qualify for the round of 16

On Monday, we will find out who will lead the Italian Football Federation in an attempt to revive the sport following Gravina’s resignation

Malagò eligible to stand for the presidency of the FIGC; ANAC gives the go-ahead

UEFA is pushing for the financial recovery of the two Milan clubs, whilst the Giallorossi will need to generate significant capital gains by 30 June to avoid more severe sanctions

Financial fair play: Inter and Milan excluded from the settlement, Roma still under scrutiny

Overnight, Ghana secured a narrow victory over Panama, whilst Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan side suffered a 3–1 defeat at the hands of Colombia

England in fine form (4–2 against Croatia). CR7’s Portugal slip up (1–1 with Congo) 

According to analysis by Studio Frasi based on Auditel figures, the first six matches have exceeded the viewing figures for 2018 and 2022. For DAZN, views via mobile devices account for 35 per cent of the total

World Cup, Rai beyond 2022: 4.3 million viewers and a surge in young viewers 

The text is addressed to all the bodies that govern Italian football: from the FIGC to the professional leagues of Serie A, B and C, right through to the National Amateur League

“No” to the fragmentation of football and price caps: the fans’ petition reaches the Senate

Over 54 million viewers watched the opening matches involving the United States, Canada and Mexico on TV, and more than a million fans have already enjoyed the experience in the stadiums

The impact of the World Cup on global audiences and sports broadcasting

The three football stars led their respective national teams to victory: France v Senegal ended 3–1, Argentina v Algeria 3–0 and Ireland v Norway 1–4 

The three football stars lead their respective national teams to victory: France v Senegal ends 3–1, Argentina v Algeria 3–0 and Ireland v Norway 1–4

Three stars in the World Cup sky: Mbappé, Messi and Haaland are rewriting the history of goal-scoring

The measures include an additional allocation of 15 million for the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto and the refinancing, for 2027, of the ‘Family Grant’ fund with 2 million euros

From Euro 2032 to the America’s Cup: what’s new in the Sports Decree on major events

The World Cup qualification campaign presents an opportunity that the Kingdom intends to capitalise on to promote its seven UNESCO sites and its natural beauty, from the Red Sea to the deserts

Jordan is also showcasing its UNESCO World Heritage sites

The European champions could only manage a 0–0 draw against the African side, who were making their World Cup debut, in their opening match of the tournament

The first surprise of the World Cup in Atlanta: Cape Verde hold Spain to a draw 

How football explains the world. Stories and tales from a World Cup like no other

The Scoreboard

The first order issued by Special Commissioner Massimo Sessa, which effectively halves (at least) the time taken to grant authorisation 

The first order issued by Special Commissioner Massimo Sessa, which effectively halves (at least) the time taken for authorisation

Rome: final push for the stadium in Pietralata: single authorisation within 90 days

The Melli team had to move their training camp to Mexico because of the war. That night, their debut against New Zealand was marred by protests from exiles of the 1979 Khomeini revolution

Iran v New Zealand ends in a draw (2–2), with boos during the national anthem and a round of applause for the players at the final whistle

In the 2025/26 season, clubs spent between €500,000 and €2.5 million – the latter figure being that of Scafatese, who won the league title

Serie D: the combined annual budget of the 162 teams exceeds €150 million

Italia were beaten by Bosnia in the World Cup play-off, but since the last World Cup in Brazil, they have lost 40,000 young footballers along the way

Italian football and the loss of talent

A thrilling encounter between the Netherlands and Japan, with the Ivory Coast beating Ecuador 1–0, whilst Sweden left the African side with no chance

The Netherlands and Japan draw 2–2; Sweden thrash Tunisia

At the NRG Stadium in Houston, it was a one-sided match between the four-time world champions and the Caribbean nation’s national team, who scored their first ever World Cup goal

2026 World Cup: Germany thrash Curaçao; historic debut with a goal for the Caribbean side

Behind the FIFA president’s quip about Italy’s absence from the World Cup lie the disagreements with the FIGC’s pro-UEFA stance and the rejection of the plan for a World Cup co-hosted with Saudi Arabia

Infantino’s sarcasm about Italia and that pro-European choice he has never come to terms with

The much-anticipated match between Ancelotti’s side and the African champions ended in a draw. Switzerland and Qatar drew. Scotland beat a surprise package Haiti 1–0. Australia beat Turkey 2–0 

Morocco gave Brazil a scare, but the match ended 1–1. Australia and Scotland won 

A mixed bag of results for the national teams of the two countries co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.

The USA make a stunning debut: Paraguay beaten 4–1.  Canada draw

In the four-year period leading up to the 2026 World Cup, FIFA generated revenue of 14 billion, compared with the 7.6 billion generated by the IOC between 2021 and 2024

FIFA doubles its Olympic revenue

The hosts beat South Africa 2–0 in the opening match in Mexico City. The Asian side secured a 2–1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic

Mexico and South Korea win their opening matches

“Tutti Convocati” in simulcast: su Dazn con ospite Michele Dalai; Carlo Genta ospite di “Copa Mundial” e debutto sulle piattaforme di Dazn e Radio 24 del vodcast “Distinti e Popolari” che racconta il calcio come fenomeno culturale e sociale

“Tutti Convocati” to be simulcast: on DAZN with guest Michele Dalai; Carlo Genta to appear on “Copa Mundial”; and the vodcast “Distinti e Popolari” – which explores football as a cultural and social phenomenon – makes its debut on DAZN and Radio 24

“Tutti Convocati” to be simulcast: on DAZN with guest Michele Dalai; Carlo Genta appears on “Copa Mundial”; and the vodcast “Distinti e Popolari” – which explores football as a cultural and social phenomenon – makes its debut on DAZN and Radio 24

Radio24 and DAZN Italia launch partnership featuring simulcasts, editorial and digital crossovers

The new 48-team format and Gianni Infantino’s leadership of FIFA have reduced the political influence of UEFA and South America

In the globalised world of football, Europe is becoming increasingly marginalised 

Today in Mexico City, the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa

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