Asianet Newsable

FIFA World Cup 2026: Empty Stadiums, Angry Fans Over Body's High Prices Of Match Tickets

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:02:55 +0530

Mexico City: South Korea kicked off their World Cup journey with a solid 2-1 win against the Czech Republic. But more than their great comeback, the real story was the empty seats at the Estadio Akron stadium. The reason? FIFA's sky-high ticket prices.

Even though FIFA officially announced that 44,985 fans attended the match, many parts of the 46,000-seater stadium were visibly empty.

This just proves what everyone was saying – the ticket prices for the first-ever 48-team World Cup are just too high for the common fan. There was already a lot of debate about ticket prices even before the tournament began. Just a day before the World Cup started, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the rates, saying they weren't high compared to other major global sports events. However, with photos of empty stands now going viral, fans and fan associations are hitting back hard at FIFA.

Many fans who did make it to the stadium pointed out that the crazy ticket prices were the main reason for the low turnout. According to the numbers, there has been a massive hike in ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup. While FIFA claims there's a huge demand for tickets, reports suggest that around 180,000 tickets were still left on FIFA's official resale platform right before the tournament kicked off.

FIFA, on its part, insists that public interest in the tournament hasn't dropped at all. Infantino recently said that the demand for tickets was ten times more than they expected and that over 6 million tickets have already been sold for the entire tournament. This whole ticket controversy has also sparked major political debates in the United States.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Shakira Performance Sets Stage on Fire at Opening Ceremony in Mexico City!

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:53:54 +0530

FIFA World Cup 2026 News: Colombian superstar Shakira completely owned the stage at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. She performed her song 'Dai Dai' and left the audience at Mexico City's Azteca stadium spellbound. This track is also part of the official FIFA music album for this year's tournament. She was joined by Burna Boy, and they were the final act. Right after their performance, a massive fireworks display marked the end of the show. The World Cup opening ceremonies are always a big deal, and this one was no different. Since the tournament is being held across three countries, there will be three separate opening ceremonies. Mexico got the first one because the opening match is being played there. The USA and Canada will host their own ceremonies later.

The crowd couldn't stop dancing

The ceremony kicked off just after 11 AM, Mexico City time. Even though it was a morning event, the crowd's energy was through the roof. As the artists performed one after another, the entire gallery was on its feet, dancing along. Before Shakira took over, J Balvin got the party started with his hit song 'Que Calor'. The lineup also included amazing performances from Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla. Every act just added to the electric atmosphere.

Chaos in Mexico City before the ceremony

With Mexico playing in the opening match of this year's World Cup, the excitement was huge. Obviously, not every fan could get a ticket for the stadium. So, special fan zones were set up across the city. But thousands of people gathered at these zones, which led to some chaos. To control the situation, the police had to forcibly clear out the crowds. This angered some fans, who then started throwing water bottles at the police officers.

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FIFA World Cup 2026: South Korea Fight Back to Beat Czechia 2-1 in a Thriller

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:01:29 +0530

South Korea vs Czechia: South Korea pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Czechia in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The game, which was the second match of the tournament, was held on Friday morning at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.

The 2026 World Cup kicked off with a grand opening ceremony featuring performances by Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian pop star Burna Boy. In the tournament's second game, South Korea secured a victory with goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu.

South Korea started their World Cup journey on a high note by defeating Czechia 2-1. The first half was a tight affair, with Czechia playing some good football and South Korea launching counter-attacks. However, neither team could break the deadlock, and the first half ended 0-0.

In the second half, South Korea increased the pressure. In the 49th minute, a powerful shot from J.S. Lee was saved by the Czechia goalkeeper, M. Kovář.

Call it a comeback #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Lyl2DeNg5B

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 12, 2026

South Korea wins a hard-fought match

The action didn't stop there. In the 56th minute, J.S. Lee made a great run down the left flank and almost scored, but the Czech goalkeeper came forward to make a crucial save.

But this is football, where the game can change in an instant. And that's exactly what happened. In the 58th minute, Ladislav Krejčí scored a brilliant header to put Czechia 1-0 ahead. However, their lead was short-lived. In the 67th minute, South Korea equalised through a clever goal from Hwang In-beom, making the score 1-1. This was Hwang In-beom's first international goal of his career.

Krejčí opens the scoring ‼️#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/e3UD4XGCuK

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 12, 2026

Winning start for South Korea with a 2-1 victory

Later, in the 77th minute, Czechia found the net from a set-piece, but the goal was disallowed for offside. South Korea then ramped up the pressure, and it paid off in the 80th minute when Oh Hyeon-gyu scored to give them a 2-1 lead. Moments later, South Korean goalkeeper S.G. Kim made a fantastic save. Throughout the match, South Korea launched several counter-attacks, many of which started from the midfield where the experienced H.M. Son played a crucial role.

Another notable aspect of the match was that the referee did not have to show a single card. Towards the end, Czechia tried hard to get back into the game and created a few chances, but another excellent save from Korean keeper S.G. Kim kept them at bay. No more goals were scored in the match.

In the end, South Korea began their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Czechia.

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Cricket vs Football Is No Match! T20 Winners Get ₹22 Cr in Prize Money, FIFA World Cup 2026 Runners-Up Gets ₹275 Cr

Vaishnav Akash — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:36:29 +0530

London: Everyone knows the Football World Cup and the Cricket World Cup are huge events. But when you compare their prize money, there's a world of difference. Fans will be shocked to see what the winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will get compared to the ICC T20 World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest sports festival in history. This time, 48 teams will play 104 matches over 39 days across 3 host countries and 16 stadiums. This is the first time since 1998 that the number of teams has been increased. And it's not just the game that's getting bigger. FIFA is also setting a new record with the prize money. They've hiked the prize pool by 50% from the last World Cup. The total prize money is a whopping $655 million, which is about ₹5,469 crore.

FIFA is showering teams with crores

The FIFA Council has announced a total financial package of $727 million for the teams participating in the 2026 World Cup. Out of this, $655 million will be distributed as prize money among the 48 teams. The team that wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take home a massive $50 million, which is around ₹417.5 crore.

The runner-up will get $33 million, or about ₹275.5 crore. That's not all. Every team that qualifies gets $1.5 million from FIFA just for preparations. This means even teams that get knocked out in the first round (placing 33rd to 48th) are guaranteed to get at least $10.5 million, which is about ₹87 crore.

So, what do cricket champions get?

But when you compare this to the T20 World Cup, one of cricket's biggest tournaments, the difference is huge. The total prize money for the 2026 T20 World Cup is just $11.25 million, or about ₹94 crore. Think about it: the money one losing team gets in the first round of the Football World Cup ($10.5 million) is almost equal to the entire prize pool of the T20 World Cup!

For instance, the Indian team that won the recent T20 World Cup crown received only $2.63 million, which is about ₹22 crore. The runner-up, New Zealand, got $1.42 million, or around ₹11.8 crore. These numbers from FIFA clearly show that on a global scale, football's popularity, financial value, and reach are way, way bigger than cricket's.

FIFA World Cup 2026: President Gianni Infantino Put In Difficult Spot Amid Border Controversies

Team Asianet Newsable — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:31:18 +0530

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to face the media on the eve of the World Cup on Wednesday, as off-field distractions dogged the build-up to the tournament.

Infantino is likely to face tough questions about sky-high ticket prices and an immigration crackdown that has seen a top referee, fans and team officials barred from co-hosting the United States.

The head of world football's governing body will give a rare press conference in Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico play South Africa on Thursday in the opening match at the Estadio Azteca.

Also Read: US Immigration Crackdown Looms Over FIFA World Cup 2026, Rights Groups Warn of Mass Deportations

A Dream Denied: Somali Referee Turned Away at the Border

The 2026 men's World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams and is the biggest and most ambitious in the event's history, with matches also taking place in Canada.

But the refusal of US immigration authorities to allow Somali referee Omar Artan, one of Africa's leading match officials, into the country underlined fears that Donald Trump's immigration policy could leave deep scars on the football extravaganza.

Artan said the "biggest dream of my life" had been ripped away after he was turned back at the US border.

"I am very, very disappointed," Artan told The New York Times.

"I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup."

Artan, who was named the 2025 men's referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football, would have been the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup.

He said he was subjected to an 11-hour interview with border officials at Miami International Airport and then detained for several further hours in a holding cell before being put on a flight back to Turkey.

"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa," he added -- an assertion confirmed to AFP by a Somali government advisor.

Somali World Cup Official Rejected at Miami Border

A US State Department official alleged to AFP that the referee was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations", therefore "making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States".

Artan returned to a hero's welcome in Mogadishu and vowed to take part in the next tournament in 2030.

"I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud... Despite what has happened to me, I am not discouraged," Artan told more than 100 supporters and journalists at Mogadishu's main airport.

Social Unrest in Mexico Ahead of World Cup Opener

Meanwhile, concerns were rising that the curtain-raiser in Mexico City could be disrupted by social unrest.

Protesters on Tuesday blocked an avenue leading to the Estadio Azteca, although lines of police prevented the demonstrators from reaching the stadium.

Thousands took part in the demonstration following a week of action that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called a "provocation."

Sheinbaum has said that the opening match was "guaranteed," though the left-leaning leader again ruled out using police to repress the demonstrations.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Kick-Off In Trouble? Teachers Block Stadium Road in Mexico

Messi Sparkles on Return

On the pitch, Argentina's superstar Lionel Messi scored moments after coming off the bench on Tuesday to dispel any injury doubts and help the holders win their final warm-up game.

The 38-year-old Messi had not featured for Argentina in the build-up to their title defence after injuring a hamstring playing for Inter Miami in late May.

He was introduced as a substitute with 20 minutes left to huge acclaim from a capacity 88,000 crowd against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, and his clever through ball played in Lautaro Martinez, who was fouled in the box.

Messi, who drove Argentina to their third World Cup crown in Qatar four years ago and is set to feature in his sixth World Cup, lashed in the penalty to help the reigning champions ease to a 3-0 win.

Argentina's first match is on June 16, against Algeria in Kansas City.

Along with Spain, France and England, Argentina are among the favourites to win the title.

Messi is set to feature in his sixth World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2026: 24-Year Wait! Can Brazil Repeat History and Win in the USA Again?

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:29:54 +0530

Brazil National Football Team: Will history repeat itself? Back in 1994, Brazil ended a 24-year dry spell since their 1970 win by lifting the World Cup (FIFA World Cup) trophy in the USA. They beat Italy in a nail-biting tie-breaker to secure their fourth title. That win kicked off a golden era for them. Brazil played in three consecutive World Cup finals.

Although they lost 0-3 to France in the 1998 final, they came back strong in 2002 to beat Germany 2-0 and win their fifth title. Now, 24 years later, the World Cup is back in the USA, along with Canada and Mexico. The Brazilian team and their fans across the globe are hoping this is a sign that their long wait for a sixth trophy is finally over.

Brazil's String of World Cup Disappointments

But Brazil has had a rough time in recent World Cups. In 2006, they were knocked out by France (0-1) in the quarter-finals. In 2010, it was the Netherlands who sent them home (1-2) at the same stage. The biggest heartbreak came in 2014, on their own home ground, when Germany thrashed them 1-7 in the semi-finals—a match that remains a dark chapter in Brazil's football history.

The bad luck continued in 2018 with a 1-2 loss to Belgium in the quarters, and in 2022, Brazil was defeated by Croatia in a tie-breaker, again in the quarter-finals. After so many disappointments, the Seleção is now counting on their new coach, Carlo Ancelotti, to bring them success.

Brazil's First Match on Sunday

Brazil will play their first match of the tournament this Sunday. They are up against Morocco, with the game scheduled for 3:30 AM Indian time. Players like Vinícius Júnior will be looking to start the tournament with a solid win. However, star striker Neymar Jr. will miss the first game due to an injury. The team is hopeful that he will recover and be back on the field for the upcoming matches.

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FIFA World Cup 2026: 23 Must-Know Facts Before The 2026 Tournament Kicks Off

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:56:53 +0530

Newsroom Special

The 23rd season of the FIFA World Cup is about to begin. As a football fan, here are some interesting facts you should definitely know before the tournament starts.

1. Brazil is the only team to have played in every World Cup

So far, 22 World Cup editions have taken place. Brazil is the only team that has played in all 22 of them. This year will be their 23rd World Cup. Germany is second, playing its 21st tournament.

2. Only 8 teams have ever become champions

Since 1930, a total of 22 World Cups have been held. Out of all the teams, only 8 have won the championship at least once. Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Uruguay, England, Italy, and Spain have all lifted the cup.

3. Miroslav Klose is the highest goal-scorer with 16 goals

Germany's Miroslav Klose holds the record for the most goals in the FIFA World Cup. He scored 16 goals in 24 matches across four World Cups. He retired from football in 2016.

4. First time three countries are hosting the World Cup

This time, Mexico, the USA, and Canada will host the FIFA World Cup. This is the first time in history that three countries are co-hosting a single edition. The previous record was in 2002, when South Korea and Japan jointly hosted.

5. This is the first FIFA World Cup for 891 players

While this is the 6th World Cup for legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a massive 891 players will be playing their very first one! In total, 1248 players are part of this tournament.

6. Every team gets at least ₹100 crore this time!

Every team that has qualified for this World Cup will receive a minimum of ₹100 crore. Even teams knocked out in the group stage will take home ₹85.5 crore. On top of that, each team has already received ₹14.3 crore for preparations.

7. The winning team will get ₹477 crore!

The winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive a whopping ₹477 crore, while the runner-up will get ₹314 crore. For comparison, the 2022 winner Argentina received ₹348 crore, and runner-up France got ₹248 crore.

8. 80 countries have played in the World Cup so far

To date, a total of 80 countries have participated in the Football World Cup. This year, Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will make their debut. This will bring the total number of participating nations to 84.

9. Brazil has scored 237 goals in the World Cup

Brazil, the only team to play in every FIFA World Cup, has also scored the most goals, with a total of 237. Germany is in second place with 232 goals.

10. 35 more teams now than in the first edition

The first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1930 had only 13 participating teams. This year, 48 teams are playing. That's an increase of 35 teams since the first tournament.

11. 20 countries have played but never won a match

Out of the 80 countries that have participated in the World Cup, only 60 have managed to win at least one match. Twenty teams, including New Zealand, Egypt, Israel, Iraq, and Qatar, have never won a single game.

12. Germany has won the most medals in the World Cup

While Brazil has the most championship titles, Germany is the team that has won the most medals (12). They have 4 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze medals. Brazil has won a total of 9 medals, including 5 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze.

13. Only 2 teams have won the trophy back-to-back

In the history of the FIFA World Cup, only two teams have become champions twice in a row. Italy won in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil won in 1958 and 1962. This year, Argentina has a chance to win its second consecutive cup.

14. Mexico is the first country to host the World Cup 3 times

Mexico will become the first country to host three World Cup editions. It previously hosted the tournament in 1970 and 1986. This is the first time it will be a joint host.

15. This is the 3rd FIFA World Cup at the Azteca Stadium

The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City will become the first stadium in the world to host matches in three different World Cups. It was also a venue for the 1970 and 1986 World Cups.

16. Gilberto is the youngest, and Gordon is the oldest

Seventeen-year-old Gilberto Mora from the Mexico team is the youngest player in the 2026 World Cup. At 43, Craig Gordon from the Scotland team will be the oldest player in this tournament.

17. There are 22 players under the age of 20 this time

This World Cup will feature 22 players who are under 20 years old. This group includes Gilberto, Spain's Lamine Yamal, Egypt's Ibrahim Embaye, and Brazil's Endrick and Ryan.

18. US stadiums will change their names for the World Cup

In the US, stadiums are often named after major brands like Gillette, Mercedes-Benz, and Levi's. However, for the World Cup, these names will be temporarily changed because FIFA rules only permit the use of official sponsor names.

19. A 68-year-old goal-scoring record remains unbroken

The record for the most goals in a single World Cup edition belongs to France's Just Fontaine. He scored 13 goals in 6 matches during the 1958 World Cup. Even after 68 years, no one has been able to break this record.

20. Pelé is the only player to win the trophy 3 times

Brazilian legend Pelé is the only player in the world to have won the FIFA World Cup three times. He was part of the champion Brazilian teams in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Apart from him, 20 other players have won the World Cup twice.

21. 471 players have won the FIFA World Cup

Since 1930, a total of 471 players have won the FIFA World Cup at least once. Interestingly, no captain has ever won the World Cup twice.

22. Monti is the only player to play finals for 2 countries

Luis Monti is the only player in FIFA World Cup history to have played in the final for two different countries. He played for Argentina in the 1930 final and was then part of the Italian team in the 1934 final.

23. The FIFA World Cup trophy weighs 6 kilograms

The FIFA World Cup trophy weighs 6.175 kg and stands 14.5 inches tall. It is made of 75% 18-carat gold. The remaining part consists of two rings made of malachite.

FIFA World Cup Streaming: Zee's last-minute shocker! Subscription plans changed just before kickoff, fans are fuming

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:34:05 +0530

Mumbai: In a move that has left football fans fuming, Zee Entertainment has changed its Zee5 subscription plans at the very last minute, just as the World Cup is about to kick off in Mexico today. This is a real shock for fans.

Earlier, the World Cup subscription plan for ₹799 (with ads) for three months allowed streaming on three devices. But now, with the change made on kickoff day, you can only watch on a single device. Similarly, the one-year premium subscription for ₹1699 (ad-free), which let you stream on four devices, has now been cut down to just two. This means fans will have to shell out more money to watch the World Cup matches.

Zee Entertainment had secured the broadcast rights after a lot of uncertainty among fans about whether the World Cup would even be shown in India. By getting the World Cup rights, Zee was aiming for a major leap in the television and digital streaming space. As part of its deal with FIFA, the Zee Group has bagged the broadcast rights for 38 FIFA tournaments until 2034.

To broadcast the World Cup, the Zee network has also launched four new sports channels: Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. For digital streaming, the matches will be available on Zee5.

Some good news from Doordarshan

Meanwhile, for fans who don't have Zee channels or a Zee5 subscription, Doordarshan has come forward with some relief. Doordarshan Sports (DD Sports) will broadcast the opening match today and all knockout matches from the quarter-finals onwards for free.

This includes the quarter-final matches on July 9, 10, and 11, the semi-finals on July 14 and 15, and the final on July 19. This is a huge relief for many viewers across the country.

#FIFAWorldCup ✨⚽️DD Sports will also telecast Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 ⚽️ https://t.co/Mpqb2Gj4Q8 pic.twitter.com/sElqaPbkvU

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) June 10, 2026

Broadcast Schedule ⚡️ FIFA World Cup 2026 Games LIVE on DD Sports (DD Free Dish)#FIFAWorldCup⚽️ pic.twitter.com/muYkTeM2r4

— Doordarshan Sports (@ddsportschannel) June 10, 2026

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FIFA World Cup 2026: From Zidane's Son to Jordan's Hero, Meet the Keepers Standing in Messi's Way

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:33:15 +0530

Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi is all set for his sixth FIFA World Cup. But in the group stage, three top goalkeepers are ready to challenge him. Let's check out the keepers who will be a wall in front of Messi.Lionel Messi is gearing up to play in his sixth World Cup, a massive record. The Argentinian superstar has a shot at winning back-to-back titles and breaking more records. But first, he has to get past three tough goalkeepers in the group stage. These keepers will give their all to stop Messi from scoring.In the group stage, Argentina will face Algeria from Africa, Austria from Europe, and Jordan from Asia. Argentina is ranked No. 1 by FIFA, while Algeria is at 28, Austria at 20, and Jordan at 63. Experts believe Austria could give them the toughest fight, while Algeria's fitness and speed might pose a problem for Messi's team.Meet Luca Zidane, son of football legend Zinedine Zidane. He is Algeria's goalkeeper and has been brilliant for his Spanish club, Granada. Argentina will kick off their World Cup campaign against Algeria, making the 28-year-old Luca one of the first big hurdles for Messi. He is considered one of Africa's top keepers.This is Alexander Schlager, Austria's number one goalkeeper. He plays for the German club FC Salzburg and has made a name for himself with some unbelievable saves in the Bundesliga. Known for his sharp reflexes and ability to make crucial saves, he now faces the ultimate challenge: stopping Lionel Messi's shots.Yazeed Abulaila is a hero in his country. He played a huge role in taking Jordan to the 2023 Asian Cup final, earning him the nickname 'Messiah'. Now, on the World Cup stage, he might get the massive responsibility of stopping Messi.

Who Is Patrik Schick’s Wife? Marriage To Hana Běhounkova And Family Life Before FIFA World Cup 2026 Stage

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:01:54 +0530

Patrik Schick, one of Czechia’s most important players at the FIFA World Cup 2026, is not only known for his footballing talent but also for his family life. The 30-year-old striker, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, is married to Hana Běhounkova.

The couple tied the knot in July 2020 at the Bon Repos mansion near Prague. Hana, also 30, has been by Schick’s side throughout his career. Together, they have two children: daughter Victoria, born in October 2020, and son Nico, born in October 2021.

Marriage And Family

Schick and Běhounkova’s wedding was a private affair, held at a historic mansion outside Prague. Since then, the family has settled in Germany, where Schick continues to play in the Bundesliga. Their daughter Victoria and son Nico are often mentioned by Schick as his biggest sources of joy away from the pitch.

The striker’s family life has been a steady anchor as he prepares for major tournaments. With Czechia returning to the World Cup after a 20-year absence, Schick’s role as both a father and a forward has drawn attention.

Career Highlights

Schick’s football journey has been marked by consistency and brilliance. He first made headlines at UEFA Euro 2020, where he finished as joint top scorer alongside Cristiano Ronaldo with five goals. His long-range strike against Scotland remains one of the most memorable goals in tournament history.

Standing at 191 centimeters, Schick’s physical presence makes him a dominant force in aerial duels. His ability to control the ball, exploit space, and finish with his powerful left foot has made him one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers.

Road To The FIFA World Cup 2026

Czechia’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 was historic, marking their first appearance since 2006. Schick played a central role, scoring eight goals across 14 qualifying matches. His recent form has been strong, including a goal in a 3-1 friendly win against Guatemala.

At club level, Schick remains Bayer Leverkusen’s most reliable forward. He renewed his contract until 2030 and has already scored 16 goals with two assists in 28 Bundesliga matches during the 2025-26 season.

FIFA World Cup 2026: 10 Massive Records Lionel Messi Can Smash at the Biggest Stage of All

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:00:00 +0530

Lionel Messi is all set for the 2026 World Cup, and he's not just playing for the trophy. He's on the verge of breaking some huge records, from most goals ever to being the first captain to win two World Cups back-to-back.

Lionel Messi finally lifted the World Cup in 2022, fulfilling a lifelong dream. While many thought that was his last tournament, the Argentine superstar is returning for the 2026 World Cup. At 38, he has a chance to break several old records and create new ones, making this World Cup a truly historic chapter in his career.The Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has scored 13 goals in World Cups so far. Germany's Miroslav Klose holds the all-time record with 16 goals. Messi just needs four more goals to break the German legend's long-standing record.Messi currently has 21 goal contributions (goals and assists) in the World Cup. He shares the top spot on this list with the legend Pelé. Just one more goal or assist will make him the sole record-holder.He's been playing since the 2006 World Cup. Messi is set to play in his 6th World Cup, and already holds the record for most matches played with 26. Every game in 2026 will just make that record stronger.From 2006 to 2026, Messi is set to create a record by playing in six consecutive World Cups. He will join Portugal's legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in achieving this incredible feat.Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup. If he manages to lift the trophy again in 2026, he will make history as the first captain ever to win two consecutive World Cups.Messi was named the best player of the tournament in both 2014 and 2022. If he wins the award again in 2026, he will become the first footballer in history to win three Golden Balls.Messi recently set the record for being the oldest player to score a goal for Argentina. If he scores in the World Cup, he will extend that record on the biggest stage of them all.If Messi can lead Argentina to the final again, he will reach his 3rd World Cup final. This will put him on par with Brazilian legend Cafu, who played in three straight finals in 1994, 1998, and 2002, winning two of them.Messi is currently tied for the record of scoring in 11 different World Cup matches. Just one goal in another match will give him the sole possession of this new record.Messi will be between 38 and 39 years old during this World Cup. Despite his age, he remains the captain and the biggest hope for the defending champions, Argentina. The 2026 World Cup could truly be the most historic chapter of his career.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Begins Tonight: Five Reasons This Tournament Will Be Historic

Asianet Newsable English — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:27:52 +0530

FIFA World Cup 2026 begins tonight with several historic firsts. It will be biggest World Cup ever with 48 teams. Mexico becomes the first country to host tournament three times, while Messi and Ronaldo could make their final FIFA WC appearances.

The countdown is finally over. The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins tonight, bringing together the world's best football nations for what promises to be the biggest tournament in the competition's history.

This year's edition is already making headlines even before a ball has been kicked. From record-breaking milestones to emotional storylines involving some of football's greatest stars, there is plenty for fans to look forward to.

For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three countries are sharing hosting duties. The United States, Mexico and Canada will stage matches across 16 cities.

The tournament's unique format makes it the largest World Cup ever organised and highlights football's growing global reach.

The 2026 edition introduces a major change with 48 participating teams instead of 32.

The expanded format means more matches, more nations and more opportunities for smaller teams to create memorable upsets. Fans can expect fresh rivalries and exciting new stories throughout the competition

Mexico has achieved a milestone that may stand for years.

Having previously hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, the country now becomes the first nation in football history to host the tournament three times. The achievement further strengthens Mexico's place among the sport's most important football destinations.

The opening fixture has created an interesting coincidence.

On June 11, 2010, Mexico and South Africa met in the opening game of the World Cup in Johannesburg. Sixteen years later, the same two nations are once again involved in the tournament's opening match on the same date.

Football fans around the world are calling it one of the most remarkable World Cup coincidences in recent memory.

One of the biggest talking points heading into the tournament is the future of football's legendary stars.

Fans may get one final chance to watch Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo compete on the world's biggest football stage. Veteran players such as Luka Modrić and Guillermo Ochoa are also expected to feature.

Whether it is their final World Cup or not, the presence of these stars adds extra excitement and emotion to the tournamen

With more teams, more venues and several historic firsts, FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be unlike any previous edition.

From unforgettable goals and dramatic upsets to emotional farewell moments, football supporters across the globe will be watching closely as a new chapter in World Cup history begins tonight.

The world is watching. India, it's your turn. Tune in to ZEE5 and experience every goal, every upset, and every unforgettable moment of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in your preferred language - English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali.

FIFA’s Broken Promise: Why the 2026 World Cup Host Selection Looks Like a Strategic Blunder? Explained

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:20:13 +0530

Are they criminals to be treated this way? That's the question the entire football world is asking. And they're asking it to the Donald Trump administration and Gianni Infantino's FIFA.

Take the Senegal national team, for instance. The moment they landed in San Antonio for the FIFA World Cup, security officials met them right on the runway. They were made to sit on a chair and were searched from head to toe; even their shoes were inspected in detail.

The Uzbekistan team was welcomed to America with drug-sniffing dog squads and metal detectors. Players are being treated with suspicion just because of their skin colour or the country they represent. You have to wonder, would a European team ever face this kind of treatment?

The list of people facing this discrimination is getting longer by the day. It started with fans, then journalists, team officials, players, and now, it has even reached a referee. Infantino and FIFA, who are always talking about world peace and fighting racism, have been completely silent on the Trump administration's actions. Their response has been nothing but silence.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Date, Time, Performers and All Key Details

From Principles to Silence: FIFA’s Abandoned Stand

Let's rewind to 2017. When Trump first came to power, he banned travel from six Muslim-majority countries. Back then, Infantino took a strong stand. He said that any country hosting a FIFA tournament must allow entry to qualified teams, their staff, and fans. If not, they wouldn't get to host the World Cup. It was a clear warning to Trump.

But fast forward to 2026, and things have changed. The Trump administration is making immigration policies even stricter, ruining the spirit of the World Cup. But for FIFA, Trump is now a 'saint' and a 'symbol of peace'. Reports say that due to America's tough rules, people from countries like Haiti, Iran, Senegal, and Ivory Coast are facing partial or complete travel bans.

Ruining the World Cup with overpriced tickets.Visa chaos excluding fans and doing nothing about it.Putting greed and profit ahead of football.Breaching FIFA's political neutrality.Destroying football through corrupt deals.Creating endless new tournaments.Football will… pic.twitter.com/ATwEWRFCeH

— Mr.Page (@mfc_mrpage) June 10, 2026

Omar Abdul Qadir Artan was set to make history as the first Somali referee at a World Cup. But he wasn't even allowed to set foot in America and was sent back. FIFA's official stand? They said they won't interfere in the host country's immigration policies, and that it's America's right to decide who enters.

So while Infantino calls this the 'greatest sporting spectacle ever', what's actually happening is completely inhumane. That tough warning from 2017 now looks like a total joke. The Iran team had 15 officials denied visas, forcing the team to move their training to Mexico. They are only allowed to enter the US the day before their match.

Why the 2026 World Cup is Leaving Fans Behind?

Iraqi player Aymen Hussein, who helped his country qualify for the World Cup after decades, was detained for seven hours at Chicago airport. The Iraqi team's photographer, Talal Sala, was held for 10 hours and then denied entry altogether. Even the South African team's flight from Johannesburg was delayed because of visa problems. If players are facing such issues, you can only imagine what it's like for the fans.

People who have travelled to the US are saying this World Cup is completely unaffordable. Ticket prices are the highest in history, and accommodation is all in the premium category. On top of that, the visa process is a nightmare. The fee is $185, which is about ₹18,000.

You also need an in-person interview and have to promise that you'll leave after the tournament. In May, America added another rule: visitors from countries like Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia must have a deposit of $15,000—that's nearly ₹15 lakh! It just seems completely unfair.

The Most Polluting Tournament Ever

And there's another major issue. Experts are warning that the US World Cup will be a climate disaster. FIFA had promised to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2040. But this massive tournament, spread across three countries, will make those goals impossible. A

BBC report estimates it will generate 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, almost double the average of the last four World Cups. So, beyond the glamour, there's a darker side to this World Cup that we need to remember.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Concern: Messi, Argentina Players' Passport Data, Personal Information Reportedly Leaked

FIFA World Cup 2026: Marcos Senesi Finally Gets Argentina Call-Up, Replaces Injured Balerdi

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:38:24 +0530

New York: There's been a last-minute change in the Argentina squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The defending champions have brought in defender Marcos Senesi to replace the injured Leonardo Balerdi.

Balerdi, who plays as a centre-back for Marseille, was all set for his first World Cup campaign. But unfortunately, he injured his right leg last week and had to pull out. There was some talk about who would replace him. Some reports even suggested a midfielder might get the call-up. But in the end, Senesi got the nod.

Senesi will join the squad before Argentina's first match against Algeria on June 15. He had a fantastic season last year with his English Premier League club, Bournemouth. The defender played a key role in helping his club qualify for European competitions for the first time in their history. But here's a twist: even though he had the chance to play in the Europa League with Bournemouth, Senesi turned down a new contract offer from the club.

He has shown interest in moving to Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer. Last season, Tottenham just about managed to avoid relegation from the Premier League. The 29-year-old Senesi has played three matches for the Argentina senior team so far.

Here's a look at the full Argentina squad:

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atlético de Madrid)

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid), Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United), Nicolás Otamendi (S.L. Benfica), Marcos Senesi (Tottenham Hotspur), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolás Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais)

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Enzo Fernández (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Valentín Barco (RC Strasbourg)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolás Paz (Como 1907), Thiago Almada (Atlético de Madrid), Nicolás González (Atlético de Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atlético de Madrid), Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan), José Manuel López (Palmeiras), Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid).

FIFA World Cup 2026: 3 Red Cards, 2 Goals! Mexico Breaks Opening Match Jinx in Fiery Win

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 07:48:53 +0530

Mexico City: Hosts Mexico got their World Cup 2026 campaign off to a flying start with a brilliant win. The Mexican team defeated South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening match. Mexico took the lead in the 9th minute through Julián Quiñones and later sealed the victory with a goal from Raúl Jiménez. Quiñones scored the first goal after taking advantage of a mistake by the South African defence. A defender failed to control a pass from the goalkeeper, and Mexico immediately punished them.

Later, in the 67th minute, Raúl Jiménez found the back of the net, increasing Mexico's lead. Right from the start, the Mexican attack was like a wave crashing onto the South African goal. In the 42nd minute, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made two spectacular saves in quick succession, giving his team a moment of relief.

It Rained Red Cards

South Africa often resorted to rough tactics to stop the Mexican players. This backfired in the second half when Siphephelo Sithole received a red card in the 49th minute. The referee sent him off for a foul on Mexico's Bryan Gutiérrez. In the 84th minute, the referee had to pull out another red card, this time for South Africa's Themba Zwane. Just as the game was about to end, a Mexican player also committed a needless foul. While South Africa was trying its best to score a consolation goal, César Montes made a dangerous tackle on a South African player. Despite protests from the Mexican players, the referee stood by his decision and showed a red card.

Mexico played in a 4-1-2-3 formation. On the other hand, South Africa lined up their team in a 5-3-2 formation. Mexico surprisingly benched their veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa for the first match. Raúl Rangel got the chance to start, thanks to his great performance in recent games. Mexico has a history of losing their opening World Cup matches. Before this, they had played in seven opening games, losing five and drawing two. This time, the team finally managed to break that curse on home soil.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Somali Referee Omar Artan Vows 2030 Return After Being Barred From Entering USA

Asianet Newsable English — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:11:12 +0530

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, returned to a hero's welcome in Mogadishu and vowed to take part in the next tournament in 2030.

More than 100 supporters lined up outside the VIP section of Mogadishu's main airport, waving national flags as Artan disembarked from a Turkish Airlines flight to cheers.

"I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud... Despite what has happened to me, I am not discouraged," Artan told journalists.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran Alleges Ticket Revocation by US Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Conflict

Security Allegations Spark Diplomatic Tensions

Artan's rejection has sparked outrage at home.

"They wronged him in a way that hurts everybody that is concerned about humanity," Mohamed Said, a Mogadishu government official, said at the airport.

Artan, who in 2025 was named men's referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was barred from entering the US on Saturday after arriving at Miami International Airport.

A US State Department official told AFP late Tuesday that the referee was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations", therefore "making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States".

'Inspiration for the New Generation': Somalia President on Artan

FIFA also confirmed that he would no longer be part of the World Cup set to start on Thursday.

Artan's appointment to the 52-strong roster of referees for the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States had been a huge source of pride for his compatriots.

Somalia's president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said in April he was "a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis".

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Somali Referee Blocked From Entry Into US, Major Controversy Erupts

FIFA World Cup 2026: How To Watch the Tournament Without Subsrciption for Free in India?

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:00:00 +0530

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin, and Indian fans now have clarity on how they can watch the tournament. After weeks of uncertainty, Zee Entertainment has been confirmed as the official broadcaster in India, ending speculation about where the matches would be shown.

Zee’s agreement includes rights not only for the 2026 World Cup but also for 38 additional FIFA competitions through 2034. This move significantly expands the network’s presence in international football broadcasting.

Zee Channels And Streaming

As part of its strategy, Zee unveiled four new sports channels - Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD. Matches will also be available on Zee5, the company’s streaming platform, under two subscription plans: three months at Rs. 799 and a yearly plan at Rs. 1699.

Free Telecast On DD Sports

For fans without access to Zee channels or Zee5, Doordarshan Sports has announced free coverage of select matches. DD Sports will telecast the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, airing in India at 12:30 am on June 12.

The channel will also broadcast the quarterfinals, semifinals and the final on DD Free Dish. The quarterfinals are scheduled for July 9, 10 and 11, the semifinals on July 14 and 15, and the final on July 19.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Opening Ceremony Details Out! Who's Performing and When to Watch in India?

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:40:19 +0530

For the first time in its 96-year history, the FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by three countries: the USA, Canada, and Mexico. And get this, all three nations will have their own opening ceremonies! Each ceremony will take place an hour and a half before the host country's first match. Mexico gets the ball rolling first.

They will face South Africa in the opening match on Thursday at 12:30 AM, Indian time. Next up, Canada will play their first game against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday at 12:30 AM IST. Finally, the USA will kick off their campaign against Paraguay on Saturday at 6:30 AM IST.

Who will be performing at the opening ceremony?

The man behind the grand show is producer Marco Balich, a big name who has served as the creative director for several Olympic ceremonies. The events will showcase the unique culture, identity, and creativity of each host nation. The main theme is how football unites everyone and breaks down borders.

Each of the three host countries will put on its own special show. The star-studded lineup of performers for the World Cup includes Shakira, Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, and Lila Downs, along with many other artists.

How long will the opening ceremonies be?

The ceremony in Mexico City is scheduled to last for 16 minutes and 30 seconds. Meanwhile, the ceremonies in Toronto and Los Angeles will each run for 13 minutes.

Everything will be on a tight schedule, following FIFA's strict rules for the World Cup. This is to make sure that players have enough time for their warm-ups and can get on the field at the exact scheduled time for their matches.

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FIFA World Cup 2026: German Players to Pay for 600 Fans' Travel After Massive Fare Hike

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:46:49 +0530

Germany's footballers have stepped up to help their fans who are stuck because of a sudden hike in public transport fares in the USA. The German Football Association is arranging buses to take 600 fans from New York to New Jersey. In a statement, the association said, 'During the World Cup, the cost of bus and train travel in New York has gone up a lot. In light of this, the German national team players are arranging free travel for 600 spectators to watch the final group match.' Naturally, the German fans are thrilled with this gesture and are wishing the team all the best for the World Cup.

Train and bus fares have been hiked multiple times

The issue is for Germany's final group match in Group E against Ecuador on June 25. The match is happening at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The train fare from New York to New Jersey is usually $12.90. But for the World Cup, it was first hiked to a shocking $150. Later, they reduced it to $98. On this route, shuttle bus tickets were also jacked up to $80, before being brought down to $20. The Governor of New Jersey has said that FIFA didn't provide any subsidies for fans, which is why the train and bus fares shot up.

Questions raised over FIFA's role

FIFA is not questioning the US government on several issues, like a player being interrogated at the airport, support staff being denied visas, and a referee being denied entry. And now, FIFA is also silent on the unbelievable hike in public transport fares. This is making the football fans who have travelled for the World Cup very angry.

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FIFA World Cup 2026: The Biggest Football Party Kicks Off Today! Everything You Need to Know About It

Vaishnav Akash — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:30:54 +0530

Mexico City: The wait is finally over for crores of sports fans around the world. The FIFA Football World Cup, which serves up a feast of thrilling action for fans everywhere, begins on Thursday. The 23rd edition of the World Cup will officially kick off tonight in Mexico City.

This World Cup, which takes place every four years, will be hosted by three countries this time. The USA, Mexico, and Canada are jointly hosting the global showdown. Over 39 days, a total of 104 matches will be played between 48 teams, with the final scheduled for July 19. A total of 16 stadiums are all set to host the tournament.

The Argentina team enters the tournament as the defending champions (winners of the 2022 edition). Brazil holds the distinction of being the most successful team, having won the championship five times. The 48 teams, selected through six major confederations including the Asian Football Federation (AFC), will battle it out for the trophy this year.

How the tournament works

The 48 teams in the tournament are divided into 12 groups of four teams each. The teams within a group will face each other once. After the group stage, the top two teams from each group (a total of 24 teams from 12 groups) and the best eight teams among those who finished third will advance to the knockout stage.

This means a total of 32 teams will move to the knockouts. These teams will play in the pre-quarterfinals. The 16 winning teams will advance to the quarterfinals. After that, the semi-finals and the final will be held.

Today's Matches

Mexico vs. South Africa, 12:30 AM (tonight)

Live Broadcast in India

In India, the matches will be broadcast live on the ZEE5 app and the Unite8 sports channel.

₹6240 crore: This is the total prize money for this World Cup. This money will be distributed among all the teams, including the winners.

₹476.3 crore: The team that wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup will receive a massive ₹476.3 crore (50 million dollars).