FIFA World Cup

Voices from the Arab press: The Red Sea, redrawing the war map

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

SATELLITE VIEW shows vehicles at an entrance to Pickaxe Mountain tunnels, near Natanz nuclear facility, in Iran, June 21.
A picture taken on April 20, 2018 shows the House of European Football, the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, where the French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) had a hearing on UEFA Financial Fair Play Regulations.

UEFA boycotts World Cup over FIFA plan to sell tournament stakes to investors

Liverpool's Hungarian defender #06 Milos Kerkez controls the ball during the friendly football match between Liverpool and Wrexham at Yankee Stadium in New York, on July 29, 2026.

Antisemitism in UK soccer jumps 43% as total discrimination reports hit record high

Mohamed Salah and teammates of Egypt complain to referee Francois Letexier during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt on July 7.PremiumPremium

When Arabs lose in the World Cup, the Jew is summoned as the hidden hand - opinion


Good thing it's over: Cristiano Ronaldo’s cult of personality became unbearable - opinion

"In today’s media climate, the individualists with the most Instagram likes are celebrated, while players who know how to connect with their teammates are left to the soccer nerds."

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in tears after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Arlington, United States.

Trump intervention prompts FIFA to reverse World Cup red card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun

The unprecedented move has thrust FIFA's disciplinary process into the global spotlight and prompted an angry response from Belgium, which plays the US on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.

Folarin Balogun of the US is shown a red card by referee Raphael Claus on July 1, 2026.

Humanoid robot Atlas delivers match ball during Brazil v Norway FIFA World Cup game

The robot, presented by tournament sponsor Hyundai Motor, has previously danced and engaged in parkour.

Hyundai robot Atlas brings the match ball out before the second half of the Brazil v Norway FIFA World Cup game, July 5, 2026.

Trump called FIFA chief, urging a review of US star's suspension before sudden reversal - report

The US received a major World Cup boost after FIFA ruled Folarin Balogun eligible to face Belgium, suspending the immediate enforcement of his red card suspension.

US President Donald Trump holds up a red card as he meets with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, August 2018; illustrative.

Mexico imposing new restrictions at World Cup before England match after four die at celebrations

Large crowds have gathered to watch matches near Mexico City's "Angel of Independence" monument, including Tuesday, when four people died from either asphyxiation or cardiac arrest.

Fans are seen ahead of an England Training Session during an England World Cup 2026 Camp on July 04, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico.

'May God have mercy on their martyrs': Egypt's soccer coach celebrates win with Palestinian flag

“My heart and soul are with them,” he said post-game. “May God have mercy on their martyrs. I dedicate this victory to the Egyptian people and to the Palestinian people, the good and noble people."

Hossam Hassan, Head Coach of Egypt, holds the flag of Palestine after the team's victory through the penalty shootout during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Australia and Egypt at Dallas Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.

Egypt says police officer pushed player, team director at World Cup

"The situation was resolved on scene, and DPD met with representatives of the team to address their concerns," the Dallas Police Department said in a statement.

Dallas police cars seen in Downtown Dallas on June 15, 2026 in Dallas, United States.

Your Investments: Like elite World Cup teams, profitable portfolios require consistent work

"The dream of every footballer and why we train and work is to reach the top, and a World Cup is the top." – Giovani Dos Santos, former Mexico footballer

GIOVANI DOS SANTOS (L) of Club America fights for the ball with Luis Reyes (R) of Atlas during the 7th round match between in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2021.

The littlest trophy: Mexican doctors welcome first son while watching World Cup at Hillel Yaffe

The day was a success on two accounts: The two welcomed their son into the world, and Mexico advanced to the next round of the World Cup.

Dr. Norma Espinoza and Dr. Homero Salcido watch the World Cup during the birth of their first child.

Israeli Uri Geller goes toe-to-toe with Ghanian witch doctor over World Cup curses - interview

Speaking with the Post, Geller said that with his positive thinking, he could make anything happen, and had no need to fear curses or negative energy.

Israeli psychic Uri Geller and England's Harry Kane.