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Every World Cup story we publish, newest first.
Netflix confirmed on Tuesday that it has acquired exclusive broadcast rights in Spain and Andorra for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The platform will show all 104 matches of a tournament hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with centenary opening games in South America. The agreement also guarantees free-to-air coverage of every Spain match, both semifinals and the final.
Javi
·6 min read
Gianni Infantino is back at the center of controversy. A Times investigation claims the FIFA president received millions of euros in undeclared payments to support a luxury lifestyle in Miami. The extra money is said to have come from the entity organizing the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Javi·5 min read
Asia's top footballers are uneasy about travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Asian Cup in January. Recent missile strikes by the Houthis on Riyadh's international airport killed more than a dozen people and wounded hundreds. Five of the tournament's eight venues are in the Saudi capital, which will stage 31 matches, including the final.
InfoBlaugrana·6 min read
Wales forward Elise Hughes admits reaching the World Cup would fulfil a lifelong ambition. However, she insists the whole squad is fully focused on Tuesday's playoff second leg against Albania, where Wales defend a 1-0 lead to keep their qualifying campaign alive.
varela·4 min read
Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass just four days after his emotional farewell with Argentina. The Inter Miami captain scored a brace in a 4-0 rout of DC United at NU Stadium and now has 23 goals in the MLS season. Luis Suárez also struck twice in the win.
varela·4 min read
The U.S. men's national team opened the post-World Cup cycle with a clear commitment to the future. Mauricio Pochettino handed out 13 first caps during the fall friendlies, and his team closed the window with four straight wins over Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. Julian Hall led the newcomers with three goals, while 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan scored his first senior international goal.
Matt·8 min read
Lionel Messi ended his international career with a goal and an emotional ovation from 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires against Benin. Thousands of miles away, Cristiano Ronaldo published a nearly 2,000-word statement accusing Portugal manager Jorge Jesus of an absolute breach of trust. Two football icons are living vastly different endings with their national teams.
InfoBlaugrana·6 min read
FIFA has still not announced a date for its next inspection trip to Spain, Portugal and Morocco ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Spain's general election, called for Sunday 29 November, has put the governing body's plans on hold, since a change of government could force visits and meetings to be repeated. The pending trip is expected to settle the final list of host venues.
Natilla·4 min read
Lionel Messi closed his 21-year international career with an emotional night at El Monumental. He scored from the penalty spot and set up two goals as Argentina eased past Benin 3-0 in front of 85,000 fans. The match was paused in the 10th minute for a standing ovation honoring his legendary shirt number.
varela·5 min read
FIFA allowed the Democratic Republic of the Congo to compete at the World Cup even though an internal investigation reportedly found that goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi never completed his switch of nationalities. Nigeria filed a complaint over the case and is considering seeking financial compensation.
Javi·5 min read