Showing 1 - 10 of 30
War, politics clouding World Cup on 100-day countdown
AFP, Published on 04/03/2026
» WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - Donald Trump's brutal immigration crackdown, polarised politics and a war unleashed on Iran have tarnished the global image of the United States just under 100 days before millions of fans are expected to visit for the World Cup.
World Cup marks 100-day countdown amid political upheaval
AFP, Published on 01/03/2026
» LOS ANGELES (UNITED STATES) - The 100-day countdown to the biggest World Cup in history gets under way on Tuesday against a chaotic backdrop of global unrest, from US-Israeli strikes on Iran to surging violence in Mexico and anxiety over Donald Trump's domestic agenda.
All eyes on Washington for World Cup draw
AFP, Published on 05/12/2025
» WASHINGTON - The draw for the 2026 World Cup takes place in Washington on Friday, with Donald Trump set to play a prominent part in a star-studded ceremony that will mark out the path to glory for contenders at the first-ever 48-team finals.
World Cup draw starts countdown to 2026 finals with Trump presiding
AFP, Published on 04/12/2025
» WASHINGTON - The countdown to the first 48-team World Cup begins in earnest on Friday as the draw for the 2026 finals takes place in Washington, with Donald Trump set to dominate much of the attention.
Football world braces for 2026 World Cup draw with Trump presiding
AFP, Published on 03/12/2025
» WASHINGTON - The draw for the 2026 World Cup -- the biggest edition of football's global showpiece ever held -- takes place in Washington on Friday with US President Donald Trump expected to feature prominently in proceedings.
Trump unveils fast-track visas for World Cup ticket holders
AFP, Published on 18/11/2025
» WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled special fast-track visas for people with tickets to the 2026 World Cup -- but his administration warned it was no guarantee of entry to the United States.
Indonesia defiant as IOC decries ban on Israeli gymnasts
AFP, Published on 23/10/2025
» JAKARTA - Indonesia has vowed to play an “active role” in global sports after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) urged federations not to stage events there following the country’s ban on Israeli gymnasts.
MMA draws thousands in Nigeria as fight sport gains ground
AFP, Published on 15/06/2025
» LAGOS - The arena was packed on Friday night in the upscale Lekki neighbourhood of Nigeria's bustling commercial capital, Lagos.
World Cup 2026 host cities say fans 'welcome'
AFP, Published on 10/06/2025
» NEW YORK - American World Cup host city officials assured Monday that overseas fans would be welcome at next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico despite "uncertainty" amid ongoing concerns over visas, border controls and social unrest.
Trump trade, immigration policies clouding World Cup preparations
AFP, Published on 06/06/2025
» LOS ANGELES — When the United States, Mexico and Canada launched their joint bid for the 2026 World Cup in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, the prevailing mood was unmistakeably upbeat.