Tag - 2026-fifa-world-cup

 
 

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

Japan's Koki Ogawa shoots at the Bahrain goal during a World Cup qualifying match in Riffa, Bahrain, on Tuesday.
SOCCER / World cup
Sep 11, 2024
Japan coach slams Bahrain fans after World Cup qualifying rout
Japan won 5-0 in Manama to continue their impressive start to the Asian qualifying third round, following last week's 7-0 home thrashing of China.
Mauricio Pochettino will take over as the head coach of the U.S. men's national team after his abrupt departure from Chelsea earlier this year.
SOCCER
Sep 11, 2024
Mauricio Pochettino appointed as new coach of U.S. national soccer team
The former Chelsea coach replaces American Gregg Berhalter, who was fired in July after a disappointing Copa America campaign.
Samurai Blue players celebrate after Wataru Endo's opening goal of the team's World Cup qualifying win over China on Thursday in Saitama.
SOCCER / World cup
Sep 6, 2024
Japan hammers China as next round of World Cup qualifying begins
Japan was in blistering form as Samurai Blue handed out an embarrassing defeat to an out-classed China.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu announces his squad for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, on Aug. 29 in the city of Chiba.
SOCCER / World cup
Sep 4, 2024
Japan favored in next World Cup qualifying stage, but history gives pause
At this stage, the Samurai Blue lost 1-0 at home to Oman three years ago and also went down 2-1 to the UAE in front of their own fans ahead of the 2018 tournament.
Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny tries to save a shot during his team's loss to Thailand in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday in Bangkok.
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 14, 2024
Chinese soccer fans send money to Singapore goalkeeper for heroics
The keeper became a hero for China after his saves during Singapore's match at Thailand helped China squeeze into the next qualifying round.
South Korea's Son Heung-min (right) fights for the ball with China's Yang Zexiang during a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday in Seoul.
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 12, 2024
China keeps World Cup qualifying hopes alive despite South Korea defeat
Japan, meanwhile, cruised past Syria as it completed its dominance of Group B.
North Korean fans watch the World Cup qualifying match between Japan and North Korea on Thursday in Tokyo.
SOCCER
Mar 22, 2024
North Korea-Japan World Cup qualifier called off over 'unforeseen circumstances'
North Korea appears to have decided not to stage the match in its capital over worries about infectious diseases in Japan.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu holds a news conference in Tokyo on Wednesday.
SOCCER
Mar 20, 2024
'Frustration' to drive Japan in North Korea World Cup qualifiers
The pre-tournament favorites and four-time champions exited the Asian Cup in the quarterfinals last month after losing 2-1 to Iran.
Japan fans during the women's team's Olympic qualifier against North Korea in Tokyo last month.
SOCCER
Mar 20, 2024
Japan warns football fans not to go to North Korea for World Cup qualifier
Japan and North Korea play in Tokyo on Thursday as part of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, before the return fixture next week.
An Yong Hak, a former North Korean soccer player, in Yokohama on Thursday. An played 40 times in midfield for North Korea, and appeared with the team at the 2010 World Cup.
SOCCER
Mar 18, 2024
North Korean World Cup player says Japan game more than just soccer
This week's qualifier is a special occasion for some ethnic Koreans in Japan.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host the World Cup final on July 19, 2026.
SOCCER
Feb 5, 2024
New Jersey selected to host 2026 FIFA World Cup final
The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, FIFA announced on Sunday.
Palestinian fans cheer during their team's World Cup qualifying match against Australia in Kuwait City on Tuesday.
SOCCER
Nov 22, 2023
Palestinians fly flags in emotional World Cup qualifier in Kuwait
Thousands of Palestinians turned out for the game against Australia, the territory's first in front of fans since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
South Korea's head coach Jurgen Klinsmann (center) speaks to his players during a training session at Mokdong Stadium on Nov. 13, ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between South Korea and Singapore.
SOCCER
Nov 14, 2023
Warning for Japan as Asian heavyweights begin World Cup qualifying
A record eight direct spots and one intercontinental playoff berth are up for grabs for Asian Football Confederation sides at the expanded event in 2026.
NFL players have called for all stadiums to shift to natural grass fields in order to reduce the number of injuries sustained on artificial turf.
MORE SPORTS / Football
Oct 18, 2023
Reports: NFL wants to team with FIFA to tackle turf issues
FIFA will use a hybrid grass for the World Cup, frustrating NFL players who believe their league can do more to move away from artificial surfaces.
Afghanistan finished fifth in its Asian qualifying group for the 2022 FIFA World Cup before failing to reach the 2023 Asian Cup.
SOCCER
Oct 11, 2023
'We're not monsters,' says Afghanistan coach ahead of WC qualifiers
Coach Abdullah Al-Mutairi is targeting a berth in the 2027 Asian Cup.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (left) shoots against Toronto FC defender Raoul Petretta at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Wednesday.
SOCCER / World cup
Sep 22, 2023
'We'll see': Messi unsure about 2026 World Cup
For now, the Argentina captain said he is focused on the 2024 U.S.-hosted Copa America tournament.
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi celebrates after the Qatar 2022 World Cup final match against France in Lusail, Qatar, on Dec. 18.
SOCCER / World cup
Sep 6, 2023
Messi back as 2026 World Cup qualifiers kick off
Nine months ago, Messi crowned his glittering career by leading Argentina to a World Cup crown in Qatar.
Japan Times
SOCCER
Jun 13, 2023
Posh Miami enclave to become U.S. soccer hub
Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s highly-connected president, is expected to relocate to Miami in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.
Japan Times
SOCCER / World cup
Mar 15, 2023
FIFA approves 2026 World Cup format with record 104 matches
The new format will also stick to drawing four teams in a group after a proposal for 16 groups of three was shot down over fears of collusion in the final group game.

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Professional cleaner Hirofumi Sakurai takes a moment to appreciate some photographs in a Gotanda apartment whose occupant died alone.
The last cleanup: Life and death in a lonely Japan