Are money and soft power draining World Cup football of its magic? | Richard Partington
Fifa’s orchestration of incompatible or frankly absurd corporate sponsorship suggests the balance may have tipped too...
Fifa gives fraud ‘an open door’ with betting, says Council of Europe chief
Fifa deal with prediction market company under fireBalogun reprieve showed ‘rules bend under pressure’Fifa has been a...
Fifa to announce record $15bn World Cup revenue, smashing expectations
Hospitality and secondary ticket market help fuel riseGianni Infantino will feel this shores up his positionFifa will...
'Less than human': how unhoused people in Atlanta are being treated during the World Cup – video
“This is what happens when you apply these incredibly violent economic forces to these cities … it's happened at ever...
Fake football shirts worth £5.5m seized in one of UK’s biggest counterfeiting raids
More than 158,000 items of fake kit seized featuring World Cup semi-finalists England, France and SpainMore than 158,...
World Cup and sunshine prompt UK consumers to splash out on beer and online shopping
Despite spending increase in June, Barclays says most people still pessimistic about economyRelentless sunshine and t...
Struggling pub landlords given a lifeline by England’s World Cup heroes
One manager expects takings to treble during England’s semi-final with Argentina on Wednesday; while national sales a...
The ad machine: how David Beckham conquered America
The former England midfielder is everywhere at this World Cup, having reached a popularity in the US other Brits have...
World Cup quarter-final expected to generate £500m sales boost for UK economy
As England prepare to take on Norway on Saturday, sales of pints, takeaways and new TVs continue to surgeFrom a cosy ...
Remember water power in the renewables mix | Brief letters
Solar, wind and water | French connection | Gianni Infantino | ‘Good athlete’ Trump | USA 1 Belgium 4 Your article (W...
Can I take the day off for England’s World Cup game – and what if I’m late for work?
Millions of fans could face a tricky day on Monday if they sleep in – or pull a sickie – after the 1am kick-offWhethe...
Police criticise decision to let pubs stay open until 5am for England match
‘Late announcement’ means forces will have to adapt plans and move officers away from communities, say chiefsPolice l...
The Hotspot: Aramco’s petrodollar backing of World Cup leaves stain of sportswashing
How Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant is embedding fossil fuels as a crucial part of the world’s biggest sportIf y...
Fifa urged to drop Saudi oil giant Aramco as activists target World Cup
Fifa has defended its Aramco sponsorship, saying revenues are reinvested back into football at all levelsAs scorching...
Protesters to rally against World Cup sponsor Hyundai before Mexico game
Focus on business dealings with mining company Guadalajara rally to highlight fate of ‘disappeared’Hyundai will be t...
‘It’s going to be extremely hot’: workers imperiled as sweltering World Cup temperatures are forecast
It could top 90F in several cities hosting World Cup games – and workers could pay the price with their healthAs the ...
How doing a wash while you watch the World Cup at 2am could cut energy bills
Change in viewing habits offered by match times at 2026 tournament could mean using cheaper off-peak powerWatching la...
Can Starmer’s late-night World Cup openings help Britain’s struggling pubs?
While venues could stay open until 2am, rising costs remain a far bigger concern for many landlords Picture the scene...
Is Fifa allowed to make AI athletes? – video
Does qualifying for the World Cup mean you now support the Knicks?From World Cup promos to NBA Finals ads, AI imagery...
Pub chain Fuller’s hopes for bumper summer of World Cup and staycations
Company says it has strong bookings for England matches and has spruced up gardens for domestic holidaymakersBusiness...
US stadium and hotel workers threaten strikes ‘to make things fair’ during World Cup
Low wages and fears of ICE crackdowns have set workers on edge of strike as thousands set to arrive during World CupH...
Iran World Cup team travels to Mexico with US visas reportedly denied for several staff
US state department says ‘necessary’ visas issuedPlayers and coaching staff reportedly receive visasIran open World C...
Iran slams US ‘discriminatory treatment’ over World Cup visa refusals
Backroom staff denied entry visas for US, claims post on XTeam have moved training base from Arizona to MexicoIran ha...
LA-area stadium workers to vote on strike a week before World Cup begins
Workers say they deserve a greater share of the windfall and want protection from ICE and invasive data collectionWor...