January 26 – German football executive Oke Göttlich has urged Europe to consider a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His comments come following the US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric over Greenland and broader foreign policy moves that have escalated tension with Europe.
January 26 – The US House of Representatives has approved $100 million in federal funding to support transit agencies in host cities ahead of the World Cup, underscoring the federal government’s role in delivering the largest sporting event ever staged.
January 23 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has admitted that a significant number of 2026 World Cup ticket applicants intend to sell them on resale platforms for profit.
January 22 – Previous World Cups have all attempted to sell a feeling of open borders, shared stories, and football as a common language. World Cup 2026 is currently selling something else entirely, starting with priority visa appointments, disclaimers, and an asterisk.
January 22 – Amid tensions between the United States and Europe over Greenland, France’s sports minister has for the time being ruled out a boycott of the 2026 World Cup.
January 22 – A lot has been spoken about the magnificence of the US cities hosting 2026 World Cup games and their monumental and iconic NFL stadia that will generate record attendances and revenues. Not so much has been heard from the USA’s co-hosts Mexico and Canada where the 2026 World Cup tournament could very likely find its soul and true football connection.
January 21 – England’s official LGBTQ fans group will boycott the 2026 World Cup, citing safety concerns in the United States and criticising FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino.
January 19 – Los Angeles is readying itself to host eight matches at the World Cup 2026, and the city’s Host Committee is intent on turning the event into a lasting local legacy. In partnership with the Play Equity Fund, the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee has launched the 26 Community Champions video series, spotlighting non-profit organisations making a difference across the region.
January 16 – The Trump administration’s decision to suspend immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries is complicating the build-up to the 2026 World Cup, with the five-time champions, Brazil, Colombia, and Iran, among the 15 qualified nations affected by that policy.
January 15 – FIFA has confirmed that more than 500 million ticket requests were submitted during the first Random Selection Draw phase for this summer’s World Cup.
January 13 – As Seattle counts down to the 2026 World Cup, the city is bucking a growing trend in the USA.
January 9 – FIFA has appointed TikTok as its first ever ‘Preferred Platform’ for the 2026 World Cup in an agreement that will see live broadcast of match segments, as well as access to press conferences and training sessions to a select group of creators for fan content.
TikTok’s head of global head James Stafford said that TikTok’s data shows fans are “42% more likely to tune in to live matches after watching sports content on TikTok.”
January 8 – FIFA has unveiled a suite of new technologies developed in partnership with Lenovo that are designed to touch officiating, performance analysis and broadcast presentation within football.
January 8 – FIFA is marching towards a fully technologised game and took another decisive step this week, with confirmation that every player at this summer’s World Cup will be represented by a physically accurate “AI avatar” to help make offside decisions.
January 8 – Marriott Bonvoy has been announced as the Official Hotel Supporter in North America of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the tournament comes to the region for the first time in more than three decades.