The World Cup’s Racism Problem Just Exposed Soccer’s Dark Side

Arte: Is football having an identity crisis?

Behind the glitzy facade of the World Cup, there's a darker side to the world of football.

Politics, power and the World Cup | Bigger Than Five

The FIFA World Cup is shining a spotlight on politics, discrimination and double standards. Former Iran national team coach Afshin Ghotbi explains why some players are judged by the governments they represent, while others are treated simply as athletes. Then, former US player and academic Jules Boykoff asks whether FIFA is living up to its own principles of neutrality. As football and politics collide, Bigger Than Five examines the controversies beyond the pitch.

When diversity wins: The Paradox of racism in modern football

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it offers a powerful reminder of one of football's most enduring truths: diversity wins. From Europe to Africa, South America to North America, many of the tournament's strongest teams are products of multicultural societies and global migration. Players with roots spanning continents have become the faces of national pride, carrying the hopes of millions while representing nations that have grown increasingly diverse over the past half-century.

Fifa World Cup: An insider’s view on Belgium ahead of big All Whites encounter

Fifa World Cup: An insider’s view on Belgium ahead of big All Whites encounter

UEFA Condemns FIFA Decision to Lift Folarin Balogun's World Cup Suspension

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has criticized FIFA's decision to lift the automatic one-match suspension imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun ahead of the Round of 16 match against Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a statement published on its official website, UEFA said the decision threatens the integrity of the game. The organization noted that several players at the current World Cup have already served automatic suspensions after receiving red cards, and creating an exception for Balogun violates the principle of equal treatment for all participants. European football's governing body warned that the inconsistent and non-transparent application of the rules undermines confidence in the competition and could damage the reputation of football as a whole. UEFA described FIFA's decision as unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.

FIFA to investigate racism towards IShowSpeed at World Cup

FIFA launches an investigation into racism toward popular streamer IShowSpeed in the stands during the World Cup match between Argentina and Cape Verde. #IShowSpeed #Speed #WorldCup #Argentina #CapeVerde

Best World Cup highlights haven’t come on the field — but from Buc-ee’s, Costco, and Chick-Fil-A

Ever since the tournament began in cities across America last month, the internet has been abuzz with social media videos of visiting soccer fans falling in love with our food, culture, and people, and the little everyday things we take for granted, like ice machines and air conditioning. They’re blown away by the free drink []

Inside England's World Cup kick-off chaos: Why FIFA were forced to U-turn despite pressure from Mexico following deaths of three fans - after moving last-16 clash was 'all but done'

Inside England's World Cup kick-off chaos: Why FIFA were forced to U-turn despite pressure from Mexico following deaths of three fans - after moving last-16 clash was 'all but done'

FIFA opens investigation into Argentina fans’ racist taunts toward streamer iShowSpeed

While broadcasting in-stadium for each of Argentina’s past two games in the FIFA World Cup, streamer iShowSpeed has faced racist taunts from the South American country’s fans. Now, FIFA has reportedly opened an investigation into the fans’ behavior. The most recent incident came Tuesday when, after Lionel Messi helped lead a thrilling comeback victory over

How is the World Cup Intersecting with Politics?

As World Cup fans descend on North America, there have already been several viral moments of fans discovering American traditions. Some have argued that such sporting events are unifying moments and remind Americans how lucky they are to take such things for granted.Others have pointed out that a Somali referee was denied entry into the US, as was the Iranian team who were forced to stay in Mexico instead of the US at the last minute until the night before their match, which has since been changed to two nights before their match. So, some have made the argument that while the World Cup could be a unifying moment, the US is causing division.A National Post (Lean Right) piece said, “FIFA likes to insist that sport and politics do not mix. But there is nothing apolitical about silencing a people while accommodating their oppressor. A genuine commitment to keeping politics out of the stadium would mean treating a national heritage symbol as exactly that — heritage — rather than adopting t

UEFA slams FIFA over Balogun decision

European soccer body UEFA has lashed out at FIFA’s decision to suspend U.S. striker, Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban in the World Cup, after U.S. President Donald Trump called ‌FIFA to ask it to review the case, saying world soccer’s governing body had “crossed a red line” and undermined the integrity of the game. “We express The post UEFA slams FIFA over Balogun decision appeared first on Ghanaian Times.

Belgian fans stunned over FIFA's Balogun U-turn

Belgian fans were stunned over FIFA's decision to suspend U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's red-card ban following intervention by President Trump ahead of their World Cup knockout game. #redcard #folarinbalogun #fifaworldcup #trump #fifa 👉 Subscribe: https://reut.rs/4b8fRGn Keep up with the latest news from around the world: https://www.reuters.com/ Follow Reuters on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Reuters Follow Reuters on X: https://twitter.com/Reuters Follow Reuters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reuters/?hl=en

GLEE AND SNARK IN EUROPE

GLEE AND SNARK IN EUROPE (Main headline, 4th story, link) Related stories:RED, WHITE AND BLEW ITWORLD CUP CRASH-OUTUSA 1 BEL 4FIFA TRUMP FUROR

Guadalajara protesters accuse Hyundai of using World Cup to hide ‘dirty supply chain’

GUADALAJARA, México — While Mexico defeated South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday in front of an elated crowd, protesters outside expressed a very different view of the World Cup’s impact on the city. Community leaders, climate advocates and workers took to the streets to protest what they describe as “greenwashing through sports” by one of the []

JUST IN: UEFA accuses FIFA of crossing a "red line"

JUST IN: UEFA accuses FIFA of crossing a red line by allowing USA striker Folarin Balogun to avoid an automatic one-match suspension after his red card.@BRICSNews

FIFA Must Go! FIFA Must Go! – It Cannot Be Reformed

FIFA Must Go! FIFA Must Go! – It Cannot Be Reformed

Of Course, Some Soccer Fans Have Taken This Absurd Position During the World Cup

Of Course, Some Soccer Fans Have Taken This Absurd Position During the World Cup

Freaking With FIFA

Freaking With FIFA

2026 World Cup: You’ve crossed a red line – UEFA blasts FIFA over Balogun decision

UEFA has hit out at FIFA, for suspending the red card shown to US striker, Folarin Balogun. Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was set to serve a one-match ban. But on Sunday, FIFA announced that he would be eligible to play against Belgium in their last-32 clash. This u-turn follows the intervention [] 2026 World Cup: You’ve crossed a red line – UEFA blasts FIFA over Balogun decision

Balogun, Trump and FIFA’s World Cup red card controversy: 5 things to know 

The World Cup clash on Monday night between the U.S. and Belgium will fall against a backdrop of international anger after FIFA revoked the suspension of a star American striker following an inquiry by President Trump. FIFA suspended the red card for Folarin Balogun, which would have led to a one-game suspension, after Trump...

Mondial 2026 : après la levée de la suspension de Balogun, Trump revendique son intervention, l’UEFA s’insurge

La décision de la FIFA de suspendre l’application de la suspension automatique d’un match infligée à Folarin Balogun continue de provoquer de vives réactions. Au cœur de la polémique se trouve le carton rouge reçu par l’attaquant lors du match contre la Bosnie-Herzégovine, dans lequel les États-Unis ont gagné 2-0 en seizièmes de finale. L’incident []

USMNT proves it's built different with first World Cup knockout win in 24 years

This is not a normal World Cup for the U.S. Then again, this is not a normal U.S. team.

I beat England with a nation of 300,000 people – here’s how Panama do it

How English 'complacency' could just leave them vulnerable at the World Cup

Football is at the centre of the universe in Brazil in a way it is not in the US | Rodrygo

Huge parties take place when the national team play but people in Brazil cherish a good game, whoever is playingThe World Cup atmosphere, which, for many of us, is one of the most infectious feelings there is, has, in the US been confined to the stadiums, the surrounding streets and fan festivals. This has been played out before and comes as no surprise. Football has limited traction in North American culture.This highlights how different it is being in the US to being in Brazil, where I am now after following the national team in North America. Football’s extremely important role in Brazilian culture explains why the national team at the World Cup is the centre of our universe. Continue reading...

Fans Erupt After Team USA’s Star Player Ejected On Controversial Call

America’s star soccer player Folarin Balogun went from World Cup hero to a man watching from the locker room in the span of 20 minutes Wednesday night — and soccer fans everywhere are still arguing about whether it was even his fault. The Brooklyn-born, London-raised striker had just given the United States a 1-0 lead ...

FIFA's SHOCK Decision! Why Folarin Balogun Is Allowed to Play After a Red Card | Dawn News English

FIFA has allowed US striker Folarin Balogun to remain eligible despite receiving a red card, following a review of the incident that has sparked widespread debate. The decision has drawn strong reactions from fans, football analysts, and officials, raising questions about disciplinary procedures and consistency in international football. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dawn News English is your window into the latest news, insight, and features from South Asia and beyond. Website: www.dawn.com Official Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/dawnnewsenglish Official Twitter: https://x.com/dawnnewsenglish Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnnewsenglish #fifa #folarinbalogun #worldcup2026 #usmnt #football #soccer #globalnews #dawnnewsenglish #news #latestnews #dawnnewsenglish #dawnnews

Is Donald Trump giving FIFA orders? | DW News

FIFA has reversed a match ban for star USA striker Folarin Balogun after Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The controversial U-turn means Balogun, the team's top goalscorer, will feature in a crucial World Cup knockout match against Belgium. #Trump #WorldCup FIFA For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/ Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1

Little Boy Crashes His Older Brother’s Soccer Game, Gets a Red Card: “0 Touches, 0 Minutes Played, 0 Fouls Committed”

A video shared on X has sparked conversation online after a little boy unexpectedly ran onto the field during a youth soccer game. The FIFA World Cup is the subject on everyone’s minds right now, but that isn’t the only pitch where high-stakes soccer takes place. Kids around the world play the game, and they Sign up to receive the Daily Dot’s Internet Insider newsletter for urgent news from the frontline of online. The post Little Boy Crashes His Older Brother’s Soccer Game, Gets a Red Card: “0 Touches, 0 Minutes Played, 0 Fouls Committed” appeared first on The Daily Dot.

How Shameful Can the World Cup Get? We Take a Look at Four Previous Tournaments

In many ways, the U.S.'s World Cup has been a bit of a disaster. But it's not the first time the tournament has been filled with sportswashing, authoritarianism, or corruption.

FIFA pertahan keputusan VAR batal gol Jerman

ATLANTA: Persekutuan Bolasepak Antarabangsa FIFA tampil mempertahankan keputusan penggunaan Video Bantuan Pengadil (VAR) yang membatalkan gol lewat permainan Jerman ketika mereka tersingkir secara mengejut kepada Paraguay dalam aksi pusingan 32 Terbaik Piala Dunia 2026. Insiden kontroversi itu berlaku pada masa tambahan apabila tandukan pertahanan Jonathan Tah disahkan tidak sah selepas semakan video mendapati berlaku kekasaran ... Read more The post FIFA pertahan keputusan VAR batal gol Jerman appeared first on Utusan Malaysia.

What's it like covering South Korea as a journalist at a World Cup?

It's not just the players and staff who are representing their country at a World Cup; in a way, the media are too. Putting your best foot forward isn't just limited to those who cross that white line...

Can Donald Trump Intervene to Overturn Controversial Folarin Balogun Red Card?

Team USA soccer fans are irate over Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card in the United States’ win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1 in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup. And with no formal appeals process for the red card, some are hoping to take the issue all the way []

‘Important for both cultures’: Portugal and Croatia fans on why World Cup clash in Toronto is bigger than football

Despite the city’s heat warning, the streets and sidewalks are still filled with supporters wearing Portugal and Croatia jerseys, waving flags, chanting and honking horns... The post ‘Important for both cultures’: Portugal and Croatia fans on why World Cup clash in Toronto is bigger than football appeared first on NOW Toronto.