In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Wales has become the first national football federation to withdraw support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election campaign following the collapse of his plan to sell a 20% stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has withdrawn a controversial proposal to sell a 20% stake in a new World Cup commercial entity to private investors after a fierce backlash from football's regional bodies, threatening his previously assured re-election in March.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reversed plans to privatise a portion of the World Cup after stakeholder divisions made the initiative untenable, citing his commitment to uniting rather than dividing the global football community.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure as the Asian Football Confederation joins major continental bodies in opposing his plan to privatize World Cup management and sell stakes to investors.
Australia's players union has denounced FIFA's proposal to bring private investors into the World Cup, arguing the governing body is sidelining athletes and fans while prioritising commercial interests over sporting integrity.
UEFA and its 55 member nations have voted to boycott all FIFA tournaments in protest against plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, raising serious governance and transparency questions.
FIFA aims to raise US$4.2 billion by selling minority stakes in a new commercial subsidiary to private investors, promising increased funding for its 211 member federations including Asian football bodies.
Malaysian authorities have dismantled a major World Cup betting operation that processed approximately RM27 million in wagers each day, with 161 arrests including five suspected company directors or shareholders.
Johor police arrested 12 individuals, including a 15-year-old, following a violent altercation that occurred during a World Cup final screening event in Johor Bahru.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia will depart his position at month's end following mutual agreement with the Belgian football association. Garcia guided Belgium to the World Cup quarter-finals before elimination by Spain.
Police in Johor Baru arrested 12 men, including a teenager, after a violent altercation erupted at a restaurant in Taman Daya during a World Cup final live screening event.
Spain's World Cup-winning squad is returning to Madrid for a nationwide celebration, culminating in an open-top bus parade and official reception at the Royal Palace hosted by King Felipe VI.
Spain's World Cup victory against Argentina showcased a philosophy centred on ball possession and team unity. The triumph highlighted how football transcended regional divisions within the country and vindicated coach Luis de la Fuente's patient approach.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has praised the national football team's exceptional unity and character ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina, offering a moment of national pride amid domestic political turbulence.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's flight to New York was cancelled due to smoke from Canadian wildfires degrading air quality. She rerouted via a defence ministry aircraft to attend the World Cup final alongside US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
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Argentine citizens have thrown their backing behind national World Cup players who unfurled a banner asserting sovereignty over the Falkland Islands following their semi-final triumph over England, while Britain presses FIFA to investigate.
Thomas Tuchel has drawn criticism following England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, yet analysts argue the German manager's tactical decisions mask fundamental challenges including his limited tournament experience and Argentina's relentless determination.
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U.S. federal agencies have seized more than 700 drones near FIFA World Cup venues and fan zones since the tournament began on June 11, according to the FBI. Multiple arrests have been made across all 11 host cities.
Thomas Tuchel acknowledged England grew too cautious after taking the lead against Argentina in their World Cup semi-final, but maintained he has no regrets over his tactical approach in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat in Atlanta.
Argentina's war veterans federation has appealed to supporters to focus solely on football during Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against England, urging them not to use the match to advance territorial claims over the Malvinas Islands.
Atlanta authorities are implementing heightened security protocols for the Argentina-England World Cup semi-final, including separate fan entrances and strict controls on political symbols amid historical tensions.
French authorities arrested more than 160 people across Paris and Lyon following violent disturbances that erupted after Spain defeated France 2-0 in the World Cup semifinal, with clashes centred on firework attacks against police.
England's squad has closed ranks ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with players praising manager Thomas Tuchel's ability to foster unity despite external media scrutiny following their quarter-final victory over Norway.
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Kylian Mbappe has acknowledged France's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment against Spain, pinpointing tactical shortcomings in midfield as the decisive factor in their 2-0 defeat.
France's World Cup campaign ended in devastating disappointment on Tuesday as Spain delivered a commanding 2-0 semi-final victory in Arlington, Texas, exposing fundamental weaknesses in the tournament favourites' squad.
Spain has formally apologised through its Foreign Minister for a column by ex-Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy that questioned whether France's football team contained actual French players, remarks described as xenophobic and racist.
Senegal's football federation has questioned its team doctor's qualifications, alleging he was trained as a gynaecologist rather than a sports medicine specialist. The disclosure emerged following the team's disappointing World Cup campaign in North America.
Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia made bold selection changes for the round of 16, benching star players Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku to field a more aggressive midfield. The gambit paid off spectacularly with a 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States.
Spain progressed to the World Cup semi-final with a 2-1 victory over Belgium, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute. The Spanish side will face France near Dallas on Tuesday.
Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic late winner. Spain will face France in Dallas on Tuesday for a place in the final.
Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final clash at Los Angeles Stadium, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute. The Spanish side will now face France in the semi-finals.
The Brampton Soccer Club's loss of its provincial license threatens Canada's soccer development pathway, just as the sport gains momentum following the nation's World Cup appearance.
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has defended the controversial officiating in Argentina's 3-2 World Cup victory over Egypt, rejecting allegations of bias and asserting that match officials operated with complete independence throughout the encounter.
France and Morocco's World Cup quarter-final in Boston reflects their intertwined post-colonial history, with Moroccan players developed in France and friendships forged at European clubs shaping a fixture that transcends typical sporting rivalry.
FIFA has thrown its full support behind Brazilian referee Raphael Claus following criticism from US President Donald Trump over a controversial red card decision at the World Cup.
FIFA is projected to earn $9 billion from the 2026 World Cup despite mounting controversies over ticket prices, political interference and competitive integrity. Chief Gianni Infantino faces re-election in 2027 unopposed, with support from Asian, African and South American federations.
UEFA has sharply criticised FIFA's decision to suspend American striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card ban, calling it unprecedented and unjustifiable after US President Donald Trump lobbied FIFA to review the case.
The Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu has resigned, two weeks before the FIFA World Cup concludes, following South Korea's disappointing group-stage elimination and mounting criticism over administrative irregularities.
Belgium has condemned FIFA's suspension of a red-card ban for a US player following Donald Trump's direct appeal to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling it a breach of sporting integrity ahead of their World Cup match.
FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban following presidential pressure has triggered accusations of political interference and threatens the credibility of tournament rules across sport.
A Belgium coach's description of Senegal has reignited scrutiny of racially coded commentary at the World Cup, with researchers documenting systematic bias in how Black players are described compared to their white counterparts.
Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut, faces Argentina in the round of 32 with confidence despite overwhelming odds. The island nation has already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stages.
World Cup supporters have filed a class action lawsuit against StubHub, alleging the ticket resale platform failed to deliver purchased tickets from the secondary market, leaving buyers without access to matches.
Spain's dominant 3-0 victory over Austria marked a turning point in their campaign, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal proving instrumental in restoring the team's attacking cohesion and defensive solidity after an uncertain start.
Chinese football fans have taken to social media to criticise Paraguay's physical tactics during their World Cup defeat to France, with many suggesting referee Ilgiz Tantashev failed to adequately control the match in Philadelphia.
Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi declared his team a legitimate World Cup contender rather than a surprise outfit after thrashing Canada 3-0 to advance to the quarterfinals, positioning the Atlas Lions for a clash with France.
England and Mexico clash at the Estadio Azteca in a decisive World Cup round-of-16 encounter, while Erling Haaland's Norway prepares to challenge five-time champions Brazil for another quarter-final berth.
The United States takes on Belgium in a World Cup round-of-16 match in Seattle, with American ambitions rising after impressive victories over Paraguay, Australia and Bosnia in the group stage.
Morocco dispatched Canada 3-0 in the World Cup last 16 in Houston, with Azzedine Ounahi netting twice to advance to the quarter-finals. The North Africans ended the co-hosts' fairytale run despite a sluggish opening.
Argentina edged past Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to reach the knockout rounds, but the close contest has exposed defensive weaknesses in the reigning champions ahead of their round-of-16 meeting with Egypt.
Brazil secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan in their World Cup round-of-32 encounter, with Gabriel Martinelli netting a crucial stoppage-time winner to send the South American side into the knockout stage.
Cape Verde's coach Bubista says his side will maintain their ambitious, organised approach against Argentina in Friday's World Cup knockout match, targeting a place in the last 16 despite being ranked 67th globally.
England narrowly escaped World Cup embarrassment when Harry Kane scored twice in the second half to overturn a deficit and secure a 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, setting up a last-16 clash with Mexico.
Portugal will play Croatia in the World Cup round of 32 on Thursday, with the match coinciding with the first anniversary of forward Diogo Jota's fatal car crash in Spain. The team has woven tributes throughout their campaign.
Three people have died from asphyxiation in Mexico City following street celebrations of Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador that secured their World Cup last-16 berth. Authorities urge fans to celebrate responsibly.
Toronto health authorities are urging football fans to take precautions against dangerous heat during Thursday's Portugal-Croatia World Cup round of 32 match, with temperatures expected to feel like 40°C due to humidity.
England staged a dramatic second-half recovery to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in Wednesday's World Cup knockout match, securing their place in the last 16 against Mexico despite defensive vulnerabilities that plagued their campaign.
FIFA's digital protection service detected a dramatic 13-fold increase in online abuse during the recent World Cup group stage, identifying 89,000 offensive posts. Racial abuse accounted for 11% of all abusive messages, up from 8% in Qatar's 2022 tournament.
A music promoter in the Czech countryside has transformed his home into an Argentine football shrine, complete with life-size Maradona statue, Messi murals, and custom football pitch.
A Penang magistrate's court has rejected a remand application for four individuals, including a woman, held in connection with World Cup-related football betting operations.
Iraq's Olympic Committee has announced a comprehensive investigation into the national football team's poor World Cup showing, with plans to implement systemic reforms to improve performance in upcoming international competitions.
The expanded World Cup featuring 48 teams drew 4.6 million spectators during group play, exceeding the 1994 tournament's total by more than a million fans. FIFA also reported record scoring and unprecedented consumption at venues.
Malaysian police have arrested 331 individuals and uncovered RM2.63 million in illegal betting transactions linked to FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations under a nationwide crackdown operation.
France's devastating offensive trio of Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise powered them through group play unbeaten, yet coach Deschamps eyes tactical tweaks on the left flank before facing Sweden on Tuesday.
Iran's football federation has accused organisers of unfair and unsportsmanlike treatment as the team departed the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Egypt ended their tournament campaign.
Ousmane Dembele's rapid-fire treble in the opening half propelled France to a commanding 4-1 victory over a weakened Norway side, securing top spot in World Cup Group I and a potentially easier path through the knockout stages.
Spanish footballer Borja Iglesias, who helped Spain reach the World Cup, refuses to stay silent on social issues. His willingness to discuss Gaza and homophobia has made him a uniquely outspoken voice in a sport often reluctant to engage with politics.
Ecuador stunned already-qualified Germany 2-1 in their final Group E encounter, securing a berth in the knockout stage. The South Americans recovered from an early deficit to claim victory at a sold-out stadium in New Jersey.
France will face in-form Norway on Friday seeking top spot in World Cup Group I. Finishing first would allow the 2018 champions to remain in Boston through the quarter-finals rather than facing lengthy travel to Dallas, Miami and Atlanta.
A vehicle accelerated into a crowd of Mexico football supporters celebrating a World Cup win in Cabo San Lucas on Wednesday, injuring 17 people. The driver was arrested at the scene.