Also known as: International Federation of Football Associations · International Federation of Association Football · World · International football body Fifa
FIFA — international football governing body, currently embroiled in controversy over a failed private investment plan for World Cup commercialization.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Informanté
FIFA will host 2026 World Cup from 11 June to 19 July 2026
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held from 11 June to 19 July 2026, will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States and will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams.”
Host nations joined by Curaçao, Haiti and Panama at 2026 FIFA World CupInformanté
FIFA is hosting the expanded 2026 World Cup with 48 teams
“The 2026 edition will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, increasing Africa's representation from five nations to nine direct qualifiers and one play-off berth.”
African nations secure places at expanded 2026 FIFA World CupInformanté
FIFA introduced new qualification structure increasing Asia's representation
“The expanded tournament marks a historic shift in the competition's format and global reach, with Asia increasing its representation under FIFA's new qualification structure.”
AFC nations book places at historic expanded 2026 FIFA World CupThe Namibian
Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom described meeting with Iran FA as excellent and constructive
“Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom described as "excellent" and "constructive" the meeting held on Saturday in Istanbul with the Iranian federation to ensure Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.”
Iran have ‘constructive’ meeting with Fifa over World Cup preparationsThe Namibian
Fifa will provide financial assistance for the 2026 NFA Cup
“However, the NFA has also released a memorandum outlining an expansive vision for the 2026 NFA Cup, which will be hosted with financial assistance from Fifa.”
Bucks Buccaneers withdraw from NFA CupThe Namibian
Fifa boosted overall World Cup cash distributions to nearly US$900 million
“FIFA on Tuesday boosted overall World Cup cash distributions to nearly US$900 million following concerns over the spiralling costs for teams taking part in the tournament.”
World Cup to get cash boost as Fifa unveils red card crackdownThe Namibian
FIFA has promised a tournament where everyone feels safe, included and free
“FIFA has promised a tournament where everyone "feels safe, included and free to exercise their rights".”
World Cup risks being ‘stage for repression': AmnestyThe Namibian
Fifa banned all Russian and Belarusian teams in 2022
“In 2022, it took four days for football's World and European governing bodies, Fifa and UEFA, with the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), to expel all Russian and Belarusian teams.”
Four years after banning Russia, Fifa and IOC passive in the face of warNew Era
FIFA entered partnership with ANOCA to develop football infrastructure at OlympAfrica Centres across Africa
“The project forms part of a broader initiative launched through collaboration between ANOCA and FIFA to develop football infrastructure at OlympAfrica Centres across Africa, with the objective of expanding access to sport for young people and strengthening grassroots sport development across the continent.”
Nam gifted N$9m FIFA-standard football fieldNew Era
FIFA maintains the tournament will proceed as planned
“FIFA maintains that the tournament will proceed as planned, but the uncertainty over Iran's participation looms large.”
World Cup in US-Iran crossfire … Iran’s participation hangs in the balanceAn opinion piece argues that Africa's 54 FIFA member associations should vote in the upcoming FIFA presidential election based on their own football philosophies and priorities, rather than as a unified "African bloc," since each country has distinct football cultures and development models.
4 September 2026 · The Namibian →
An opinion piece argues that Africa's 54 FIFA member associations should vote in the upcoming FIFA presidential election based on their own football philosophies and priorities, rather than as a unified "African bloc," since each country has distinct football cultures and development models.
4 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Investor Joshua Kushner said his firm Thrive Capital "would not have gotten involved" in Fifa's failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup for $20 billion if it had foreseen the backlash and political fallout within global football. Fifa Forward Enterprise, which would have raised $4.2 billion for poorer football nations, collapsed amid criticism from Uefa and others who called it a secretive deal benefiting investors.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The 39-year-old said the decision was painful but right, noting he always gave everything for his country.
31 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Uefa has announced it is considering legal action against Fifa president Gianni Infantino and possibly other officials for "criminal mismanagement" over his now-abandoned plan to bring private investment into the World Cup. The move is described as a "massive escalation" of their feud, with a legal document filed in a Florida court accusing Infantino of criminal mismanagement.
29 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia Football Association president Robert Shimooshili has backed Fifa president Gianni Infantino and reaffirmed the association's unity with the Confederation of African Football, which endorsed the withdrawal of Infantino's proposed Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme after criticism from other continental confederations.
28 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Cameroon star Samuel Eto'o has backed Fifa president Gianni Infantino, saying he "hasn't done anything wrong" despite mounting pressure over a collapsed private investment proposal for Fifa tournaments. Eto'o suggested the criticism was politically motivated ahead of Fifa's presidential election next year.
25 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has said that Gianni Infantino's future as Fifa president should be decided by election, as the embattled Infantino faces criticism over an aborted plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors and pressure from UEFA, Concacaf and AFC to resign.
13 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Uefa, Concacaf and AFC issued a joint letter criticizing Fifa president Gianni Infantino, declaring that football "belongs to no individual" and stating that leadership is not a possession. The letter came after Infantino launched and then withdrew a plan to bring private investment into Fifa competitions, drawing scathing criticism from multiple confederations.
10 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who rode high after overseeing the successful 2026 World Cup expansion to 48 teams, now faces his position under threat following the collapse of a private investor plan.
4 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has withdrawn a proposal to allow private investment in the World Cup, which had faced fierce opposition from Uefa, national governments, and continental football bodies. The plan would have sought $4.2 billion from minority investors in Fifa Forward Enterprise while Fifa retained majority control.
1 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has lost the confidence of European football's governing body Uefa after withdrawing his plan to allow private investment in the World Cup, which Uefa had dismissed as a "shabby, back room, opaque deal" and threatened to boycott all Fifa competitions over.
1 August 2026 · The Namibian →
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial subsidiary that could deliver up to US$40 million (approximately N$660 million) to the Namibia Football Association over four years if member associations approve by 19 September 2026. The funding could address long-standing gaps in stadium infrastructure, training facilities, youth development, and women's football, though the proposal has divided the football world.
31 July 2026 · New Era →
All 41 Concacaf member associations have rejected FIFA's proposal to sell a stake in World Cup business operations, citing concerns about lack of due process, an artificially short deadline, and absence of governance review. The members also questioned the need for private equity investment after the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history.
31 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Fifa president Gianni Infantino defended a proposal to create a private subsidiary to exploit World Cup commercial benefits, calling it "an opportunity but not an obligation" and saying it would unlock previously uncaptured value to benefit member associations, though the proposal sparked global outrage after being revealed.
30 July 2026 · The Namibian →
African football boss Patrice Motsepe defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday, praising his commitment to football and support for Africa, despite growing criticism over Infantino's handling of issues including a suspension decision and tournament format changes.
22 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Argentina faced widespread criticism for dirty tactics and poor sportsmanship during their 1-0 loss to Spain, with commentators describing their performance as "petty, petulant and distasteful." Argentines counter that they are passionate rather than arrogant, and say they are accustomed to being criticized.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Former England captain Wayne Rooney said the half-time show at the 2026 Fifa World Cup final was "crap," joining fans and commentators who debated whether a half-time performance belongs at football's biggest event.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Fifa declares the expanded 48-team World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada a triumph, marked by thrilling football and strong performances from smaller nations including Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Egypt, who reached knockout rounds in record numbers.
19 July 2026 · The Namibian →
England and Argentina will meet in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the final on July 19. The match carries decades of rivalry, including a 1986 quarter-final encounter won by Argentina on goals from Diego Maradona, and takes place amid a lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands.
13 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals are set: France will face Spain in Dallas on 14 July, while England play defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on 15 July, after dramatic quarter-final victories decided by 2-1 and 2-0 scores respectively.
13 July 2026 · Informanté →
Fifa referees chief Pierluigi Collina has rejected "unfounded allegations" of malpractice by officials who oversaw Argentina's 3-2 World Cup victory over Egypt in Atlanta. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan had speculated the officiating team was subjected to external pressure to favour Argentina and criticised several decisions, including a goal chalked off by VAR.
9 July 2026 · The Namibian →
France begin their push for a third World Cup title Thursday against African champions Morocco in a blockbuster quarter-final at Gillette Stadium. France have scored 14 goals in five games, with captain Kylian Mbappe accounting for seven of them, while Morocco advanced through the group phase and eliminated the Netherlands and Canada.
8 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Egyptian Football Federation filed a complaint with FIFA after Egypt's 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup last 16, demanding an investigation into French referee Francois Letexier and his team over what it claims were serious refereeing mistakes, including a disallowed goal and a missed penalty decision.
8 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Belgium beat the United States 4-1 in a World Cup last-16 match at Seattle's Lumen Field, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and Romelu Lukaku adding a goal. The result ended USA's hopes of reaching a first World Cup quarter-final in 24 years and set up a quarter-final between Belgium and Spain.
7 July 2026 · The Namibian →
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino defended the decision to suspend a red card issued to US World Cup star Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in a last-16 match. The reprieve followed US President Donald Trump's direct appeal to Infantino, who insisted FIFA's disciplinary process remained independent, while Belgium's appeal was dismissed as "inadmissible."
7 July 2026 · The Namibian →
England play Mexico on Sunday in the Estadio Azteca as Erling Haaland and Norway face Brazil in a separate round-of-16 match, with two more quarter-final spots available after France and Morocco qualified on Saturday.
5 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Argentina survived an improbable challenge from Cape Verde, defeating the African team 3-2 after extra time in a World Cup match on Friday, with a Diney Borges own goal in the 111th minute breaking Cape Verde's resistance. Argentina will face Egypt on Tuesday for a place in the quarter-finals.
4 July 2026 · The Namibian →
England must confront Mexico's fanatical home crowd and high-altitude Azteca Stadium on Sunday in a World Cup round-of-16 tie with a quarter-finals place at stake. Mexico have won all four home games without conceding a goal, while England narrowly beat DR Congo 2-1 to advance.
3 July 2026 · The Namibian →
France coach Didier Deschamps said his team would adapt to potential extreme weather impacts ahead of their World Cup last-16 tie against Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday, as a heatwave hits the northeastern United States with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius.
3 July 2026 · The Namibian →
NFA president Robert Shimooshili attributed the disparity in prize money between men's and women's football to differences in development, history, and attendance levels, noting that international bodies like FIFA and CAF are working to elevate women's football. Men's winners received N$400,000 in the recent NFA Cup, while women's winners received N$100,000.
3 July 2026 · New Era →