Health officials in World Cup host cities are preparing for measles, heat illness, foodborne outbreaks and mosquito-borne diseases as millions of fans travel across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Local departments are expanding inspections and surveillance while federal and academic teams build tracking systems for potential outbreaks.
Posts tagged as “FIFA”
The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team has announced its 26-player roster for the 2026 World Cup, blending veterans like Christian Pulisic with newcomers such as Matt Freese. The tournament kicks off next month with the U.S. facing Paraguay in California.
The U.S. conducted self-defense strikes near the Strait of Hormuz targeting Iranian missile sites and boats amid ongoing peace talks. Despite the strikes, Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a deal with Iran remains possible within days.
Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88, prompting global mourning and reflection on his impactful papacy. Known for his approachable demeanor and progressive views, he was celebrated for his efforts to connect with people worldwide, notably through his passion for soccer, which he used as a tool to engage with youth and promote unity. As the Church prepares to select a new leader, there is speculation about the influence of his legacy, marked by a focus on inclusivity, social issues, and modernization, on the future direction of the papacy.
Football Australia has decided not to enter the bidding contest for the 2034 World Cup, leaving Saudi Arabia as the only declared candidate. This has caused dismay among human rights activists, who fear that the kingdom's hosting of the event could be used to legitimize its alleged human rights abuses. Qatar has pushed back against the criticism, insisting that everyone was welcome in the country and denying reports of worker abuse.
FIFA has handed down a three-year ban to former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales for misconduct at the Women’s World Cup final, which included forcibly kissing a player on the lips. The incident has sparked a debate about the appropriateness of Rubiales’ behavior and the need for more stringent regulations to protect players. FIFA’s decision to ban Rubiales is a clear indication that it takes such matters seriously and is committed to upholding the principles of “fair play, loyalty and integrity” in the sport.
FIFA has announced an unprecedented three-continent project for the 2030 World Cup, with Europe, Africa, and South America all included. The tournament will open in Uruguay's Centenario Stadium, the site of the inaugural 1930 World Cup final, and will be the first to include 48 teams. The process of selecting the host countries for the tournament will now begin, with the tournament expected to take place in summer of 2030.
Spain's women's soccer coach Jorge Vilda was fired two weeks after leading his team to the World Cup title due to an unwanted celebratory kiss between the team's coach and player. The Royal Spanish Football Federation has apologized for the incident and FIFA has provisionally suspended the soccer federation president, Luis Rubiales, sparking a national debate about gender equality. The federation has promised to take steps to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.