LONDON – Pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to remain open until 5:00 a.m. on Monday to allow football fans to watch England’s FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico, following a last-minute policy reversal by the UK government. The match, scheduled to kick off at 1:00 a.m. UK time in Mexico City,…
WASHINGTON – Employment in the United States’ hospitality sector fell unexpectedly in June, defying forecasts that the ongoing FIFA World Cup would drive hiring across restaurants, bars and hotels. New figures released on Thursday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that the leisure and hospitality industry lost 61,000 jobs during the month, despite…
For millions of football supporters visiting the United States for the FIFA World Cup, the biggest surprise hasn’t come from the action on the pitch. It has come at restaurant tables, coffee shops, bars and even convenience stores, where visitors are repeatedly asked the same question after making a purchase: How much would you like…
The United States economy added 172,000 jobs in May, driven largely by increased hiring in the hospitality industry as businesses prepare for the influx of visitors expected during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the strongest employment gains were recorded in leisure and hospitality, local…
Across cities like Kansas City, Houston, Miami and New York City, signs of the coming FIFA World Cup are impossible to miss. Billboards tower over busy roads, bars are preparing football-themed events, and stores are already stocking tournament merchandise. The excitement surrounding the global competition appears to be building steadily on the streets. But behind…
The United States government has announced that football fans from dozens of countries will no longer be required to pay a $15,000 visa deposit if they are travelling to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup with valid match tickets. The decision affects travellers from 50 countries previously subject to the visa bond requirement introduced by…
Millions of football fans in China and India may be unable to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup as negotiations over broadcast rights remain unresolved just weeks before the tournament begins. The delay is considered unusual for an event of such global significance, as television rights agreements for the World Cup are typically finalised several…
FIFA has raised concerns over steep transportation costs for fans attending matches at the 2026 World Cup, warning that the pricing could negatively affect both turnout and the overall tournament experience. The issue centres on train fares for journeys between New York and MetLife Stadium, where tickets have reportedly climbed to $150 (£111) for a…
FIFA has announced the introduction of a new £45 ($60) ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, following widespread criticism of the tournament’s original pricing structure. World football’s governing body said the lower-priced tickets will be made available for all 104 matches of the competition, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United…
Football supporters’ groups across Europe have accused FIFA of abandoning ordinary fans after the governing body set the lowest-priced ticket for next year’s World Cup final at $4,185 (£3,119). The organisation Football Supporters Europe said it was “astonished” by what it called an “extortionate” pricing model and urged FIFA to halt ticket sales immediately. The…
Lionel Messi has ordered gold iPhones for Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad and staff, with the custom-made devices reportedly worth £175,000. As reported on Goal, the Albiceleste emerged victorious at Qatar 2022, with Messi putting in another collection of talismanic displays as captain. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has just landed the FIFA Best men’s…
Just Fontaine, the all-time top scorer in a single World Cup finals with 13 goals, has died aged 89. As reported on The Score, Fontaine achieved the record in the 1958 finals in Sweden where France reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history, losing to Pele’s Brazil. Part of a wonderful attacking…
Belgium were eliminated from the World Cup with Croatia advancing to the round of 16 after the sides played to a 0-0 draw on Thursday. As reported by ESPN, Belgium had to win to make it to the knockout stages. With the qualification on the line, Roberto Martinez — who left his role as Belgium…
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, which starts later this month, Brazil’s head coach, Tite has announced his official list of 26 players for the tournament. As reported by Marca, what stands out the most from his selection is that there are nine forwards in the squad, namely Neymar, Vinicius, Richarlison, Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus, Rodrygo,…
In the aftermath of Arsenal FC’s 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest manager Mikel Arteta played down fears Bukayo Saka’s early substitution put him in doubt for the 2022 World Cup.“Hopefully not,” the Gunners coach replied when asked if his likely participation for England in the tournament was at threat, as reported by Forbes. “It was…
There’s good new for all football teams participating in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the world footballing body FIFA has given the green light for participating teams to have 26 players feature at the tournament. In addition to this, managers will now be able to name all 26 players in their matchday squads…
