FIFA unveils the 12 host stadiums for expanded Club World Cup 2025
September 30 – FIFA has named the 12 stadiums in the US that will host matches at the expanded 32-team Club World Cup 2025.
FIFA
Global Citizen to produce first ever World Cup 2026 final half-time show to drive social causes
September 30 – FIFA has partnered with international social issue campaigners, Global Citizen, to produce the first ever World Cup final half-time show in July 2026 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Fury at Futsal World Cup as French accused of rigging match to get easier knockout route
September 26 – The Futsal World Cup has exploded into controversy, with coaches making accusations of match-fixing following a heavy defeat for France against Iran.
FIFA warns Egyptian FA to pay up or face ban from 2026 World Cup qualifiers
September 25 – Egypt’s national team are facing the unlikely possibility of being excluded from the 2026 World Cup due to an unpaid fine according to reports in the country and Switzerland.
Verizon becomes third tournament sponsor for 2026 World Cup
September 25 – US telecoms giant Verizon has agreed a 2026 World Cup sponsorship, with the network provider named the Official Telecommunication Services Sponsor for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Swiss court refuses FIFA’s attempt to muzzle free speech
September 24 – A Zurich court has dismissed FIFA’s lawsuit against Google over the alleged defamation resulting from a website appearing in Google’s search engine.
North Korea’s women beat Japan to win record-equalling third U20 World Cup
September 23 – North Korea’s return to international football post-pandemic has been nothing short of spectacular with the defeat of Japan 1-0 in the final of the U-20 Women’s World Cup to claim the tournament for a third time.
New format CWC, renamed as Intercontinental Cup, kicks off with Al Ain win
September 23 – When FIFA announced the expansion of the Club World Cup, causing a widespread backlash from elite players and their unions over potential burnout, it slipped many peoples’ minds that a totally separate competition with a similar format to the old CWC was also on the calendar.
Infantino calls emergency broadcaster meeting to drum up support for Club World Cup 2025
September 20 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino is reported to have called an emergency meeting with broadcasters for today (Friday) amid concerns over a lack of tv interest in his much-trumpeted pet project, the expansion of Club World Cup.
Danes back Saudi Arabia to organise an inclusive 2034 World Cup in a changed country
September 20 – The Danish FA (DBU) has said it is not concerned by Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup, citing the abolishment of the kafala system in the Arab Kingdom and the assurance of beer sales during the tournament.
Argentina stay top of World rankings, Qatar plummet after poor 2026 qualifying openers
September 20 – Argentina remain at the top of the latest FIFA World Rankings, leading an unchanged top ten that sees France and Spain hold their positions in second and third.
FIFA hires Lamour from UEFA to take COO role
September 19 – The summer transfer window might be shut but off the field FIFA have made a high-profile signing by poaching one of the most respected executives in European football from UEFA.
FIFA teams with WHO to get ahead of the concussion issue
September 18 – FIFA has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch a global concussion awareness initiative developed with brain health experts.
Acquitted in 2022, Blatter and Platini to face appeal trial in 2025 as FIFA and Swiss judiciary demand blood
September 17 – It has become something of a never-ending saga involving the two men who were once the most powerful in world and European football. But it could finally be reaching its denouement.
Uzbekistan open home-hosted Futsal World Cup with draw against Dutch
September 16 – Hosts Uzbekistan kicked off the 2024 Futsal World Cup with a 3-3 draw against the Netherlands in Tashkent.