Ukraine’s Zinchenko motivated to make his country proud against Scotland
May 27 – Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko said his team hopes to make their country proud when they take on Scotland in a World Cup playoff semi-final next week.
World Cup
Davos attendees told it is time to accept the World Cup will be in an Arab Muslim country
May 24 – The ruler of Qatar has hit back at what he describes as unprecedented attacks on his country, including by those “in a position of influence”, in the build-up to the World Cup later this year.
Qatar’s Emir welcomes gay couples to World Cup but asks them to ‘respect our culture’
May 23 – The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has said that gay fans will be welcome at the 2022 World Cup, but demanded that visitors “respect our culture”.
Human rights groups call for $440m compensation fund for Qatar’s migrant workers
By Andrew Warshaw
May 19 – Amnesty International, Football Supporters Europe and eight other human rights and fan groups have collectively urged FIFA to put up a minimum $440 million – roughly the equivalent of World Cup prize money – as a compensation fund for hundreds of thousands of migrant workers they claim have suffered abuses in preparation for the tournament in November.
Qatar hotels refuse bookings from LGBTQ+ guests for 2022 World Cup, reports
May 13 – A media investigation has revealed that a number of FIFA-recommended hotels in Qatar have refused to accept LGBTQ+ guests despite previous claims that those of all gender persuasions would be welcomed for the World Cup.
Chile demand World Cup slot claiming Ecuador’s Castillo is a Colombian
May 6 – Chile have filed a claim with FIFA, questioning Ecuador’s World Cup spot over the eligibility of player Byron Castillo, alleging he used a false passport and birth date to represent the country.
Christmas in Qatar. World Cup final gets 3m ticket requests
May 6 – World governing body FIFA has received 3 million ticket requests for the World Cup final in Qatar and high demand to attend some of the tournament’s marquee group-stage games.
Houston 2026 bid prioritises human rights with backing of Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports
May 6 – The Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee, who are expected to learn whether they have secured one of the 10 US hosting slots in the coming weeks, have backed the City of Houston’s adoption of the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports.
FIFA picks Qatar’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium for final World Cup play-offs
May 5 – FIFA has selected Qatar’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium as the venue for the intercontinental play-off matches that will decide the final two places for the 2022 World Cup finals in the country later this year.
Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ shirt sold at auction for £7.1m
May 5 – The shirt worn by Diego Maradona when he scored the controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 World Cup has been sold for a staggering £7.1 million, the highest price ever paid at auction for a piece of sports memorabilia.
Qatar 2022 ticket demand tops 23m in latest phase
May 3 – FIFA has said that fans from around at the world requested 23.5 million tickets in the latest sales phase for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Washington, DC and Baltimore merge bids for 2026 World Cup hosting
April 22 – World Cup host city contenders Washington, DC and Baltimore have merged their bids to create a joint application to stage 2026 World Cup matches.
Scotland vs Ukraine Qatar 2022 play-off semi set for June 1, winners meet Wales in decider
April 19 – Despite the devastating invasion by Russia, Ukraine is not letting the war crush its hopes of reaching World Cup finals and has agreed to play its postponed playoff with Scotland on June 1.
Exclusive: Alphonso Davies opens a window on Edmonton and a World Cup 2026 dream
April 19 – Canadian and Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies is one of the hottest players in world football. Canada’s talisman from Edmonton has led his nation to their first World Cup finals since 1986. In 2026 he could be leading them out in his home town. Davies speaks exclusively to Insideworldfootball.
Amnesty report on Qatar security guards keeps human rights pressure on FIFA and Qatar
By Samindra Kunti
April 8 – A new report from Amnesty International has revealed that security guards involved in projects linked to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar are being subject to conditions that “amount to forced labour” with the human rights group urging FIFA to act.