Football World Cup

Japan eye win over Bahrain to become first team to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Japan will become the first nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday if they defeat Bahrain at Saitama Stadium as Hajime Moriyasu's side looks to continue their imperious form in Asia's preliminaries. Three points would guarantee Japan a top-two finish in Group C and see them join co-hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico at next year's finals. The Japanese have dropped only two points from their six qualifiers—a 1-1 draw with Australia in October—and are 10 points ahead o...

December 12, 2024 1:16 PM

Saudi Arabia’s world cup win sparks criticism over human rights record, FIFA faces backlash

Rights organisations strongly criticised FIFA on Wednesday after world soccer's ruling body officially awarded the 2034 men's World Cup to Saudi Arabia. Hosting the global showpiece tournament is the pinnacle of Saudi Arabia's massive push into sports and entertainment over recent years as it seeks to improve its international image. "FIFA's reckless decision... will put many lives at risk," Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International's Head of Labour Rights and Sport, said in a statement issued by ...