Top 250 Football (Soccer) Events, Clubs & Equipment
Association football, more commonly known as football or SOCCER, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball. It is played by 250 million players in over 200 countries, making it the world's most popular sport. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to score by getting the ball into the opposing goal.
The goalkeepers are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their hands or arms while it is in play and then only in their penalty area. Outfield players mostly use their feet to strike or pass the ball, but may use their head or torso to strike the ball instead. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match wins. If the score is level at the end of the game, either a draw is declared or the game goes into extra time and/or a penalty shootout depending on the format of the competition. The Laws of the Game were originally codified in England by The Football Association in 1863. Association football is governed internationally by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA; French: Fédération Internationale de Football Association) which organises a World Cup every four years.
- 3 in 4 World Cup Stars Play Abroad, Charted - "Three-quarters of World Cup players compete abroad, highlighting how global migration shapes modern international football. Roughly three in four World Cup players compete for clubs outside the country they represent internationally. Several national teams source more than 90% of their squads from foreign leagues, while others rely heavily on domestic competitions. Europe’s biggest leagues have become the world’s primary destination for elite football talent."
- $11k World Cup final ticket - what we learned from first open sale - "The first open sale of tickets for the 2026 World Cup showed Fifa is charging up to $10,990 to be at the final."
- 12 European football teams to form breakaway 'Super League' throwing elite game into turmoil - "In a joint announcement Sunday night, six English clubs - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur - alongside three teams from Italy - AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus - and three from Spain - Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid - laid out plans to form a breakaway competition, referred to in the announcement as the Super League."
- 20-year-old Norwegian destined for greatness like Messi & Ronaldo - "Erling Braut Haaland: The making of football's 'humble' superstar."
- 25-year-old scientist trying to stop footballers from getting dementia - "Heading a football lasts a fraction of a second and rarely causes concussions, but it could also explain why some players develop dementia decades later."
- 27 flights, 24 matches: How Fifa's president is jetting around World Cup - "Fifa president Gianni Infantino has attended 24 matches in just over two weeks all across North America at this summer's World Cup, clocking up thousands of air miles."
- 100 best male footballers in the world 2020 - The Guardian.
- 101 Great Goals - "Football (soccer) highlights, goals, news, videos amp; clips."
- 2022 World Cup’s Highest-Paid Players - "French superstar Kylian Mbappé reigns supreme while Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo are chasing international glory one final time."
- 2023 World’s Highest-Paid Soccer Players - "Outrageous Saudi contracts and a major MLS signing realigned the soccer universe this year. But a roster of marquee names - including Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar - remain on top of the financial table."
- 2026 World Cup schedule: See where, when & who your team plays - "Following the conclusion of the final FIFA playoff results, soccer fans now know which group their country will play in for the opening stages of the 2026 World Cup. FIFA has released the full schedule of games, so supporters know where their national teams are heading on particular days and what time they will play."
- A beginner's guide to the World Cup 2018 - The Guardian.
- Abramovich hands ‘stewardship & care of Chelsea’ to charitable foundation - "Roman Abramovich has passed the stewardship of Chelsea to the trustees of the club’s charitable foundation. The Russian, who bought the club in 2003, remains the owner but has relinquished the running of Chelsea after a call in parliament for him to be sanctioned following the invasion of Ukraine."
- Africa’s World Cup: how a continent that usually underperforms finally got it right - "How a continent of over a billion finally got the World Cup right. Against the backdrop of a tournament that seems increasingly defined by global politics and corporations, African countries have provided passion at Qatar 2022 and delivered plenty of pride for their nations."
- All FIFA World Cup Hosts (1930-2026) - "The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the tournament. Of the 23 editions, 11 have been hosted in Europe, 5 in South America, 4 in North America, and 3 in Asia and Africa combined. Oceania has never hosted the tournament."
- Assist (football) - in association football, an assist is a contribution by a player which helps to score a goal.
- Association football - Wikipedia.
- Ballon d'Or - (1956–2009). Often referred to as the European Footballer of the Year award, was an annual association football award. It was presented to the player who had been voted to have performed the best over the previous year.
- Ban on Beer Is Latest Flash Point in World Cup Culture Clash - "Qatar’s about-face on alcohol signaled that FIFA, soccer’s governing body, may no longer be in full control of its showcase championship."
- Bitter Scottish fans join Italians & Danes to accuse Raheem Sterling of DIVING to win penalty that put England into Euro final - "Some Scottish and Danish fans are accusing England of cheating their way into the Euro 2020 final and say Raheem Sterling took a dive to secure the crucial penalty that secured England's win over Denmark."
- Brazil bets on 'smart vests' for World Cup glory - "Player tracking technology has helped the Brazilian football team gather years of data on its stars in the run up to the 2026 World Cup."
- Can money buy football success? - "Do countries that have a well-oiled, competitive and high-value domestic league have better national teams? The data visualises market value on the left, compared to a country's FIFA points. Highlighted countries show some interesting stories that prove that having good football investment in top leagues doesn't necessarily mean a strong national team."
- CONMEBOL - the South American Football Confederation the continental governing body of association football in South America and it is one of FIFA's six continental confederations.
- Could you have saved the shots that shaped soccer penalty history? - "CNN has selected five landmark penalties from soccer history, which made a significant impact on the Beautiful Game and shaped how players take spot-kicks today."
- Cristiano Ronaldo - Wikipedia.
- Cristiano Ronaldo Collaborates With Jacob & Co. On $145,000 Watch - "The new watches are offered in two versions: the Jacob & Co CR7 Epic X 'Flight of CR&' and 'Heart of CR7.' The watches are highly personalized versions of Jacob & Co.’s well-known Epic X series with bold X-shaped lugs, diamond-set angled bezel on the 44mm case and a colored inner flange. Most importantly, the watch is the perfect venue for customizing it to honor Ronaldo thanks to the two distinctive vertical bridges that are visible on what would be the dial side of the watch (if it had a dial)."
- Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy age with strict diet & state-of-the-art technology - "The five-time Ballon d'Or winner may have now turned 37, but Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy his age with a strict lifestyle and even uses futuristic technology. Cristiano Ronaldo has now turned 37, but continues to have the body and the athleticism of someone half his age."
- Cristiano Ronaldo first player to score in six World Cups - "Cristiano Ronaldo had a simple but strong message as the final whistle sounded after Portugal’s big win at the World Cup on Tuesday. 'I’m back,' he said directly into the television camera. 'I’m back.' Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments by getting two goals in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan"
- Cristiano Ronaldo makes history at Euro 2020 as Portugal beats Hungary - "Cristiano Ronaldo became the greatest goalscorer in the history of the European Championship finals after netting a brace in Portugal's 3-0 win against Hungary on Tuesday."
- Cristiano Ronaldo scores landmark 100th international goal for Portugal - "Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th international goal on Tuesday, becoming just the second man in history to reach the milestone."
- Cristiano Ronaldo shoots to top of Instagram rich list - "Portugal footballer can command as much as $1.6m to endorse a product on social media."
- Danish defender scores 'miraculous' goal - "Defender scores 'miraculous' scissor kick after his bicycle kick rebounds off crossbar. The Puskas Award is handed out by FIFA, world football's governing body, at the end of every calendar year for the best goal in the global game. And we might have just found 2020's winner. Nicolai Geertsen, playing for Danish side Lyngby BK, first sweetly struck a bicycle kick from a corner, only for his effort to ricochet off the crossbar."
- David Beckham knighted by King Charles at Windsor Castle - "The former England soccer captain accepted the knighthood for his services to sport and charity on Tuesday at a ceremony at Windsor Castle, where Japanese-British author and screenwriter Kazuo Ishiguro, and West End and Broadway star Elaine Paige also received honors."
- Deloitte Football Money League - since 1998. "We profile the highest revenue generating clubs in world football." Ranking of football clubs by revenue generated from football operations. It is produced annually by the accountancy firm Deloitte and released in early February of each year, describing the season most recently finished.
- Diario AS - Spanish daily sports newspaper, concentrating particularly on football.
- Diego Maradona: Obituary - Argentina's flawed football icon - "Dazzling, infamous, extraordinary, genius, outrageous. Diego Maradona. A flawed football icon."
- Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand Of God’ Jersey Sells For Record-Breaking $9.3 Million Amid Controversy - "A soccer jersey its sellers said was worn by Diego Maradona when he scored his notorious 'Hand of God' goal during the 1986 World Cup quarter final match sold for $9.3 million Wednesday, the highest price yet fetched by a piece of sports memorabilia at auction, despite claims by Maradona’s family that the jersey isn’t authentic and a reported attempt by Argentina’s soccer association to have it returned to Maradona’s home country."
- Does heading the ball cause dementia? - "Why sports stars who head the ball are much more likely to die of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and motor neurone disease. Professional soccer players and American football stars are at much greater risk of developing dementia. What can we do to help them?"
- Donald Trump asked FIFA chief to review US star Balogun’s red card, source says - "FIFA stunned the soccer world by allowing the USA’s Folarin Balogun to play on Monday. Trump’s role is under the microscope."
- Donald Trump’s red card call stirs political storm around World Cup - "The subsequent drama raises concerns about political interference and the integrity of the tournament"
- Erling Haaland continues to shatter Premier League records - "Most of the time, records are broken by small margins, shaved down over years into a new benchmark somewhat similar to the previous one. But this is not the case for records belonging to Erling Haaland who has spent this season obliterating them beyond any recognizable shape. By scoring during Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Southampton on Saturday, Haaland shattered yet another record, becoming the fastest player to score 15 English Premier League goals."
- Erling Haaland could end up with 260 international goals - "Erling Haaland stood on the pitch in Dallas, a goofy grin across his face and a Viking helmet atop his head at a jaunty angle. He was drinking it all in. Erling Haaland delivers on the biggest stage yet for Norway - but just how many goals could he end up with in international football?"
- Erling Haaland: Hundreds of Peruvian newborns named after Norway striker Haaland - "Peru's national identity registry reported 468 babies with the surname 'Haaland' and 91 registered with the full name 'Erling Haaland.' The surge followed Norway's historic run to its first-ever World Cup quarter-final, with Haaland scoring seven goals in four matches, including a brace against Brazil."
- Erling Haaland: Why everyone loves Erling Haaland, Norway’s giant blonde striker - "After Spain edged past Belgium in dramatic fashion yesterday, we have not one but two quarterfinal matches today."
- Erling Haaland’s outrageous goal shatters more records & draws comparisons to Messi & Ronaldo - "Each year, the English Premier League emerges like a complicated piece of music - filled with interdependent independent rhythms and melodies weaving in and out of each other. And this season, Erling Haaland has provided a counterpoint to the traditional rhythms of the league, scoring goals with metronomic consistency, but like a metronome bent out of shape, setting a new pace for everyone else to follow."
- Explainer: how will the new European Super League work? - "Questions and answers on plans unveiled by 12 leading European clubs to launch a breakaway midweek league."
- FANHOUSE - AOL Sports.
- Fastest World Cup to 100 goals in 68 years - are balls and breaks behind it? - "The 2026 World Cup becomes the fastest edition of the tournament to hit 100 goals since 1958 - with the landmark reached in the 33rd game."
- FIFA | FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION - since 1904. The international governing body of association football, futsal and beach soccer.
- FIFI AWARDS - annual event sponsored by The Fragrance Foundation which honor the fragrance industry's creative achievements. Known as the "Oscars of the fragrance industry", the awards ceremony was conceived by the former president of The Fragrance Foundation, Annette Green. The event has been held annually in New York City since 1973.
- FIFA Ballon d'Or - since 2010. Association football award given annually to the male player who is considered to have performed the best in the previous year. It is awarded based on votes by coaches and captains of international teams, as well as journalists from around the world.
- FIFA boss launches explosive tirade against Western 'hypocrisy' on eve of World Cup - "Infantino, the boss of world soccer’s governing body, looked on glumly as he addressed hundreds of journalists in Doha, Qatar, Saturday. Europe should apologize for 'next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons,' he said on eve of the controversial World Cup in Qatar."
- FIFA confirms Gianni Infantino to stand for re-election as president - "A FIFA spokesperson tells Sky News: 'The FIFA President announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election.'"
- Fifa criticises campaign to oust president Infantino - "Fifa strongly criticises what it calls a 'concerted and ongoing effort' to 'undermine' the organisation and its president Gianni Infantino."
- FIFA Peace Prize: What is the FIFA Peace Prize & why did Donald Trump win? - "World soccer’s governing body announced in November that this year would see the introduction of the FIFA Peace Prize - a new annual accolade given to someone who FIFA says has taken 'exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world'. It was a surprise to no one that US President Donald Trump received the inaugural prize on stage before the draw took place."
- FIFA rebuffs Zelensky’s request to share message of peace at World Cup final - "A request by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to share a message of world peace prior to kickoff at the World Cup final on Sunday has been rebuffed by FIFA, a source told CNN. The source said Zelensky’s office is offering to appear in a video link to fans in the stadium in Qatar, ahead of the game and was surprised by the negative response. It’s unclear if Zelensky’s message would be live, or taped."
- FIFA scraps controversial World Cup investment plan - "Fifa president Gianni Infantino says he has scrapped the controversial plan to sell off stakes in the governing body's competitions to private investors following widespread opposition."
- FIFA World Cup Draw: Everything you need to know - "The FIFA men’s World Cup is only played once every four years, and it is arguably the most eagerly anticipated event in all of sports. An expanded 48-team competition, up from 32, will be different to anything we’ve ever seen before and since the group stage draw is now upon us. Of the 48 teams involved, 42 have secured their place in the tournament."
- Infantino apologizes for ‘mistakes’ but retains FIFA’s backing at crisis meeting - "The declaration of support for the embattled leader followed a crisis meeting held with senior officials from the world soccer governing body in Morocco."
- Gianni Infantino: Opponents plan to ‘paralyse Fifa’ to force resignation - "Gianni Infantino's opponents are preparing a 'governance boycott' of FIFA and weighing legal action in an effort to force the governing body's president to resign following the collapse of his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE) venture."
- Politicians, private jets & power - the life of a Fifa president - "Gianni Infantino stepped off a plane in Cali and was greeted on the runway by the president of the Colombian Football Federation."
- World Cup meets Wall Street? What to know about FIFA’s proposed World Cup rights selloff - "The world soccer governing body announced plans Tuesday to set up a separate entity - which would include private investors - that would have control of the commercial and operational rights of one of the globe’s biggest sporting events."
- Football Leaks - since 2015. Website that reveals transfer fees, wages and contract information about famous footballers. The website has been described as the football version of WikiLeaks.
- FOOTBALL SCORES
- FOUR FOUR TWO - the shamelessly passionate football site. Latest football news, blogs & forums.
- Gianni Infantino: Opponents plan to ‘paralyse Fifa’ to force resignation - "Gianni Infantino's opponents are preparing a 'governance boycott' of FIFA and weighing legal action in an effort to force the governing body's president to resign following the collapse of his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE) venture."
- GOAL.COM - "Football News, Football Scores, Football Transfers, Transfer News, Transfer Rumours, Premier League News."
- Goalkeeper scores from a goal kick - it could set the record for the longest range goal in history - "Argentine goalkeeper Leandro Requena scored one of the most outrageous goals you are ever likely to see during his Cobresal side’s 3-1 win over Colo-Colo in Chile’s top soccer league. With his team already leading 2-0 in the 77th minute, Requena took what initially looked like a fairly innocuous goal kick. However, with Colo-Colo goalkeeper Brayan Cortés well outside of his penalty area, the ball bounced over his head and towards goal."
- Handcuffs, pitch invasions & fame: life as PelÉ's bodyguard in the 70s - The Guardian.
- HervÉ Renard’s fairytale journey from Cambridge to World Cup mastermind - "Saudi Arabia’s swashbuckling upset of Argentina was overseen by a coach whose bravery brought unthinkable rewards."
- Highest-Earning Football Clubs in 2025, ranked - "Real Madrid became the first football club to generate more than €1 billion in annual revenue, reaching €1.16 billion in 2024/25. England dominates the rankings with eight Premier League clubs in the top 20, including six of the top 10. The top five clubs generated nearly €4.7 billion combined, highlighting how revenue is concentrated among football’s global elite."
- Hooliganism - disruptive or unlawful behavior such as rioting, bullying, and vandalism, usually in connection with crowds at sporting events.
- How extreme heat could disrupt the 2026 World Cup & what fans can do about it - "With the World Cup draw set to take place in Washington DC this Friday, fans and businesses have been warned that extreme heat, bad weather and poor air quality could cost them."
- How has holding a World Cup changed the way the world sees Qatar? - "For Qataris, as well as putting on a well-organized tournament, the World Cup was an opportunity to expose the world to their culture, displaying everything from their architecture to their hospitality. But being in the spotlight also brings scrutiny and much of the coverage, particularly in the western world, has centered around the Qatari government’s human rights record, from the deaths and conditions endured by migrant workers to LGBTQ and women’s rights."
- How the world reacted to 'the best World Cup final ever' - "This World Cup final was a game that seemed to defy comprehension, conventions and any attempt to describe it. How could anything capture the sound in the stadium when Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy? Or the calmness with which Kylian Mbappé slotted a penalty to equalize in extra time? It was - as the world seemed to settle on in an attempt to sum it all up - simply the greatest final ever."
- HOW TO WATCH THE 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP - Wired.
- In pictures: Soccer legend Diego Maradona - "Diego Maradona dies after suffering heart failure."
- Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s $25m Private Jet - "The first one to arrive at training and the last one to leave, Cristiano Ronaldo always goes the extra mile to keep on top of his game. This mentality translates across the superstar’s life. As the footballer continues to break records during the Euro 2020 tournament, we thought we’d take a look at the private jet he flies."
- Let’s call out the Qatar World Cup for what it really is - "In Qatar, journalists are thrown in jail for investigating migrant worker conditions. LGBTQ+ people are treated as criminals. Women need to ask men permission to marry, travel and study abroad in many cases."
- Lina Hurtig considers VAR penalty tattoo if Sweden win World Cup - "Sweden’s Lina Hurtig might immortalise her shootout-winning penalty against the United States with a tattoo, but only if her country wins the World Cup."
- Lionel Messi - Wikipedia.
- Lionel Messi & Argentina sent the World Cup into a state of sporting nirvana - "Often in life, moments pass us by without even the tiniest handhold to latch onto. Before we know it, they’re gone, and we’re left wishing we’d savored them just a little bit more. For the overwhelming majority of the more than 68,000 fans at Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, that moment came when Lautaro Martínez slowed down on the right wing of Argentina’s attack, sized up the scene in front of him and hit a cross."
- Lionel Messi Is the Highest-Paid Soccer Player in the World - "Here's How He Makes and Spends His Millions."
- Lionel Messi makes history as the World Cup’s all-time top scorer - "A goal against Austria was Messi's 17th World Cup goal, a new record."
- Lionel Messi scores 643rd goal for Barcelona to equal Pele's record of goals for a single club - "Lionel Messi equaled Brazil legend Pele's record of 643 goals for a single club after scoring in Barcelona's 2-2 draw against Valencia on Saturday."
- Lionel Messi's life in pictures - "Messi is widely considered to be one of the sport's greatest players, and for many he is at the top of the list. He is Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer, and at club level he is the all-time leading scorer for FC Barcelona and the Spanish soccer league La Liga. Messi has won the Ballon d'Or trophy, given annually to the sport's top player, a record seven times. He has also won four Champions League titles with Barcelona. He now plays professionally in France with Paris Saint-Germain."
- LIST OF ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUBS - Wikipedia.
- MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER - the top-flight professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by United States Soccer Federation.
- Manchester United takeover eyed by tech giants Apple in bid to make them world's richest club - "Apple are lining up a potential swoop to buy Manchester United after the club's owners put the Red Devils up for sale with the technology firm keen to agree a deal. However, Apple has no experience of owning a football club the size of United, although CEO Tim Cook is keen to explore the opportunities owning United could provide. He will line up talks with the banks appointed to oversee the sale, which include The Raine Group."
- MbappÉ saga shows football’s power lies with players, not clubs - "Mbappé staying in Paris has angered Real Madrid and La Liga but PSG argue the eye-watering numbers add up in their favour."
- Multicultural final of Euro 2024 stands against murky history of Berlin stage - "Olympiastadion was built on Adolf Hitler’s orders but remains as part of pledge to confront Germany’s history."
- Newcastle United's takeover by Saudi Arabian-backed consortium agreed - "The three-party consortium includes the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), venture capital and private equity company PCP Capital Partners, and RB Sports and Media. There has been much controversy about PIF's involvement in the takeover, but the consortium was apparently able to successfully demonstrate that Saudi Arabia would not have control of the club and could therefore pass the Premier League's owners' and directors' test."
- Neymar Flies from Paris to Riyadh in a Boeing 747BBJ - "Saudi Prince Prince Alwaleed bin Talal sent a Boeing 747BBJ to Paris to pick up the new signing for Al Hilal, Neymar, who has left PSG and flew to Riyadh earlier today."
- Offshore cash & huge loans: leak reveals how Roman Abramovich funded Chelsea’s success - "Network of companies used to route fortune made from the oil fields of Siberia into Stamford Bridge."
- PELÉ - (23 October 1940 - 29 December 2022). Wikipedia.
- PelÉ: a life in pictures - "Here is Pelé’s remarkable life in pictures - on and off the field - from his childhood in Brazil to World Cup glory."
- PelÉ is depressed and has become a recluse, says his son in interview - "Edinho says Brazil legend is ‘embarrassed’ by his failing health. Pelé, who turns 80 in October, requires frame to walk."
- Playoffs - Wikipedia.
- Police in Qatar instructed not to treat women as criminals if they report rape - "FIFA security officials instruct police in Qatar not to treat women as criminals if they claim to be victims of rape or sexual assault. Officers also told that pregnant women should ‘not face any accusations’."
- PREMIER LEAGUE
- Qatar World Cup criticised for ‘problematic’ carbon footprint promises - "Carbon Market Watch says emissions likely underreported. Organisers have claimed that the 32-team showpiece will be the first “carbon neutral” World Cup, meaning any emissions would be limited and offset."
- Roligan - nickname for a supporter of the Danish national football team. "Roligans" are noted for being the opposite of ultras, i.e. calm, quiet, well-mannered supporters of their team which shuns unsportsmanlike behavior or violence. This behavior is the exact opposite of that exhibited by hooligans. The term roligan is a pun based on the word rolig which means "calm" in Danish.
- Russia 2018 World Cup: the complete guide to all the stadiums - The Guardian.
- Saudi Arabia is set to be announced as the 2034 World Cup host - "Human rights groups warn of ‘unimaginable human cost’. Global soccer governing body FIFA is set to meet on Wednesday to announce the hosts for the next two men’s World Cups. However, the outcome will be no surprise."
- Saudi Arabia's victory over Argentina greatest upset in World Cup history - "Argentina has won the World Cup twice - in 1978 and 1986 - but at Qatar 2022 La Albiceleste wrote its name into the history books in an altogether different way. According to sports data group Gracenote, Argentina’s 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia in their Group C match is the biggest upset in World Cup history."
- SOCCER - Wikipedia.
- The Football Rich List - the managers.
- The World’s Most Valuable Soccer Teams 2019 - "Real Madrid Is Back On Top, At $4.24 Billion."
- TRANSFER WINDOW - Wikipedia.
- UEFA | UNION OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS - since 1954. The governing body of football in Europe and one of FIFA's six continental confederations for association football consisting of 55 national associations. It runs national and club competitions for men and women, such as the Champions League, the Women's Champions League, the European Championship and the Women's European Championship as well as the Nations League.
- United States Soccer Federation - since 1913. The official governing body of the sport of soccer in the United States.
- video assistant referee (VAR) - football assistant referee who reviews decisions made by the head referee with the use of video footage and a headset for communication. In 2018 VARs were written into the Laws of the Game by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) following trials in a number of major competitions.
- Visualizing Every FIFA World Cup Champion (1930–2022) - "Only eight countries have won the FIFA Men’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1930. Brazil leads all nations with five titles, followed by Germany and Italy with four each. Europe and South America have exclusively produced every World Cup champion, a trend that remains intact heading into 2026."
- Was the World Cup worth it? - "It was beautiful. It was fun. It was unifying. But was the World Cup worth it for the United States? That question is typically answered in financial terms: Add up the economic benefit the games generated and subtract the amount spent to put the games on; if the number is positive, then the games were worthwhile. If it’s negative, they weren’t. By that measure, the World Cup was almost certainly a bust."
- WEMBLEY STADIUM - Wembley Park, in the Borough of Brent, London, England.
- What Is VAR? Soccer's Video Review Is Making a Mess of the Women's World Cup - "VAR - soccer's version of video review - has been the deciding factor in too many Women's World Cup games, upsetting players and fans alike."
- What would a green World Cup look like? - "What would it take to really make the World Cup, and other sports mega-events, a genuine part of a low-carbon world?"
- Why everyone is suddenly wearing soccer jerseys - "Every day is soccer jersey day. Many of these proliferating jerseys are not meant to be replicas of the game gear worn by favorite athletes. Instead, their designs either nod to official team jerseys or do something else entirely."
- Why These New Yorkers’ Favorite Soccer Team Is in Denmark: They Own It - "A year and a half ago, a group of roughly 140 people, many of them New Yorkers, pooled some cash to buy a struggling Danish soccer team called Akademisk Boldklub, also known as A.B. The club plays in an unassuming suburb of Copenhagen called Gladsaxe and only draws a couple hundred fans to its games."
- Wondered why there are so many pink cleats at the World Cup? You’re not alone - "The US, Canada and Mexico have inadvertently played host to the Fuschia World Cup this summer, as varying shades of bright pink have adorned scores of cleats across the opening round of fixtures."
- World Cup 2018 stadiums from the air - in pictures - The Guardian.
- World Cup 2022 draw: Everything you need to know - "The draw for an unprecedented FIFA World Cup takes place Friday as teams discover their fates for the first winter edition of football's flagship event, in Qatar this December."
- World Cup final 2022: Argentina win thriller against France - in pictures - "The best images from an utterly incredible match in Qatar as Lionel Messi finally won the biggest prize in football."
- World Cup Tourists Are Giving Americans Exactly What We Crave - "TikTok de Tocqueville have descended on our Walmarts, Buc-ees and Bass Pro Shops. The videos also help flip a well-known script. Rather than the American going to Rome for high culture and ancient wonders, here we see the Europeans come to our turf, admiring things we take for granted as banal. In 'Travels in Hyperreality,' Umberto Eco wrote his own travelogue of the American uncanny: 'In America you don’t say, ‘Give me another coffee’; you ask for ‘More coffee’; you don’t say that Cigarette A is longer than Cigarette B, but that there’s ‘more’ of it, more than you’re used to having, more than you might want, leaving a surplus to throw away - that’s prosperity.' We are in the land of more."
- Xi Jinping wanted China to be a global soccer power. What went wrong? - "In 2011, around a year before becoming the country’s leader, Xi Jinping outlined a vision to turn China from a footballing minnow to a soccer superpower. He set his sights on the sport’s highest prize of all and outlined a three stage plan for the men’s national team: to qualify for another World Cup, to host a World Cup and to win a World Cup."
- Your Ultimate Guide to Watching the 2018 World Cup - TIME Magazine.
Professional Clubs
 - List of association football clubs - Wikipedia.
- Manchester United takeover eyed by tech giants Apple in bid to make them world's richest club - "Apple are lining up a potential swoop to buy Manchester United after the club's owners put the Red Devils up for sale with the technology firm keen to agree a deal. However, Apple has no experience of owning a football club the size of United, although CEO Tim Cook is keen to explore the opportunities owning United could provide. He will line up talks with the banks appointed to oversee the sale, which include The Raine Group."
- Ranked: The Highest-Earning Football Clubs in 2025 - "Real Madrid became the first football club to generate more than €1 billion in annual revenue, reaching €1.16 billion in 2024/25. England dominates the rankings with eight Premier League clubs in the top 20, including six of the top 10. The top five clubs generated nearly €4.7 billion combined, highlighting how revenue is concentrated among football’s global elite."
Top 8 Professional Clubs
- A.C. Milan - founded in 1899.
- Borussia Dortmund - founded in 1909.
- Chelsea F.C. - founded in 1905.
- FC Barcelona - founded in 1899.
- FC Bayern Munich - founded in 1900.
- Manchester United F.C. - founded in 1878.
- Paris Saint-Germain F.C. - founded in 1970.
- Real Madrid C.F. - founded in 1902.
Soccer Equipment
- soccer.com - since 1994. "Soccer Cleats and Shoes, Soccer Jerseys, Soccer Balls, Goalkeeping, Shin Guards, Socks."
- WILSON - since 1914. "Creating a Better World Through Sport." Founded in 1914 in Chicago, Illinois, Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is a leading manufacturer of high-performance sports equipment, apparel, footwear, and accessories. The Wilson Sporting Goods portfolio is made up of the iconic Wilson brand, as well as ATEC, DeMarini, EvoShield, and Louisville Slugger, and an exclusive distributor agreement with Luxilon.
Soccer Events News & Resources
- 10 of the World Cup's most striking images - as historic artworks - "As the 2026 World Cup draws to a close, the BBC rounds up some of the most stunning photos captured from the tournament - and reveals their similarities to classic works of art."
- 2026 World Cup schedule: See where, when & who your team plays - "Following the conclusion of the final FIFA playoff results, soccer fans now know which group their country will play in for the opening stages of the 2026 World Cup. FIFA has released the full schedule of games, so supporters know where their national teams are heading on particular days and what time they will play."
- All FIFA World Cup Hosts (1930-2026) - "The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the tournament. Of the 23 editions, 11 have been hosted in Europe, 5 in South America, 4 in North America, and 3 in Asia and Africa combined. Oceania has never hosted the tournament."
- Ban on Beer Is Latest Flash Point in World Cup Culture Clash - "Qatar’s about-face on alcohol signaled that FIFA, soccer’s governing body, may no longer be in full control of its showcase championship."
- Cristiano Ronaldo first player to score in six World Cups - "Cristiano Ronaldo had a simple but strong message as the final whistle sounded after Portugal’s big win at the World Cup on Tuesday. 'I’m back,' he said directly into the television camera. 'I’m back.' Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments by getting two goals in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan"
- Euro 2020 postponed until next summer - "Euro 2020 has been postponed by one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. European football's governing body made the decision during an emergency video conference involving major stakeholders on Tuesday."
- Everything you need to know about how to buy 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets - "The tournament is the first ever World Cup to be played in three different countries, with the US, Canada and Mexico all hosting games, and will also be the largest edition ever, with 48 teams competing to lift the famous trophy. Here’s everything you need to know about how to snap up tickets for the tournament."
- Fastest World Cup to 100 goals in 68 years - are balls and breaks behind it? - "The 2026 World Cup becomes the fastest edition of the tournament to hit 100 goals since 1958 - with the landmark reached in the 33rd game."
- FIFA boss launches explosive tirade against Western 'hypocrisy' on eve of World Cup - "Infantino, the boss of world soccer’s governing body, looked on glumly as he addressed hundreds of journalists in Doha, Qatar, Saturday. Europe should apologize for 'next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons,' he said on eve of the controversial World Cup in Qatar."
- FIFA slashes price of some World Cup tickets to $60 after global fan backlash - "FIFA slashed the price of some World Cup tickets for teams’ most loyal fans following a global backlash and some will get $60 seats for the final instead of being asked to pay $4,185."
- Gianni Infantino: Opponents plan to ‘paralyse Fifa’ to force resignation - "Gianni Infantino's opponents are preparing a 'governance boycott' of FIFA and weighing legal action in an effort to force the governing body's president to resign following the collapse of his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE) venture."
- HervÉ Renard’s fairytale journey from Cambridge to World Cup mastermind - "Saudi Arabia’s swashbuckling upset of Argentina was overseen by a coach whose bravery brought unthinkable rewards."
- Let’s call out the Qatar World Cup for what it really is - "In Qatar, journalists are thrown in jail for investigating migrant worker conditions. LGBTQ+ people are treated as criminals. Women need to ask men permission to marry, travel and study abroad in many cases."
- List of FIFA World Cup finals - Wikipedia.
- Louis Vuitton unveils a bespoke trophy trunk for the FIFA World Cup 2026 - "The Louis Vuitton World Cup trunk features two front panels hand-painted with a golden 'V' representing both 'Victory' and 'Vuitton.'"
- Multicultural final of Euro 2024 stands against murky history of Berlin stage - "Olympiastadion was built on Adolf Hitler’s orders but remains as part of pledge to confront Germany’s history."
- Qatar World Cup: watch Danish TV reporter forced off air - "TV 2 Denmark's Rasmus Tantholdt was reporting on the World Cup when he was approached. The journalist said security threatened to break his camera."
- Saudi Arabia is set to be announced as the 2034 World Cup host - "Human rights groups warn of ‘unimaginable human cost’. Global soccer governing body FIFA is set to meet on Wednesday to announce the hosts for the next two men’s World Cups. However, the outcome will be no surprise."
- Saudi Arabia's victory over Argentina greatest upset in World Cup history - "Argentina has won the World Cup twice - in 1978 and 1986 - but at Qatar 2022 La Albiceleste wrote its name into the history books in an altogether different way. According to sports data group Gracenote, Argentina’s 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia in their Group C match is the biggest upset in World Cup history."
- What would a green World Cup look like? - "What would it take to really make the World Cup, and other sports mega-events, a genuine part of a low-carbon world?"
- World Cup 2018 stadiums from the air - in pictures - The Guardian.
- World Cup 2022: complete guide to all 831 players - "Everything you need to know (and more) about every squad member in Qatar. Click on the player pictures for a full profile."
- World Cup 2022: When is it taking place & why is Qatar hosting? - "The last two spots in football's 2022 World Cup finals will be decided this week when the intercontinental play-offs are held in Doha, Qatar."
- World Cup final 2022: Argentina win thriller against France - in pictures - "The best images from an utterly incredible match in Qatar as Lionel Messi finally won the biggest prize in football."
- Your Ultimate Guide to Watching the 2018 World Cup - TIME Magazine.
2026 23rd FIFA World Cup
 - 2026 23rd FIFA World Cup - founded in 1930. "The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries; the main host country of matches is the United States, while Canada and Mexico will be the auxiliary hosts. The tournament will be the first to be hosted by three nations."
- 2026 World Cup schedule: See where, when & who your team plays - "Following the conclusion of the final FIFA playoff results, soccer fans now know which group their country will play in for the opening stages of the 2026 World Cup. FIFA has released the full schedule of games, so supporters know where their national teams are heading on particular days and what time they will play."
- Matches today | FIFA World Cup 2026 - "Visit FIFA.com to follow FIFA World Cup 2026 with live scores, results and upcoming fixtures."
- 5 things to know - "1. Ticket prices - 2. Iran’s participation - 3. Safety concerns - 4. Debutants - 5. Players to watch."
- $11k World Cup final ticket - what we learned from first open sale - "The first open sale of tickets for the 2026 World Cup showed Fifa is charging up to $10,990 to be at the final."
- 27 flights, 24 matches: How Fifa's president is jetting around World Cup - "Fifa president Gianni Infantino has attended 24 matches in just over two weeks all across North America at this summer's World Cup, clocking up thousands of air miles."
- A sneak peek inside Mexico’s iconic Azteca Stadium before World Cup kickoff - "After years undergoing extensive renovations, Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium is ready to kick off the World Cup on Thursday. The BBC's Will Grant got access inside the massive arena ahead of the first game of the tournament."
- Brazil bets on 'smart vests' for World Cup glory - "Player tracking technology has helped the Brazilian football team gather years of data on its stars in the run up to the 2026 World Cup."
- Countries Have Been Banned from the World Cup?, mapped - "See every country banned from the FIFA World Cup, why they were suspended, and which nations are currently barred from the 2026 tournament. At least 13 countries have been suspended or banned from FIFA competitions in ways that prevented them from participating in a World Cup tournament or qualification campaign. Most World Cup bans have resulted from three causes: armed conflict and international sanctions, government interference in national football associations, or serious sporting violations. Russia is the only country currently barred from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending its suspension to a second consecutive World Cup cycle."
- Donald Trump asked FIFA chief to review US star Balogun’s red card, source says - "FIFA stunned the soccer world by allowing the USA’s Folarin Balogun to play on Monday. Trump’s role is under the microscope."
- Donald Trump’s red card call stirs political storm around World Cup - "The subsequent drama raises concerns about political interference and the integrity of the tournament"
- Everything you need to know about how to buy 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets - "The tournament is the first ever World Cup to be played in three different countries, with the US, Canada and Mexico all hosting games, and will also be the largest edition ever, with 48 teams competing to lift the famous trophy. Here’s everything you need to know about how to snap up tickets for the tournament."
- Everything you need to know about the World Cup final - "Now, after 102 matches, we know which two teams will battle it out in Sunday’s final. It’s Spain vs. Argentina; Lamine Yamal vs. Lionel Messi. The Main Thing: Polarizing styles set to clash in the World Cup final"
- Fastest World Cup to 100 goals in 68 years - are balls and breaks behind it? - "The 2026 World Cup becomes the fastest edition of the tournament to hit 100 goals since 1958 - with the landmark reached in the 33rd game."
- FIFA slashes price of some World Cup tickets to $60 after global fan backlash - "FIFA slashed the price of some World Cup tickets for teams’ most loyal fans following a global backlash and some will get $60 seats for the final instead of being asked to pay $4,185."
- FIFA World Cup Draw: Everything you need to know - "The FIFA men’s World Cup is only played once every four years, and it is arguably the most eagerly anticipated event in all of sports. An expanded 48-team competition, up from 32, will be different to anything we’ve ever seen before and since the group stage draw is now upon us. Of the 48 teams involved, 42 have secured their place in the tournament."
- Fifa World Cup team guide - "For the first time, 48 teams will compete for the trophy, with matches spread across Canada, Mexico and the United States."
- Here are the groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup - "The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has wrapped and we now know all of the groups for arguably the biggest sporting event on the planet. Will pre-tournament favorite Spain win its second ever World Cup? How far will Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi go in what is likely their final time on international soccer’s biggest stage?"
- How could extreme weather affect World Cup 2026? - "With just a month to go until the biggest football tournament in the world begins, attention is turning not just to the teams and venues, but to the weather."
- How extreme heat could disrupt the 2026 World Cup & what fans can do about it - "With the World Cup draw set to take place in Washington DC this Friday, fans and businesses have been warned that extreme heat, bad weather and poor air quality could cost them."
- How Lionel Messi & Argentina sent the World Cup into a state of sporting nirvana - "Often in life, moments pass us by without even the tiniest handhold to latch onto. Before we know it, they’re gone, and we’re left wishing we’d savored them just a little bit more. For the overwhelming majority of the more than 68,000 fans at Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, that moment came when Lautaro Martínez slowed down on the right wing of Argentina’s attack, sized up the scene in front of him and hit a cross."
- How much does it really cost to attend the World Cup? Fans reveal their budgets - "Record-setting ticket prices shut many football fans out of this year's tournament. We asked four groups who actually made the trip what the experience was like."
- How the Superwealthy Sidestep the Masses to Get to the World Cup - "The skies above the Hamptons are packed with choppers headed to games, as 'inequality is taking it right in the face.'"
- Incredible images from the World Cup's opening week - "World Cup 2026 is well under way, creating moments of joy and heartache for players and fans as teams from around the world compete for football's biggest prize."
- Incredible images from World Cup 2026 - "Moments that stunned, shocked and melted hearts."
- Lionel Messi makes history as the World Cup’s all-time top scorer - "A goal against Austria was Messi's 17th World Cup goal, a new record."
- Mapped: The 48 Nations Playing in FIFA World Cup 2026 - "A record 48 teams will contest the largest World Cup in history across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a record 48 teams, up from 32 in the previous tournament. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan have qualified for their first-ever World Cup appearances. Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, failed to qualify for a third consecutive tournament."
- Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber & BTS perform at colourful World Cup half-time show - "Robbie Williams and Jennifer Hudson also performed, with Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet among the celebrities in the crowds."
- See celebrations in Madrid - "Spain fans filled the streets to celebrate the country’s second World Cup title after the team beat Argentina in the final."
- The financial winners & losers from the World Cup - "The amount of money world football's governing body Fifa makes from the World Cup is astronomical. It generated a record $7.6bn from Qatar 2022 and is expected to top that in US, Canada and Mexico 2026, especially with the expanded 48-team tournament. Fifa's income comes from the sale of broadcasting, licensing and hospitality rights, sponsorship deals and ticket sales."
- The winners & ‘losers’ from the World Cup draw - "Standout matchups: Mexico and South Africa will play the opening match on June 11 in Mexico City. Group I emerged as a “group of death,” featuring heavyweights France and Norway along with a competitive Senegal squad. The United States and Spain, meanwhile, drew more favorable opponents on paper."
- The World Cup of adverts: How brands are competing to entertain, not simply sell - "Kim Kardashian, Timothée Chalamet and Susan Boyle feature in ambitious ads ahead of the World Cup."
- There’s one month until World Cup 2026 kicks off. Here are 5 things to know - "1. Ticket prices - 2. Iran’s participation - 3. Safety concerns - 4. Debutants - 5. Players to watch."
- Trump presents medals to Spain - "US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Spain's players with their winners' medals and handed over the World Cup trophy following their victory over Argentina."
- Trump will present the World Cup trophy. It could be VERY awkward - "No matter who is in the final World Cup match, there could be some awkwardness in New Jersey on July 19 when US President Donald Trump presents the trophy. Trump has made war on one country in the tournament and verbal war on many others. He has insulted the people or its leaders of multiple others."
- Was the World Cup worth it? - "It was beautiful. It was fun. It was unifying. But was the World Cup worth it for the United States? That question is typically answered in financial terms: Add up the economic benefit the games generated and subtract the amount spent to put the games on; if the number is positive, then the games were worthwhile. If it’s negative, they weren’t. By that measure, the World Cup was almost certainly a bust."
- What You Need to Know About the 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show - "For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup final will feature a star-studded halftime show. In what is being compared to a Super Bowl spectacular, the performances are set to be broadcast live to millions of soccer fans."
- Who are the World Cup favorites? - "Only eight countries in history have ever won the Beautiful Game’s most coveted trophy. With a week to go before the World Cup begins, six national teams top analysts’ lists and the betting markets: Spain, France, Argentina, England, Portugal and Brazil."
- Who Supplies Every FIFA World Cup 2026 Kit? - "Adidas outfits the most teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (14), followed by Nike (12) and Puma (11). The three sportswear giants supply kits for 37 of the tournament’s 48 nations, accounting for more than three-quarters of the field. Ten other manufacturers split the remaining 11 teams, with Kelme the only smaller brand supplying more than one nation."
- Why are World Cup underdogs doing so well? - "This 48-team World Cup has produced some intriguing match-ups and several impressive performances by lower-ranked sides against the world's top teams."
- Why soccer fans are ‘astonished’ by the ‘extortionate’ ticket prices for next year’s World Cup - "After the latest phase of ticket sales was launched this week, doing so might cost them more than they had expected - with a ticket for the final costing more than $4,000."
- Why Spain’s homage to 2010 & 2024 was the right ending for one of the best World Cups ever - "As the final seconds ticked down on Spain’s 1-0 extra-time win over a valiant Argentina and the referee blew his whistle, one could be forgiven for their mind once again slipping to memories of La Roja’s maiden World Cup victory."
- Why the economics make this the craziest World Cup ever - "Football World Cups are rarely completely politics-free but never has the beautiful game navigated a geopolitical high-wire act of this kind. The main host is at war with a participant, whose team must commute in on match days from another country."
- Wondered why there are so many pink cleats at the World Cup? You’re not alone - "The US, Canada and Mexico have inadvertently played host to the Fuschia World Cup this summer, as varying shades of bright pink have adorned scores of cleats across the opening round of fixtures."
- Wondering which games to watch at the World Cup? These are the 10 best group stage matches - "Remember, these are the 10 best games of the group stage, not necessarily all the notable storylines (like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo’s first matches of the tournament)."
- World Cup beginner’s guide: What you need to know for the biggest sporting event in the world - "This isn’t just a World Cup for your initiated soccer fan, this is a chance for everyone to fall in love with the world’s game. To do that, you need to understand the basics. Here are the answers to hopefully every question you’re too embarrassed to ask your soccer-loving pals."
- World Cup expected to be the biggest betting event in history - "The Fifa Men's World Cup is set to be the biggest betting event of all time, with more than $50bn in wagers placed globally. The tournament will see punters place bets worth around $500m per match, according to a forecast by financial services firm Macquarie."
- World Cup kicks off in Mexico with Shakira, dancing & protests - "Thousands of fans arrived at the legendary Azteca stadium in Mexico City with a real sense of excitement for the first World Cup on their home turf in 40 years."
- World Cup Tourists Are Giving Americans Exactly What We Crave - "TikTok de Tocqueville have descended on our Walmarts, Buc-ees and Bass Pro Shops. The videos also help flip a well-known script. Rather than the American going to Rome for high culture and ancient wonders, here we see the Europeans come to our turf, admiring things we take for granted as banal. In 'Travels in Hyperreality,' Umberto Eco wrote his own travelogue of the American uncanny: 'In America you don’t say, ‘Give me another coffee’; you ask for ‘More coffee’; you don’t say that Cigarette A is longer than Cigarette B, but that there’s ‘more’ of it, more than you’re used to having, more than you might want, leaving a surplus to throw away - that’s prosperity.' We are in the land of more."
- Your Complete Guide to the 2026 FIFA World Cup - "Taking place across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching. Arguably the most anticipated event in soccer, the tournament, which comes around every four years, will see 48 countries compete across 104 games over a five-and-a-half week period."
- AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS - since 1957.
- Copa AmÉrica - since 1916. Known as South American Championship, is an international association football competition contested by the men's national teams of the members of CONMEBOL. One of the world's most widely viewed sporting events.
- COPA DEL REY - annual cup competition for Spanish football teams.
- El ClÁsico - since 1902. The name given to any football match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
- UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - "The UEFA Champions League is the world's elite club competition. Football's premier club competition was launched one month after UEFA's first Congress, held in Vienna on 2 March 1955."
- UEFA Nations League - since 2018. Biennial international football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the member associations of UEFA, the sport's European governing body.
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