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FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is the world's biggest international team competition, bringing together the world's footballing powers. Argentina are the reigning men's champions, while Spain recently won the women's tournament.

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All Content on this topic

Youssoufa Moukoko points to the sky with one hand, and his face with the other

Youssoufa Moukoko points to the sky with one hand, and his face with the other

Youssoufa Moukoko: False age claim for Dortmund star

Moukoko was the most hyped German teen footballer. But now claims he is not so young after all have resurfaced.

Saudi Arabia fans in Riyadh celebrate the news of the 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia fans in Riyadh celebrate the news of the 2034 World Cup

2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia: What to expect

The men's football 2034 World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia. What do we know about the tournament?

The World Cup trophy at the 2026 draw for European qualifying

The World Cup trophy at the 2026 draw for European qualifying

Germany's 2026 World Cup qualifiers depend on Italy game

Germany's Nations League performance will affect their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup.

Gianni Infantino poses with the Club World Cup trophy

Gianni Infantino poses with the Club World Cup trophy

FIFA's Club World Cup TV deal: Saudis pulling strings?

Despite widespread skepticism, the Club World Cup still fetched still fetched $1 billion in TV rights. But how?

The main sign at FIFA's Zurich headquarters

The main sign at FIFA's Zurich headquarters

World Cup 2030: High emissions and human rights issues

The 2030 World Cup, being held in six nations including Spain and Portugal, is drawing fire over human rights concerns.

Sheikh Tamim, Gianni Infantino and Mohammed bin Salman im the Al-Bayt-Stadium

Sheikh Tamim, Gianni Infantino and Mohammed bin Salman im the Al-Bayt-Stadium

World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia's human rights failures ignored

Saudi Arabia will stage the 2034 men's football World Cup — despite its poor human rights and free speech record.

Gianni Infantino and Bernd Neundorf speak at a 2022 World Cup match

Gianni Infantino and Bernd Neundorf speak at a 2022 World Cup match

Germany backs Saudi Arabia World Cup 2034 bid

The German FA has confirmed that it will lend its support to Saudi Arabia's unopposed bid for the 2034 World Cup.

A group of men, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino (c, in suit) and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (r) sit in a large room lit up in bright colors

A group of men, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino (c, in suit) and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (r) sit in a large room lit up in bright colors

FIFA report praises Saudi Arabia 2034 World Cup bid

Amnesty International called the FIFA report on Saudi Arabia's bid to host the World Cup an "astonishing whitewash."

Äthiopien Sportler Mikiale Tsegay

Äthiopien Sportler Mikiale Tsegay

Homeless World Cup: Finding a place, in football and life

Mikiale Tsegay has dedicated his life to becoming a professional footballer. But he is homeless in London.

Germany fans at the country's game vs. Hungary in Budapest

Germany fans at the country's game vs. Hungary in Budapest

Supporting Germany away produces 'priceless emotions'

Germany's national football team ended 2024 on a high. Beyond wins, its best work has been rebuilding fan trust.

Solomon Rondon kicking a ball for Pachua

Solomon Rondon kicking a ball for Pachua

A first World Cup could change Venezuela's image

Making it to North America in 2026 could be a boost for the global game in a nation of baseball lovers.

North Korea's U20s women celebrate their success

North Korea's U20s women celebrate their success

Why is North Korea's women's football team so good

North Korea's young women have won both the U17 and U20 soccer World Cup. Why is the isolated state so good at the game?

Six celebrating players gather around another on a stadium's football pitch

Six celebrating players gather around another on a stadium's football pitch

Amid war at home, Sudan eye World Cup and AFCON

Civil war has been devastating for Sudan and its people but the national football team is enjoying an unprecedented run.

Alexandra Popp holding flowers after playing her last game for Germany

Alexandra Popp holding flowers after playing her last game for Germany

Alexandra Popp bids Germany farewell

German football legend Alexandra Popp bid farewell to international football after 14 years in the national team.

Gianni Infantino sits in front of an ad for the Club World Cup

Gianni Infantino sits in front of an ad for the Club World Cup

World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia human rights report 'flawed'

A number of human rights organizations have criticized a report published by FIFA on Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

Alexandra Popp takes a selfie with fans at a stadium

Alexandra Popp takes a selfie with fans at a stadium

Alexandra Popp set for Germany swan song

The Olympic gold medalist is set to play her last match for Germany where her international career began 14 years ago.

Thomas Tuchel shouts from the sidelines

Thomas Tuchel shouts from the sidelines

Tuchel new England men's football team coach — a smart move?

What led to Thomas Tuchel's appointment, and how has it been received?

Kenyan team prepare for a training exercise with cones

Kenyan team prepare for a training exercise with cones

Kenya: World Cup debut turning point for women's football

After Kenya's historic achievement of reaching the U17 World Cup, change and progress for women's football is possible.

Mikiale Tsegay playing football with the England homeless team

Mikiale Tsegay playing football with the England homeless team

Homeless World Cup: 'We want to do something special'

Footballers will soon gather in Seoul for the Homeless World Cup. For many, the stakes are much higher than the trophy.

Jamal Musiala tussles for the ball

Jamal Musiala tussles for the ball

Nagelsmann's Germany keep shining after Euro 2024

A spirited draw against the Netherlands concluded a positive September for Germany, who kept their momentum rolling.

Rami Hamada hugs teammates after the Palestinians' draw with South Korea

Rami Hamada hugs teammates after the Palestinians' draw with South Korea

Palestine men's football team eye World Cup and homecoming

They are closer to World Cup qualification than ever, but the chance to play in their homeland also means plenty.

Alex Morgan playing football in 2022

Alex Morgan playing football in 2022

Alex Morgan: The greatest female footballer of all time?

Marta may have won six FIFA player awards and scored the most World Cup goals, but the US star is more a household name.

Players in red celebrate with a group hug after a goal

Players in red celebrate with a group hug after a goal

World Cup expansion gives hope to West Asian teams

As third-round qualifying opens for the expanded 2026 World Cup, long-shunned teams in West Asia might just make it.

Fans in Columbia jerseys waiting behind stadium gates

Fans in Columbia jerseys waiting behind stadium gates

Copa America organizers come within an inch of a catastrophe

Overpriced tickets and the chaos before the final mean FIFA has work to do two years before the next World Cup.

People waving large Germany flags in Berlin during a 2006 World Cup football game

People waving large Germany flags in Berlin during a 2006 World Cup football game

How the 2006 World Cup changed Germany forever

The 2006 World Cup helped forge Germany's new national identity as a reunited republic. Can the Euros repeat that trick?

Michael owen wearing a branded collared shirt standing among a group of men at a football pitch

Michael owen wearing a branded collared shirt standing among a group of men at a football pitch

Michael Owen thinks Pakistani football is onto a winner

A new league could change Pakistani football, but there are big challenges still ahead.

Tamires Cassia Dias Gomes (left) and Adriana Leal da Silva celebrate a goal in a game against Germany

Tamires Cassia Dias Gomes (left) and Adriana Leal da Silva celebrate a goal in a game against Germany

Brazil to host 2027 Women's World Cup

The decision was made at the FIFA Congress, with Brazil beating a joint bid from Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

The Women's World Cup trophy

The Women's World Cup trophy

Who will host the 2027 Women's World Cup?

The chances of a German-Belgian-Dutch bid getting the nod now appear negligible.

Football fans wait in the stands for a match to begin in Saudi Arabia

Football fans wait in the stands for a match to begin in Saudi Arabia

'Not safe': Saudi Arabia slammed after jailing football fans

Several Saudi Arabian soccer fans have been jailed for singing a song at a game that celebrates a religious figure.

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales kisses Jenni Hermoso after Spain win the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023 final

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales kisses Jenni Hermoso after Spain win the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023 final

Rubiales faces 2.5 years in jail for Cup kiss

Former Spanish soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales faces charges for kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

Neymar holding his right ankle with his left hand during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Neymar holding his right ankle with his left hand during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Brazil's football in crisis: No longer 'the beautiful game'

Experts have long been warning that a sell-off of Brazilian talent is damaging the domestic game.

Nike over Adidas: German football's monumental switch

The German FA's decision to switch kit suppliers from Adidas to Nike sparks heated discussion in the country.

Japan's Hidemasa Morita, left, tries unsuccessfully to score during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Japan and North Korea at the National Stadium Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Tokyo.

Japan's Hidemasa Morita, left, tries unsuccessfully to score during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Japan and North Korea at the National Stadium Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Tokyo.

Football: North Korea loses 1-0 to Japan, cancels next game

The head of Japan's football association said North Korean officials had asked if Japan could host the game instead.

Action from the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the UAE

Action from the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the UAE

Belarus make controversial history at beach soccer World Cup

Belarus' beach soccer team made history at the beach soccer World Cup, but their presence is controversial.

Andreas Brehme

Andreas Brehme

World Cup winner Andreas Brehme is dead

Germany has lost a World Cup winner. Andreas 'Andi' Brehme, has passed away.

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales kisses Jenni Hermoso after Spain win the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023 final football match between Spain and England

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales kisses Jenni Hermoso after Spain win the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023 final football match between Spain and England

Luis Rubiales must face trial over World Cup kiss

A judge says the former Spanish football boss will face trial over the kiss he forced on World Cup star Jenni Hermoso.

Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer called a 'true legend' in global tributes

Germany's Franz Beckenbauer who has left a unique impression on football as player, captain, and coach, has died at 78.

Fußball Franz Beckenbauer | WM 1974

Fußball Franz Beckenbauer | WM 1974

Franz Beckenbauer: Germany's World Cup-winning player, coach

The German legend won all there is to win, but his legacy was also tarnished by corruption allegations.

Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso arrives at a Madrid courthouse

Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso arrives at a Madrid courthouse

Spain's Hermoso testifies in Rubiales sexual assault case

Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso has told the court Rubiales' kiss after Spain's World Cup victory was not consensual.

Luis Rubiales kisses Jenni Hermoso after a World Cup win in Australia

Luis Rubiales kisses Jenni Hermoso after a World Cup win in Australia

2023: Sports year in review

DW looks back on a selection of the sporting events that made the headlines in 2023.

Footballer Marcelo celebrates by pointing both fingers with arms out

Footballer Marcelo celebrates by pointing both fingers with arms out

FIFA Club World Cup to clash with Women's Euro 2025

A further expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 raises concern for women's tournaments in Europe and Africa.

Iranian women hold up a flag supporting their football team

Iranian women hold up a flag supporting their football team

Iran: Women attend Tehran derby, but equality fight goes on

FIFA hailed the attendance of women at the recent Tehran derby as "progress," a term which a key activist has rejected

Karim Benzema celebrates

Karim Benzema celebrates

Club World Cup: Saudi Arabia’s World Cup dress rehearsal

Sportwashing remains a concern as Saudi Arabia host the 2023 Club World Cup in a dress rehearsal for the 2034 World Cup.

Steph Catley in action

Steph Catley in action

Are women football players getting a raw deal?

For the first time, women’s football is set to become a billion dollar industry. But is growth coming at a cost?

The United States women's team lift the World Cup and cheer in celebration

The United States women's team lift the World Cup and cheer in celebration

Europe and Americas fight to host 2027 Women's World Cup

The US and Mexico are teaming up, as are Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, while Brazil hopes to host it solo.

The Germany U17 team lift the World Cup

The Germany U17 team lift the World Cup

Philipp Lahm: Germany can learn from U17s World Cup win

Former national captain Philipp Lahm believes the U17s' win at the soccer World Cup can offer the blueprint to victory.

Germany lift the World Cup with confetti in the background

Germany lift the World Cup with confetti in the background

Under-17 World Cup: Light in German football darkness?

Germany's U17 team won the World Cup, but it doesn't mean much for the future of Germany's first team.

The four legs of two players battle for a soccer ball

The four legs of two players battle for a soccer ball

Brazil and Germany: Football giants in the doldrums

What's going on with former footballing powerhouses Germany and Brazil, who have won nine World Cups between them?

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg 'almost completely collapsed'

The former Germany head coach has spoken publicly for the first time since the failed World Cup campaign down under.

Players of Morocco's football team for people with dwarfism singing with their right hand on their chests at the sport's first World Cup in Argentina.

Players of Morocco's football team for people with dwarfism singing with their right hand on their chests at the sport's first World Cup in Argentina.

Morocco's short-statured football team goes to World Cup

It was a triumph for a team, whose members did not give up on their dreams despite the odds.