World Cup 2026: Tournament News & Betting Insights

The US State Department has confirmed FIFA PASS will soon go live, creating far more visa appointments ahead of the 2026 World Cup. All standard appointments ahead of the tournament’s kickoff are full, leaving other fans to wait for FIFA PASS.

The US has begun to alienate itself from the international community, leading many to worry that the North American World Cup won’t happen this summer. A recent attack and threats of more could lead to boycotts, though FIFA is unlikely to take action.

FIFA is reported to be considering two significant rule changes with just six months until the 2026 World Cup. In contrast, they aim to improve the quality of play; some fear the lack of preparation and testing could have the opposite effect.

FIFA has announced it will soon offer supporter entry-tier tickets for $60, following public blowback over the incredibly high prices to attend. While the details remain unknown, FIFA is expected to limit the number of lower-tier tickets available.

FIFA held the draw for the 2026 World Cup today, setting a field consisting of 12 groups of four teams each. Match information will be provided on December 6, but the final spots won’t be decided until the European playoffs are over.

The latest FIFA Rankings allowed the European playoff field to be set, creating four paths to this summer’s World Cup. Italy enters as the biggest betting favorite to advance, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the first red card of his international career against the Republic of Ireland. He will miss the team’s final qualifying match, but FIFA could add to that ban. If they do, Ronaldo would miss World Cup matches.

Mexican lawmakers approved the 2026 Federal Revenue Law, which exempts FIFA and its partners from taxes during the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The country is instead looking to increase tax revenue from online gambling by raising the tax rate for operators to 50%.

Italy picked up a crucial 3-0 win over Israel in an October World Cup qualifier, setting them up to end their 12-year drought. The team needs one point —or a loss by Israel —to secure their spot in North America this summer.

Fox has announced that it will broadcast a total of 69 matches of the 2026 World Cup, making it the largest event in the network’s long history. An expanded field and the World Cup’s location led to the jump in broadcasts.