FIFA teams up with UN health agency for campaign to educate world soccer about concussion

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA teamed up with the World Health Organization on Wednesday for a campaign to educate the soccer industry about the risks of concussion injuries. “Concussion is a public health issue of concern at all levels of football, and many other sports, requiring greater...

Frito-Lay upgrades FIFA sponsorship with fan awards at men's and women's World Cups

ZURICH (AP) — Texas-based snacks maker Frito-Lay will be a global sponsor for the next men’s and women’s World Cups and back a “fan of the match” award at every game, FIFA said on Thursday. Frito-Lay upgrades its previous FIFA deals as a third-tier North American sponsor...

FIFA aims for the perfect pitch at 2026 World Cup following fields called a disaster at Copa America

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America with an ambitious plan, expanding the field by 50% and spreading the soccer spectacle over 16 cities in three countries with multiple climates and elevations. FIFA, aiming to create the perfect pitch for every...

Global players' union builds on FIFA regulations with a guide for expectant mothers

When Cheyna Matthews got pregnant with her first child back in 2018, she had a lot of questions. In addition to concerns about her legal rights as a professional soccer player, how would she manage pregnancy and the birth? And, importantly, when could she safely play again? ...

USWNT follows Olympic gold by reclaiming top spot in rankings after 12-month absence

ZURICH (AP) — The U.S. women’s soccer team returned to the top of the FIFA world rankings Friday after winning gold last weekend at the Paris Olympics. Mallory Swanson’s goal helped secure the team its fifth Olympic gold medal — and the first since the 2012 London Games —...

Former FIFA interim president and long-time leader of African soccer Issa Hayatou dies at 77

PARIS (AP) — Issa Hayatou, the long-time leader of African soccer who was made interim president of FIFA during its corruption crisis in 2015, died on Thursday. He was 77. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in an Instagram post: “Saddened to hear of the passing of former CAF...

Spiraling drone-spying scandal at Olympics risks damage to Canadian soccer ahead of 2026 World Cup

PARIS (AP) — Canadian soccer officials admitted in evidence to FIFA that spying on opponents was routinely done, for the men’s national team as well as the women’s team which has been punished for using drones at the Paris Olympics. The drone-spying scandal threatens to spread...

Saudi Arabia details ambitious 2034 World Cup stadiums and project building plan to FIFA

PARIS (AP) — Saudi Arabia detailed a massive stadium building project Wednesday to host the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, with one venue 350 meters (yards) above ground in a planned futuristic city. A 46,000-seat stadium in the Neom megaproject along the Red Sea coast is...

Drone-spying scandal: Canada challenges 6-points deduction by FIFA at Paris Olympics court

PARIS (AP) — Canada appealed against being docked six points by FIFA in a drone-spying scandal at the Paris Olympics women’s soccer tournament, and a verdict is expected hours before the team plays its last group-stage game Wednesday. FIFA punished Olympic defending champion...

Canada women's soccer appeals FIFA-ordered points deduction in drone-spying scandal at Olympics