Football World Cup future faces big fight

August 4, 2026

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Football’s biggest tournaments could be facing a major problem after countries disagreed with a new plan from FIFA, the organisation that runs the men’s and women’s World Cups. FIFA wants to sell part of the competition to investors but says it will still control how the tournaments are organised.

Several football groups are unhappy with the idea. European teams, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, have warned they may refuse to play in future World Cups if the plan goes ahead. Football groups in Asia and North, Central America and the Caribbean have also raised concerns.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says the plan could help grow football around the world. However, UEFA has responded by saying “The World Cup is not for sale”.

A decision will need to be made soon because teams are preparing for qualification matches for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. If the disagreement continues, some of the world’s best teams may not take part in future tournaments.

Article written by Milli Banbury

This article was written using AI as an assistive tool for research and writing.

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

Room 6 lined up quietly outside the school office, each student holding a small backpack. Ms Patel checked the list twice before smiling and saying, “If everyone is ready, we can leave early and beat the traffic.” Jacob looked at the cloudy sky and tucked his jacket under his arm. He had not brought an umbrella, but he kept glancing up at the darkening clouds. By the time the bus pulled away, the playground was empty and the first cold drops had begun to fall.

What can you infer about Jacob from the passage?

He is excited because he has packed extra food for the trip. He is worried about rain and wishes he had brought an umbrella. He is unhappy because he does not want to go on the bus. He is late because he forgot to bring his backpack.