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FIFA World Cup

Branding is displayed near the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, in Doha, Qatar, March 31, 2022.

Qatar treatment of migrant workers under spotlight again ahead of World Cup

Human rights

The Gulf country of Qatar is facing criticism from human rights advocates after it arrested and deported a group of migrant workers who had protested months of overdue pay. This comes roughly three months before the nation is set to host the World Cup.

Argentine soccer superstar Diego Armando Maradona cheers after the Napoli team clinched its first Italian major league title in Naples, Italy, on May 10, 1987.

Remembering Diego Maradona, a leftie on the field — and in politics

Sports
A baseball player watches a foul ball go into stands filled with photos of fans.

Can artificial crowd noise match the thrill of packed stadiums?

Sports
argentina

In Argentina, World Cup memories mix with a junta’s horrors

france's soccer team in 1998

After France won the 1998 World Cup, French diversity was celebrated. But it was short-lived.

Sports
The team in the changing room before a big match. Left to right: Kenneth, David, Binumon, Purna, Umesh, Padam.

They are building Qatar’s World Cup stadiums — and dreaming of playing soccer.

Jobs

In 2022, Qatar will host the World Cup. To do that, it needs dozens of venues and stadiums, which are currently being built by migrant workers.

Officials celebrate

US, Mexico and Canada win joint bid to host World Cup in 2026

Sports

The North American bid collected 134 votes to the 65 for Morocco. One congress member voted for “neither bid.”

fan during a FIFA World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Atlante and Auckland City

How a bigger FIFA World Cup could lead to March Madness-style drama

Sports

The world governing body for soccer has decided to expand the format of its men’s World Cup from 32 teams to 48, effective 2026. So, get ready for a big debate over this for the next nine years.

Former Brazilian soccer captain Carlos Alberto Torres holds the FIFA World Cup trophy in Rio de Janeiro on Nov. 21, 2010.

Brazil says goodbye to its ‘eternal captain’

Culture

Carlos Alberto was the captain of Brazil’s World Cup-winning team in 1970, one of the best soccer squads ever. He was also a humble defender who led a bunch of attacking superstars like Pelé to glory in Mexico City.

Brazil Zika and Olympic budget comparison chart

The budget for the Rio Olympics is 16 times higher than the budget to combat the Zika virus

Health

The Olympics could end up costing even more if the budget overrun hits 179 percent — the average cost overrun of the past 17 Olympic games.

Latest Episode

The Other Side of the World Cup