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Fifa World Cup

Chinese supporters at their team’s previous match, the 1-0 away win over Bahrain last week. Photo: Xinhua
Chinese Football Association (CFA)

China fans pray for minor loss at worst in World Cup 2026 qualifier against Japan

Despite coming off back of two wins, China go in as underdogs against the Asian giants, especially as they will be without three key players.

ATP

‘Felt like a tennis player’: ex-Uruguay, Utd star Forlan debuts in ‘new’ sport

Asian Football Confederation (AFC)

Japanese football legend Kazuyoshi Miura to still play next season – at age 58

Chinese Football Association (CFA)

China aiming to revive Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign against Indonesia

Branko Ivankovic’s team must end their losing streak to stand a chance of reaching next round of qualifying.

Agony for China goalkeeper Wang Dalei and his defenders during their defeat by Saudi Arabia in Dalian last month. Photo: Xinhua
Business of climate change

In electric buses as with EVs, it’s China versus rest of the world

As China’s market matures, exports hold the key to future profitability for Yutong, Foton and peers in rivalry with European electric-bus producers.

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Fifa World Cup 2026

China take shock lead but lose again as Australia revive Fifa World Cup bid

Socceroos end their goal drought to give new boss Tony Popovic a winning start in front of almost 50,000 fans in Adelaide.

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US-China relations

Opinion | Can China football find success in a market-driven US model?

Creating a college sports system in China could fix the country’s struggles in team sports and open new avenues for US-China cooperation.

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Goalkeeper Wang Dalei looks on during China’s 2026 Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers match against Saudi Arabia in Dalian, in northeast Liaoning province, on September 10. China’s top-down approach to sports development has brought widespread success in individual sports but little in popular team sports such as football and basketball. Photo: Xinhua
Art

Johannesburg artist breathes ‘energy and life’ into city’s decayed spaces

Berlin-based artist Robin Rhode is known for transforming abandoned spaces in Johannesburg. He shares why the city keeps calling him back.

Hong Kong economy

Saudi Arabia seeks to attract Hong Kong investments for tourist spot Aseer

‘We want to bring the expertise, the know-how that Hong Kong’s businessmen have and transfer that knowledge to our region,’ Sultan Alshehri says.

Chinese Football Association (CFA)

Blame it on the rain: China fans set for expected World Cup loss to Saudi Arabia

After a 7-0 defeat to Japan, a hashtag saying Tuesday’s match could be played in the rain has been trending on Weibo, with fans on the defensive.

Chinese football fans fear the worst in their Fifa World Cup qualifying clash with Saudi Arabia, following their 7-0 humiliation against Japan. Photo: Xinhua
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Editorial | Struggling Hong Kong football faces game of its life

The local premier league season has kicked off short of fans, sponsorship, broadcasting revenue, good facilities and exciting players.

Hong Kong’s Yu Joy Yin Jessie (centre) battles for the ball with Uzbekistan’s Abdukodir Khusanov during an Asian qualifier match for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in March. Photo: AP Photo
Podcasts

Is this the best sports podcast ever?

From Bruce Lee to the rise and fall of Bikram Choudhury’s yoga school, ESPN’s 30 for 30 makes the deepest of dives into all things sport

Icons and Influencers

Will he stay or will he go? Meet England national team manager Gareth Southgate

Tactically conservative yet with clear empathy for his players, how should we feel about England’s most successful manager in decades?

Paris 2024 Olympic Games

France makes €9bn Olympic gamble, cost to be less than Tokyo, London, even Athens

While it will take time for the final bill to be tallied up, the event is expected to produce 6.7 billion to 11.1 billion euros in economic benefits for the Paris region.

The Champs de Mars Arena and the Eiffel Stadium in preparation for the Paris Olympics. France has poured US$1.5 billion into cleaning up the Seine in time for the Games. Photo: Bloomberg
Hong Kong police

Exclusive | Hong Kong police to deploy 4,000 officers on July 1 amid warning over seditious acts

Sources warn that anyone seen wearing seditious clothing on 27th anniversary of city’s return to Chinese rule could face arrest.

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Officers from elite units will also be on patrol, a source has said. Photo: Edmond So
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

No Messi repeat? Star names, ticket price revealed for Atletico’s Hong Kong game

Euro 2024 and Copa America stars will appear, host club Kitchee say, raising prospect of seeing likes of World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann.

Fifa World Cup 2026

China in World Cup qualifier ‘group of death’ with Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia

The 18 remaining Asian teams fighting for eight direct qualification spots at 2026 tournament are drawn in three third-round groups of six.

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Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia tipped to ease alcohol ban as it uncorks tourism potential

There are signs the kingdom is weighing loosening alcohol restrictions to unleash a tourism gold rush.

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A bartender serves a drink at a pop-up bar in Riyadh offering non-alcoholic cocktails. Saudi Arabia opened its first-ever liquor store this year. Photo: AFP
Chinese Football Association (CFA)

How China can reach 2026 Fifa World Cup, according to football commentator Zhan

The national team scraped into the next round of Asian qualifying after Singapore did them a favour, but Zhan sees cause for optimism.

Middle East

Are US interests the real target of China’s ‘puzzling’ partnership with Bahrain?

One is a tiny Gulf kingdom with limited oil wealth. The other is a rising superpower. On the face of it, their new tie-up doesn’t make sense.

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The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong make their point after 19-hour trek to World Cup tie in Turkmenistan

Stand-in coach Wolfgang Luisser puts onus on attack in final qualifying match, but team record a defensive landmark in Ashgabat.

Hong Kong (red), pictured in last year’s home clash with Turkmenistan, endured a lengthy journey for the return match. Photo: Elson Li
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong coach aims blast over training facilities ahead of World Cup qualifier

Hong Kong players dealing with scorching heat and inadequate training facilities before bid for team’s first World Cup away win since November 2015.

With temperatures climbing above 40 degrees, Hong Kong’s players are leaving their hotel only for training sessions. Photo: HKFA
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong players and coaches forced to miss Fifa World Cup tie over visa issues

City’s team head to Turkmenistan two players short and with two key staff members missing because visas were not approved in time.

Fifa World Cup 2026

Palestine make history, reach third round of World Cup qualifiers for first time

A draw with Lebanon is enough for them to progress, while India icon Sunil Chhetri says goodbye in his 151st appearance for his country.

Crime in Hong Kong

Trio bailed after arrest at Hong Kong football game for insulting national anthem

Officers spotted three fans disrespecting anthem by either turning backs to field or not standing while tune was playing, police say.

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Supporters cheer on the city’s team against Iran at the World Cup qualifier at Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Sam Tsang
Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police warn of surge in illegal football betting in run-up to Euro 2024

Force points to similar spike in lead-up to last World Cup, with growth of online platforms enabling punters to place bets more easily.

Police expect a surge in illegal football betting in the run-up to Euro 2024, which starts in Munich on June 14. Photo: AFP
Chinese Football Association (CFA)

China promise aggressive approach in vital World Cup qualifier against Thailand

Branko Ivankovic’s team, missing four key men, have a three-point lead over Thailand, but will face leaders South Korea in final match, while the Thais will be expected to beat Singapore.

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

From fixing car lights to FA Cup final, Eastern star Baffoe cherishing pro dream

Eastern star Noah Baffoe will play key role in side’s FA Cup final side a year after combining football with work fixing car lights, but is non-committal over future after 28-goal season.

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Fifa World Cup
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Fifa World Cup. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
2026
Fifa World Cup 2026
2022
Fifa World Cup 2022
2018
Fifa World Cup 2018
last updated:
15 October, 2024
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