1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
In focus
EU migration policyIranFIFA World Cup
Latest audioLatest videos
Live TV
The men's World Cup trophy
Image: Mike Egerton/empics/picture alliance

FIFA World Cup

The 2026 men's World Cup is being held in the USA, Mexico and Canada. The final is scheduled for July 19. It will be the biggest World Cup of all time with 48 teams. Lionel Messi's Argentina are the defending champions.

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

A riot police officer fires tear gas at violent demonstrators after clashes erupted following a march by Brazilian workers in Rio de Janeiro on July 11, 2013 in a day of industrial action called by major unions to press demands for better work conditions. Demonstrators on Thursday blocked roads and staged protest rallies across the country on the "National Day of Struggles" which was called by the country's five leading labour federations during last month's mass street protests to demand better public services and an end to endemic corruption. AFP PHOTO / CHRISTOPHE SIMON (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)

Brazilians protest

Brazilian protesters hope to pressure the government into pursuing reforms.
September 6, 2013
coach Joachim Löw (M) speaking to his team during training Foto: Andreas Gebert/dpa

Löw focused on art of defense

Beneath the strength of his team in the standings, lurks a headache or two for coach Joachim Löw.
September 5, 2013
Germany head coach Joachim Löw has predicted a tough match against Austria on Friday. Photo via Getty Images

Löw wary of Austria threat

Germany head coach Joachim Löw has warned of the threat Austria pose in their match on Friday. The two nations square off in a qualifier in Munich that could go some way to determining the World Cup fate of the visitors.
September 4, 2013
Former Brazilian soccer player Ronaldo (R) poses with Fuleco (L), mascot of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, during the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012 held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, 07 January 2013. (Photo via EPA/STEFFEN SCHMIDT)

World Cup tickets available

The first batch of tickets for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil have gone on sale, 295 days before the tournament kicks off. FIFA officials are hoping for demand comparable to the 2006 tournament in Germany.
August 20, 2013
A close-up of the England home shirt of Frank Lampard, taken at the international friendly England v Republic of Ireland - 29 May 2013. (Photo: Kieran McManus / BPI)

Three Lions, no identity?

Former captain Rio Ferdinand says the England football team needs a 10-year plan.
August 16, 2013
Joachim Löw and players in training in Barsinghausen. (Photo via Peter Steffen dpa/lni)

More than a World Cup warm-up

Wednesday's friendly match against Paraguay is the start to the new season for the German national team. The goal is to end the season at the World Cup final, but several high hurdles stand in Joachim Löw's way.
August 13, 2013
Archive photo with a syringe pictured in front of an anti-doping sign. (Photo: Patrick Seeger/dpa)

Bundesliga to be blood tested

Further anti-doping measures should be introduced to Bundesliga soccer in Germany during the coming season. Earlier in the week, a study pointed to government-sanctioned doping by athletes in the former West Germany.
August 7, 2013
Das Symbolfoto zeigt am Freitag (25.05.2007) eine Spitze mit einem Tropfen. In den letzten Tagen haben mehrere deutsche Radsportprofis ihre Dopingvergehen eingestanden. Foto: Patrick Seeger dpa/lsw +++(c) dpa - Report+++

West German doping details

A report on doping in the former West Germany has been published after details emerged that the practise was widespread and covered up for decades. The document indicates that there had been collusion at a high level.
August 5, 2013
A woman films with a mobile phone (photo: MidiaNINJA)

Taking on Brazil's media

A group of journalists in Brazil is aiming for a revolution in the media.
August 5, 2013
Workers build the structure where Pope Francis will hold a mass at Guaratiba, 40km from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 18, 2013. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world are expected to flock to Rio de Janeiro for the July 22-28 visit during the World Youth Day (WYD), a major Roman Catholic youth fest. AFP PHOTO/ Gabriel BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

World Youth Day

The Pope arrives in Rio on Monday for World Youth Day amid widespread social unrest.
July 21, 2013
Ein junge Frau trägt am Mittwoch (13.06.2012) vor einem Fernseher in Köln während des EM-Spiels Dänemark gegen Portugal Socken in den Deutschlandfarben und in den Farben der Niederlande. Die deutsche Fußball-Nationalmannschaft trifft am Abend bei der EM auf die Niederlande. Foto: Rolf Vennenbernd dpa/lnw

FIFA, UEFA lose TV rights case

Europe’s highest court has dismissed an appeal from two of international football’s most powerful bodies. The ruling means that European fans should be able to continue to watch most World Cup and Euro games on free TV.
July 18, 2013
Melanie Leupolz (l) of Germany fights for the ball with Gry Tofte Ims and Maren Mjelde (r) of Norway (Photo: Carmen Jaspersen/dpa)

Rare loss for German women

Germany have missed out on topping their group in the UEFA Women's Euro 2013, but advance to the knockout stage. The 1-0 loss to Norway is the first time Germany have been beaten in the finals in two decades.
July 17, 2013
International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) President Sepp Blatter poses with a ball on a local soccer pitch in Zurich (Photo: REUTERS/Michael Buholzer)

Sepp warms to winter World Cup

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has said the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will only be possible if it is played in the winter. Blatter had previously been skeptical about rescheduling the traditional summer tournament.
July 17, 2013
Andre Barros

Beyond Brazil's protests

Spurred by police violence, a Rio de Janeiro lawyer works to free protesters.
July 3, 2013
Tahiti players hold a banner which reads "Thank you Brazil" as they wave to the crowd after their Confederations Cup Group B soccer match against Uruguay at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife June 23, 2013. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci

Plenty to enjoy in Confed Cup

The 2013 Confederations Cup was marked by mass protests across Brazil. From a sporting perspective, however, there were many memorable moments that gave fans good reason to look forward to the World Cup.
July 1, 2013
Demonstrators on the streets of Belo Horizonte June 26, 2013. Tens of thousands of Brazilians have taken to the streets this month in the biggest protests in 20 years, fuelled by an array of grievances ranging from poor public services to the high cost of World Cup soccer stadiums and corruption. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino (BRAZIL - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Brazil ready for Word Cup 2014?

Unfinished stadiums, outdated infrastructure and violent street protests have overshadowed the Confederations Cup "dress rehearsal" for the 2014 World Cup. Still, organizers in Brazil have put on a show of optimism.
June 30, 2013
Rio protests

Brazil takes to the streets

Nationwide, mass protests in Brazil have been going on for weeks now.
June 28, 20137 images
Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff (Photo: REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino)

Rousseff urges Brazil referendum

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has proposed a referendum on political reform after a wave of protests over poor public services and corruption. The president also promised more support for public transport.
June 25, 2013
Germany's defender Arne Friedrich celebrates after he scored the team's third goal during the quarter final 2010 World Cup match Argentina versus Germany on July 3, 2010 at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)

Friedrich calls time on career

Chicago Fire central defender Arne Friedrich has announced that he's ending his career. The 34-year-old had struggled with recurring back problems. Best known from his years in Berlin, Friedrich bagged 82 Germany caps.
June 23, 2013
Demonstrators hold a protest in Rio de Janeiro, one of many such protests in Brazil's major cities REUTERS/Luciana Whitaker

Changing sentiments

The mass protests in Brazil have taken the shine off the country's leftist Worker's Party.
June 22, 2013
A message by Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff is broadcast live at the bus station in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, June 21, 2013. The Brazilian ended her near-silence about more than a week of massive, violent protests, saying in a prime time TV broadcast Friday that peaceful demonstrations were part of a strong democracy but that violence could not be tolerated. She promised to make improvements to public services, but said it couldn't be done overnight. (Foto: picture alliance/AP) / Eingestellt von wa

Rousseff addresses nation

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has promised to address social reform amid widespread unrest over massive spending on upcoming sporting events. The comments came in a televised speech prompted by nationwide protests.
June 22, 2013
A demonstrator is shot by rubber bullets as anti riot police officers charge after clashes erupted during a protest against corruption and price hikes, on June 20, 2013, in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)

Basta Brasília!

Brazilians take to the streets with their anger over rising prices, corruption and mismanagement.
June 21, 2013
Demonstrators hoild a protest in Rio de Janeiro, one of many such protests in Brazil's major cities, June 20, 2013. Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Brazil's biggest cities on Thursday in a growing protest that is tapping into widespread anger at poor public services, police violence and government corruption. The signs reads, "Wake up Brazil", "As the football rolls, we're missing health and schools", and "Hospital of FIFA standard." REUTERS/Luciana Whitaker (BRAZIL - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) / Eingestellt von wa

One million march in Brazil

At least 1 million people have taken to the streets of Brazil, protesting everything from corruption and poor public services to the costs of the 2014 World Cup. The wave of protests hit at least 80 cities.
June 21, 2013
Motorbikes, trucks, vehicles and helicopter from the Federal Highway Police or Policia Rodoviaria Federal, National Public Security Force or Forca Nacional de Seguranca Publica and firefighters or Corpo de Bombeiros are pictured near the Estadio Nacional on June 12, 2013 in Brasilia, Brazil. Photo: via Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Elite police deployed in Brazil

Brazil's Justice Ministry has announced that a special police organization will field officers in five of the six cities hosting the Confederations Cup. The soccer tournament has become a focal point for public protests.
June 19, 2013
Bildnummer: 11158536 Datum: 06.08.2012 Copyright: imago/Fotoarena Modell des Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Austragungsort der FIFA WM 2014 - Brasilia/DF, Brasil - 03/08/2012. x(2297)xSauloxCruzx/xFotoarenax PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRA (11026); Vorschau Fussball WM 2014 BRA xmk x1x 2012 quer o0 Sportstätte Stadion Image number 11158536 date 06 08 2012 Copyright imago Model the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia Venue the FIFA World Cup 2014 Brasilia DF Brasil 03 08 2012 X 2297 xFotoarenax PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRA Preview Football World Cup 2014 BRA xmk x1x 2012 horizontal o0 venues Stadium ***ACHTUNG: VERWENDUNG NUR FÜR INTERAKTIVE DW-GRAFIK, DATEIEN WERDEN ÜBERSCHRIEBEN UND DURCH AKTUELLE STADIEN-BILDER ERSETZT, SOBALD DIESE VORLIEGEN***

Estadio National de Brasilia

First opened: 2013 Capacity: 70.064 Estimated Cost: 572 Million euros
June 19, 2013
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff delivers a speech during a ceremony at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, on June 18, 2013. Rousseff said Tuesday that the voices of the hundreds of thousands of youths protesting across Brazil over the huge cost of hosting sporting events like the World Cup must be heard. AFP PHOTO / Evaristo SA (Photo credit should read EVARISTO SA/AFP/Getty Images)

Rousseff praises Brazil protests

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has promised to listen to protesters who have staged nationwide demonstrations against the soaring costs of World Cup preparations. The protests are the largest in more than 20 years.
June 19, 2013
Demonstrators shout anti-government slogans behind a banner that reads "violence," during one of many protests around Brazil's major cities in Sao Paulo June 17, 2013. (Photo: REUTERS/Alex Almeida)

Brazil World Cup protests spread

Tens of thousands have demonstrated in Brazil after images circulated of police brutality in Sao Paulo. The protests, among the biggest since the end of the country's dictatorship, have widened across the country.
June 18, 2013
A demonstrator with the Brazilian flag protests against the Confederation's Cup and the government of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff in Brasilia June 17, 2013. Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Brazil's biggest cities on Monday in a growing protest that is tapping into widespread anger at poor public services, police violence and government corruption. Protesters are using the Confederation's Cup as a counterpoint to amplify their concerns. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino (BRAZIL - Tags: POLITICS SPORT SOCCER CIVIL UNREST)--eingestellt von haz

Confed Cup protests

Tens of thousands of demonstrators turned out across Brazil, protesting the billions of dollars spent on international sports events. Some of the demonstrations have turned violent, and more are planned.
June 18, 201300:22 min
Ottmar Walter shortly before his death with a photo of him playing. Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)

'Miracle of Bern' legend dead

German football legend Ottmar Walter has died. The former striker was a member of the West Germany side that famously captured the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, dubbed the "Miracle of Bern."
June 16, 2013
Brazil's football team players sing the national anthem before the friendly football match against France on June 9, 2013 at the Arena Gremio Stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Brazil won 3-0. (Photo via FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Brazil's World Cup rehearsal

FIFA may say otherwise, but the Confederations Cup tournament remains a World Cup warm-up.
June 14, 2013
Copa cabana; Rio de Janeiro; Strand

Countdown to kick-off in Brazil

A year today, the World Cup kicks off in Brazil. Our reporters take a look around to see what progress has been made and what still needs to be done.
June 13, 201302:39 min
FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke (L), Deputy Governor of Rio de Janeiro Luiz Fernando Pezao (C) and Brazilian soccer legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento 'Pele' (R) attend the inauguration of a countdown clock for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 12 June 2013. Rio de Janeiro is one of the host cities of the FIFA World Cup 2014. (Photo via EPA/ANTONIO LACERDA - dpa)

The World Cup clock is ticking

In less than one year, hosts Brazil will be playing as yet unknown opponents on the opening day of the 2014 World Cup. The most successful World Cup team on the planet, Brazil, has not hosted the tournament since 1950.
June 12, 2013
A supporter of Brazil's football squad waves the national flag as he arrives on June 20, 2010, for the 2010 World Cup match Brazil and Ivory Coast at Soccer City Stadium in Soweto, suburban Johannesburg. AFP PHOTO/Monirul Bhuiyan (Photo credit should read Monirul Bhuiyan/AFP/Getty Images)

Brazil's race against time

The hosts remain optimistic in the face of a multitude of problems.
June 12, 2013
Aerial view of the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Hill and the Mario Filho (Maracana) stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 10, 2013. The Maracana stadium will host the upcomig Confederations Cup next June, the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. AFP PHOTO /VANDERLEI ALMEIDA (Photo credit should read VANDERLEI ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images)

One year to go

With just over a year until kickoff at the 2014 World Cup, DW checks in on preparations in Brazil.
June 1, 201312:00 min
Fussball 63. FIFA Kongress auf Mauritius 2013 30.05.2013 FIFA Praesident Joseph S. Blatter (Schweiz) eroeffnet den Kongress FOTO: Pressefoto ULMER/Markus Ulmer xxNOxMODELxRELEASExx

Blatter's big bucks

FIFA's annual Congress has yielded a number of reforms, including new anti-racism rules and the election of the first woman to FIFA's executive. A call was also made for FIFA President Sepp Blatter to reveal his salary.
May 31, 2013

A picture says more than a thousand words

Answer the current question with a creative gesture or pose and upload your photo here.
May 30, 2013
Brazil's forward Neymar looks dejected after Mexico won the men's football final match between Brazil and Mexico at Wembley stadium in London during the London Olympic Games on August 11, 2012. (Photo: MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP/GettyImages)

Neymar bound for Europe

Brazilian football giants Santos FC have confirmed that their superstar striker Neymar Jr. will be leaving the club. Neymar can pick his next club after Santos accepted two offers, both of which came from Spain.
May 25, 2013
external

German-Brazilian economic ties cool

Trade between Germany and Brazil is growing, but negotiations on a free trade treaty have been going for 13 years with no conclusion in sight. The issue is on the agenda at the German-Brazilian Business Days.
May 13, 201302:37 min
external

German-Brazilian economic ties cool

Trade between Germany and Brazil is growing, but negotiations on a free trade treaty have been going for 13 years with no conclusion in sight. The issue is on the agenda at the German-Brazilian Business Days.
May 13, 201301:20 min

Ahead of the World Cup - German equipment for Brazil

Brazil's wealth is growing, and with it the consumption of soft drinks and beer. In Latin America's biggest country, one brewery after the other is opening. In many of them, the bottling and packaging equipment is made by the German firm Krones, the world market leader.
BusinessMay 7, 201304:35 min
Gepard tank firing a rocket Foto: Carsten Rehder dpa/lno pixel Schlagworte Militärfahrzeug , Stinger , Waffen , Verteidigung , schießen , Typen , Luftabwehr , Bundeswehr , Panzer , abfeuern , Vorstellung , Gepard , Stinger Rakete , Präsentation , Raketen , Militär , Vorführung , Symposium

Brazil buys German tanks

Brazil is set to buy 34 used German anti-aircraft tanks. This is the latest in a series of deals to bolster the armed forces ahead of two major international sporting events – and a visit by the pope.
April 12, 2013
DUBLIN, IRELAND - OCTOBER 12: Toni Kroos of Germany scores the fifth goal during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier Group C match between Republic of Ireland and Germany at the Aviva Stadium on October 12, 2012 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

GoalControl for Brazil 2014

FIFA has picked GoalControl as its goal line technology for the 2014 World Cup.
April 2, 2013

Germany beat Kazakhstan 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier in Nuremberg

March 26, 2013
Germany's Mario Goetze (R) vies for the ball with Kazakhstan's Heinrich Schmidtgal (C) and Alexandr Kirov during the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualification group C soccer match between Kazakhstan and Germany at Astana Arena in Astana, Kazakhstan, 22 March 2013. Photo: Fredrik von Erichsen/dpa

A historic tactical step

Germany have grabbed the attention of pundits with Joachim Löw fielding a striker-less lineup against Kazakhstan. After a decisive 3-0 win the question is, have Germany found their formation for the future?
March 24, 2013
Marko Scepovic (L) from Serbia in action against Darijo Srna (C) from Croatia during their FIFA 2014 World Cup Group A qualifying soccer match in Zagreb, Croatia, 22 March 2013. EPA/SASA ZINAJA

Croatia beats Serbia 2-0

Among the most anticipated of Friday's World Cup qualifying matches was the clash between Croatia and Serbia in Zagreb. The home side prevailed in what was the first game between the bitter rivals.
March 23, 2013
Thomas Mueller (2nd L) of Germany celebrates scoring the 2nd team goal with his team mates during the FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifier (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Germany triumph in Astana

Germany have handily defeated Kazakhstan 3-0 in the first World Cup qualifying match of 2013. Victory was always expected, and the three points keeps the Germans in first place in Group C.
March 22, 2013
Die Nationalspieler Bastian Schweinsteiger (l-r), Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez und Jerome Boateng laufen sich am 20.03.2013 beim Training der Fußball-Nationalmannschaft in Frankfurt am Main (Hessen) warm. Die Fußball-Nationalmannschaft bereitet sich in Frankfurt für das kommende WM-Qualifikationsspiel am 22. März in Astana gegen Kasachstan vor. Foto: Arne Dedert/dpa pixel Schlagworte .Fußball , Fußball , .Deutschland , .WM-Qualifikation , .lhe , sport , .Kasachstan

On track for Brazil 2014

Germany is set to play Kazakhstan in the qualification round for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Coach
March 21, 2013
German coach Joachim Löw B) Photo: Peter Steffen dpa/lni

Löw's squad for Kazakhstan

The coach of Germany’s national soccer team has named his squad for the next two World Cup qualifying matches. Joachim Löw also expressed confidence that Germany would win both games against Kazakhstan.
March 14, 2013
UEFA president Michel Platini attends the 2011 Asian Cup final football match between Australia and Japan at Khalifa Stadium in the Qatari capital Doha on January 29, 2011. (Photo: KARIM JAAFAR/AFP/Getty Images)

A winter World Cup?

UEFA President Michel Platini has told Germany's Bild paper that the Qatar World Cup of 2022 should not take place in the summer. He also said it should not just take place in Qatar, incorporating the region instead.
March 2, 2013
German goalee Manuel Neuer tries to block a shot by English player Frank Lampard during the World Cup 2010 (Archivfoto vom 27.06.2010). Die FIFA diskutiert nun ernsthaft über die Einführung von technischen Hilfsmitteln im Fußball. Wie Präsident Josef Blatter am Mittwoch in Singapur erklärte, werde sich das dafür zuständige International Football Association Boards (IFAB) auf seiner Sitzung im Oktober mit der Thematik beschäftigen. «Bei diesem Meeting werden wir über Torlinien-Technologie diskutieren. Es steht jetzt auf der Tagesordnung», sagte Blatter. Der Schweizer gilt eigentlich als Gegner von technischen Hilfsmitteln, hatte nach diversen Schiedsrichter-Fehlentscheidungen bei der Fußball-WM in Südafrika aber angekündigt, dass das Thema neu besprochen werde. Foto: Marcus Brandt dpa - Please refer to http://dpaq.de/FIFA-WM2010-TC +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++ pixel

Goal or no goal?

World football’s governing body FIFA has decided on goal-line technology for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil to help referees make fewer mistakes. Different technologies will be competing - most of them from Germany.
February 19, 2013