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Malaysian authorities seized 10,190 counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026 jerseys valued at RM509,500 during coordinated raids in Nibong Tebal, underscoring intensifying enforcement against illicit merchandise trading.
Australia's players union has joined international opposition to FIFA's proposal to attract private investors into the World Cup, arguing the governing body is sidelining athletes and fans while pursuing commercial interests.
Prediction market platform Kalshi exceeded expectations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attracting 3 million users and $27 billion in trading volume—double its original forecasts—as sports-betting platforms surge in popularity across North America.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has declared Malaysia's ambition to host the FIFA World Cup while hoping the national team will one day represent Southeast Asia in the tournament.
Rights organizations have challenged FIFA's claim of hosting the 'most inclusive' World Cup, pointing to restrictive US visa policies that prevented many international fans and workers from attending the expanded 48-team tournament.
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Argentine football fans in Buenos Aires have expressed strong support for World Cup players who displayed a Falklands sovereignty banner after defeating England, defying international calls for disciplinary action.
The Selangor State Development Corporation will host a 12-hour public screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at Aneka Walk shopping centre this weekend, featuring entertainment, food stalls, and interactive activities alongside the match.
FIFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has defended the officiating in Argentina's controversial 3-2 World Cup victory over Egypt, rejecting claims of bias and asserting that match officials operated with complete independence.