Thumb - Unsung Heroes - Christina Basi

Alphonso Davies’ Canada surprise father-daughter duo with Unsung Hero award 

Volunteers are the heartbeat of every FIFA tournament. And in Vancouver, Canada, approximately 2,500 passionate volunteers are helping world football’s governing body to deliver the greatest show on Earth at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Volunteers meet Canadian National Team after their training session 

Pre-match US Independence Day celebrations to add to FIFA World Cup 2026™ action

To mark the United States’ Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary, FIFA will celebrate the holiday with special pre-match programming at both FIFA World Cup 2026™ round-of-16 matches this Saturday in Houston and Philadelphia.

1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™: a ball of memories for Humberto Sierra

 The 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™ was hugely important for the North American country, which made history by becoming the first nation to host the tournament twice, having previously done so in 1970.

Humberto Sierra, former referee in Monterrey (Mexico)

FIFA World Cup 2026: Community policing in the service of security

Police officers in direct contact with fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. A community policing approach that balances security and human connection

FIFA World Cup 2026: Community policing in the service of security 

1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™: a ball of memories for Humberto Sierra 

Life through a lens: shooting the FIFA World Cup for the first time

Veteran sports photographer Darla Tamulitis Kelly, 69, is capturing her first FIFA World Cup™ action.

Darla 2

FIFA World Cup 2026™ curtain falls in Toronto after historic first for Canada

Canada’s unprecedented run to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ began with an historic first FIFA World Cup™ game on home soil at the Toronto Stadium.

Pre Match ceremony during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium 

FIFA Foundation Digital Education Programme: Request for Proposals for the supply of computer hardware in Mauritania

The FIFA Foundation is financing an educational initiative called the "Digital Education Programme" (DEP) which provides technological tools alongside learning, training, and mentoring resources to primary schools in vulnerable communities. 

The remarkable recovery of Nancy Tituaña Morales, New York New Jersey’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Unsung Hero

For most of the 50,000 volunteers at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, being at the heart of the greatest show on Earth is an unforgettable opportunity for Nancy Tituaña Morales.

adidas Volunteer Nancy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Ecuador and Germany

San Francisco Bay Area Stadium bows out of FIFA World Cup 2026 with memorable sell-out

Amidst joyous celebrations from supporters of the United States men’s national team, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium bid farewell to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ after six games which fans, organisers and the local community will never forget.

A view of team lineups during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, United States.

Mexican match made in heaven revelling in FIFA World Cup 2026™ volunteering journey

Volunteer Eduardo Amaya is part of the Access Management team at Monterrey Stadium at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, which is his second taste of volunteering since the 1970 edition when he was just 15 years old.

Mexican match made in heaven revelling in FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteering journey

Monterrey volunteers (thumbnail)

FWC26_Thumb_Unsung-Heroes-David-Ricardo-Cruz-Bonilla

Monterrey’s Unsung Hero, an inspiration for all FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteers

Longs celebrate FIFA World Cup’s impact on Kansas City and beyond

Angie and Chris Long are the majority owners of NWSL side Kansas City Current. The Longs decided to invest after attending matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ The couple highlight the significance of having the World Cup in Kansas City.

Angie and Chris Long  are seeing during the FIFA World Cup match between Tunisia and Netherlands

Superfan Larry Zima’s passion for Canada knows no bounds at FIFA World Cup 2026™

The FIFA World Cup™ has always brought together the most passionate fans from around the world and is known for being the catalyst for some of the most iconic displays of fandom known in sport. The 2026 edition in North America has been no different.

Canadian Super Fan Larry Zima 

David Ricardo Cruz Bonilla is part of the volunteer team at Monterrey Stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. With an ever-present smile, he has become a powerful example of inclusion and equality

FIFA Social Media Protection Service identifies 89,000 abusive posts during FIFA World Cup 2026™ group stage - with over one in 10 racially motivated

Racial abuse is growing and has become a persistent threat to the wellbeing of players, according to the latest findings from FIFA’s Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ group stage. 

Stop Hate message

Blaise Matuidi hands over the 5.000.000th ticket

 Five millionth fan attends FIFA World Cup 2026™ to make competition history

Total attendance at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has broken the five million barrier to set an incredible new benchmark for the near-100-year-old competition.

French FIFA World Cup winners Youri Djorkaeff and Blaise Matuidi present Raphaël Noufele with a giant ceremonial ticket 

FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina reflects on refereeing at FIFA World Cup 2026™ so far 

Before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, it was decided to implement some new rules, in particular concerning time wasting to reduce time lost during matches and increase the amount of time the ball is in play.

Referee Francois Letexier gestures

New innovations developed with Technology Partner Lenovo shine at the FIFA World Cup 2026™

A historical group stage has successfully been completed at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.  In addition to seeing new teams in a fresh, expanded 48-team format, a number of technological innovations have added significantly to the beautiful game.

Lenovo Referee Headset Camera

Gianni Infantino inspired by Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ Unsung Hero 

Whisper it quietly: FIFA World Cup 2026™ Unsung Hero Alessia Commisso has always been more of a basketball fan. 

 Gianni Infantino inspired by Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ Unsung Hero

A view of attendance on big screen during the match between Netherlands and Morocco at Monterrey Stadium 

General view of Monterrey Stadium

Players line up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between South Africa and Korea Republic at Monterrey Stadium 

General view during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Netherlands and Morocco at Monterrey Stadium

A general view as the screen displays "Match 1000" before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Tunisia and Japan at Monterrey Stadium

FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Tunisia and Japan at Monterrey Stadium

General view during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Sweden and Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium

Match 1,000 host Monterrey bids farewell to FIFA World Cup 2026 after four memorable games

Technical Study Group hails competitive 48-team FIFA World Cup™ as goals and intensity rise

The group stage of the first FIFA World Cup 2026™ to feature 48 teams has featured often unheralded teams from across the globe making a significant mark with even the strongest sides finding no shortage of stern tests, according to TSG.

Jon Dahl Tomasson, Otto Addo, Gilberto Silva, Pablo Zabaleta and Pascal Zuberbühler

Jon Dahl Tomasson, Otto Addo, Gilberto Silva, Pablo Zabaleta and Pascal Zuberbühler during the FIFA Technical Study Group press conference

As gourd as it gets: one grateful Uruguay fan’s FIFA World Cup experience

Tension reached fever pitch in Guadalajara ahead of the blockbuster Group H bout between Uruguay and Spain that was to bring the FIFA World Cup 2026™ schedule in this particular Host City to close with a bang.

Sebas Rojí, uruguayan fan

Safeguarding & Anti-Discrimination Venue Managers’ crucial role at FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will go down as the greatest sporting event in history. A series of improvements have been implemented both on and off the pitch to underpin this groundbreaking success. 

 adidas Campaign Flag Youth Programme, Coca-Cola National Flag Carriers as part of the Coca-Cola Youth Programme, Mengniu Flag Bearers as part of the Youth Programme during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between South Africa and Korea Republic

Norway’s Viking Row and French clapping: two sets of fans, one language at FIFA World Cup 2026

Norway’s Viking Row and France’s clapping have become two of the most distinctive supporter traditions at this FIFA World Cup™

Row - Norway v France: Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026

Monterrey’s eventful run as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City included viral views and a once-in-a-lifetime milestone match, and it was punctuated with a riveting clash between two title contenders in the tournament’s round of 32.

General view during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Netherlands and Morocco at Monterrey Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Guadalupe, Mexico

Records tumble during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group Stage 

Records tumble during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group Stage (1)

Records tumble as FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group Stage sets new benchmark for football’s greatest show

Tahith Chong #21 of Curacao controls the ball 

Curaçao’s Tahith Chong and France legend Youri Djorkaeff enjoy unique FIFA World Cup moment

Sebastian Roji and his father

Sebastián Rojí: maté as a guiding light and source of comfort in Guadalajara

Music playlists providing FIFA World Cup 2026 defining moments

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ has delivered unforgettable moments on and off the pitch, with music playing a central role in bringing fans together and creating a vibrant matchday atmosphere across all 16 stadiums.

Harry Kane of England stands with the team as the fans sing

He may have been the only member of Curaçao’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ squad to have been born on the Caribbean 

Youri Djorkaeff presents a jersey to Tahith Chong #21 of Curacao

The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has come to a spectacular close, with the biggest edition of football's greatest tournament already rewriting the record books and captivating fans across Canada, Mexico, the USA and all over the world. 

Group Stage attendance FIFA World Cup 2026

Enrique Macaya Márquez, the legendary FIFA World Cup journalist

The 91-year-old Argentine is covering his 18th FIFA World Cup™. Since Sweden 1958, he has never missed an edition of the global football bonanza. “I am happy, content and at peace,” Macaya Márquez told FIFA

Argentine journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez is honored by FIFA Legends

Art of Soccer project creating pitch- and picture-perfect legacy in Houston

With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in full swing, fans are having a ball as they get into the spirit across stadiums, FIFA Fan Festival™ sites and beyond.

Stars and stripes, football and public art. The FIFA World Cup spirit is everywhere in Houston.

Decibel-defying drum the beating heart of Spain’s support at FIFA World Cup 2026

Manolo Cáceres’ drum continues to be a regular fixture at Spain games. Better known as ‘Manolo el del Bombo’, he attended 10 FIFA World Cups and was known worldwide. Superfan passed away last year, with Juan Macià taking up the drumsticks

Spain fans play drums in support inside the stadium prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Spain and Cape Verde

Airplanes and helicopter fly over before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and Korea Republic at Guadalajara Stadium on June 18, 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The big screen displays the attendance of 45,522 during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and Korea Republic at Guadalajara Stadium on June 18, 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

General view inside the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and Korea Republic at Guadalajara Stadium on June 18, 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico

General view outside the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Korea Republic and Czechia at Guadalajara Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico

LED Board during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Spain at Guadalajara Stadium on June 26

Aerial view of the Guadalara Stadium, which is one of the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Fans of Mexico stand for the national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and Korea Republic at Guadalajara Stadium on June 18, 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara concludes historic third run as FIFA World Cup host

Mexico’s “second city” of Guadalajara, a traditional cradle of football, played a pivotal role in the build-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and then served as a colourful and enthusiastic Host City during the tournament’s group stage. 

Players and officials stand for the national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Spain at Guadalajara Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico.

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