Business, markets and economy news from Malaysia.
Dozens of World Cup fans experienced last-minute ticket cancellations on resale platform StubHub during the tournament, with buyers left without entry despite assurances of replacement tickets, raising questions about secondary ticketing practices.
Ousmane Dembele netted a hat-trick in under half an hour as already-qualified France dismantled a second-string Norway, securing top spot in World Cup Group I with a 4-1 victory.
Spanish striker Borja Iglesias has become football's most outspoken voice on social issues, fearlessly discussing Gaza, homophobia and injustice while breaking conventional athlete silence.
Ecuador pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match, securing a knockout stage berth despite arriving at the game under immense pressure after previous setbacks.
France will face Norway on Friday seeking to clinch top spot in their World Cup Group I. Assistant coach Guy Stephan emphasized that finishing first offers significant logistical advantages, allowing the team to remain in the Northeast rather than travel to distant American cities.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has rebuffed criticism of World Cup hydration breaks, arguing they serve player welfare in extreme heat rather than generating revenue for football's governing body.
Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro accepted full responsibility for his team's 5-0 World Cup defeat to Portugal in Houston, insisting the debutant squad would benefit from the harsh experience despite facing elimination.
Police in Penang have netted 12 suspects involved in illegal online gambling operations and confiscated approximately RM9,000 in a coordinated enforcement drive timed to coincide with the Fifa World Cup tournament.
Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima attended World Cup matches for both the Netherlands and Curaçao on the same day, celebrating victories and draws while supporting their dual realm.
The World Cup reached its 100-goal milestone faster than any tournament in nearly 70 years when Cody Gakpo netted in the Netherlands' 5-1 victory over Sweden, prompting analysis of the high-scoring trend.
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More than 300 predominantly young worshippers attended a Qiyamullail programme and World Cup screening at a Kuala Lumpur mosque, combining spiritual devotion with football entertainment in an innovative approach to Islamic outreach.
Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan has dismissed speculation about discord involving star player Mohamed Salah, emphasizing squad unity as the team prepares for a pivotal World Cup Group G encounter with New Zealand at BC Place on Sunday.
Deniz Undav came off the bench to score twice as Germany mounted a second-half fightback against Ivory Coast, winning 2-1 to secure their place in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since 2014.
French World Cup fans received warnings against disturbing Philadelphia's famous Rocky statue, which has reportedly brought bad luck to teams whose supporters dressed it in their colours.
Morocco's World Cup coach has described PSG defender Achraf Hakimi as remaining composed while facing rape allegations stemming from a 2023 incident in the Paris region, which the player denies.
Morocco's early-goal brilliance gave them a commanding 1-0 victory over Scotland in Group C, establishing themselves as frontrunners for qualification with one fixture remaining in the tournament.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the national football team's locker room in Vancouver to congratulate players on securing Canada's first World Cup finals match win, praising their character and resilience after a teammate suffered a broken leg during the match.
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FIFA announced that more than 1.03 million supporters attended the inaugural 16 matches of the World Cup in North America, with stadiums operating at 99.34% capacity. However, questions persist regarding ticket pricing and fan safety protocols.
Iran's national football team manager has accused tournament organisers of forcing the squad to abandon their Los Angeles base and relocate to Mexico immediately after their World Cup opener against New Zealand, citing restricted recovery time.
Norway striker Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with two goals in a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq, putting the Scandinavian nation atop their group and announcing himself as a force on football's grandest stage.
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi, a key player in Sunday's World Cup triumph against Ecuador, was apprehended in France last month as authorities investigated alleged match-fixing irregularities.
Austria survived a stern test from World Cup debutants Jordan, winning 3-1 in Santa Clara thanks to a late penalty. Coach Ralf Rangnick highlighted the improved quality of smaller nations in the expanded 48-team tournament.
South Korea's national football team has boycotted media responsibilities during the World Cup following allegations that domestic journalists mocked captain Son Heung-min's military service. The Korea Football Association condemned the remarks and pledged to protect the squad.