Stories related to: World Cup

The last few weeks have further exposed Robert Mugabe as a tyrant—and Thabo Mbeki, South Africa's president, as a "vacillating, dithering, morally compromised figure," writes Peter Godwin. In an op-ed for the New York Times , the Zimbabwe-born author says that the West must force Mbeki to act by playing its trump card: threaten to take away the World Cup, which South Africa hosts in just two years. More »

The British Football Association may finally have found its head coach, as CEO Brian Barwick zeros in on Real Madrid's Fabio Capello. Pending likely approval from Capello's lawyers, Barwick will formally propose Capello to the FA board today. If appointed, Capello would coach England in the 2010 World Cup, with an option to stay until the 2012 European Championship. More »

World Cup finalists Italy and France will meet again: this time in Group C, the "Group of Death" of the Euro 2008 soccer championship. For Romania, it could be called "unluck of the draw" as it was selected for that group today along with another powerful squad, Holland, reports the Guardian . "I think there are coaches who are happier today," said France's manager. More »

FIFA chose Brazil to host the 2014 World Cup today, the AP reports. Brazil, which holds the record for World Cup wins, was the only South American bidder after Colombia withdrew in April. "Soccer is not only a sport for us," said Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "It's more than that: Soccer for us is a passion, a national passion." Meanwhile, Germany landed the 2011 Women's World Cup. More »

The US women’s soccer team just suffered one of its worst World Cup losses, but all eyes are focused on the team’s outspoken player and embattled coach. Goalie Hope Solo was banished today after publicly criticizing the choice of veteran teammate Briana Scurry to replace her in the Brazil match. Solo has apologized, but one of her teammates still called her presence a “distraction.” More »

The US women's soccer team cruised into the semifinals of the World Cup today with a 3-0 win over England, ESPN reports. Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx, and Kristine Lilly scored three goals in a 12-minute span of the second half. The US, seeking its third title, will face the winner of tomorrow's match between Brazil and Australia on Thursday. More »

France has been gripped by rugbymania as fans descend for the 2007 World Cup, which begins today. Bakeries are offering pigskin-shaped loaves, and Galeries Lafayette offers fan specials as the violent sport becomes suddenly chic. But for the Telegraph 's Janine di Giovanni, one of the most violent sports offers only one real delight: the men. More »

The bulk of a Haitian youth team en route to the under-17 World Cup in South Korea vanished during a stopover at JFK early yesterday, the AP reports. Thirteen out of 18 went missing; by the late afternoon, five or six had returned to the airport and rejoined team officials. More »