Sports and politics collide as World Cup prepares for kickoff

Can the FIFA World Cup score a win for the global economy?

With just one sleep to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, SBS On the Money explores the business behind the world’s biggest sporting event. Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Mark Andersen, Co-Head of Global Asset Allocation at UBS Global Wealth Management CIO, about the economic opportunities and investment themes emerging from football’s global reach. Plus, Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist at University of Technology Sydney, looks at the costs facing fans travelling to the tournament and the broader financial impact. The episode also covers a weaker Australian sharemarket, with Henry Jennings from Marcus Today breaking down the day’s market moves, the impact of rising geopolitical tensions and inflation, and what investors are watching ahead of the anticipated SpaceX listing.

FIFA World Cup fever dream, Trump taps his loyalists & India’s cockroach rebellion

The FIFA World Cup kicks off amid geopolitical foul play. Ukraine says it is regaining territory and pushing for talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Donald Trump continues to reshape US politics, and how India’s satirical Cockroach Party became an unlikely symbol of youth resistance.

Messi, Mbappe, Yamal: Who will leave the biggest legacy this World Cup?

This World Cup is set to be Argentina's star Lionel Messi's final chapter... could be French legend Kylian Mbappe's quest to become football's undisputed king - and Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal might just leave this tournament as the most famous footballer. This is SBS News’ World Cup Daily, The 90+ Podcast, where we bring you stories on and beyond the pitch. Today we're looking at players who could define the FIFA World Cup 2026 - and the nations whose hopes rest on their shoulders. World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast is SBS's daily FIFA World Cup 2026™ podcast covering the biggest stories on and beyond the pitch. From unforgettable moments, match highlights, emerging stars, FIFA politics, major controversies and the stories shaping the tournament, The 90+ brings you the key talking points from the FIFA World Cup 2026™ every day. For more on this series, follow The 90+ Podcast [https://www.sbs.com.au/news/podcast/world-cup-daily-the-90-podcast]. Get daily updates on the SBS News website [https://www.sbs.com.au/news] and follow SBS Sport on  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/sbssportau], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sbssportau], X [https://x.com/SBSSportau], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sbssportau] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/sbssportau/] for all the latest from the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The FIFA World Cup 26ᵀᴹ [https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026/how-to-watch] kicks off on June 12 (AEST) - with coverage starting for the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa from 4am (AEST) - and will be an exclusive broadcast on SBS in Australia. You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS [https://www.sbs.com.au/sport/fifa-world-cup-2026], SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand [https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/fifa-world-cup-2026].

Sports and politics collide as World Cup prepares for kickoff

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Friday, with the opening match taking place in Mexico City’s legendary Azteca stadium. Amid controversy over FIFA’s President has defended its handling of visa issues experienced by teams and referees ahead of the tournament. Of the three host nations, Mexico is by far the most football-obsessed - but there’s been controversy over ticket prices and concerns about security. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Friday, with the opening match taking place in Mexico City’s legendary Azteca stadium. Amid controversy over FIFA’s President has defended its handling of visa issues experienced by teams and referees ahead of the tournament. Of the three host nations, Mexico is by far the most football-obsessed - but there’s been controversy over ticket prices and concerns about security.

Strait of Hormuz closed again as US, Iran launch new wave of strikes

US forces have launched a new wave of strikes at Iran, following days of escalating violence. In response, Iran has targeted the US fifth fleet in Bahrain and says it has closed the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, warning any ship that attempts to pass through will be targeted. As tensions continue to build, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has joined international allies in calling for de-escalation during a visit to the UK.