FIFA World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, center, prepares to present the trophy to Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal midfielder Salman Al-Faraj, left, after winning the AFC Champions League final soccer match against South Korea's Pohang Steelers 2-0, at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

FIFA touts billions to be gained from biennial World Cups

By Rob Harris And Graham Dunbar Dec. 20, 2021 10:36 AM EST

Italy's Jorginho passes the ball as Switzerland's Remo Freuler closes him down during the World Cup 2022 group C qualifying soccer match between Italy and Switzerland at Rome's Olympic stadium, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Switzerland vs Italy 11/12/2021

Nov. 22, 2021 01:10 PM EST

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, left, smiles after receiving the shirt of the Venezuelan soccer team with Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro, right, during his visit at Miraflores Presidential Palace in in Caracas, Venezuela , Friday , Oct 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Infantino says biennial WCups needed to attract youth

By Rob Harris Oct. 20, 2021 08:25 AM EDT

FILE - In this Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 file photo, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin listens to reporter's questions during a press conference at the end of the 43rd UEFA congress in Rome. Ceferin says he has “grave concerns” about FIFA’s plans to stage World Cups every two years and is astonished by the lack of consultation by Gianni Infantino’s governing body. The comments were made in a letter to Football Supporters Europe. Ceferin says he backed the group’s “extremely valid and important” concerns about the damage doubling the frequency of World Cups would cause to domestic and regional competitions. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

UEFA says FIFA snubs request for talks on World Cup concerns

By Rob Harris Sep. 22, 2021 12:05 PM EDT

Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino vies for the ball with Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, right, during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Luis Enrique names Spain squad with 7 changes from Euro 2020

By Tales Azzoni Aug. 26, 2021 06:27 AM EDT

Brazil's Antony embraces teammate Matheus Cunha after he scored his side's opening goal against Spain in the men's soccer final match at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

Atlético signs Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Hertha

Aug. 25, 2021 11:09 AM EDT

Brazil's Dani Alves poses after winning the gold medal beating Spain in the men's soccer final match at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

At 38, Alves helps Brazil to soccer gold by beating Spain

By Rob Harris Aug. 07, 2021 10:33 AM EDT

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, right, greets Argentina's Angel Di Maria at the award ceremony after his team won 1-0 against Brazil in the Copa America final soccer match at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, July 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Every year could soon have World Cup on Infantino's travels

By Rob Harris Aug. 05, 2021 10:01 AM EDT

United States' Christen Press, left, goes for the ball during a women's soccer match against Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Kashima, Japan. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

Press says expect a different US team against Netherlands

By Anne M. Peterson Jul. 29, 2021 12:49 PM EDT

Spain's Pedri Gonzalez, left, and Argentina's Esequiel Barco battle for the ball during a men's soccer match at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

Now at Olympics, Pedri losing count of games after 11 months

By Rob Harris Jul. 29, 2021 07:47 AM EDT

United States' Christen Press, left, is challenged by Australia's Ellie Carpenter during a women's soccer match at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Kashima, Japan. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

US advances to quarterfinals after 0-0 draw with Australia

By Anne M. Peterson Jul. 27, 2021 06:05 AM EDT

Spain's Aymeric Laporte, left, comforts Spain's Pedri after the Euro 2020 soccer championship semifinal match between Italy and Spain at Wembley Stadium in London, Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (Andy Rain/Pool via AP)

Spain has hopes of a bright future after Euro 2020 campaign

By Tales Azzoni Jul. 07, 2021 09:16 AM EDT

Clash with European season creates Olympic soccer headache

By Rob Harris Jul. 03, 2021 09:23 AM EDT
Often the event that connects an Olympic host city with the rest of the nation, soccer could be a source of trepidation rather than excitement in Japan. ...

France names Thauvin, Gignac to Olympic squad

Jun. 25, 2021 11:25 AM EDT
PARIS (AP) — France named World Cup winner Florian Thauvin and veteran striker André-Pierre Gignac to its Olympic soccer team on Friday. ...