Politics & controversy stories

Jul 25, 2026

Flávio Bolsonaro formally nominated as the Liberal Party candidate for the Brazilian presidency

Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, officially launched his presidential candidacy for Brazil's October election at a Liberal Party convention in São Paulo on Saturday. Despite facing political scandals and trailing in polls against incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, he received international support from Argentine President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jul 25, 20269 sources

Jul 8, 2026

Nigel Farage's by-election gamble backfires as major parties boycott, leaving Count Binface as the main challenger

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's decision to resign his Clacton parliamentary seat and trigger a by-election has backfired after major political parties announced they will not field candidates, leaving satirical candidate Count Binface—a man who wears a trash can on his head—as his primary opponent.

Jul 8, 20266 sources

Jul 5, 2026

Paris appeals court to rule on Marine Le Pen's eligibility for 2027 French presidential election

A Paris appeals court is set to deliver a verdict on Tuesday in Marine Le Pen's embezzlement case, determining whether the far-right National Rally leader can run in France's 2027 presidential election. Le Pen is appealing her 2025 conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds, with Jordan Bardella positioned to become the party's candidate if she is barred.

Jul 5, 20266 sources

Jun 17, 2026

Church of England and UK government apologize for role in forced adoptions from 1950s to 1980s

The Church of England issued a formal apology for its role in forced adoptions at mother and baby homes, where tens of thousands of babies were taken from unmarried women and girls from the 1950s through the mid-1970s. The UK government also confirmed it will make a full state apology to those affected by the historical practice.

Jun 17, 20264 sources

Jun 12, 2026

Body found near Tijuana stadium where Iran's national team trains ahead of World Cup match

Mexican authorities are investigating after a decomposing body was discovered in a vehicle near Caliente Stadium in Tijuana, where Iran's national soccer team has been preparing for its 2026 FIFA World Cup match. The body was found less than 300 meters from the training facility.

Jun 12, 202610 sources

Protesters demand Israel's FIFA expulsion in Toronto as 2026 World Cup opens amid visa controversy

Activists unfurled a massive banner reading 'Kick Israel out of FIFA' over a World Cup logo in Toronto on Friday, hours before Canada's opening match, while Iran's delegation reported that 15 officials were denied U.S. visas for the tournament.

Jun 12, 20269 sources

Jun 10, 2026

Haiti forced to change World Cup 2026 kit after FIFA deems battle imagery too political

FIFA has ordered Haiti to redesign their World Cup jerseys just days before their tournament opener against Scotland, ruling that imagery depicting the 1803 Battle of Vertières violated regulations against political messaging on uniforms.

Jun 10, 20266 sources

Leaders of Host Nations Mexico and US to Skip 2026 World Cup Opening Matches

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico and President Trump both plan to skip their countries' opening matches at the 2026 World Cup, with Mexico's leader intending to avoid the entire tournament amid domestic tensions and strikes in Mexico City.

Jun 10, 20263 sources

May 28, 2026

Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt Ireland-Qatar match with tennis balls over upcoming Israel fixtures

Republic of Ireland's friendly match against Qatar in Dublin was stopped twice as fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch to protest scheduled Nations League games against Israel. Irish players and officials expect controversy to intensify ahead of the Israel fixtures.

May 28, 20269 sources

Dec 4, 2025

FIFA president Infantino awards inaugural peace prize to Trump at World Cup draw, sparking controversy over political neutrality

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Donald Trump with the newly created FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony at the Kennedy Center, raising questions about the football governing body's longstanding policy of political neutrality. Reports indicate FIFA's own governing council was not informed about the award beforehand.

Dec 4, 20258 sources