he ceremonial event took place on 10 September at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium in the Greek capital, marking the beginning of the flame’s journey to Senegal.

Lausanne hosted Switzerland’s first-ever IJF Grand Slam, bringing together elite judo alongside Para Judo, Deaf Judo and Adapted Judo.

                                                                                                     Sunil Sabharwal CIFP President and Dániel Gyurta CIFP Council Member

As AI transforms the way major sporting events are planned and delivered, the human element remains essential to the future of sport.

Photo: IOC

Goals, dramatic comebacks and unforgettable performances define every great football tournament. Yet some of its most meaningful moments happen after the competition has effectively ended — when players look beyond the result and recognise the person standing on the other side.

Three moments from the FIFA 2026 World Cup demonstrated how respect, empathy and dignity can remain part of the game even when the stakes are at their highest.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, and football fans around the globe are once again enjoying the excitement, passion, and drama that make the tournament one of the world's greatest sporting events. This year's World Cup is the largest in history, featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The tournament began on 11 June and will conclude with the Final on 19 July 2026.