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This FIFA World Cup 2026™ is set to be the most technological advanced tournament ever staged - with AI and VAR expected to take over some of the biggest talking points. Join your host Haylena Krishnamoorthy for this episode of World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast, as she discusses the controversies we can expect to hear about ahead of the World Cup. Will the advancement of AI transform Video Assistant Referee in this World Cup? Are human rights organisations going to continue raising concerns on ICE raids in the World Cup host nations? And will the soaring ticket prices deter fans from attending the FIFA World Cup 2026™?

World Cup Daily | The 90+ Podcast is SBS's daily FIFA World Cup 2026™ podcast covering the biggest stories on and beyond the pitch.

In this episode:

· Will the advancement of AI transform Video Assistant Referee in this World Cup?

· Human rights organisations raise concerns about ICE raids during the tournament.

· Will the soaring ticket prices deter fans from attending the FIFA World Cup 2026™?

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.

Get daily updates on the SBS News website and follow SBS Sport on YouTube, TikTok, X, Instagram and Facebook for all the latest from the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The FIFA World Cup 26ᵀᴹ 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, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.

More than 900 Australians have been recognised for their exceptional contribution to the country in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List. Here, SBS spotlights some of the many community heroes celebrated with a Medal of the Order of Australia. Among them are a self-defence teacher, a powerful advocate for victims of crime, and an author celebrating historic achievements of Greek women.

Pope Leo has kicked off a six-day tour of Spain, where he has met with high-level officials ahead of an expected address to parliament. The pontiff has addressed the rise of artificial intelligence, political populism, and global conflict during his visit. It's the first time a pope has visited Spain in 15 years.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 could be a test for the organisation and its commitment to rid football of racism. In 2024, FIFA launched its 'Global Stand Against Racism' with a series of initiatives, including an anti-racism panel, education campaigns, and introducing tougher rules to combat discrimination. With incidents of racism continuing to blight professional football while FIFA prepares for its biggest tournament ever in Mexico, Canada and the US, here's how the footballing organisation's policies may play out.

A teenager, who was attacked by a shark in Far North Queensland last year, has made a stunning recovery after months in hospital and multiple surgeries. SBS travelled to Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, where Samuel Nai is back on country, practising his culture to help him heal.