FIFA World Cup (Men's)

Where Has England's Misplaced Optimism Gone?

The English summer - meteorologically defined as two consecutive days upon which the sun is visible to the naked eye - brings with it a host of sporting activities: cricket, tennis, sunbathing in torrential rain. But none are engaged with such masochistic fervor as the biennial pursuit of over-hyping England's prospects ahead of a major international tournament. Press, pundits and politicians compete to whip the national psyche into a froth of bravado, sure that this is the year England finally breaks a 48-year cycle of failure.

World Cup Players Are Told Not To Have Sex. Seriously?!

Imagine being in your mid-twenties and an international soccer superstar who's about to play on the biggest stage of your life. Now imagine being told you must stay abstinent while staying in one of the sexiest countries in the world.

Your Guide To World Cup 2014: Part 1 - Teams

It’s almost here.  Years of anticipation, years of hopes, years of unsettled scores (here’s looking at Ghana) and years of qualification – more than 800 matches have brought us to this moment: only 32 teams remain. It’s easy to forget that the FIFA World Cup is not just a summer fling. It is the culmination of a world-wide extravaganza which started almost 3 years ago.

Irish Company Cuts Down Rainforest...Maybe?

Irish bookmaker Paddy Power is no stranger to controversy. The company, which offers online sports betting and gambling (as well as conducting business through licensed betting shops throughout the U.K.

World Cup Preview: Ghana

The United States Men’s National Team takes on arch-nemesis Ghana in its opening match at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil on June 16th.

The18 World Cup Kit Championship: Round Of 16

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is less than a week away, but you don't have to wait. The18 brings you the results of the Round of 16 in our "2014 World Cup Kit Championship."

The Stadiums Of The World Cup

We here at The18 have taken a critical look at Brazil’s preparation for the World Cup, especially when it comes to stadium infrastructure. It’s necessary to say that the Itaquerao, the stadium hosting the opening match between Brazil and Croatia, is still not finished. But, for the moment, let's put those worries aside and look at the 12 stadiums that will host the 2014 World Cup's 64 matches.

Freestyle Footballer Dresses Up As Old Man, Embarrasses Everyone

It's offically one week until the start of World Cup 2014, and advertisers are releasing loads of new soccer-themed campaigns. A couple years, ago Pepsi introduced us to "Uncle Drew," an old man who walks onto a basketball court in New Jersey looking to test his skills against some "young bloods." No one takes him seriously until he seriously embarrasses any and all challengers. For those who haven’t seen it, here is a link. Read no further if you don’t want the surprise ruined. 

A Red Card For Sterling, A Red Flag For England?

England and Ecuador drew 2-2 in a World Cup tune up for both nations in Miami on Wednesday afternoon. With around 21,500 people in attendance, England debuted an experimental lineup which lacked established stars such as captain Steven Gerrard, Joe Hart, Gary Cahill, and Daniel Sturridge. England came out in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Wayne Rooney starting on the left wing, instead of his preferred spots either up front or right behind the striker.

Pages