FIFA & TikTok Reach Agreement for FIFA World Cup 2026
IslandStats.com
The most inclusive event in football history has today become even more accessible, with an innovative partnership between FIFA and TikTok set to bring millions of fans even closer to the action and excitement at the FIFA World Cup 2026
TikTok, one of the planet’s most influential and dynamic destinations for mobile video content, will become FIFA’s first-ever Preferred Platform. This will lead to an enhanced level of collaboration and integration, allowing TikTok to offer more comprehensive FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage, including increased original content, while becoming the go-to place for fans and creators throughout the tournament. This first-of-its-kind Preferred Platform agreement builds on the groundbreaking tie-up between FIFA and TikTok for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, which resulted in tens of billions of views.
Running until the end of 2026, the partnership also unlocks significant opportunities for official FIFA World Cup 2026 Media Partners on TikTok, including the ability to live-stream parts of matches, post more curated clips and access special content produced by FIFA for TikTok. Broadcasters will also be able to monetise their FIFA World Cup™ coverage through TikTok’s premium advertising solutions. Finally, TikTok will implement anti-piracy policies that support and protect FIFA’s intellectual property.
“FIFA’s goal is to share the exhilaration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with as many fans as possible, and we can’t think of a better way to further that mission during the biggest event in sports history than to have TikTok as the tournament’s first Preferred Platform,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström.
“This is an innovative and creative collaboration that will connect more fans across the globe to the FIFA World Cup in unprecedented ways, bringing them behind the curtain and closer to the action than ever before. As football grows and evolves – uniting an increasing number of people – so should the way it is shared and promoted.”
The Preferred Platform partnership will be anchored by TikTok’s immersive FIFA World Cup 2026 hub, a bustling nexus powered by TikTok GamePlan that will enable fans to discover engaging content that brings the 48-team tournament to life alongside match ticket and viewing information, as well as participation incentives like custom stickers, filters and gamification features.
For the first time, FIFA and TikTok will build a robust creator programme that will provide a select group of global TikTok creators with game-changing access to incredible behind-the-scenes moments – such as press conferences and training sessions – and in the process give fans unique, relatable perspectives on the FIFA World Cup experience on TikTok. Additionally, a wide group of creators will receive the opportunity to use and co-create FIFA archival footage.
"Football has experienced explosive global growth on TikTok over the past few years, and as FIFA's first-ever Preferred Platform we're excited for fans to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026 beyond the 90 minutes, with exclusive content and unprecedented creator access," said James Stafford, Global Head of Content, TikTok.
"TikTok GamePlan turns fandom into measurable business results for our sports partners, with fans being 42% more likely to tune in to live matches after watching sports content on TikTok. We're reaching the next generation of football fans - particularly younger and female audiences - and converting that passion into real tune-in and engagement at unprecedented scale."
Wednesday, January 07, 2026
BFA Officials at Anti-Match Manipulation & Integrity Workshop
IslandStats.com
Member Associations of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) including Bermuda enhanced their capacity to protect the integrity of the game during an Anti-Match Manipulation and Integrity Workshop.
The workshop was facilitated by FIFA Senior Integrity Manager Liam Rich and focused on FIFA’s four core pillars for safeguarding football: detection and investigation, education and training, prevention, and sanctioning. Participants also examined the definition and causes of match manipulation, as well as practical scenarios occurring both on and off the field.
Representing Bermuda were Lyndon Raynor and Jibri Smith.
The workshop aligned with the CFU’s strategic capacity-building objectives. It also provided participants with a solid foundation in identifying, preventing, and responding to integrity risks across all levels of the game.
“This workshop forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the administrative and governance capacity of our Member Associations,” said CFU General Secretary Camara David. “We are grateful to FIFA for its continued collaboration and support.”
Participant feedback was positive, with attendees reporting increased confidence in recognizing and addressing potential integrity threats.
Monday, January 05, 2026
World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List Now in Force
IslandStats.com
The World Anti-Doping Agency reminds all stakeholders that this year's illicit drugs catalogue and the Monitoring Programme come into force as of 1 January. The table was approved by WADA's Executive Committee at its meeting on 11 September.
The list is one of eight International Standards that are mandatory for all signatories to the World Anti-Doping Code. It specifies which substances and methods are prohibited both in and out of competition, and which substances are banned only in certain sports. The 2026 Monitoring Programme covers substances that are not on the index but that WADA wishes to track in order to detect possible patterns of misuse in sport.
As set out in the 2026 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes, the main changes for 2026 include additional examples and clarifications have been introduced in the following substance classes to help athletes and their support personnel better identify what is prohibited: anabolic agents; peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics; hormone and metabolic modulators, and stimulants. Dosing intervals for salmeterol have been adjusted to avoid potential performance-enhancing effects, although the maximum total daily dose remains unchanged. Further detail has been provided on the prohibition of blood withdrawal and manipulation of blood components.
Non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide has been added as a new Prohibited Method under section M1.4. The use of carbon monoxide for diagnostic purposes, such as measuring total haemoglobin mass or assessing lung diffusing capacity, remains permitted. Also, the existing ban on the use of normal or genetically modified cells has been expanded to include cellular components, for example nuclei and organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes. Meanwhile, the Glucocorticoid Washout Table now clarifies that the use of sustained-release formulations can lead to detectable glucocorticoid levels even after the recommended washout period because of prolonged systemic absorption.
IslandStats Football Show Continues as Season Heats Up
IslandStats.com
The much-anticipated "IslandStats Football Show" is set to grace the airwaves once again today at 6:00 pm, serving as a vital hub for Bermuda’s football enthusiasts as the season enters its most critical phase.
With the domestic calendar now officially in its second half, the weekly program promises to deliver comprehensive updates and expert analysis of the Premier and First Divisions. As the race for silverware intensifies and the threat of the drop looms large, the show aims to be the go-to destination for die-hard supporters and casual observers alike.
The primary talking point of the evening will undoubtedly be the relentless form of the Dandy Town Hornets. Following their clinical 4-0 victory over Young Men’s Social Club yesterday, the recently crowned Friendship Trophy champions have stretched their lead at the summit to four points.
With just three months remaining in the league season, all eyes are on whether the Hornets can maintain their composure under pressure from the chasing PHC Zebras and Devonshire Colts. The show will feature tactical breakdowns of how the Hornets have managed to maintain their momentum during a grueling holiday schedule and whether they have the depth to see the job through to April.
At the other end of the table, the drama is equally compelling. The "IslandStats" panel will delve into the plight of Young Men’s Social Club and the Boulevard Blazers, both of whom find themselves firmly entrenched in the relegation spots.
The Blazers, currently sitting at the bottom of the pile, and ninth-placed Social Club are in desperate need of a resurgence to pull themselves toward safety. Tonight’s program will look at the potential "great escapes" on the horizon and what changes these storied clubs must make to retain their Premier Division status for 2027.
Expect more than just match results and score updates. The show’s dynamic format invites coaches, players, and Bermuda Football Association (BFA) officials to join live discussions, providing firsthand insights that fans rarely get to hear elsewhere.
From candid reflections on recent performances to behind-the-scenes looks at movements, the "IslandStats Football Show" promises to enrich the local football discourse. Whether it’s discussing the standard of officiating or the development of the island’s youth prospects, the show remains the heartbeat of Bermudian football media.
Sunday, January 04, 2026
Lau Helps Claim a Bronze Mixed Doubles Badminton Medal
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s junior badminton stars found the going tough on day two of the Victor Ontario Junior C #7 tournament, as the island’s trio faced a grueling schedule of elite doubles competition at Carleton University.
While the singles matches earlier in the weekend provided glimpses of success, the jump to the doubles and mixed doubles divisions proved a steep learning curve for Joseph Lau, Aaron Lee, and JitHom Liew against some of Canada’s most polished young pairings.
The Boy’s Under-19 Doubles bracket saw Lau and Lee join forces for a series of high-intensity encounters, though they found the local opposition clinical. Their run began with a 21-8, 21-10 defeat to Haihan Sun and Zihan Wu, followed by a hard-fought 21-11, 21-13 loss to Xavier Chan and Jeremy Yuan. The Bermudian duo continued to show resilience through the later rounds, but eventually fell to Lemuel Ng and Adrian Tang (21-10, 21-7) and Michael Gadza and Tayson Te (21-10, 21-11).
Despite the hurdles in the men's draw, Joseph Lau found a moment of triumph alongside Canadian partner Swara Pawar in the Under-19 Mixed Doubles. The pair endured a difficult start, suffering straight-sets defeats to the pairings of Zihan and Zimo Wu, as well as Lemuel Ng and Isuri DeSilva. However, their persistence was rewarded in a thrilling three-set clash against Eric Tan and Sophia Kan which earned them a Bronze Medal.
In a match that kept the Ottawa crowd on edge, Lau and Pawar claimed the opening set 21-17, only for their opponents to snatch the second by the same scoreline. Showing immense composure in the decider, the cross-border pairing found their rhythm to take the final set 21-15 and secure a well-earned victory.
For JitHom Liew, competing in the Under-15 division, the second day of action mirrored the high standards seen in the senior ranks. Navigating the consolation rounds, Liew faced a tough battle against Daniel Paul, eventually going down 21-15, 21-9.
While the scorelines reflected the dominance of the Ontario-based players, the experience of competing in a multi-disciplinary international event remains a key pillar of the Bermuda National Junior Badminton Association’s strategy. Under the guidance of coach Emma Moran-Lee, the trio will now look to carry these lessons back to the island as they continue their preparations for the next stage of the regional circuit.
