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FIFA reverses empty bottle policy for World Cup 2026 amid fan backlash over heat concerns
FIFA has updated its World Cup 2026 entry rules to prohibit fans from bringing water bottles into venues, reversing an earlier policy that permitted empty, transparent containers of up to one litre. The decision has drawn widespread criticism given the sweltering conditions expected at North American stadiums this summer.
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Perez hints at £130m Galactico signing as Real Madrid target Olise and Vitinha
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has publicly declared he will launch a €150m bid for a 'Galactico-level' attacking player if re-elected, with Bayern Munich's Michael Olise and PSG's Vitinha emerging as the leading candidates.
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FIFA's $355m World Cup fund to pay clubs $5,000 per player per day in North America
FIFA has detailed how it will distribute a $355 million club compensation fund during the 2026 World Cup, with clubs earning roughly $5,000 per day for each player selected. Manchester City lead all clubs with 19 players named in squads for the 48-team tournament.
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Mark Bosnich faces surgery after rupturing quadricep at World Cup promotional event
Former Manchester United and Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, 54, ruptured his quadricep while saving a penalty during a celebrity shootout ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He was taken to hospital and has confirmed surgery will be required.
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Shakira, Katy Perry and Michael Bublé to headline World Cup 2026 opening ceremonies
FIFA's first three-host World Cup will open with separate ceremonies in Mexico City, Toronto and Los Angeles on 11-13 June. Shakira and Burna Boy headline in Mexico, Michael Bublé leads Canada's show, and Katy Perry tops the bill in the United States.
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Bayern Munich target Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha in summer transfer pursuit
Bayern Munich are exploring a move for Liverpool's 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, with manager Vincent Kompany driving interest in the teenager who made 29 appearances for the Reds last season. Liverpool, who hold Ngumoha under contract until 2028, have no intention of selling.
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Mark Bosnich ruptures quadricep saving penalty at World Cup promotional event
Former Manchester United and Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, 54, will require surgery after rupturing his quadricep while saving a penalty during a celebrity shootout ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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Left out of Champions League final by Luis Enrique, Zaïre-Emery pays the price for his versatility at PSG
Despite being PSG's most-used player this season with 54 appearances across all competitions, Warren Zaïre-Emery was not in Luis Enrique's starting lineup for the Champions League final against Arsenal.
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Norway's Viking photo for 2026 World Cup sparks Scandinavian controversy
Qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Norway posed in Viking costumes for its official team photo. Norwegian journalists and academics strongly criticized the staging, which head coach Stale Solbakken refused to comment on.
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New York mayor to challenge FIFA over water bottle ban at World Cup venues
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has pledged to seek answers from FIFA after the governing body reversed its own policy and banned fans from bringing water bottles into World Cup stadiums, raising health concerns given the expected summer heat.
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Khaldoon Al Mubarak signals stability and fresh direction as Guardiola era ends at City
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak used his annual address to reassure supporters that the club will continue to grow under new management, pledging ongoing investment from owner Sheikh Mansour and insisting the post-Guardiola transition is firmly under control.
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Slot turns down Fulham approach days after Liverpool sacking
Arne Slot has rejected an approach from Fulham to become their new head coach, less than a week after being dismissed by Liverpool. The 47-year-old, who won the Premier League in his debut season at Anfield, is said to be waiting for the right opportunity.
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Starmer condemns Fifa's refillable water bottle ban at World Cup as 'wrong and about money'
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly criticised Fifa's decision to ban fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup stadiums, calling the policy wrong and commercially motivated. The ban reverses a previous rule that permitted empty, transparent bottles of up to one litre.
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World Cup 2026 opens with Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The expanded 48-team tournament runs across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concluding with the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
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RC Lens prepares summer transfer window despite Pierre Sage's surprise departure
After Pierre Sage's unexpected resignation, RC Lens is pressing ahead with its summer transfer window with several departures confirmed — including Saint-Maximin to Charlotte in MLS — and recruits already secured, including Thorgan Hazard.
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United close in on Ederson as Rashford future hinges on Barcelona's June 15 deadline
Manchester United are finalising a £39m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the signing expected before pre-season. Meanwhile, Barcelona have until June 15 to trigger their £26m option on Marcus Rashford, though the Catalan club are expected to pass after securing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.
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Rashford rejects Arsenal, Spurs and Newcastle as Barcelona return remains his priority
Marcus Rashford has turned down transfer approaches from Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle, with the Manchester United forward determined to return to Barcelona despite the Spanish club's £69 million signing of Anthony Gordon complicating any deal.
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Leao signals Premier League openness as Manchester United weigh summer move
AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has said the Premier League would bring out the best in his game, with Manchester United among the clubs linked to the Portugal international ahead of a potential summer transfer.
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Thomas Frank rules out summer return to management after Tottenham sacking
Thomas Frank has confirmed he will not take a new managerial role this summer, choosing instead to rest, study, and work as a pundit at the World Cup. The Dane was sacked by Tottenham in February after just eight months in charge.
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Thomas Frank steps back from management after Tottenham sack, ruling out summer return
Thomas Frank has decided against returning to management this summer following his February sacking by Tottenham. The Dane, linked with Fulham and Crystal Palace, says he needs more time to recharge before taking on a new role.
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