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World Cup

World Cup news

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Lottery winners granted access to purchase World Cup tickets

Millions of soccer fans from around the world have the opportunity to buy tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in North America, as lottery winners from 4.5 million applicants were granted access starting Wednesday. FIFA said lottery winners were or will be informed of their status via email. The governing body expects demand will be high.

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2025

Ronaldo backed to be 'vital' player for Portugal at 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo has been backed to be a "vital" player for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup "regardless of how long he stays on the field". The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, now armed with a record-shattering new two-year contract at Saudi giants Al-Nassr, shows no signs of slowing down. His relentless pursuit of football immortality, including the dream of smashing through the 1,000 career goal barrier, has football fans wondering: just how long can this "machine" keep going?

Ceferin Trump

UEFA delay vote on suspending Israel amid Trump's war efforts

UEFA has delayed a vote on suspending Israel from European competition after United States president Donald Trump revealed a fresh attempt to end the war in Gaza. Trump has unveiled a 20-point peace plan and has given Hamas "three or four days" to respond or face the consequences. Given the circumstances, UEFA has now put a plan to vote on suspending Israel on hold.

Quinn Sullivan USMNT 2025

'Gutted' USMNT star Sullivan confirms devastating injury blow

USMNT star Quinn Sullivan has confirmed that he suffered a devastating ACL injury blow during the Philadelphia Union’s 6-0 victory over D.C. United. The 21-year-old midfielder lasted just six minutes of that contest before picking up a knock. He initially attempted to play on, but it soon became apparent that would not be possible. Sullivan is now sweating on his place in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for a home World Cup in the summer of 2026.

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RCD Mallorca v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports

Beavers replaces Kochen in U.S. U20 World Cup squad

Barcelona’s decision to recall Diego Kochen, bringing him in as backup to Wojciech Szczęsny after No. 2 Joan García’s injury, prompted U.S. Soccer to make a late change to its FIFA U20 World Cup roster. The Blaugrana are also without Marc-André ter Stegen, who is dealing with a long-term injury. Brøndby’s Gavin Beavers has been called in as his replacement.

US-POLITICS

Trump suggests he could move World Cup games from unsafe cities

U.S. President Trump suggested to reporters this week that he could move matches for next summer’s 2026 men’s World Cup away from U.S. host cities that are “even a little bit dangerous.” It is unclear how feasible it would be to change sites for World Cup games at this point in the process, as the event begins next June. 

Eric Dier Harry Kane

Helping Kane lift trophy curse still gives Dier 'goosebumps'

Eric Dier admits that memories of breaking his trophy duck, while helping Harry Kane to lift his silverware curse, still gives him goosebumps. The versatile England international became a title winner alongside his close friend and fellow former Tottenham star when helping Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga crown in 2024-25. Memories of that success will live with Dier forever.

US-POLITICS-AWARD-UNGA

FIFA reportedly unlikely to expand to 64-team 2030 World Cup

FIFA is reportedly unlikely to advance a proposal to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for 2030, despite recommendations from CONMEBOL, South American FA leaders, and several presidents from the continent. The Guardian reports that while FIFA heard the pitch and will share it with stakeholders, there is internal skepticism about the plan.

FIFA World Cup Mascots

FIFA unveils 2026 World Cup mascots for Canada, Mexico and U.S.

FIFA has unveiled the official mascots for the 2026 World Cup, with each host nation represented by a unique character. Maple the Moose stands for Canada, Zayu the Jaguar for Mexico, and Clutch the Bald Eagle for the United States, reflecting cultural diversity and shared passion for the global game. The 2026 World Cup kicks off next June.

Aleksander Ceferin UEFA

Revealed: When UEFA will make decision on potential Israel ban

UEFA is reportedly set to make a decision next week on whether Israel will be suspended from European competition. There have been calls for the continental governing body to take action amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. A UN Commission of Inquiry has concluded that there are reasonable grounds to conclude that Israel is committing genocide in that region. Sporting institutions are now being urged to take action.

Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

AFA president says Argentina to face Mexico in June friendly

The long-rumored clash between World Cup champions Argentina and Mexico is now set, according to AFA president Claudio Tapia. Tapia said in an interview that the teams will meet in early June, just days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off with Javier Aguirre’s El Tri playing their first match of the tournament at Estadio Azteca.

Grimsby Town v Manchester United - Carabao Cup Second Round

Mainoo ready to request January loan exit from Man Utd

Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly weighing up a dramatic exit from Manchester United in a desperate bid to keep his World Cup ambitions alive. The 20-year-old midfielder, once billed as the jewel of United’s academy, is growing increasingly disillusioned with life under new boss Ruben Amorim after being frozen out of the starting XI.

Ousmane Dembele Ballon d'Or Lionel Messi Ronaldinho

BdO winner Dembele joins Messi & Ronaldinho in elite trophy club

Ousmane Dembele has joined the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane in an elite trophy club after being named the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was crowned the best player on the planet at a glitzy ceremony in the French capital, with the France international fending off competition from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr 2025-26

Ronaldo told ‘goalkeepers will want to let in 1,000th goal’

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that goalkeepers will want to let in his 1,000th goal, allowing them to join the Portuguese GOAT in the history books. CR7 continues to chase down that personal landmark, with ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen suggesting that the Al-Nassr superstar will be ready to hang up his boots and retire once another record has been broken.

Neymar Santos 2025

Neymar can't stay fit! Brazil icon suffers ANOTHER injury

Neymar has suffered yet another injury blow as his involvement in the World Cup next summer looks bleak. The Brazil icon was left out of Carlo Ancelotti's squad for the September World Cup qualifying games due to an injury and the Santos star has once again picked up a knock, which casts doubt on his participation in Selecao's October international friendlies.

Frequently asked questions

Currently, the most cost efficient package looks to be picking up a TV deal through Virgin Media or EE TV.

Existing TV or broadband customers can add TNT Sports to Virgin Media for £12 per month and Sky Sports for £31.75 per month, adding on Amazon Prime Video for the few weeks in the season when they show football which is £8.99 per month.

EE TV (formerly BT TV) also provide their Big Sport deal which includes TNT Sports and Sky Sports via NOW TV, for £45 per month, which is available for existing broadband customers, with the addition of Amazon Prime Video for the few weeks in the season when they show football which is £8.99 per month.

However, when it comes to bang for your buck, if you’re wanting to spend a little less, then the Complete Sky Sports package from an additional £22 per month on top of your current Sky TV deal is the best option, giving you over 128 games across a single season.

A number of broadcasters have the rights to stream and show highlights on the television, with Match of the Day on the BBC being the most notable of these. Every weekend the BBC show highlights airs on both Saturday and Sunday from around 10.30pm, in the company of Gary Lineker and fellow ex-professionals.

Sky Sports offer highlights slightly earlier, with their packages getting underway from around 7.00pm, while TNT Sports also offer highlights and goals from each and every game on the top flight online too.

Yes. TNT Sports is the new name for what was once known as BT Sport, in both the UK and Ireland. Along with appearing on the same channels as it always has, TNT Sports provides four live sporting channels, with red-button and digital channels, Eurosports channels, TNT Sports Ultimate (4K), and Box Office, depending on what package and provider you opt to go with.

Besides watching matches through the designated TV package your subscription is assigned to, some offer ways to live stream and tune in to the big game through a variety of ways. For games on TNT Sports, the discovery+ Premium app is available on the usual array of live stream options, including on Smart TVs mobile phone, PC, laptop and Mac, as well as video games consoles, Apple and Android devices too. Similarly, if you are using NOW TV for Sky Sports, you can login on a range of devices to keep track of the scores.

Yes. Standard coverage of TNT Sports is available to BT broadband customers.

NBC, Peacock, and USA Network currently have the rights to broadcast the English Premier League in the United States. Matches are available across two of their TV channels, NBC Sports and USA Network, as well as their dedicated streaming service Peacock.