FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed that the 2026 World Cup final will have its first ever half-time show. The expanded 48-team World Cup which will be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico, will commence from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The showpiece will have a total of 104 matches instead of the previous 64 games, including an additional knockout round. The final will also be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, home of NFL teams New York Giants and New York Jets. “I can confirm the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New…
Author: Somto Isaac
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to the competitive beauty of the UEFA Champions League to give a breath of fresh air to his injury-depleted squad. The Gunners’ aim of a first league title in 21 years seems to be fading away after falling 13 points behind Liverpool. A European win for the first time in the club’s history now seems the only chance of ending a five-year trophy drought, and a last 16 tie against PSV could seem a favourable match-up for Arsenal due to injuries. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are confirmed to miss the rest of…
Ruben Amorim has insisted a Premier League triumph with Manchester United remains the target, despite club legend Wayne Rooney stating the manager was “naive” to say so. The Red Devils, who last lifted the league in 2013, sit 14th on the log and have been knocked out of the FA Cup following the penalty shootout loss to Fulham on Sunday. Amorim, who resumed duty at the United dugout in November insisted that the aim is to win the league despite negative results. “I know we’re losing games but the goal is to win the Premier League again. I don’t know…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri, stating that he could make a return before the end of the season. Guardiola had initially ruled out a return for the season after the Spaniard suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury in September – however, Rodri has now begun individual training. “The fans must know they are not the only ones who are excited,” Guardiola said reporters after the 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. “He was touching the ball today. He was in the locker room…
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone expressed extreme delight with his side’s display as they came from two goals down to grab a late equaliser in the 4-4 draw at Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Tuesday. Simeone showed passion on the touchline after forward Alexander Sorloth netted the leveller in a counter attack in the third minute of added time. “What stands out most for me is this team’s spirit. There is an incredible gladiatorial spirit by the players that is inspiring,” the Argentine said in a press conference. “Barcelona have extraordinary tools, but…
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has stated his side need to snap their run of poor results to ensure they finish in the top four as they restart their journey to winning titles. After slipping to sixth on the log, the Blues who have just won two of their last nine games face Aston Villa this weekend. “We have to be upset because we are not happy with the results. We are all aware we are in a club where we are not here to survive but to fight to win titles,” he said to reporters. “They are the same players…
Manchester United gaffer Ruben Amorim revealed the likes of Christian Eriksen, Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro would be back in contention for Saturday’s clash at Everton. Quizzed about the injury situation and if this week had been better than the previous week dominated by negative injury updates, Amorim smiled admitting so. “Yes, because we don’t lose players. We recover players – Chris, Manu and Leny return”. Amorim also clarified comments he made regarding Eriksen’s absence from the 1-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday. Speaking of Eriksen, who suffered a cardiac arrest during a game at Euro 2020, Amorim said:…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted his side would need a rebuild after what he has labelled as currently their worst season following their exit from the UEFA Champions League. Kylian Mbappe netted a hat-trick as Real Madrid defeated City 3-1 on Wednesday to secure a 6-3 aggregate win. It is the third time in four seasons that City have been eliminated by the record winners — however, it is the first time under Guardiola that the Cityzens have failed to qualify for the last 16. “The better team won,” Guardiola told Spanish TV station Movistar. “We have had a…
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has stated Kylian Mbappe can reach the level as club legend Cristiano Ronaldo – praising the Frenchman’s exploits after he netted a hat-trick in the 3-1 win against Manchester City. Ronaldo is Los Blancos’ all-time leading goalscorer with 451 goals in 438 games – and Ancelotti believes Mbappe can also be a force in the Spanish capital. “He has the quality to reach his numbers, but he has to work, because Cristiano set the bar very high, but he is so excited to play here, he can reach Cristiano’s level,” Ancelotti said in a press…
Arne Slot expressed his dissatisfaction after his Liverpool side failed to move 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League following the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa. Failure to get a victory at Villa Park saw the Reds drop points for a second time in three games. “Not so happy to be honest. I think if you look back at the game, we created far more chances then them,” Slot said to TNT Sports. “I think we did everything we had to do to get a result over here, maybe even a win.” Liverpool took the lead in…