FIFA World Cup 2026

Industry executives say fans are being put off by expensive match tickets, inflation fears and anti-American sentiment

In this episode of Pathway to Pro, we sit down with RBNY 2 midfielder Paul Sokoloff to chat about his path from the U8 academy all the way to a future HG contract with the first team, his long term goals, favorite memories, and so much more! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sp...

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FIFA, soccer's world governing body, has been accused of a 'shakedown' over the news, which comes after ticket prices sparked outrage across the world.

“Los Angeles” is three things: a city, a county, and a metropolitan area of 20 million spread through 300 cities and communities over 5,000-square miles across five counties pockmarked by mountains, hills, canyons and deserts. The post World Cup host Los Angeles: Through the eyes of Scott French appeared first on Soccer America.

Let's answer the four biggest questions following Matt Crocker's decision to step down as U.S. Soccer's sporting director.

Alexi Lalas weighs in on Matt Crocker's leaving U.S. Soccer for Saudi Arabia months before the World Cup.

Some players wish they could have done much better when representing their countries Leer

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Sports Committee, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has expressed strong support for the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, describing the decision as a step in the right direction.The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician was named Ghana’s new head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo. Queiroz has signed a four-month contract with an option to extend beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Ghana have qualified for the global tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Croatia.Speaking on the appointment, Norgbey praised Queiroz’s wealth of experience and tactical discipline, expressing confidence that the veteran coach will command respect from the players.“He comes to the table with a wealth of experience, and I think his tactical discipline will propel the team. I’m sure even the players will also have the kind of respect for him because this is a coach with international rating,” Norgbey said.He also commended the Ghana Football Association for making what he believes is a beneficial choice for the national team.“For once, the GFA has taken...

Brazil former star Filipe Luis highlighted the importance of Carlo Ancelotti at this crucial moment. With two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil are hopeful that Carlo Ancelotti can provide the national team with a tactical identity that allows them to compete for the title in North America. Filipe Luis expressed confidence that the Italian coach will get the job done in time. “Ancelotti brings us many good things,” Filipe Luis said during a conference organized by Conmebol this week, according to Diario AS. “There are no guarantees we’ll win anything, but it’s the best that could have happened.” The former Atletico Madrid defender pointed to the timing of Ancelotti’s arrival to take over the national team. In mid-2025, Brazil were coming off a heavy loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires and, with four matches remaining in the South American qualifiers, had not yet secured their place in the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti delivered the results needed to achieve that goal and has since used every FIFA break to shape a team that had struggled to meet expectations since the departure of Tite after the 2022 World Cup at Qatar. Vinicius Junior is subbed off by Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil. Filipe Luis believes in Brazil’s chances The general consensus among fans and analysts lists Spain, France and Argentina as the top favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. Despite being the most successful national team in the competition’s history, Brazil are not placed in that top tier, but rather in a second group alongside other powerhouses such as Germany, England and Portugal. However, Filipe Luis warned those who might count Brazil out of the title race. “Brazil will always be one of the favorites, even when things aren’t going well,” said the former Flamengo manager, extending that view to Argentina as well. To support his confidence in Ancelotti’s squad, Filipe Luis pointed to the team’s individual talent: “People don’t believe Brazil can win. But if you look at the five best players in the world, we have two: Raphinha and Vini Jr.” Brazil’s path in the 2026 World Cup Brazil are in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will open their campaign on June 13 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, before traveling to Philadelphia six days later to face Haiti. Their final group-stage match will be on June 24 in Miami against Scotland. If everything goes as expected and Carlo Ancelotti’s side finish top of the group, they will advance to the Round of 16, where they would face the runner-up of Group F — made up of Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia — in Houston on June 29.

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Sports Committee, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has expressed strong confidence in newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, highlighting the Portuguese tactician’s tactical discipline as a key asset that will drive the team forward at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Queiroz was named Ghana’s head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo, signing a four-month contract with an option to extend. He will lead the Black Stars in Group L against England, Panama, and Croatia."He comes to the table with a wealth of experience, and I think his tactical discipline will propel the team," Norgbey said."I’m sure even the players will also have the kind of respect for him because this is a coach with international rating."The veteran Portuguese manager, who has previously coached Real Madrid, Iran, and Egypt, faces the immediate challenge of preparing Ghana for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Ghana’s campaign begins on June 17 against Panama in Toronto.

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has expressed strong confidence that the vast experience and international pedigree of newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will naturally compel players to adhere to his instructions on and off the pitch.Norgbey believes the 73-year-old Portuguese tactician’s résumé—which includes managing Real Madrid, leading Iran to two World Cups, and taking Egypt to the global stage—carries a weight that few coaches in African football can match. That authority, he argued, will translate into discipline and compliance from the Black Stars squad.“He comes to the table with a wealth of experience, and I think his tactical discipline will propel the team. I’m sure even the players will also have the kind of respect for him because this is a coach with an international rating," Norgbey said.Queiroz, who has taken four different nations to the FIFA World Cup, was appointed on a four-month contract with an option to extend. He replaces Otto Addo following Ghana’s poor run of friendly results and failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.Norgbey argued that the timing of the appointment, though close to the tournament, is less of...

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has praised the Ghana Football Association for appointing Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars.Norgbey described the decision as a positive move that will benefit the national team, highlighting Queiroz’s wealth of experience and tactical discipline as key assets.“For once, the GFA has taken a decision that will inure to the benefit of the Black Stars, and I’m happy for the choice that they have made,” Norgbey said.The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician was appointed on a four-month contract with an option to extend beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He replaces Otto Addo, who was dismissed following a string of poor friendly results.Queiroz, who has previously managed Real Madrid, Iran, and Egypt, will lead Ghana in Group L against England, Croatia, and Panama. The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Toronto.Norgbey expressed confidence that the players will respect Queiroz due to his international standing and believes his tactical discipline will propel the team forward.

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President Fred Pappoe has called on Ghanaians to throw their full support behind newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz as the team intensifies preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The Portuguese tactician has been handed a short-term contract to lead Ghana at the tournament, replacing Otto Addo after a difficult run of results that included defeats to Austria and Germany in March, as well as Ghana's failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.Speaking on Adom FM, Pappoe stressed the importance of unity and collective backing given the limited time before the World Cup.“We have limited time for the World Cup, and if you look into the list available and you check our pocket, I believe we have to rally behind whoever has been appointed,” he said.Pappoe added that Queiroz’s extensive experience—including four World Cup appearances—should be seen as a major advantage rather than a point of criticism.“We were all clamouring for a respected coach, and someone who can transform the team has been chosen, so we must support him,” Pappoe stated.Queiroz is expected to meet the Black Stars squad next month during a...

The move comes two months before the Men's World Cup on home soil; Crocker oversaw both USMNT and USWNT

Cristian Romero was injured over the weekend and will probably join the World Cup squad as a last-minute addition Leer

Tom Bogert returns from paternity leave alongside Tab Ramos to break down the latest around the USMNT. They start with the shocking timing and fallout of Matt Crocker leaving his role as U.S. Soccer Sporting Director for a move to Saudi Arabia less than two months before the FIFA World Cup. Tab explains why he sees it as a troubling sign for the program, and why building a stronger culture is more important than ever. They discuss Christian Pulisic, should there be real concern about his recent form, or is the panic overblown? Tab also gives his predictions for the final World Cup roster under Mauricio Pochettino. Plus, Tom shares his first “new dad” story since returning to the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz is confident Ghana will enjoy a successful campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.According to his agent, Tadeo Martins, this is one of the key reasons why the veteran agreed to take charge as head coach of the Black Stars."Firstly, because he believes in the ambition of the Ghanaian national team to achieve outstanding results in the World Cup, and secondly, because he wants to participate in the tournament for the fifth time in his career,” Martins told Kooora in an interview as quoted by Africasoccer.In the interview, the agent clarified the speculation that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has tasked Carlos Queiroz to lead the Black Stars to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a requirement for a contract extension. According to Martins, the report is false."This is completely unfounded... This is a ridiculous rumour, and I don't know why anyone would write such a thing,” Carlos Queiroz's agent said.The Ghana FA announced the appointment of the former Egypt coach as head coach of the Black Stars for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.He replaces Otto Addo, who was sacked by the Ghana FA after four consecutive...

Brazil's president has revealed that Carlo Ancelotti picked his brain over whether to select Neymar for the World Cup.

The Tartan Army will be subjected to more rip-offs at the World Cup this summer with the cost of going to Scotland's opening two matches by bus set to outstrip the price of a train ticket.

United States Men's National Team legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard react to losing Patrick Agyemang for the World Cup. @volkswagen_usa | #HomeOfSoccer

NJ Transit says no decision has been finalized Trip to New Jersey stadium typically is $12.90 Train tickets from New York City to MetLife Stadium, the New Jersey site of eight World Cup games this summer, are set to increase sevenfold to more than $100 during the tournament, according to a new report. The Athletic reported NJ Transit’s plans for the ticket increase on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the public transportation provider. NJ Transit told Fox 5 New York that the price has not been finalized. A decision is expected in the coming days, the Athletic report said.

England fans will descend on New Jersey's MetLife Stadium in July at the World Cup but a return rail ticket will cost them significantly more than the usual price

Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola react to the bombshell news that Matt Crocker is leaving his role as U.S. Soccer's sporting director with immediate effect - right before the start of a home World Cup - to take a similar position with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. The crew discuss the strange timing, potential candidates to fill the role, and the bad optics ahead of a pivotal time for the USMNT. In brighter news, Folarin Balogun can't stop scoring in Ligue 1. With the Monaco striker on a seven-game hot streak, what can Pochettino do to better unlock him? Plus, teenagers are tearing up MLS, and the presumptive big boys enter the U.S. Open Cup at the Round of 32 stage! Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JimmyConrad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @CharlieDavies9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TMeola1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the ⁠betting arena on CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on soccer⁠ For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠ Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, UEFA Women’s Champions League, EFL Championship, EFL League Cup, Carabao Cup, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the betting arena on CBS Sports.com: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/⁠ For all the latest in sportsbook reviews: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/⁠ And sportsbook promos: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Warren Zaire-Emery promises to be one of the standout young players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Matt Crocker quit as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation on Tuesday, just two months ahead of the World Cup, to take a new job in Saudi Arabia.

FIFA have a request to make of US President Donald Trump as they prepare for this summer's World Cup hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico

Crocker was hired to take the role in 2023 and played a leading role in the federation's efforts to hire USWNT head coach Emma Hayes and USMNT counterpart Mauricio Pochettino

FIFA released a list last week of the 170 match officials who have been selected to take charge of the World Cup. For those of a Scottish persuasion, a quick scan through it made for grim reading.

With fewer than 60 days before the World Cup begins - the eye-watering cost of tickets remains a contentious issue. So will this be the most expensive football tournament ever? And if so, who is this World Cup actually for? Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, Henry Bushnell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is interested in joining one of the three Premier League teams whose European dreams he stands to end. The Paris Saint-Germain star’s former assistant coach at Georgia h…

TAILGATING outside Gillette Stadium has been banned ahead of the World Cup - leaving fans furious. The home of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution will host seven showdowns during the iconic tournament between June 13 and July 9. But it has been confirmed that tailgating will not be allowed outside Gillette Stadium,...

A return ticket via NJ Transit for the 18-mile journey from New York Pennsylvania Station ordinarily costs $12.90.

The United States men's soccer team has been rocked by the news that Matt Crocker, the sporting director, has walked out on his job just two months before the World Cup.

Crocker hired Emma Hayes and Mauricio Pochettino Sporting director duties to be split in the meantime US Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker is leaving his post with less than two months to go until the 2026 World Cup, US Soccer announced on Tuesday. The Guardian can also confirm Fox Sports’ earlier reporting that Crocker is taking up a similar role with the Saudi Arabia football federation. US Soccer said Crocker’s duties will be shared by chief operating officer Dan Helfrich, assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu, women’s youth national team head of development Tracey Kevins, and “the broader sporting leadership team.”

Il 30 aprile si avvicina, la FIFA si pronuncerà sulla questione Iran: vediamo cosa succederà e perché gli Azzurri sperano ancora.

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! The show starts with the breaking news that U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker is leaving his current post to move to work with the Saudi Arabian football federation. Alexi and Mosse break down the implications of this as we rapidly approach the World Cup before moving on to U.S. Abroad where Flo Balogun and Ricardo Pepi found the back of the net for Monaco and PSV. Weston McKennie was suspended due to yellow card accumulation and Christian Pulisic’s scoring drought reached 16 games for club and country. Next, Alexi and Mosse preview the midweek quarterfinals in both the Champions League where Real Madrid and Barcelona are looking for 2nd leg turnarounds and the CONCACAF Champions Cup where LAFC is the only MLS side to take a lead into the 2nd leg. The pair roundup the weekend action from MLS before getting into the most difficult groups in the coming World Cup in #AskAlexi. Finally, in One for the Road, Alexi discusses the Americanization of soccer and what is the American soccer identity is. Presented by Zillow #zillow Chapters: (0:00) Intro (1:39) U.S. Sporting Director Matt Crocker leaves for Saudi Arabia (4:46) U.S. Abroad: Pulisic slump, Balogun & Pepi score (10:23) Emma Hayes as USMNT coach? (21:53) MLS Recap: Sebastian Berhalter bags another assist (25:49) #AskAlexi: Group of Death Rankings (36:27) One For The Road: American Soccer Identity #StateOfTheUnion #Soccer #Pulisic Subscribe to get the latest from Alexi Lalas' State of the Union: http://sprtspod.fox/SUBSCRIBEtoSOTU Listen to Alexi Lalas' State of the Union on Apple Podcasts: http://sprtspod.fox/sotu Follow SOTU on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOTUWithAlexi Follow SOTU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sotuwithalexi/ Follow SOTU on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sotuwithalexi Like SOTU on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOTUWithAlexi About Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast: U.S. Soccer legend Alexi Lalas discusses the biggest stories in the world of soccer from an American perspective. Join Alexi and soccer guru David Mosse, as they break down the USMNT, USWNT, MLS, Bundesliga, Premier League, World Cup & everything in between. BREAKING NEWS: U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker heads to Saudi Arabia, Pulisic slump www.youtube.com/@StateOfTheUnion

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! The show starts with the breaking news that U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker is leaving his current post to move to work with the Saudi Arabian football federation. Alexi and Mosse break down the implications of this as we rapidly approach the World Cup before moving on to U.S. Abroad where Flo Balogun and Ricardo Pepi found the back of the net for Monaco and PSV. Weston McKennie was suspended due to yellow card accumulation and Christian Pulisic’s scoring drought reached 16 games for club and country. Next, Alexi and Mosse preview the midweek quarterfinals in both the Champions League where Real Madrid and Barcelona are looking for 2nd leg turnarounds and the CONCACAF Champions Cup where LAFC is the only MLS side to take a lead into the 2nd leg. The pair roundup the weekend action from MLS before getting into the most difficult groups in the coming World Cup in #AskAlexi. Finally, in One for the Road, Alexi discusses the Americanization of soccer and what is the American soccer identity. Presented by Zillow #Zillow (0:00) Intro (1:39) U.S. Sporting Director Matt Crocker leaves for Saudi Arabia (4:46) U.S. Abroad: Pulisic slump, Balogun & Pepi score(10:23) Emma Hayes as USMNT coach?(21:53) MLS Recap: Sebastian Berhalter bags another assist (25:49) #AskAlexi: Group of Death Rankings(36:27) One For The Road: American Soccer Identity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker has stepped down from his role for a new opportunity in Saudi Arabia. Crocker, 50, has left his current role and will take up a similar role with the Saudi Arabia Football Federation, U.S. Soccer announced Tuesday. Assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu, head of women’s development Tracey Kevins and ... Read more

Adidas honours Argentina captain Lionel Messi with another gleaming signature F50 boot

Matt Crocker is leaving his position as U.S. Soccer’s sporting director to take a similar role with Saudi Arabia, multiple sources told me on Monday.

Michael Carrick has defended the form of Manuel Ugarte after Gary Neville said the midfielder has been 'well short' ever since he joined Manchester United.

What are the rules on hair-pulling? Has it happened before? How do other competitions punish it? What will happen in the World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams. That means there'll be 96 kits on show! Here are all the ones released so far, from worst to first.

FIFA are trying to use Gianni Infantino’s personal relationship with Donald Trump to halt anti-immigrant ICE raids during the World Cup. Zurich bosses have been criticised for Infantino’s decision to get publicly close to the US President. The Fifa head has been spotted at Trump rallies and the launch of his Peace Board, even wearing...

ENGLAND fans will be hit by extortionate parking fees at the World Cup this summer in another huge financial blow. Matchgoing supporters have already been forced to fork out hundreds of pounds on tickets - not including travel and accommodation. And for those looking to drive to each fixture, hundreds more will have to be...

Nearly one in five UK adults plan to place a sports bet in 2026, according to an OLBG survey conducted by YouGov. The FIFA World Cup, kicking off this June across the USA, Canada and Mexico, is the most anticipated sporting event of the year, drawing interest from 34% of the British public. For football […] The post Beyond the Pitch: How Football Fans Are Engaging With the Game Off-Season appeared first on Fan Banter.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has offered an explanation for why Carlos Queiroz was appointed as the new head coach of the Black Stars. The 72-year-old has been confirmed as the new head coach for the senior national team on a short-term deal ahead of the 2026 World Cup.The former Egypt head coach has replaced Otto Addo, who was sacked after Black Stars' inconsistent performances ahead of the Mundial despite guiding the team to qualify for the Mundial slated for this summer in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.Reportedly, Pitso Mosimane, Kwesi Appiah, Paulo Bento, among other coaches, were all linked to the coach.Speaking to Asempa FM, the Communications Director of the GFA, Henry Asante Twum, explained why the former Real Madrid head coach was appointed."Carlos Queiroz provided a detailed analysis of his observations of the Black Stars, from their AFCON qualification failure to World Cup qualification," he said."He showed strong knowledge of the team’s player profiles and outlined how he intends to guide the Black Stars’ progress from the group stage at the World Cup," Asante Twum added.Queiroz will meet the Black Stars squad next month during their international friendly against Mexico, before concluding...

Communications Director of Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has hinted that the FA will review the performance of Carlos Queiroz after the 2026 World Cup. The veteran Portuguese trainer has been appointed on a short-term basis, replacing Otto Addo, who was sacked after the back-to-back defeats against Austria and Germany in a pre-World Cup friendly game.With the former Egypt and Iran head coach set to lead the Black Stars to the Mundial, Asante Twum has revealed that his performance will be reviewed after the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico."Carlos Queiroz to lead the Black Stars until the end of the World Cup. After that, the FA will review how things turn out and decide whether to keep him or part ways," he told Asempa FM.Asante Twum also hinted that the 72-year-old has already started working."Carlos Queiroz has already begun work on the Black Stars and is expected in Ghana in the coming days," Asante Twum added.Queiroz will meet the Black Stars squad next month during their international friendly against Mexico, before concluding preparations with a final tune-up match against Wales on June 2.Ghana, preparing for its fifth World Cup appearance,...