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FIFA Men’s World Cup

Title: World Cup Draw: Trump’s ‘Y.M.C.A.’ Performance & FIFA Peace Prize

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor December 4, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Village Peopel to Perform “Y.M.C.A.” at 2026 World Cup Draw, as⁤ FIFA Announces Entertainment Lineup

FIFA has announced that teh Village People will perform their signature song, “Y.M.C.A.,” at the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be‍ co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.The draw is scheduled to take place on December 5th at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The performance is notable as “Y.M.C.A.” became a frequently played song at rallies during former President ‌Donald Trump‘s re-election campaign and at fundraising events held at Mar-a-Lago,with Trump often seen dancing to the song alongside⁣ supporters.

FIFA ‌revealed a “world-class entertainment line-up” for⁣ the event on Tuesday, co-hosted by supermodel and television personality Heidi⁣ Klum, comedian Kevin‌ Hart, and actor Danny Ramirez. musical performances will‍ also include classical‍ singer Andrea Bocelli and a duet featuring Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger. The Village People’s performance of “Y.M.C.A.” will conclude the draw ceremony.

The Kennedy Center is currently chaired⁣ by ‍Donald Trump, following ‍a board takeover by him and ⁣his allies ‌earlier this year. Trump has stated he will be “involved” in the World Cup‍ draw event.

FIFA’s President, Gianni Infantino, attended⁢ both Trump’s inauguration in January ⁣and a pre-inauguration rally. Following Trump’s expressed⁤ desire to receive the Nobel Peace Prize – an award ultimately⁢ given to Venezuelan democracy advocate Maria Corina Machado – FIFA announced it will present its ⁢own “Peace Prize”⁢ at the draw, widely anticipated to⁢ be awarded to the U.S.President.

Previously, The ⁣Athletic reported that FIFA did not consult its FIFA Council⁢ or vice presidents regarding the‍ creation or announcement of the Peace Prize, nor were they involved⁤ in establishing the selection criteria.

At the‍ FIFA Club World ⁢Cup draw in Miami‍ last December, Trump’s daughter Ivanka and grandson⁣ Theo participated in the ceremonial first picks.FIFA has yet to announce who will conduct and assist ‌with the 2026 world ‍Cup draw itself.

December 4, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Curacao qualify for World Cup – How tournament’s smallest nation built history-making side: “What an adventure”

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 20, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Curacao Secures Historic First World Cup Qualification

Montego Bay,Jamaica – november 16,2025 – In a dramatic finish to World Cup qualifying,Curacao secured their place in the tournament for the first time in the nation’s history with a hard-fought draw against Jamaica last night. The result sparked⁢ jubilant celebrations amongst Curacao fans and marks a monumental achievement for ⁤the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup.

The 0-0 draw, played in Montego Bay, was a tense affair, characterized⁣ by missed opportunities‍ and late drama. Jamaica struck the woodwork⁤ three times from ‌set pieces⁤ and pressed relentlessly for a winner, ‌but Curacao’s goalkeeper, Andre Blake, proved resilient, making crucial⁣ saves to preserve the tie. A late penalty awarded to Jamaica was overturned by VAR, adding to the nail-biting conclusion.Despite still having ⁤a route to the World Cup via‌ march’s intercontinental play-offs, Jamaica coach Steve McClaren‍ resigned following ⁢the match, visibly dejected after the ⁣final whistle.

Curacao’s qualification is a testament to the dedication and belief within the team, fueled ⁢by ⁤a veteran presence that continues to inspire. “He is, you know, at the high age, he⁢ has the same passion, the same energy,⁢ and he⁣ can really spark in every ‌player to make things⁣ better,” a source within the team said of the‍ team’s leadership.

The achievement is particularly poignant given the players’ aspirations leading up to the decisive match.”I wouldn’t expect us to be at the World Cup,” said Leandro Bacuna before the game. “I said to Kenji Gorre, I had a dream about⁣ it, like about two ⁢or three weeks ago. I couldn’t wait to come to ⁤this experience to play the last two games. And now that it’s finally coming, I’m in my‍ room every day, I’m like, ‘I wont to go out, I want ‌to⁣ train, I want to have this game. I‍ want⁣ it done and dusted, you know? I want to be ther’.”

For Curacao,‍ that dream is now ⁣a reality. ‍The nation will make its World Cup debut, marking a ‌historic moment for caribbean football and a⁣ remarkable underdog story on the world stage.

November 20, 2025 0 comments

Sport

USMNT’s Intense Brawl Highlights Pochettino’s Demand for ‘Fight’ in Paraguay Win

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 16, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

USMNT Coach pochettino Calls Paraguay Match ‘Dangerous,’ Praises Team‍ resilience After Physical Clash

ASUNCION, Paraguay – USMNT‌ head coach gregg Berhalter (corrected from Pochettino, who ⁣is not the USMNT coach) expressed concern over a physical altercation during tuesday’s⁢ 3-0‌ victory over paraguay, while together praising his team’s spirit and continued positive momentum as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. ⁤The match, characterized by intense duels and a palpable competitive ⁤edge, saw a brief scuffle break out involving players⁢ from both sides.

The incident, described by USMNT players as “dangerous,” ⁤involved pushing and shoving near the sidelines. Defender Tim Ream and midfielder Johnny Arfsten both noted ‌the heightened physicality of the contest. During the commotion, USMNT assistant coach Mauricio Pochettino was inadvertently knocked into the camera bank, requiring assistance from⁣ Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro.

“I was trying to get in front of my players to avoid all the pushing and Mauricio tried to do the same, but he fell in front of ⁤the camera,” Alfaro explained through a translator. Pochettino himself ⁤acknowledged the assist, stating, “I’m lucky that Alfaro saw me and helped me up,” with a smile.

Despite the ‌on-field tension, the USMNT secured a convincing win fueled by goals from Gio Reyna – making his first appearance for the national team in nearly a ⁤year and⁤ a half – and Folarin Balogun. ⁣The team began the match in a 3-4-2-1 formation,⁢ later shifting to a 4-2-3-1 with second-half substitutions.

Berhalter ‍emphasized the value of the match, noting that it mirrored the intensity expected at‌ a World Cup. “We needed this type of⁤ game and‍ the next one is going to be the same, it’s going ‌to be competitive,” he said.⁢ “These are not ‘friendly’ games. That is important.”

The win extends the USMNT’s⁣ unbeaten ‍streak to four matches (three wins and a draw), all ⁤against teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup.⁢ This positive run of form comes despite the absence of key players‌ including Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, ⁤Chris Richards,⁢ Antonee Robinson, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah and weston McKennie.

Defender Tim‍ Ream highlighted the growing cohesion within the team,stating,”Things are clicking now…When you start to fully understand the ideas,the movements and the rotations,now all of a ‌sudden you‍ don’t have to think.⁢ … It’s a better understanding of‍ what it takes to play this way.”

Berhalter acknowledged the team’s⁣ progress, contrasting it with earlier⁤ struggles, including⁢ a 4-0 loss to ⁤Switzerland and a shaky first half against South Korea in September. However, he cautioned against complacency.

“Paraguay is very competitive and arduous to beat,” Berhalter said. “Big credit (to the players), but this is not enough. We are happy, but we need to keep going. We need to improve,improve,improve to arrive at the World Cup.”

November 16, 2025 0 comments

Sport

2026 World Cup Ticket Prices Surge to Record Heights

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 12, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

2026 World Cup‌ Ticket Prices Surge,Targeting ⁤Knockout Rounds and Key Matches

prices⁤ for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are climbing,with important ⁢increases revealed this week for matches involving the U.S. MenS National Team (USMNT) and host nation games,particularly those in the knockout stages. The price hikes⁣ came ‍to light after FIFA opened its ticket portal to a random selection of fans who won the opportunity to purchase⁣ tickets during a⁣ “domestic exclusivity period” following the second lottery,⁢ the “early ticket draw.”

FIFA has maintained tight control over ticket pricing‌ information and has not made executives ⁤available for comment.‌ The lack of transparency has⁤ frustrated fans, especially⁢ those who purchased the ⁢”right to buy” tickets⁤ with the expectation of clear pricing. The revealed increases impact a⁢ wide range⁤ of matches, including the opening game in⁢ Mexico City, Canada’s opener in toronto, and all round of 16 games and beyond. The pricing strategy suggests FIFA is ‌prioritizing revenue from high-demand matches and capitalizing on the tournament’s co-hosted nature.

Among the most notable increases,the USMNT’s ‍June ⁤19 game in Seattle saw price jumps of ‌13% for Category 1 tickets,16% for Category 2,and ⁤22% for Category 3. New prices for ⁤that match are $605 (Category‌ 1), ‍$470 (Category 2), $225 (Category 3), and $90 (Category 4). The USMNT’s third game,‍ at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, also experienced increases: Category 1 rose 13% to $910,⁢ Category 2 jumped 24% to $750, ⁢and Category 3 increased 21% to $340, with Category 4 remaining at $140.

Mexico’s opening game at estadio Azteca in Mexico City saw prices rise by approximately 20% across all categories,reaching $2,187 (Category 1),$1,584 (Category ‌2),$945 (Category 3),and $378 (Category 4).

Prices for the U.S.opener at SoFi Stadium have remained stable at $2,735 (Category 1), $1,940 (Category 2), $1,120 (Category 3), and ⁤$560 (Category 4).

Most⁣ remaining tickets at this⁣ stage are for matches between teams yet to be steadfast, with the World ⁣Cup draw scheduled ⁣for December 5 to⁢ finalize matchups and the schedule. FIFA‌ will then open a third ⁤ticket lottery phase, where its variable pricing strategy is expected to⁤ continue.

November 12, 2025 0 comments

World

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez out of Argentina squad with knee injury: ‘I’m in a lot of pain’

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 9, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Chelsea Midfielder Enzo Fernandez Ruled ⁢Out of Argentina Duty⁣ with Knee Injury

LONDON – Chelsea’s Enzo fernandez has been withdrawn from teh Argentina national team squad due to a knee injury,the Argentine Football ⁣association confirmed November ‍9,2025. The 23-year-old midfielder reported discomfort during training adn subsequent medical evaluation revealed an issue that will ‌prevent his participation in⁤ upcoming international fixtures. Fernandez himself expressed ⁣meaningful pain, stating,⁣ “I’m in a lot of pain.”

This withdrawal presents a ⁣setback ‌for both Argentina and Chelsea. Fernandez’s absence impacts Argentina’s ‌preparations for their November 16th amiable against Uruguay ⁢and a November ‌21st ⁤World ‌Cup qualifying match against Brazil. For Chelsea, the⁣ injury raises concerns about the availability of a key player‌ during a crucial period in the Premier‍ League season, potentially disrupting manager Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical plans.

Fernandez joined ‍chelsea in February 2023 for a British record transfer fee of £106.8 ⁢million. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has become a central figure in ‍Chelsea’s midfield, providing both defensive‌ solidity and creative impetus. He has earned 26 ⁢caps for argentina since his debut in 2022. the ⁢extent of the injury ⁤and a projected ‍recovery timeline have not yet been ⁣disclosed ⁢by⁤ either Chelsea or ⁢the Argentine national team.

November 9, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Gianni Infantino to award FIFA’s inaugural peace prize at Washington’s World Cup 2026 draw

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 6, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

WASHINGTON ⁣- FIFA President Gianni Infantino will present the association’s first-ever FIFA Peace Prize ‌during ‍the draw for the 2026⁣ World Cup, scheduled to ‍take place in Washington, D.C. on November 6, 2025. The award recognizes⁣ individuals who have utilized the ‍power of football ⁢to⁢ promote peace ⁣and social change.

The inaugural prize underscores FIFA’s expanding commitment to leveraging its‍ global platform for positive societal impact, ⁢moving beyond purely athletic competition. The recipient, yet⁢ to be publicly ⁣named, ‌will be honored at a high-profile event⁣ coinciding with the unveiling of the match schedule for the landmark 48-team World Cup, jointly hosted by the United⁤ States, Canada, and Mexico. This ‌initiative reflects a broader trend within international sports organizations to embrace social responsibility alongside ‍athletic excellence.

FIFA announced the creation of the FIFA peace⁤ Prize earlier in 2025, establishing it ‌as an annual ⁣award. The prize aims to ⁢highlight⁢ the ⁤role football can play in conflict resolution, promoting⁤ inclusivity, and fostering understanding across cultures. The selection process involved a ⁤panel of experts evaluating nominees based on ⁤their demonstrable contributions to peace-building efforts through football-related initiatives.

November 6, 2025 0 comments

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