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      How to watch World Cup 2026 qualifying draw for FREE live and who can England face?

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      THE World Cup 2026 qualifying draw is taking place TODAY – and you can watch it for FREE.The draw – which is for the European section of qualification – will not be broadcast live in the UK but that does not mean that England fans will miss any of the action.New England manager is expected to attend the drawSunSport will live blog the draw as it happens but anyone with a decent internet connection will also be able to stream it.New England boss Thomas Tuchel – who officially starts his new role on January 1 – will be watching with a keen eye.Here’s how to follow the 54-team draw from Fifa HQ in Zurich, Switzerland, as it happens.Read More on World Cup 2026How can I watch the World Cup 2026 qualifying draw for FREE?In the UK, the draw will be shown for free on England’s own YouTube channel, the BBC Sport website and the Fifa website.Anyone can watch on the YouTube channel, although to watch on the BBC website you will need to have a TV licence.What time is the World Cup 2026 qualifying draw?The 2026 World Cup qualification draw takes place on Friday, December 13 at approximately 11am GMT (12pm CET).However, Fifa usually like to also spend a while introducing guests and giving speeches so names may not be pulled out of the pot until closer to 11.30am GMT.Most read in SportSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024What is the format for the World Cup 2026 qualifying draw?There are 54 teams in the European section of the draw with Russia suspended from entering the competition due to the invasion of Ukraine.Teams are seeded into five pots, with pots one to four containing 12 teams and pot five with six teams.They will be drawn into 12 groups – six groups of four (A-F) and six groups of five (G-L)Those drawn in the five-team groups will begin their qualification campaigns in March 2025, while those in four-team groups will start their campaign in September 2025.Because of the Nations League – which also plays matches in March – five-team groups can only contain one team participating in those March matches.The other four teams will then play among themselves during that international break.The draw will start with Pot 1 and finish with Pot 5 – a team will be drawn and assigned to the first available group. There are certain restrictions that will be applied to the draw, firstly due to the Nations League, which means certain teams cannot be drawn into certain groups due to scheduling conflicts.Other restrictions include teams that cannot be drawn together for political reasons – Kosovo and Serbia, for example – and only two teams with medium/high risk of severe winter conditions can be drawn together.Certain teams, such as Kazakhstan, cannot be drawn with multiple teams if the travel is deemed to excessive.ANDY DILLON: Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to become a classic England manager – tactical nous, drive and a tangled love lifeBy Andy DillonTHOMAS TUCHEL possesses all the ingredients to become a classic England manager.Tactical nous, drive, energy, experience – a tangled love life.English football should welcome back the most explosive, dynamic, charismatic and impossibly tall and gangly coach to have lit up the Premier League.Chelsea’s colourful former boss has been leading a settled life in Munich of late.Far enough away from ex-wife Sissi but close enough to see his two daughters.Walking his dog in the streets in the east of Germany’s most fashionable city, residing in the posh Bogenhausen area. Living relatively quietly with his Brazilian girlfriend.Tuchel is a vastly different personality to the man who led England quietly but assuredly to the brink of World Cups and European Championships.An excitable nature can make him hard to handle for those seeking calm and who like to impose their way on a manager they view very much as an underling.Read more on why Tuchel REALLY IS the best man for the England jobWho can England face in World Cup 2026 qualifying?The Three Lions are in Pot 1 due to their excellent performances in recent major tournaments.That means Tuchel and Co will not face the likes of Spain, France, Germany and other European heavyweights.Pot 2 contains the likes of Ukraine, Sweden and Turkey, while there is the potential for local derbies against any of the other home nations.Wales are in Pot 2, while Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are all in Pot 3.The pots are in full here: Pot One: Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Croatia, England, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria.Pot Two: Ukraine, Sweden, Turkey, Wales, Hungary, Serbia, Poland, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Norway.Pot Three: Scotland, Slovenia, Republic of Ireland, Albania, North Macedonia, Georgia, Finland, Iceland, Northern Ireland, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel.READ MORE SUN STORIESPot Four: Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Kosovo, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Latvia, Lithuania.Pot Five: Moldova, Malta, Andorra, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, San Marino. More

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      Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 undercard: Who else is on the huge Saudi bill?

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are running it back next week in Riyadh – and the undercard is looking stacked too.Last May, we witnessed one of the fights of the year as both men put on a crazy bout that had fans demanding a rematch immediately.Tyson Fury is up against Oleksandr Usyk in a huge rematch on December 21Credit: PAIn the last fight, both fighters put it all on the line to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.This was highlighted in the build-up because all the heavyweight belts had not been held by one man since Lennox Lewis was champion back in 1999.After that impressive victory against Fury, Usyk lost the IBF belt after being unable to make a mandatory defense, which meant the belt was given to Daniel Dubois.Fury is now preparing to redeem his first-ever loss in what is the final huge fight of 2024.READ MORE IN BOXINGBefore that, fans get to enjoy a huge undercard that has a few familiar names.And SunSport can reveal who will be on the Saudi bill below.Fury vs Usyk 2: Ring walk time, TV channels and undercard – all you need to know for big rematchWho is on the Fury vs Usyk 2 undercard?Teenage heavyweight Moses Itauma, 19, has taken UK boxing fans by storm and he now looks to win his fourth fight of the year taking on 22-1 boxer Demsey McKean.Johnny Fisher, known for his big personality on social media is one to look out for as he makes his return to the ring to take on David Allen in an exciting heavyweight clash.Most read in BoxingThe final fight on the undercard was meant to see Israil Madrimov fight Serhii Bohachuk however, Madrimov has now had to pull out but in steps Ishmael Davis on short notice to save the fight.Here is the FULL undercard below:How can I watch the undercard?The FULL undercard will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV, TNT Sports Box Office, and Sky Sports Box Office.All three will offer the action as a pay-per-view event – both DAZN and TNT have priced it at £24.99, while Sky has set a slightly cheaper price tag of £24.95.The action will also be available to stream on their apps.Alternatively, SunSport will be live blogging all the action from Riyadh as it happens. More

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      Who is Neeraj Goyat Misfits Supercard star and what is his boxing record?

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      NEERAJ “Gangster” Goyat is an Indian social media, reality and movie star, as well as boxer and mixed martial artist.And he most recently defeated Whindersson Nunes in Qatar on the Misfits 19 Supercard.Neeraj Goyat is a boxer and mixed martial artist from IndiaCredit: GettyHe fought on the Tyson vs Paul undercard in November 2024Credit: @GoyatNeerajWho is Neeraj Goyat?Neeraj Goyat is a 33-year-old Indian boxer and mixed martial artist born on November 11, 1991.He has made significant strides in the boxing world, becoming the first Indian boxer to be ranked by the World Boxing Council (WBC). His journey in boxing began at the age of 15 in 2006, inspired by former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.In March 2024, The Sun revealed Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions had signed Goyat.read more on Neeraj GoyatHe said: “I’m truly honored to be the newest member of the Most Valuable Promotions family.”MVP has been making waves in the boxing world, particularly with its commitment to showcasing and uplifting women in the sport since 2021.“In just 2.5 years, MVP has organised some of the world’s most significant boxing events, and I’m excited to work with MVP to elevate the status of professional boxing in India and bring attention to boxers from India globally.”And MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian has already confirmed business partner Paul could be a future opponent for Goyat in India.Most read in BoxingHe said: “My hope is that we can figure out a way fro MVP and Neeraj to collaborate and build up to the biggest event that India has ever seen and to see Jake Paul and Neeraj Goyat fight respectfully in India.”On November 15, 2024, Goyat even got to share a fight card with Iron Mike when he faced The Problem Child Jake Paul in their highly-anticipated showdown.Jake Paul clashes with Indian boxing star Neeraj Goyat amid fight callout He defeated Brazilian YouTuber and comedian Whindersson Nunes, dominating the bout and landing 171 punches compared to his opponent’s 87.However, it was an action from the Indian boxer in the third round that sparked controversy.As boxing debutant Nunes was shoved into the blue corner, Goyat made the decision to dry-hump him from behind.The referee quickly broke up the action and Goyat returned to his corner of the ring.Neeraj Goyat dry-humped Whindersson Nunes during their fightCredit: X/TwitterGoyat’s achievements so far include:Bronze medalist in the 2008 Youth Commonwealth GamesHe became the first person to defeat Chinese boxer Xu Can in China in 2014First Indian to attempt the 2016 Summer Olympics qualifier in VenezuelaWBC Asian Champion for three consecutive years (2015-2017)Winner of the WBC Asia ‘Honorary Boxer of the Year’ award in 2017On top oh his pugilistic accolades, Goyat has almost 1million Instagram followers and has starred in movies in India and reality shows on Netflix.Neeraj Goyat boxing recordGoyat has an impressive professional boxing record of 20-4-2.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis means he’s won 20 of his 26 fights, lost four and drawn two.Of those 19 victories, eight have come by way of knockout, giving him a KO ratio of 42%. More

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      Who is Josh Acheampong? Chelsea right-back who made his first start against Astana

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      CHELSEA boss Enzo Maresca gave Josh Acheampong his first start against Astana in a crucial Conference League clash.The Blues face not only the challenge of the Kazakh side, but also the freezing -13C conditions.Josh Acheampong is making his first start for Chelsea against AstanaCredit: GettyThe highly rated 18-year-old right-back has made just two substitute appearances for the first team so far, with only one of them coming under Enzo Maresca.His current deal expires in 2026, with reports suggesting that Chelsea have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future.He is understood to currently be the third choice right-back at Chelsea, behind Reece James and Malo Gusto.Who is Josh Acheampong?Josh Acheampong was born in London on May 5, 2006.read more on Josh AcheampongHe is an emerging talent in English football.The youngster has been part of Chelsea’s youth system since he was eight years old.Professional debutAcheampong’s professional journey began when he signed his first contract with the club on January 3, 2024.He made his senior debut on May 2, 2024, during a Premier League match against Tottenham.Most read in FootballAcheampong played the final minutes in the side’s 2-0 victory.First startAcheampong’s first start for the club came against Astana in the Europa Conference League.Enzo Maresca confirms forgotten Chelsea wonderkid Josh Acheampong will start against Astana after contract stand-off As the match is still underway, it’s a tad early to say how it went.On his selection, Maresca said: “He’s in the squad and is probably going to play from the start.”With Josh, it’s quite clear, we all love Josh, the club love Josh and I love Josh.”We are trying to find an agreement with the player. It’s close, we are almost there.”Recent developmentsIn the 2024-25 season, Acheampong has faced challenges due to contract negotiations, which temporarily sidelined him from first-team activities.Josh Acheampong’s contract discussions are ongoing at Chelsea oCredit: GettyHowever, recent developments indicate that these discussions are progressing positively.Maresca has openly expressed his admiration for Acheampong.VersatilityAcheampong is recognised for his versatility on the field.While primarily a right-back, he can also play as a centre-back.His playing style is characterised by high energy and tactical intelligence.Acheampong is noted for his ability to join attacks and create scoring opportunities from wide positions.READ MORE SUN STORIESFuture prospectsWith interest from top clubs including Real Madrid and PSG, Chelsea are keen to secure his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.As he continues to develop, Acheampong represents one of the promising prospects from The Blues’ renowned academy. More

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      in Motorsport

      Who is Michael Schumacher’s former bodyguard Markus Fritsche?

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      MARKUS Fritsche is a former security officer who worked for Formula One legend Michael Schumacher. But in a sickening turn of events, Fritsche is facing legal proceedings over an alleged blackmail plot.Markus Fritsche is the former security guard for the Schumachers who allegedly plotted to blackmail the familyCredit: facebookBouncer Yilmaz Tozturkan was also accused of being involved in the schemeIn December 2013, Michale Schumacher suffered a serious head injury while skiing in the exclusive French resort of MeribelCredit: AFPWho is Markus Fritsche?Markus Fritsch was employed by the Schumacher family for eight years, including the period after Schumacher’s tragic skiing accident in December 2013.During his time working for the Schumacher family, the 53 year old had access to private and confidential information, including medical records, photographs and videos.The relationship drastically declined as Corinna was forced to let Markus go due to changes to her husband’s care plan.This allegedly turned him bitter as he started to hatch a plan to extort the Schumacher family, MailOnline reports.more on Michael SchumacherIn a shocking turn of events, Fritsche is now facing serious legal troubles.He is accused of stealing approximately 1,500 photographs and 200 videos from the Schumacher family’s home in Switzerland.Prosecutors allege that Fritsche took four USB sticks and two hard drives containing this sensitive information.Blackmail plotFritsche supposedly didn’t act alone in this alleged crime.Most read in MotorsportHe is accused of conspiring with two others: Yilmaz Tozturkan, a 53-year-old nightclub bouncer whom Fritsche has known for over 20 years, and Tozturkan’s 30-year-old son Daniel Lins.The trio allegedly hatched a plan to blackmail the Schumacher family for £12million.Their scheme involved threatening to release the stolen information on the dark web if their demands were not met.Watch as Schumacher ‘blackmailer’s’ son is DRAGGED off cam by lawyerThe blackmail attempt began on June 3, 2024, when Tozturkan allegedly made a phone call to the Schumacher family using a withheld number.When asked for proof, the conspirators sent an email a week later containing four images and their ransom demands.Arrest and legal proceedingsInstead of complying with the blackmailers’ demands, the Schumacher family contacted Swiss police.Authorities were able to trace the call, leading to the arrest of Fritsche, Tozturkan and Lins on June 19, 2024.I take responsibility for this mistake. I did this. Please tell the family I’m sorryMarkus FritscheCourt statementThe trial of the three men started on December 10, 2024 in Wuppertal, Germany.While addressing the lawyer for Schumacher’s wife Corinna during the trial, Fritsche reportedly said: “I take responsibility for this mistake. I did this. Please tell the family I’m sorry.”Speaking for the first time at Wuppertal District Court, Tozturkan said he had done nothing wrong and that it was all to help out a poor nurse.His son Daniel has accepted his role in the affair but is claiming he had no knowledge of the content being sent as part of the plot.Michael’s wife Corinna has protected protected the F1 great’s privacy sing the horrific accidentCredit: AFPFritsche and Tozturkan are charged with extortion, while Lins is accused of aiding and abetting extortion.Prosecutors are seeking at least four years in jail for the accused, though the large sum involved could result in longer sentences if they are found guilty.Privacy concernsThis case highlights the ongoing struggle the Schumacher family faces in maintaining their privacy.Since Michael’s skiing accident in 2013, the family has kept details about his condition extremely private.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis blackmail attempt is not the first time they have faced such threats — in 2017, another individual was given a suspended sentence for threatening harm to Michael’s son Mick.The stolen files allegedly include photographs, videos and medication lists, as well as Michael’s complete medical history. More

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      in Soccer

      Why is Astana vs Chelsea kicking off at 3.30pm in the UK?

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      CHELSEA will be looking to continue their perfect record in the Conference League TONIGHT as they take on Astana.Many of the Blues’ fringe players are looking to break through to the first team after four straight wins in Europe.Chelsea have won all of their Conference League matches so far this seasonCredit: GettyLast time out, Chelsea easily brushed aside German side Heidenheim 2-0, with Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk getting on the scoresheet.Enzo Maresca’s men will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Conference League table this evening but face a tricky test in tough conditions.Not only will Chelsea travel eight hours on a plane to Kazakhstan minnows Astana, but they will be forced to play in horrific winter conditions – with temperatures dropping below 0.Why is Astana vs Chelsea kicking off at 3.30pm?Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Astana will kick off at a bizarre time in the UK.READ MORE IN CHELSEAThe match is set to get underway at the Almaty Ortalyk Stadium at 8.30pm local time, which is 3.30pm in the UK.Astana is five hours ahead of London – and with freak winter temperatures expected in Kazakhstan, the fixture cannot be played any later.European games usually kick off at either 5.45pm or 8pm in the UK – but all of Astana’s home games in the Conference League took place at 3.30pm last season.Chelsea face a quick turnaround of fixtures, with the Blues set to face Brentford at 7pm GMT on Sunday – and Maresca has hinted at several changes to his squad this evening.Most read in FootballThe Italian said: “Some of them will be here and some of them will fly with us. More or less, we try to manage in the same way we have done before today.”We have many young players, 17 players with us, and the rest will be here with us. Eight hours is not a normal time for a game, you know, but we have to go there, we have to play, try our best and thinking also about the next game.”How to watch Astana vs ChelseaAstana vs Chelsea will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2.You can live stream the match on discovery+.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      When is the World Cup 2030 and where is it being held? Plus info on the 2034 edition

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      EVERY football player dreams of lifting the World Cup – and the details for the 2030 edition have been confirmed earlier than expected!For the first time, three countries from two different continents are set to be the main hosts of the iconic competition.This will be the 100th FIFA World Cup anniversaryCredit: EPAAnd there will be a special celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup which will be held on a DIFFERENT part of the planet.Qualifying for the 2030 World Cup doesn’t get underway until after the conclusion of the upcoming 2026 edition.But SunSport can reveal all the details on the history-making event SIX years in advance.When is the World Cup 2030?The opening match of the World Cup 2030 will take place on Thursday, June 13.Read more on World CupAnd the final showdown of the iconic competition is penciled in for Sunday, July 21.There will be 48 teams from six confederations battling it out to lift the prestigious trophy.And 20 different venues across 20 different cities is where matches will be played.Where is the World Cup 2030 being held?The World Cup 2030 will be held across three countries – Spain, Portugal and Morocco.Most read in FootballThis means it will be the first-ever World Cup to be held in North Africa with Morocco being one of the hosting countries.However, to commemorate the 100th anniversary, the first match of the competition is scheduled to be played at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay – where the first World Cup was held.In addition to that, fans will witness a special centenary celebration to mark the occasion.Argentina has been selected to host the second match while Paraguay will host the third and then the rest of the games are set to be played in Spain, Morocco and Portugal. What has been said?The World Cup 2030 has already been met with backlash from fans, football officials and environmental groups.There are concerns about a huge increase in carbon footprint due to fans having to travel large distances between South America and Europe.Furthermore, players part of teams that get drawn with Argentina, Paraguay or Uruguay will have a significantly shorter amount of rest once having to travel back to the main hosts in Iberia and Morocco.Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter warned that the number of hosts that the World Cup 2030 is preparing to have would cause the tournament to ‘lose its identity’.Where is the World Cup 2034 being held?SunSport’s Martin Lipton has confirmed that FIFA memberships agreed – in a joint decision approved “by acclamation” that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESPresident Gianni Infantino cut a deal with South American chiefs to open the way for the Saudis.Since then, FIFA has gone through a formal “evaluation” process of the two bids – which both passed with flying colours. More

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      What is the new FPL assistant manager chip?

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      FANS have been wondering for weeks what this new Fantasy Premier League mystery chip will be – but the wait is finally over!FPL bosses announced at the start of the 2024/25 season that a mystery chip will be unveiled at some point during the campaign.Players can choose from any of the 20 Premier League managersCredit: GettyAnd on December 11, 2024, it was confirmed that it will be an assistant manager chip.But what exactly does it do you may ask?Well, SunSport can give you all the information you need on this game-changing chip below.What is the FPL assistant manager chip?Along with picking 15 players in your squad, FPL lovers can now pick one of the Premier League’s 20 managers to help earn points.Read more on Premier LeagueThe Chip will become playable from Gameweek 24 in January and when you activate it, you’ll be able to choose an assistant manager for THREE successive Gameweeks.If you pick a manager who faces a club ranked at least five places higher in the Premier League table at the start of the Gameweek, there’s the possibility of even greater rewards.An EXTRA 10 points for a win, so 16 in total, or an additional five points for a draw, so eight in total.This means players have to decide whether they choose a manager from a club at the higher end of the table.Most read in FootballOr one who is lower down but primed for some huge results against one of the big boys.How does the FPL assistant manager chip work?When you activate the chip and choose your assistant manager, you will score points for their club’s results for THREE Gameweeks in a row.  Once the chip is activated, choosing your assistant manager does not cost a “free transfer”. But if you want to change your manager during this three-Gameweek period it will cost a transfer in exactly the same way as players. Remember, you can only play one chip in a Gameweek. So if you activate the assistant manager chip in Gameweek 24, you won’t be able to use another chip until Gameweek 27.If a manager leaves their club, Fantasy managers who own or bring in that assistant manager will still score based on the original club’s performance.What is the FPL assistant manager chip points system?The chip earns points based on your chosen manager’s club performance. They earn points from several metrics, but you CANNOT captain them. –    Team win = 6 points-    Team draws = 3 points-    Goal scored by team = 1 point per goal-    Clean sheet from team = 2 points-    Table bonus: If your chosen manager faces a club ranked at least five places higher in the Premier League table at the start of the Gameweek, you get an EXTRA 10 points for a win, so 16 in total, or an additional five points for a draw, so eight in total. More