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      World Cup final is the greatest show on earth – it doesn’t need half-time show or Janet Jackson Nipple-gate to prove it

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      FIFA have never been one to shy away from spectacle but their latest decision to introduce an American-style, star-studded half-time show for the 2026 World Cup final has sparked controversy.For football’s purists, this is a step too far — an unnecessary intrusion into the most sacred match in the sport.The 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time showJanet Jackson was involved in a wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime showColdplay have been asked to choose the artists for next year’s finalFor others, it’s a modern evolution, bringing football in line with the commercial juggernaut that is the Super Bowl.Readers of a certain vintage will recall the FA Cup final was always adorned by a half-time musical break, but it was more the band of the Coldstream Guards than Coldplay.Next year, at the final in New Jersey, the boys from Coldplay have been asked by Fifa president Gianni Infantino to cobble together some ‘artistes’ to entertain the fans during the half-time break, just like they do at the Super Bowl.Let’s hope there isn’t another Janet Jackson boob, or ‘wardrobe malfunction’ as it was called back in 2004, when Justin Timberlake ripped off Ms Jackson’s bodice, revealing rather more than the quarterback’s master-plan.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOn the basis Fifa won’t want a rerun of that infamous Nipple-gate, you can be damned sure Dolly Parton won’t be getting the gig.But the World Cup final has always been about the football, not the half-time show.It is the pinnacle of the sport, watched by billions worldwide, where history is written and legends are made.The idea that Fifa now wants to shoehorn a Hollywood-style entertainment break into what should be an intense, uninterrupted battle for glory feels unnecessary, if not entirely out of place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Super Bowl’s famous half-time show regularly attracts more TV viewers than the game itself and previous performers have included pop royalty like Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga.Other than Janet Jackson, they’ve all managed to keep their clothes on.World Cup winner’s Wag dubbed ‘hottest woman in the world’ and ‘from another planet’ after stunning in series of bikinis Traditionally, half-time in football is a 15-minute tactical reset.Players regroup, managers deliver crucial team talks and fans either hold their breath or take a moment to recover from the first-half drama.  Or at least get a quick beer in.How will players feel about potentially waiting longer to restart the biggest game of their careers? Will the spectacle detract from the sporting drama?Do fans, emotionally invested in the match, want a pop concert when they are dissecting their team’s performance?After an eight-minute VAR delay at the Bournemouth vs Wolves FA Cup match last weekend, add a lengthy half-time show at the Vitality Stadium and supporters would have been in danger of missing the last bus home. And who is going to pay for it? A glance at ticket prices for the World Cup final show the cheap seats already start at £3,000 each, so it’s pretty clear who will be forking out for the fun — the supporters.Next year’s World Cup is hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico and Fifa’s decision to introduce a showbiz-style interval seems to be a clear nod to American sports culture.The Super Bowl half-time show is a global event in itself, with A-list performers, jaw-dropping production and millions tuning in just for the spectacle.But football isn’t American football. Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl performance has gone viral for weeksTennis icon Serena Williams danced at the Super Bowl last monthAnd while Fifa are clearly eyeing new commercial opportunities, the World Cup isn’t in need of a marketing boost.This move is part of a wider trend — football, increasingly, is being shaped by commercial interests.Expanded tournaments, mid-season World Cups, club competitions that stretch calendars to breaking point — decisions are being driven by revenue rather than the rhythm of the game.Fifa will argue this move will “enhance the fan experience” but it feels like an attempt to sell an already premium product to an even bigger audience.Football doesn’t need a headline act at half-time. The real stars are on the pitch, not on a stage.If Fifa get their way, will we see DJs at full-time? Fireworks before penalties? Commercial breaks for VAR decisions?The fear is that once this door is opened, football’s traditions will continue to erode in the name of spectacle.This all feels a far cry from the days when you huddled around your cup of Bovril while reading the club programme at half-time. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd over the tinny PA would be the crackly sounds of Shakin’ Stevens or Sade.The World Cup final is already the Greatest Show on Earth. It doesn’t need a half-time act to prove it.Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of the major change More

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      Fifa confirm biggest cash pot in football history at Club World Cup with Man City and Chelsea getting share of $1BILLION

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      CHELSEA and Manchester City will take shares of the biggest cash pot in football history when they play in this summer’s inaugural expanded Club World Cup.Fifa chiefs confirmed a stunning £776million cash pool for the 32-team tournament to be played in the USA in June and July.Fifa have confirmed the prize money for the Club World CupCredit: GettyA global TV deal with streamer DAZN will pay for the competition.It will see the 12 European teams getting the biggest up front payments.Prize money will be top loaded for progress to the latter stages with full details due to be confirmed next week.But getting to the last eight is expected to be worth £60m for the two Prem sides.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile there is a potential £100m reward if they win the tournament.Fifa will also give a large “solidarity” payment to clubs and nations not involved.Fifa President Gianni Infantino said: “The Fifa Club World Cup will not only be the pinnacle of club football.”But also a vivid demonstration of solidarity that will benefit clubs at large to a scale that no other competition has ever done.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“All revenue generated by the tournament will be distributed to the participating clubs and via club solidarity across the world as Fifa will not keep a single dollar.“Fifa’s reserves, which are there for global football development, will remain untouched.”Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup draw More

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      UK to make bid to host 2035 football Women’s World Cup as PM says tournament could be ‘monumental moment’ for country

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      THE UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup.Prime Minister Keir Starmer said holding the biggest tournament in the sport on British soil will be a “monumental moment” for the country.The UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup following on from the Lionesses big win at Euro 2022Credit: GettyEngland’s players receiving the runners up medals at the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: AFPThe Wembley Arch lit up red and white prior to the Uefa Women’s Nations League match between England and Spain last monthCredit: GettyEngland have an illustrious history with performing well at major football events held at home.The men’s side won the World Cup in 1966 with a thrilling final win in Wembley.Sarina Wiegman’s women’s side took home England’s second ever international trophy and its first ever Euros Championship when they “returned football home” in 2022.The FA has now officially registered their interest in the upcoming 2035 Women’s World Cup with hopes of again lifting a major trophy. read more in women’s footballEngland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are due to collectively submit an expression of interest to FIFA for the right to host the tournament. The FIFA Council has already recommend the 2035 competition has European or African hosts. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the historic bid as he said: “Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity.”Whether we watch on TV, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like little else. Most read in Football”That pride was on full display when England hosted UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. “It not only showed the best of our nation to the world but inspired a generation of girls into the game, all whilst boosting the economy. Devastated Lionesses collapse in tears on the pitch as bid to make Women’s World Cup history falls agonisingly short”The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy.”He added that the bid will have his government’s full support. The declaration of interest will need to be submitted to FIFA in the first quarter of 2025 before a decision is made at some point in 2026.If the FA manage to land the lucrative deal then it will be the first ever Women’s World Cup held in Britain.It will also be only the second time a World Cup has been held in the UK since the 1966 men’s tournament.Several stadiums across the British Isles are expected to be used with the final set to be held at Wembley like usual.Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English FA, said hosting the tournament would be an honour. He continued: “We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England. “We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome the world, and hosting participating nations and fans in sold-out stadiums. “There is outstanding support for the women’s game in this country and we want to maximise this, not only for women’s and girls’ football here but also for the benefit of the global game.”One of the biggest competitors for the British bid is expected to come from South Africa. READ MORE SUN STORIESSimon Morton, UK Sport’s deputy chief executive, said last year: “The Women’s World Cup is the biggest sporting event that the UK has never hosted and so in that respect, it has a special appeal to us. “There is definitely an aspiration to host it in the 2030s.”England won the 1966 World Cup at Wembley almost 60 years agoCredit: GettyEngland captain Leah Williamson holding up the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunSarina Wiegman with the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Major change to World Cup final confirmed by Fifa with UK band with TEN No1 albums to perform glitzy half-time show

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      NEXT year’s World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time show.The tournament is set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada and will include a new expanded 48-team format.Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of a major changeCredit: PAThe World Cup final is set to take place in East Rutherford, New JerseyCredit: GettyThe final will kick off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19, 2026.Per Sky News’ Rob Harris, “multiple artists” will perform at half-time.He adds that Fifa president Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of the decision.Fifa are working with Coldplay on the half-time show, with the British band set to also incorporate other artists into the act.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis will be the first time that a World Cup final has included a half-time show.The 2022 World Cup final in Qatar saw six artists perform before the final between Argentina and France.Their performances were incorporated into the tournament’s closing ceremony.In recent years, the Champions League final has often featured a pre-match musical performance.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSColdplay are set to be involved in the half-time showCredit: GettyLenny Kravitz performed three songs ahead of last year’s Wembley final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.While other recent finals have included Camila Cabello, Burna Boy and Dua Lipa.Coldplay perform Scottish football anthem The recent Super Bowl in New Orleans featured a half-time show with Kendrick Lamar and SZA.It achieved an average audience of 133.5 million – surpassing Michael Jackson’s record set in 1993 and making it the most watched Super Bowl half-time show ever.Kendrick Lamar and SZA produced a record-breaking performance in New OrleansCredit: GettyDua Lipa performs ahead of the 2018 final in KyivCredit: Getty Images – GettyCamila Cabello performed ahead of the 2022 Champions League finalCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi team-mate reveals he still takes medication to deal with World Cup final loss – despite going on to win it

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      ANGEL DI MARIA has revealed that he still takes medication to deal with past disappointments with Argentina.The former Manchester United ace suffered three consecutive final defeats.Angel Di Maria (right) went through three consecutive international final defeatsCredit: GettyDi Maria, 37, went through heartbreaking losses in two Copa America finals and the 2014 Fifa World Cup, where he was an unused sub in the 1-0 final loss to Germany.He has managed to overcome the disappointments with successes in the 2022 Fifa World Cup and 2021 and 2024 Copa America finals.However, the three-year period that saw the crushing defeats took its toll on the wide player.Di Maria has revealed that he is still taking medication to deal with the lows.READ MORE ON LIONEL MESSIHe told Infobae: “Because of that I’m still taking the meds.”I was able to reduce it [dosage].”I’m much better, but that’s something a little addictive, too.”These are things that stay with you, that mark you.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDi Maria was the matchwinner in the 2021 Copa America final win over Brazil as he scored the only goal of the game.He was also one of the heroes in the 2022 World Cup final as he netted the first goal in the win over France.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’Di Maria was one of the goalscorers in the 2022 World Cup finalCredit: GettyHe also helped the team retain the Copa America in 2024Credit: ReutersThe Benfica star did admit that he has sympathy for his former international team-mates who did not get the chance to win an honour.He added: “Who remembers the boys that reached that World Cup final and didn’t win?””Very few, it seems unfair to me. Who is talking about those kids Nobody.”Very few can tell you how they played.”I said it a lot of times when we became world champions, when we won the Copa America, I always said that those trophies were also [thanks] to the previous generation.”Di Maria called time on his Argentina career last year but is still producing the goods for Benfica.He has impressed this season in Portugal with 14 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions.Despite his impressive form, he has insisted that leaving international football behind was for the best.He said: “I was there for 16 years [with the national team] and it is as if I had been in a club.”It’s difficult, but I think I made the right decision. It’s obvious that it tempts me because it’s the national team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I achieved everything I wanted to achieve. I left the way I wanted to leave.”I hope one day I can be there again, in a different role.” More

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      England fan fury as alcohol will be BANNED at 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia for first time ever

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      BOOZE will be banned at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, its ambassador to the UK announced yesterday.The showpiece event will be the first Fifa tournament to be dry — with no exemption for hotels and fan zones.Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud has confirmed Saudi Arabia will not be relaxing its strict Islamic lawsOnly soft drinks will be served in stadiums and anyone caught smuggling in booze risks a public flogging.Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud confirmed the nation would not be relaxing its strict Islamic laws.He said: “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol.“It’s not 100 per cent necessary and if you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAt the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Muslim nation Qatar, fans could drink alcohol at hotels which had applied for liquor licences.But Prince Khalid told LBC radio: “There is no alcohol at all, rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.“It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”Most read in FootballFan Tim Bailey hit out on X: “Their country, their rules. But why the f*** would anyone want to go there anyway?”Another supporter said: “Weird . . . they always want everyone else to change their culture for them.”Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupSaudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing to cover up its appalling human rights record.In 2023 when the desert nation launched its 2034 campaign, a Saudi diplomatic source told The Sun: “Football fans will be allowed to drink if Saudi Arabia wins the vote.”It has not been publicly discussed but is an accepted fact.“Alcohol is subject to a total ban now but will be sold in restricted areas — as is the case in other Muslim nations”We acknowledge that serious mistakes have been made in the past and want the rest of the world to understand we are changing.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Brit FIFA official arrested for ‘arranging to meet boy, 14, for sex while on work trip’ in US

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      A BRITISH FIFA official has been arrested in America after allegedly arranging to meet a 14-year-old boy for sex while on a work trip.Jack Edward Coles, 39, was detained by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations at a hotel near FIFA’s offices in Coral Gables, Miami.Jack Edward Coles, 39, was arrested after allegedly arranging to meet a 14-year-old boy for sexCredit: InstagramColes is now facing federal charges of enticement of a minor and traveling to the United States with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minorCredit: BSOColes, a project leader with FIFA Sound — the organization’s music division — allegedly met the boy on the dating app Grindr last October and engaged in sexual activity with him at a hotel, reports the Miami Herald.He reportedly returned to Miami last week and attempted to meet the teen again, unaware that he was under federal investigation.FIFA confirmed it was aware of the case but stressed that the allegations were a “personal matter” unrelated to Coles’ work with the organisation.“FIFA is aware of ongoing legal proceedings in Miami. The alleged offenses are serious and of a personal matter with no link to his work at FIFA,” the world soccer body said in a statement Wednesday.Read more on football“The individual has been suspended with immediate effect and until further notice from all duties. FIFA has no further comment at this stage,” it said.The Miami Herald reports that Coles first contacted the teen via Instagram on October 10, asking him to visit him at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables. The boy told Coles he was 16, according to the complaint.The Brit initially responded that they would not have sex because of his age, writing: “I don’t want to break any laws.”Most read in FootballHowever, according to the arrest complaint, Coles allegedly later ordered an Uber to bring the boy to his hotel, bought him a White Claw alcoholic beverage, and engaged in sexual activity with him. Honduras slapped with final punishment decision after Mexico coach hit by beer can and left with blood pouring down face Afterwards, he allegedly messaged the teen, saying: “Can’t wait to see you again” and “You’re gonna be my Miami boyfriend by the way.”Coles returned to Zurich on October 21 but resumed contact with the boy in February, arranging to meet him again, reports the Miami Herald.What the Brit didn’t know was that the teenager had been in contact with federal investigators after their first encounter. On February 2, Coles messaged the boy again, saying: “I’m back Wednesday to Saturday So I see u.” This time, a Homeland Security agent took control of the boy’s Instagram account.The agent continued messaging Coles, who allegedly asked if he could record their next encounter and inquired about the boy’s grooming habits.On Friday, Coles arranged for an Uber to pick up what he believed was the boy at Dolphin Mall. Instead, a federal agent got into the car, which drove to Coles’ hotel, the Courtyard Miami Coral Gables.When Coles opened the door expecting the teenager, agents and police officers arrested him on Friday.According to the complaint, he was “naked, except for a shirt” at thetime.Coles was charged with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activities and travelling to the US with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was initially booked into the Broward Sheriff’s Office jail but has since been released. It was not immediately clear whether he has legal representation. More

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      ‘Goalkeepers should be complaining’ – Fifa referees chief Pierluigi Collina calls for major penalty rule change

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      PIERLUIGI COLLINA, arguably the world’s greatest ever referee, has proposed a a major rule change to penalty kicks.The Italian is currently the chairman of the Fifa Referees Committee.Pierluigi Collina has proposed a change to the penalty kick rulesCredit: GettyHe has suggested the ball should be dead if saved by the goalkeeperCredit: ReutersThe legendary ref hung up his whistle back in 2005 but remains well respected in football.He believes that goalkeepers should be complaining about the current penalty rules.Collina has insisted the attackers should not be allowed to take advantage of a rebound if the initial shot is saved.His plan would mean that if the penalty is saved, the ball is then dead and then leads to a goal kick.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCollina, 64, told Repubblica: “I believe there is an excessive gap between the opportunities available to the attacker and those of the goalkeeper.”On average, 75 per cent of penalties are already scored, and often, the penalty kick is a bigger chance than the one taken away by the foul.”On top of that, the attacker is also given a chance to play the rebound off the goalkeeper. In my opinion, goalkeepers should be complaining.”I’ve already mentioned this in discussions we’ve had at IFAB.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”One solution is the ‘one shot’ rule. Just like in penalty shootouts after extra time.”No rebound. Either you score or play resumes with a goal kick, period.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs Liverpool”This would also eliminate the spectacle we see before a penalty is taken, with everyone crowding around the area.”It looks like horses at the starting gates before the Palio di Siena (a traditional Italian horse race with jockeys riding bareback).”He has also suggested that the introduction of offside technology is a benefit to the game.He added: “At 40 metres from the goal, perhaps two centimetres are not decisive, but in the penalty area they become so.” More