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    England fans face paying THOUSANDS per World Cup 2026 match as Fifa consider controversial Oasis-style ticketing system

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    ENGLAND fans heading to next summer’s World Cup could be fleeced for THOUSANDS per match under Fifa plans to use a “dynamic pricing” strategy.Average costs of around £305 per match had previously been reported.Fifa are set to use dynamic ticket pricing at the World CupCredit: APPrices could sky-rocket for the biggest games like the final at the MetLife StadiumCredit: GettyBut now Fifa chiefs are looking at the same demand-based pricing arrangements that saw this summer’s Oasis reunion concerts plunged into controversy.And that could see ticket prices for the biggest games sky-rocketing with supply not being able to keep up with demand despite stadiums having capacities of 70,000-plus.A similar system being used in this summer’s Club World Cup – which includes Chelsea and Manchester City – saw prices fall to as low as £29 for games in the group stage.But that is unlikely to be the situation at the World Cup, despite the expansion to a 48-team tournament which will see a record 104 games played.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Fifa model will NOT apply to fans supporting the three host countries – the USA, Canada and Mexico.But visiting supporters will be exposed to the system, which could see top price tickets for knockout games going for £5,000 or more.Official fan groups supplied with tickets by their home associations are also likely to pay a lower price, although allocations are unlikely to exceed 6,000 for any matches.The measure, if confirmed, is likely to see Fifa accused of exploiting supporters and seeking to maximise their own income.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnlike previous World Cups, which have been overseen by a Fifa-delegated local organising committee, 2026 will be run by the Zurich-based body.The greater the revenue from the estimated 6.5m tickets available, the more Fifa will make from the tournament.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueFifa’s argument is that dynamic pricing is a standard practice for major events in the USA – although that is not the case in the other co-host nations.The successful three-country bid, which won the right in 2018 to stage next year’s World Cup, suggested that a projected £1.35bn in ticket sales would be a “conservative” estimate.That appears to be an understatement, although a Fifa spokesman declined to confirm the plans.The spokesman said: “Ticket sales for the Fifa World Cup 2026 are expected to begin in Q3 of 2025 via the Fifa website. Further details will follow in due course.”Fifa are projected to make £1.35bn in ticket salesCredit: AFP More

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      Gary Lineker has already told BBC how to avoid fan fury in World Cup 2026 final coverage

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      GARY LINEKER has already told the BBC how to avoid fan fury during coverage of the World Cup 2026 final.Lineker, 64, was due to bow out from his role as presenter for the broadcaster at the conclusion of next summer’s tournament. Gary Lineker warned the BBC how to avoid fan fury over the half-time show during the World Cup 2026 finalCredit: ReutersA Super Bowl-style half-time show will be introduced next yearCredit: GettyBut on Monday, he confirmed he is going to quit the BBC for good after Sunday’s Match of the Day episode covering the final day of the Premier League season. The ex-Leicester striker previously announced he was stepping back from weekly MOTD duties but was due to continue hosting live FA Cup matches next season before working the World Cup.However, following an anti-Semitism row, Lineker apologised and went public with his decision to step away from his £1.35million-a-year job with the Beeb. Lineker agreed to leave the BBC after meeting bosses last week – with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERBut before his exit, the presenter gave his bosses a piece of advice on covering the 2026 showpiece at the end of the expanded 48-country competition.The World Cup final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. But midway through the biggest match in football, there will be a Super Bowl-style half-time show.Fifa are working with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin on the plans – which may well mean Coldplay are one of the “multiple artists” set to perform. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Lineker is aware the controversial addition will not go down with fans.And it also gives TV bosses a dilemma about what to do at half-time – show the performances on the pitch or stick to the traditional analysis from pundits.Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next weekLineker, though, reckons he has the solution.Speaking on his Rest Is Football podcast in March – part of his Goalhanger podcast empire – he said: “I don’t like this, I have to say, before we start. “I hope it’s not going completely down the road of NFL half-time shows because that’s 25 minutes, half an hour, and I’m not sure we could quite cope with that.“I’m bowing out soon anyway, but I’ve got one World Cup left in me. “It’d be interesting to see, if they did have some big, massive half-time show, how TV deals with that because the analysis has always been part of television coverage. “Does TV suddenly go, ‘No, we’re going to show the half-time show?’“For someone like BBC, I would say, ‘Stick the show on the red button’, or they might (decide to) stick the analysis on the red button.”’SORRY’Lineker’s Instagram post to confirm his BBC exit came after The Sun revealed he was planning to step down following the scandal which saw him face backlash for re-posting a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.He said in a statement released at midday on Monday: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.”I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. “As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.Read More on The Sun”However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”Chris Martin has been involved in the talks with FifaCredit: GettyLineker announced he will leave the BBC after Sunday’s Match of the DayCredit: iNSTAGRAMHe was spotted outside his home on the day of the major newsCredit: PA More

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      Carlo Ancelotti named Brazil coach as former Chelsea boss makes history after leaving Real Madrid

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI has been confirmed as the new boss of Brazil.The veteran Italian, 65, has agreed to take over the five-time world champions from May 26, at the conclusion of the LaLiga season in Spain.Carlo Ancelotti has taken the Brazil manager jobCredit: GettyAncelotti won the Champions League with Real Madrid again last seasonCredit: Sunday TimesFormer Chelsea and Everton chief Ancelotti has been Brazil’s first choice since Dorival Jr was sacked in March.Dorival lost his job in the aftermath of their 4-1 World Cup qualifying humiliation by arch rivals Argentina.And in a deal brokered by Brazilian businessman Diego Fernandes, Ancelotti will become the Selecao’s first foreign coach.Ancelotti will take the helm for next month’s qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd his contract will run through to the end of next summer’s World Cup Finals – just like Thomas Tuchel’s with England.Brazil are currently fourth in the ten-nation South American standing, with the top six to qualify.They hold a five-point lead over seventh-placed Venezuela.Brazilian FA chiefs expressed their “sincere gratitude” to Real Madrid and President Florentino Perez for allowing Ancelotti to leave before the end of the club’s season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Bernabeu giants, now poised to install Xabi Alonso as Ancelotti’s successor for the Club World Cup in the USA, were praised for their “cordiality and sportsmanship shown in facilitating the coach’s release during his contract term, allowing this new chapter to begin with mutual respect and cooperation”.They also thanked deal-maker Fernandes and added: “We warmly welcome Mr Ancelotti and look forward to a new era of success under his leadership.” EXCLUSIVE: How ‘lovely’ Carlo Ancelotti stunned Chelsea TV worker with humble act after taking over at the BluesAncelotti’s Real reign has seen him win the Champions League three times as well as two La Liga triumphs across two spells at the helm.He also won the Champions League twice with AC Milan and won a total of six domestic league titles, with crowns at Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich making him the only manager to win all five major European leagues.Ancelotti suffered an early exit in the European quarter-finals to Arsenal and will, in all likelihood, be pipped to the LaLiga title by Barcelona.He is preparing to bid farewell to Los Blancos after the final game of the league season at home to Real Sociedad on May 25, the day before his new contract with Brazil kicks in. But he will be able to call upon plenty of familiar faces with Real quartet Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Endrick and Eder Militao all part of the Brazilian national set-up.Ancelotti will be immediately reunited with Vinicius JrCredit: AFPCarlo Ancelotti’s managerial careerCARLO ANCELOTTI boasts one of the greatest CVs in managerial history.As he takes over as Brazil boss, his solo goal will be to add the World Cup to his impressive trophy cabinet.But there is not much space left given he has won the lot in club football…Parma (1996-1998):Juventus (1999-2001): Runner-up in Serie AAC Milan (2001-2009):2 UEFA Champions League titles1 Serie A title1 Coppa Italia1 FIFA Club World CupChelsea (2009-2011): Premier League, FA CupParis Saint-Germain (2011-2013): Ligue 1Real Madrid (2013-2015): UEFA Champions LeagueFIFA Club World CupUEFA Super CupCopa del ReyBayern Munich (2016-2017): BundesligaDFL-SupercupNapoli (2018-2019):Everton (2019-2021):Real Madrid (2021-2025): La LigaUEFA Champions LeagueFIFA Club World CupUEFA Super CupIndividual:The Best FIFA Football CoachUEFA Men’s Coach of the YearFIFA World Coach of the Year runner-upItalian Football Hall of Fame More

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      Donald Trump claims letting Russia qualify for World Cup 2026 could be ‘incentive’ to end Ukraine war

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      DONALD TRUMP has claimed the 2026 Fifa World Cup could be an “incentive” to bring the war in Ukraine to an end.Russia has been banned from playing in international competitions since the nation’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Donald Trump spoke about the 2026 World Cup with Gianni InfantinoCredit: SplashHe claims that letting Russia play could be an ‘incentive’ to end the war in UkraineCredit: APThe US president claimed he would end the ongoing conflict on “day one” of being in office during his campaign.Trump, 78, began his second term as president on January 20 – over 100 days ago – and the war is still ongoing.Current rules state that Russia will not take part in next summer’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.The ban was put in place by Fifa and Uefa and includes removing Russian clubs’ places in European competition.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTrump has now claimed that letting Russia back into the footballing world could incentivise an end to the war in Ukraine.He made the suggestion during his administration’s World Cup taskforce in the presence of Fifa president Gianni Infantino.At first, he was unaware that Russia was banned from the tournament.He asked: “I didn’t know that. Is that right?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTo which Infantino replied: “That is right.”They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted.”UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournament2026 World Cup stadiumsHere are the stadiums that will feature at the World Cup…MexicoEstadio Banorte, Mexico City – 87,523Estadio BBVA, Monterrey – 53,500Estadio Akron, Guadalajara – 49,850CanadaBC Place, Vancouver – 54,500BMO Field, Toronto – 28,180US MetLife Stadium, New York – 82,500AT&T Stadium, Dallas – 80,000GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City – 76,416NRG Stadium, Houston – 72,220Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – 71,000SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – 70,240Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia – 69,796Lumen Field, Seattle – 69,000Levis’ Stadium, San Franciso – 68,500Gillette Stadium, Boston – 65,878Hard Rock Stadium, Miami – 64,767 The former Apprentice US host suggested: “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right?”We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop.”Five thousand young people a week are being killed – it’s not even believable.”However, Trump admitted that Infantino was “the boss” when it came to decision-making over football.He also insisted that he would have “nothing to do” with any demands to have Vladimir Putin’s Russia reinstated.In February, it was reported that Ukraine had suffered losses of over 46,000 soldiers since the invasion in February 2022.Previously thriving Ukrainian cities such as Mariupol and Bakhmut have been reduced to rubble.Meanwhile, vice-president JD Vance demanded that travelling supporters must “go home” after the tournament.Some 78 of the 104 matches of the tournament will be hosted in the US, including the final.The World Tourism Forum Institute has warned the US that the current strict immigration policies could disrupt fans’ travel plans.Vance said: “I know we’ll have visitors, probably from close to 100 countries.”We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game.”But when the time is up, they’ll have to go home.”Read More on The SunIt is expected that two million tourists will make the trip to the US, Canada and Mexico for the World Cup.Tickes for the 2026 World Cup have already gone on sale with packages costing up to a whopping £55,000.JD Vance urged fans to leave the US after the tournamentCredit: Rex More

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      Secret ‘hack’ to get guaranteed World Cup final tickets revealed if you follow unusual strategy

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      FANS have spotted a hack to guarantee they get a seat at the 2026 World Cup final.Fifa are reportedly concerned about the lack of tickets purchased for their revamped Club World Cup (CWC) this summer.Fans have the chance to guarantee their seat at the World Cup final by purchasing Club World Cup ticketsCredit: APFifa are understood to be concerned by the lack of tickets purchased for their revamped Club World CupCredit: GettyAnd in a shock incentive to encourage fans to attend matches, they are offering “ticket packs” that ensures supporters World Cup tickets, even for the final. A CWC “ticket pack” buys fans a seat at two or three of a club’s group stage matches in the US in June.As a reward, they will then receive an exclusive pre-sale code to buy a ticket for a game at next year’s World Cup held across Canada, the US and Mexico.It is currently unclear what matches these codes will be valid for and Fifa are set to choose.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe price of the “ticket pack” varies depending on which matches you go to.But there is also a “super ticket pack” on offer and it is fans’ route to the 2026 World Cup final.It includes seats at 20 CWC clashes, with the terms and conditions stating that the 20 games must include either the tournament opener or final, as well as one of the semi-finals.The rules also say that you cannot choose multiple matches on the same day and you must attend every game you have a ticket for.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut with just 22 matchdays in total and games spread across the US, it presents fans with a major travel headache.Though the tickets can be passed on to family or friends.Major change to World Cup final confirmed by Fifa chief Gianni Infantino with Coldplay to perform half-time show Buying the “super ticket pack” guarantees you the chance to be at the 2026 World Cup final when they go on sale.Depending on the category you of seats and matches you choose, the price of the package varies from £1,764 to £4,300. Fans have slammed the idea, with one saying: “Buy 20 CWC tickets for an opportunity to buy a ticket for the WC Final? This is a joke. Beyond the logistics aspect, 20 CWC tickets would be an absurdly expensive.”Another added: “Everything that is wrong with modern football.”A third wrote: “The whole competition is a joke.” More

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      Hank Steinbrecher, Who Helped Elevate Soccer in the U.S., Dies at 77

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      He was also a key figure in raising American soccer’s profile on the world stage. Earlier, as a marketer, he saw opportunities in the football ritual of dousing coaches with Gatorade.Hank Steinbrecher, a soccer evangelist from Queens whose passion as a top United States official in the sport helped usher it into the American mainstream and who, in a previous career in marketing for Gatorade, helped popularize the ritual in which victorious players douse their coaches with coolers of sports drinks, died on Tuesday at his home in Tucson, Ariz. He was 77.His death, from degenerative heart disease, was confirmed by the United States Soccer Federation, of which Mr. Steinbrecher was secretary general from 1990 to 2000.Sunil Gulati, who was president of the federation from 2006 to 2018, said in an interview that Mr. Steinbrecher’s biggest legacy was having American soccer “be more respected at the national and international level.”In the fall of 1990, the federation, the sport’s national governing body, had little money and was run by volunteers. It was in dire need of professional administrative expertise.The United States men’s national team had just played in its first World Cup in 40 years, in Italy; the U.S. had recently been chosen to host the men’s World Cup in 1994; and the nascent women’s national team was about to emerge as the pre-eminent international power.Later that year, Alan I. Rothenberg, a Los Angeles lawyer who had been the soccer commissioner for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, became president of the federation, and he hired Steinbrecher to be secretary general, his top lieutenant, impressed by his credentials: Mr. Steinbrecher had been a collegiate player, coach and manager of the soccer venue at Harvard University during those Games (Olympic soccer is played in stadiums across the host country). And, crucial to bringing a business and commercial sensibility to the federation, he had been director of sports marketing for Gatorade.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      Iran become seventh team to qualify for World Cup 2026 – but may not be allowed to play in it

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      IRAN have become the latest team to qualify for next year’s World Cup.However, the Asian nation may not even be allowed to play in it.Iran have become the latest team to reach the 2026 World CupCredit: AFPThe Asian nation may not be able to play in it next yearCredit: GettyTwo goals from Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi saw Iran draw 2-2 against Uzbekistan on Monday.The result sealed Iran’s place at the 2026 World Cup, their fourth finals in a row and their seventh in total.But questions surround Iran’s appearance at next year’s tournament.The competition takes place in Mexico, Canada and the USA.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe three host countries are automatically through to the group stage.While Japan, New Zealand and Argentina have also booked their spots.Yet Iran may be blocked from playing due to a potential travel ban issued by the USA.Donald Trump’s government has proposed a list of 41 countries that could fall under the umbrella.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt would mean citizens of those nations would have extreme trouble entering the USA.And Iran is high on that list along with the likes of North Korea, Yemen and Syria.Argentina players celebrate humiliating rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifier President Trump previously banned travel from Iran during his first termCredit: The Mega AgencyThere are other countries that could end up qualifying for the World Cup who also feature on the list.Cameroon, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, DR Congo and Venezuela are all still in with a shout of reaching the finals.A travel ban is yet to be confirmed by the current administration.But during his first term, President Trump barred the arrival of people from several countries including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.While on January 20, President Trump signed an executive order designed to “protect the USA and its citizens” from “aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.” More

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      Goalkeeper completely forgets where he is as Estonia score World Cup qualifying’s strangest goal

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      MOLDOVA goalkeeper Andriy Kozhukhar may have committed the biggest blunder of the season during the international break.The Moldovan national team hosted Estonia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at the Zimbru Stadium.Moldova goalkeeper Andriy Kozhukhar committed a massive blunder against EstoniaEstonia scored from a corner-kick after a header by Rauno SappinenThe ball went straight into Moldova keeper Kozhukhar’s arms, but there was a problemKozhukhar was standing behind his goal line and caused Estonia’s second goalThe hosts trailed 1-0 following Rasmus Peetson’s opener after just 19 minutes.That was after Moldova lost Maxim Cojocaru to a straight red card just five minutes into the match.And things got even worse for Serghei Clescenco’s side on the half-hour mark.Estonia got a corner-kick down the right and Kevor Palumets delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.Read More on FootballPalumets found Rauno Sappinen, whose header caught a tiny deflection off Oleg Reabciuk.The ball went straight into Kozhukhar’s arms, but there was a serious problem.The keeper apparently forgot where he was as he was standing BEHIND his goal line.The linesman quickly noticed the Veres Rivne ace’s unbelievable error and raised his flag.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesThe referee also spotted that gaffe and immediately awarded Estonia their second goal of the night.Moldova went on to put up a fight but couldn’t save Kozhukhar’s blushes.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia Estonia won the match 3-2 but also lost Palumets to a second yellow card on 48 minutes. More

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      Argentina HUMILIATE Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier

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      EMI MARTINEZ did keepy ups in his own box as Argentina thrashed Brazil 4-1 last night.The fierce rivals met in a World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires with bragging rights very much up for grabs.Emi Martinez performs keepy ups in his own box during the matchCredit: GettyArgentina stars celebrate their dominant victoryCredit: GettyTempers flared during and after the feisty matchCredit: GettyBrazil star Raphinha stoked tensions before the game by saying “f*** them” of his side’s rivals before adding: “We will beat them, no doubt.”The home side took the lead within five minutes, however, with Julian Alvarez squirming through two defenders before prodding the ball home.Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez made it 2-0 on 12 minutes, sneaking in at the back post to score following a neat move.Brazil got back into the contest in the 26th minute when Matheus Cunha caught Tottenham defender Cristian Romero dawdling on the ball, the Wolves forward pickpocketing his opponent before slotting beyond Martinez.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlexis Mac Allister restored Argentina’s two-goal advantage before the break, the Liverpool star beating Brazil goalkeeper Bento to the ball to score.Tempers flared just moments later, with Nicolas Otamendi telling Raphinha to “talk less” as players shoved each other – and Vinicius Jr seemingly gesturing that he’s won two Champions Leagues.Fans also made X-rated chants directed at Barcelona winger Raphinha.Twenty minutes from time, Diego Simeone’s son Giuliano got in on the act by rifling the ball in from a tight angle.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKEnzo Fernandez celebrates his goalCredit: APMartinez, 32, had Argentine colours dyed in his hairCredit: GettyWith Brazil consigned to defeat late on Martinez, who had the Argentine colours dyed into his hair, playfully performed keepy ups in his own box.As Raphinha left the pitch at the end of the game he was bumped by Martinez, with Romero playing peacekeeper as his opponent looked to confront the goalkeeper.Argentina players celebrate humiliating rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifier The reigning world champions trounced Brazil without talisman Lionel Messi.And after the match, Alvarez cheekily claimed: “Maybe with Leo Messi on the pitch we might have scored two or three more goals.”Brazil defender Marquinhos admitted that the match had been “embarrassing”.The PSG stalwart told Brazilian TV: “What we did here today can’t happen again.”It’s hard to talk about it in the heat of the moment… It’s embarrassing.”We started the game very badly, far below what we could do and they’re on a great run of confidence. They knew how to play smart … I’m sorry for our fans.”Brazil have won just seven out of 16 matches under boss Dorival Jr.But Marquinhos refused to blame his under-fire coach.’WE HAVE TO SHARE THE BLAME’The 30-year-old added: “It’s not just the coach’s fault… It’s the players’ fault too.”There’s no secret formula in football where you make a choice and it works out. We can all do better. We have to share the blame.”It’s about understanding the moment and being humble.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArgentina have already qualified for next year’s World Cup with four matches to spare.Brazil, meanwhile, still have work to do – sitting six points above seventh-placed Venezuela with 12 left to play for.Raphinha found himself in the thick of the actionCredit: APThe Barcelona winger’s pre-match comments did not go unnoticedCredit: AP More