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    World Cup qualifier suspended due to medical emergency in stands with 20 minutes remaining

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      Who is Senegal vs England referee Stephanie Frappart?

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      Belgium 4 Wales 3: De Bruyne breaks Welsh hearts after thrilling three-goal comeback and controversial VAR farce

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE broke Wales hearts on a night of World Cup qualifying chaos in Belgium.The out-going Manchester City star scored an 88th-minute winner to inflict Craig Bellamy’s first defeat as Dragons boss and dent their automatic qualification hopes.Kevin De Bruyne grabbed Belgium’s winner against WalesCredit: GettyThe departing Manchester City magician stormed in at the back post late onCredit: GettyBut where do you start to sum up this seven-goal thriller – which included an epic three-goal comeback by Wales and was dominated by several poor refereeing decisions and lengthy VAR checks?There were two first-half penalties awarded by referee Irfan Peljto – one for each side and both looked harsh.Then Romelu Lukaku had an 80th-minute goal ruled out following a five-minute VAR check – during which both managers were booked – because the ball went out of play in the build-up.On a night of mayhem in Brussels, the Dragons fell 3-0 down inside 27 minutes through goals by Lukaku from the penalty spot, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku as the hosts ran riot in the first half.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpirited Wales came roaring back through goals from Harry Wilson, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson.Yet De Bruyne had the final say with a classy finish when the star midfielder was left unmarked at the back post.It left the visitors floored as Bellamy tasted a loss for the first time in ten matches since he became boss last July.Wales now trail North Macedonia by a point in Group J in their quest to reach the finals in USA, Mexico and Canada next summer with the Belgians only three points behind with two games in hand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTo compound Bellamy’s frustrations, the 45-year-old, who spent two years at Anderlecht, is due to return to Belgium for a friend’s wedding later this week.Pre-match, Bellamy had hailed his first 12 months in the Wales job as the “best year” of his life.World Cup winner and one-club legend rolls back the years with stunning goal from halfway line But, after Spurs legend Jan Vertonghen received a heartfelt farewell from the Belgian public, Bellamy’s Dragons were left furious by the award of Lukaku’s 15th-minute penalty.De Bruyne’s shot hit the arm of Brennan Johnson from a short distance but Bosnian ref Peljto pointed to the spot.A lengthy VAR check did not overturn what looked to be a harsh decision and Napoli striker Lukaku slotted home his 89th international goal.Wales were rocked and failed to recover as Belgium cut them to ribbons in a dangerous attacking display.Tielemans doubled the hosts’ lead on 19 minutes when the Aston Villa midfielder, captain for the night, hit the top corner with a side-footed finish.It was a slick team move from Rudi Garcia’s men with De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard and Maxim de Cuyper involved before Tielemans was left unmarked to beat Karl Darlow.Wales almost halved the deficit instantly but David Brooks missed a glorious chance before Ben Davies forced Nottingham Forest keeper Matz Sels into a scrambling save.De Bruyne rolled an effort past the post but Manchester City wideman Doku made no mistake when he cut in on his left foot and fired past Darlow despite the Leeds stopper getting a hand to his shot.Wales, who had never won on Belgian soil, were handed a lifeline on the stroke of half-time when Sels was deemed to foul Chris Mepham when he clattered into the defender trying to punch a high ball away.It appeared another harsh call by ref Peljto and Wilson scored from the spot by sending Sels the wrong way for his 14th Dragons goal.Read More on The SunTrossard and Lukaku wasted chances to put the game to bed and Wales netted a second on 51 minutes when Wilson set up Thomas to slot home.Wales were in dreamland when Johnson headed home from Thomas’ centre before De Bruyne scored his 31st Belgium goal in his final act before he was substituted to crush Bellamy and Co.Youri Tielemans helped Belgium march into a commanding leadCredit: GettyWales got a penalty on the stroke of half-timeCredit: EPAHarry Wilson converted his spot kick to give Wales a lifelineCredit: GettySorba Thomas rolled in Wales’ second to cut the deficit to oneCredit: GettyBrennan Johnson headed in a dramatic equaliserCredit: EPARomelu Lukaku thought he had restored Belgium’s advantageCredit: ReutersWales immediatel appealed to the ref as VAR took five minutes to rule it outCredit: ReutersWales did their trademark silly team photo before kick-offCredit: GettyLukaku scored from the penalty spot to get things goingCredit: GettyCraig Bellamy and the Welsh team were left heartbrokenCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘What should I tell you?’ – Thomas Tuchel claims he is not feeling the pressure after abject England win over Andorra

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      THOMAS TUCHEL claims he is not feeling the heat as England boss — despite failing to fire up the nation’s World Cup hopes since taking over.The German slammed his players’ poor attitude and body language after they limped to a 1-0 win away against Andorra.Thomas Tuchel responded to criticism after another boring winCredit: GettyEngland scraped past Andorra 1-0 in World Cup qualifyingCredit: GettyTheir World Cup qualifier in Barcelona followed uninspiring performances in Tuchel’s first two games against Albania and Latvia in March.And despite his Three Lions boasting maximum points from three qualifiers, the team have shown little sign of being in any shape to win the trophy.But ahead of tomorrow night’s friendly against Senegal in Nottingham, Tuchel said: “I always feel pressure as I am not happy with myself.“The biggest pressure comes from myself. We have three wins and three clean sheets and have a friendly match on Tuesday. I have felt more pressure than that.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTuchel pulled no punches after Saturday’s win.Asked if it was a risk attacking his stars so early in his reign, he said: “What risk? You were in the stadium. What should I tell you? “That we played a good match and are happy. The risk is only that you exaggerate it and make something of it that was not there.“Everything I said, I said already to the team. There is no harm done.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We were not happy and no single player will be happy with what we showed against Andorra.“Why would the coach be? And why would we be shy of saying so? If we want to get better, we first need to address that we were not happy with the end of both halves.’They looked bored’ – Roy Keane slams England’s ‘poor attitude’ as Thomas Tuchel admits ‘I didn’t like’ Andorra effort“I didn’t name a single name. We do this as a team. It’s always a ‘we’ — and I just didn’t like how we ended the match and the way that we ended the first half.“I didn’t like the attitude or the energy level and how that dropped. I liked the beginning of the team.“It always includes me. Everything I say, I tell the players.“I didn’t like the attitude in the end. We lacked the urgency at the end.“We played with fire. We didn’t play like we have to play in a World Cup qualifier when we were only 1-0 up.“What did I do wrong? Yes, I am included. But I don’t know. We still won a match. We still won a World Cup qualifier and I am the first one to ask if we could do better.”Senegal will provide Tuchel’s team with much stronger opposition compared to his first three matches.The ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich chief said: “It would have been a good test anyway. No matter how well or not well we played against Andorra.Read More on The Sun“We don’t have lots of matches. We worship every training and match.”Tuchel is set to ring the changes at a sold-out City Ground, with Conor Gallagher, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Declan Rice likely to feature.Harry Kane grabbed the only goal in BarcelonaCredit: ReutersEngland were back in training at St George’s Park on SundayCredit: Getty More

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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