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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

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      England regulars left fearing they may need summer transfer to win place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad

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      SIX England hopefuls fear they may need to make a summer transfer to book their spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.The former Chelsea boss started life in the Three Lions dug-out with successive Wembley wins in the past week.Six England stars are considering their future to become regulars under Thomas TuchelCredit: AlamyThe aces are all desperate to be on the plane for next year’s World CupCredit: ReutersEngland first beat Albania 2-0 on Thursday.And Tuchel’s men then cruised past Latvia 3-0 on Monday to begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with six points.The German manager made a series of big calls when deciding his squad, giving nods to the likes of exiled Ajax veteran Jordan Henderson and Arsenal teen sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly.But four stars who were not initially called up now reckon they may need to join new clubs to catch Tuchel’s eye.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLElsewhere, two players who did make the cut are also reportedly considering fresh starts to seal their World Cup spots.The Telegraph claims Manchester City misfit Jack Grealish is considering his options after a dismal season at the Etihad.The winger has started just six league games after being axed by Gareth Southgate for last summer’s Euros.And he has been “warned” by Tuchel to “take responsibility off the pitch” to get his career back on track.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSElsewhere, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is another mulling his options.The centre-back has been in fine form recently but still missed out on a spot to Newcastle’s uncapped 32-year-old Dan Burn.Roy Keane leaves Ian Wright laughing after ITV pundit’s joke about Thomas Tuchel following England’s win over Latvia Jack Grealish has started just six league matches for Man CityCredit: GettyEverton’s Jarrad Branthwaite missed out on a spot to 32-year-old Dan BurnCredit: GettyAston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey could be on the move after almost making the cut.He is yet to nail down a regular spot under Unai Emery, and could opt for first-team football elsewhere despite being a fan favourite.Finally, Morgan Gibbs-White is flying high with Nottingham Forest but was still left out of England’s squad.Jacob Ramsey is yet to nail down a starting spot at Aston VillaCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was initially left out of the squadCredit: AlamyHe was eventually called up when Cole Palmer withdrew through injury.But the playmaker still failed to make it onto the pitch against Latvia – having been axed completely from the Albania matchday squad.And he would reportedly consider joining a more established side to help make the plane next summer.Finally, the two stars who did make the squad but are still considering permanent transfers are Marcus Rashford and Aaron Ramsdale.Marcus Rashford hopes to get a permanent move away from Man UtdCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale will push to leave all-but-relegated SouthamptonCredit: GettyManchester United winger Rashford is on loan at Aston Villla and has no future at the Theatre of Dreams.But despite a decent showing in the Midlands, his future at his loan side is not guaranteed.And Rashford is open to another club where he would be guaranteed minutes as a regular starter.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ramsdale will push to leave Southampton with their relegation to the Championship all-but-confirmed.READ MORE SUN STORIESRamsdale will likely have to be playing in the Premier League to be considered as one of England’s three stoppers.But like the players above, he too craves nothing more than a solid spot in a club’s starting XI. More

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      If the World Cup started today Marcus Rashford wouldn’t be in the XI – latest England performance sums up his struggles

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      MARCUS RASHFORD was given another chance by Thomas Tuchel — but again failed to shine.If you were to scribble down your starting XI for next year’s World Cup, Rashford would not be included.Marcus Rashford must do better to stay in the England pictureCredit: GettyRashford only had one attempt on goal against LatviaCredit: RexNearly all his touches were out wide in the attacking thirdThe Aston Villa loanee created six chances but lacked a killer passCredit: RexAnd the 27-year-old’s frustrating performance in the 3-0 victory over Latvia summed up his struggles at club level over the past couple of seasons.He created six chances according to the stats — but it did not feel like it.The Manchester United forward, currently on loan at Aston Villa, played with bags of positivity in the first half.He had too much pace for the ­Latvian right-back Roberts Savalnieks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he also supported his defenders on the rare occasions the visitors attacked.Rashford was certainly acting on the criticism dished out by boss Thomas Tuchel for not being direct enough in the 2-0 win over Albania.Equally, the killer pass was not there. And after switching to the right in the second half, he barely had a kick before being replaced by Curtis Jones.Rashford is not the only player to fail to cause havoc in the final third during two lacklustre England performances.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut the competition down that left position is nowhere as strong as it has been in the past.Jack Grealish’s career has gone backwards while Phil Foden has under-performed for England and moaned about being played out on the left during Euro 2024.Here’s what has happened to England’s lost football groundsAnthony Gordon, injured for this game, would be your man in that spot if the World Cup started tomorrow.Eberechi Eze also looked decent on the left when he came on and scored a deflected third.But Rashford still has a chance — purely because his international boss seems desperate for him to succeed.Tuchel has started him in back-to-back games, a luxury he has barely been afforded for club or country over the last 18 months, and an indication of just how far Rashford’s star has fallen.He lasted 74 minutes before being replaced against Albania on Friday and was afforded just five more minutes than that at Wembley last night.Tuchel has only signed a short-term contract and although he has thrown Myles Lewis-Skelly into the mix, looks determined to stick with experience.Rashford — who won his 62nd cap — comes into that bracket.And when the German announced his squad for these two games, Tuchel praised Rashford’s workrate for Villa —  something he was often criticised for at United.It is still early days for him under Villa boss Unai Emery. His nine appearances have included just two starts and he is yet to score.The last time Rashford found the net was his brace in United’s 4-0 win over Everton on December 1.When Rashford did find his way past Savalnieks in the first half last night, his final pass was not good enough.After swapping flanks with Jarrod Bowen following the break, he played a small role in the build-up to the second goal scored by Harry Kane — but otherwise was still not involved enough.Maybe fatigue due to his lack of games was a cause.But you would still expect Rashford to remain in the squad for England’s next two games in June — a World Cup qualifier in Andorra and a friendly with Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen you consider the rotten time Rashford has endured of late — much of it self-inflicted — he is lucky to be back in the England team.The jury remains out on whether he can make the most of that good fortune.Rashford struggled to create clear-cut opportunities on Monday nightCredit: Rex More

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      ‘This is rock bottom’ – Mauricio Pochettino accused of ‘gaslighting’ US football fans as they slump to terrible new low

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO was accused of “gaslighting” US football fans after his side slumped to LAST place in the Concacaf Nations League finals.Poch’s side lost 2-1 to Canada in the third-place game in Los Angeles, with Mexico beating Panama to lift the trophy.USA manager Mauricio Pochettino was accused of ‘gaslighting’ fansCredit: GettyPochettino saw his USA side slump to last place in the Concacaf Nations League finalsCredit: GettyBut a second successive defeat in four days piled the pressure on the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss, with fans inside the So-Fi Stadium questioning the commitment of his team.Pochettino tried to downplay the significance of the loss, which followed on from a shock reverse to Panama on Thursday.He said: “It’s better to lose now because I think we have time.“Because if we will be in this situation in one year time, for sure. I will tell you, ‘Houston, we have a problem. SOS’.”Read More on FootballUS legend Landon Donovan was among the critics of a side including former Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic.Donovan said: “I’m so sick of hearing how ‘talented’ this group of players is and all the amazing clubs they play for.“If you aren’t going to show up and actually give a s*** about playing for your national team, decline the invite. Talent is great, pride is better.”Former Bolton and USA midfielder Stuart Holden added: “Pochettino is gaslighting us.Most read in Football“US Soccer created this situation by going for a big hire and nothing matters for Pochettino before the World Cup.“But this is rock bottom. Can you imagine what would have happened if Greg Berhalter was still the coach? Pochettino warned ‘there’s a lot of things that need to change’ by ex-Chelsea star after he’s named USA manager“He would have been fired in the locker room. He wouldn’t have made it out of the stadium.“It went as badly as it could have done for Pochettino and the team. There are question marks over every part of the pitch.”Argentine Poch urged agitated fans to keep calm, although he conceded too many of his players had been in “automatic pilot” mode.He said: ”This was the floor but we can rise up. I’d say to the fans, don’t be pessimistic, don’t get bad feelings.“We have time and I’d prefer this to happen now than in one year.“Of course we are all disappointed. The fans need to feel that. But I’m not going to allow us to feel pessimistic because I think we have good players.“We are going to find a way to perform and for sure we are going to compete in a different way. We need these games to affect us in a positive way.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut former US star Alexei Lalas responded: “I’m trying to stop myself from being numb and apathetic but this was not just an uninspiring performance but a boring one.“It was a complete disaster, a failure. Lots of people are asking me if these players care and displays like that do nothing to dispel those questions.“ More