World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares85 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

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

    • 213 Shares76 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup 2034 announcement hit by embarrassing technical blunder as Fifa feed cuts out during Saudi celebrations

      by

      SAUDI ARABIA’S big World Cup moment was blacked out by a technical fault in a stunning Fifa farce.The world body’s 211 member association voted “by acclamation” to hand Morocco, Spain and Portugal the right to host the 2030 tournament, although the first three matches will be played in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.Saudi Arabia’s World Cup moment was blacked out by a technical faultCredit: AFPFifa handed Morocco, Spain and Portugal the right to host the 2030 World CupCredit: EPAFifa then confirmed Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup hostsCredit: EPAFifa’s feed cut out during Saudi celebrationsCredit: ReutersIn an unprecedented joint “vote” at the “virtual Congress” run from Zurich, delegates were displayed on a video wall as they applauded to confirm the 2034 event will take place in the desert Kingdom.But the two-hour Congress was overshadowed  by technical issues from the outset, with a delayed start and problems with the sound on the video link to the Paraguayan capital Asuncion.And when Fifa President Gianni Infantino handed over to the Saudi capital Riyadh for the “great scenes of celebration” the screens on the official Fifa feed went black.Despite the vote result having been pre-ordained and in a statement laced with unintended irony, Infantino had opened proceedings by declaring “the essence of football is its unpredictability”.Read More on FootballBut after Saudi sports minister Abdulaziz bin Turki al Saud had declared “a proud day” for his nation and promised “an extraordinary version of the World Cup”, Infantino then appeared to fire a potential warning shot across the Saudi bows.The Fifa chief said: “The World Cup is a unique catalyst for positive social change and unity.“We are inclusive and non-discriminatory and want to obtain a positive social impact, to bring true and lasting change.“The world will be watching and we are positive that the unique spotlight of a World Cup will be on what can and should improve in terms of social improvement and positive human rights impacts, the responsibilities of hosting the World Cup.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDuring the Congress, delegates were unable to make any comments about either award.But the Norwegian FA did “raise its concerns” that the process “does not fully align with the principles and objectives” of Fifa with specific regard to human rights and social responsibility, while the Swiss FA also wrote a letter questioning the procedure.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesLike the other major associations, the FA applauded in favour of both “technically strong” bids.A Wembley spokesperson added: “The FA Board met the Saudi Arabian Football Federation last month to discuss their bid in more detail.“We asked them to commit to ensuring all fans would be safe and welcome in Saudi Arabia in 2034 – including LGBTQ+ fans.“They assured us that they are fully committed to providing a safe and welcome environment for all fans.“Hosting World Cups can be a catalyst for positive change and we will work with Fifa and Uefa to ensure that commitments to respect all human rights are delivered.” More

    • 225 Shares82 Views

      in Soccer

      Hosts of two World Cups confirmed – 2030 across three continents and 2034 in Saudi’s £2.5TRILLION desert dream

      by

      FIFA has finally confirmed the worst-kept secret in football – as the hosts of the next two World Cups were announced.After a “virtual Congress” of the 211 member national associations, Zurich chiefs announced the 2030 event will be primarily staged in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.Gianni Infantino confirmed the hosts for the 2030 and 2034 World CupsCredit: PALionel Messi’s Argentina won the first winter World Cup in Qatar in 2022Credit: PAThe 115,000-capacity Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco will be the biggest football stadium in the worldCredit: PopulousThe 2034 World Cup will be staged in Saudi ArabiaCredit: www.dezeen.comSome of the designs for the stadia are utterly crazy and groundbreakingCredit: www.dezeen.comBut to mark the Centenary of the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930, the first three games of the 2030 tournament will all be held in South America – in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.And the Fifa membership also agreed – in a joint decision approved “by acclamation” – that Saudi Arabia would host the 2034 tournament as part of the Gulf state’s £2.5TRILLION ($3.2trillion) mega project. Both host decisions had been signposted 14 months ago after Fifa President Gianni Infantino cut a deal with South American chiefs to open the way for the Saudis.Since then, Fifa have gone through a formal “evaluation” process of the two bids – which both unsurprisingly passed with flying colours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Infantino left no room for any criticism as he ensured there was no way for nations to raise issues such as human rights in Saudi without voting against BOTH bids.While the FA meekly fell in line with Fifa – with Wembley chiefs mulling a 2029 Women’s World Cup bid and unwilling to damage the chances of that succeeding – the Norwegian and Danish FAs did both register their frustration at the mechanism.Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness made it clear she would abstain rather than vote in favour.Denmark did support the decision but stated it “expects Fifa to follow up on demands for human rights, freedom of expression and equal access to World Cup matches”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the Swiss FA’s support came alongside a demand for Fifa to establish “independent bodies to guarantee human rights and transparency” in the Gulf state.Spain has proposed 11 stadia in nine cities, with six cities put forward by Morocco and Lisbon and Porto in Portugal.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesOne of the Moroccan venues would be the record-breaking Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, set to be built by 2028 with a staggering capacity of 115,000 – making it the biggest football ground in the world. However, the epic new stadium may not even get to host the final – with Real Madrid’s renovated Santiago Bernabeu or the updated home of Barcelona, the Nou Camp, both keen. Speaking of futuristic purpose-built new grounds, the Saudi bid foresees 15 venues across five cities, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Khobar and Neom – a city which is still in construction and is not due to be completed until five years AFTER the World Cup.The various stadium plans include artificial canyons, crystal-like shards and a 45,000-seater venue built into a cliff.Morocco, Spain and Portugal saw their bid be successfulCredit: FifaSaudi Arabia got the 2034 hosting rightsCredit: FifaBut the most ambitious of all will be the Neom Stadium, with the pitch 350m above the ground as part of the bonkers 110-mile-long The Line sideways skyscraper. However, the King Salman Stadium with a capacity of 92,000 is set to be the grandest venue of all and host the opening match and final.The state-of-the-art arena will include a royal box, 120 hospitality suites and 300 VIP seats – as well as VVIP areas – plus a shopping centre. As in Qatar in 2022, it is almost certain to be a winter tournament – causing even more disruption to the traditional European club season – but likely to take place in January 2024 rather than the November-December window of the first Arab World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd that will undoubtedly spark a backlash from Europe’s top leagues – who could go seven weeks without club football – with Prem chief executive Richard Masters likely to be among those fighting the unwanted schedule. The January 2034 timeline would help to avoid the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan in November and December at the end of the year. The newly-renovated Bernabeu will play a key role in the 2030 tournamentCredit: GettyThe futuristic design in Morocco may not even host the finalCredit: PopulousThe Neom stadium has been dubbed the ‘most unique stadium in the world’Credit: www.dezeen.comThe King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will be renovated to increase seating capacityCredit: www.dezeen.comPrince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will see a 45,000-seater stadium built into a cliff edge in RiyadhCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Jeddah Central Development Stadium will be entirely surrounded by buildingsCredit: www.dezeen.comKing Salman International Stadium will be the country’s largest stadium when it completesCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Abdullah Economic City Stadium will have a drum-shaped design to host 45,000 footie fansCredit: www.dezeen.comPrince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium will be built from locally-sourced materialsCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Qiddiya Coast Stadium plans to become the most colourful stadium of the lotCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Khalid University Stadium can boast a spectacular show of lightsCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Saud University Stadium will be renovated for the 2034 World CupCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Aramco Stadium is set to have a whirlpool-shaped designCredit: www.dezeen.comKing Fahd Sports City Stadium will be revamped to increase the capacity from 58,000 to 70,000Credit: www.dezeen.comThe South Riyadh Stadium will be an amalgamation of modern design and rich historyCredit: www.dezeen.com More

    • 250 Shares73 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup winner opens up on shock health battle with rare exercise ‘addiction’ bigorexia as he admits ‘I am sick’

      by

      WORLD CUP winner Bixente Lizarazu has lifted the lid on his battle with bigorexia, admitting: “I am a sick man”.The former France star won a host of trophies with Bayern Munich, and also played for Bordeaux, Athletic Bilbao and Marseille.Bixente Lizarazu won the World Cup and Euros with FranceCredit: GettyLizarazu has revealed he is ‘sick’ with a rare conditionCredit: GettyLeft-back Lizarazu helped Les Bleus win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, playing in both finals.But the 54-year-old has now opened up on suffering a rare mental illness that compels people to exercise too much.Also known as muscle dysmorphia, bigorexia makes sufferers think their bodies are too small and weak.They also only eat foods they believe will boost their muscles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe condition can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide and steroid misuse if left untreated.Lizarazu has been heavily involved in surfing, jiu-jitsu, cycling and other sports since quitting football 18 years ago.The 95-cap international told French media: “I am sick. I am 54-years-old now, but I still have to feel like a professional athlete even now.”Physical exercise is my passion and it does me good. Most read in Football”It has been my compass throughout my life and has helped me find my balance.”But I have bigorexia. It’s fair to say I exercise to excess.Football teams that controversially changed their badge”Anyone with the condition who stops training from one day to the next risks falling into depression.”I need to work hard, wear myself out and release the entire mass of energy I have within myself.”But this sickness is preferable to other forms of addiction. I just have to know how to manage it.”Lizarazu has been with his current partner, actress Claire Keim, since 2006.He added: “She met me while I was still a footballer, so luckily she accepts my addiction to sport.”Even though it it healthy, it takes up a lot of time.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLizarazu won the Champions League and six Bundesliga titles with Bayern.He also helped Bordeaux climb from France’s second division to become Intertoto Cup winners and UEFA Cup finalists.Lizarazu won six Bundesliga titles at BayernCredit: GettyHelp for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

    • 238 Shares148 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup final stadium set to be abandoned by footy giants with plans to build 78,000-seater ‘Marvellous City’ arena

      by

      FLAMENGO are to leave the legendary Maracana Stadium for a new state-of-the-art stadium in Rio de Janeiro.According to Coliseum, the new ground’s designers Arena Events+Venues have presented their plans to the club’s board of directors and members.Flamengo are leaving the legendary Maracana Stadium to build their new home – imagined in this artist’s impressionCredit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/The new stadium is expected to have a capacity of 78,000Credit: www.coliseum-online.comThe ground will combine innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and a multifunctional visionCredit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/Flamengo’s new home in Rio will host football matches as well as a variety of eventsCredit: www.coliseum-online.comThis comes after the Brazilian giants submitted a winning bid to secure land at the Gasometro site in Rio for their new stadium, which is expected to have a capacity of 78,000.The ground will combine innovative design, state-of-the-art technology and a multifunctional vision.Flamengo’s new home in Rio will host football matches as well as a variety of events.It will offer unique experiences for fans and tourists, including the Flamengo Museum, a Megastore and a unique rooftop walkway with breathtaking views of the “Marvellous City”.Read More on FootballThe stadium is expected to be completed by November 15, 2029, coinciding with the club’s anniversary. Flamengo, though, are not ruling out the possibility of opening the stadium earlier. Arena Events+Venues CEO Carlos de la Corte said: “This project represents the fusion of tradition and innovation, uniting the passion for sports with a design that reflects the greatness of Flamengo and its fans, as well as the culture of Rio de Janeiro.“Our goal is to create a space that transcends sports, offering a lasting legacy for the country.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Maracana, though, will not be abandoned after Flamengo’s exit.The ground is still being used by Fluminense and Brazil’s national team.Bolivia move to stadium 2,000 FEET higher in bizarre bid to qualify for World Cup 2026 The esteemed Maracana has hosted two World Cup finals in 1950 and 2014.The stadium is expected to be completed by November 15, 2029Credit: https://www.coliseum-online.com/The decision means abandoning the Maracana, which has hosted two World Cup finalsCredit: ReutersGermany lifted the World Cup at the stadium in 2014Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 200 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup could be moved forward months to avoid Ramadan clash with Premier League calendar decimated

      by

      THE Saudi World Cup is set to kick off in January 2034 – ten months earlier than expected.And that would mean the Christmas Prem fixture list being severely curtailed again – just like when the Qatar tournament started in November 2022.The Saudi Arabia World Cup could start months early in January 2034Credit: www.dezeen.comThe Gulf State wants to avoid a clash with RamadanCredit: www.dezeen.comRepresentatives of the 211 Fifa member associations will confirm the 2030 and 2034 hosts at next week’s congress.That will see the 2030 event staged mainly in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, although with the opening three games played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.Saudi Arabia is the only candidate for the 2034 event with the joint decision for both tournaments expected to go through “by acclamation”.Officially, the Saudi event is still due to be held in the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut with temperatures in the Gulf state potentially reaching 45C in June, that is infeasible on health and wellbeing grounds for players and travelling fans.But while the first winter World Cup, in Qatar in 2022, was held in November and December, scheduling issues mean a January start to the 2034 event is now thought to be more likely.The Saudi dates coincide with the anticipated scheduling of the Ramadan religious period, when Muslims must fast during the day.Unless there is an agreement by the Saudi authorities to allow non-observance of the main religious festival – thought to be unlikely – a kick-off at the very beginning of January is being discussed.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThat may end up with Boxing Day fixtures marking the end of a congested first half of the domestic campaign, with all the initial phase matches of the three European club competitions also having to be fitted into a reduced window.The 2026 edition of the new expanded tournament – with 48 teams and 104 games – has a 38-day match “footprint”.Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupWhile that could be reduced slightly, 35 days is seen as the minimum possible time-frame.And it would mean a likely seven week break in the Prem season.Full list of Saudi Arabia’s amazing stadiumsRiyadhKing Salman International Stadium – 92,760King Fahad Sports City Stadium – 70,200Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – 46,979New Murabba Stadium – 46,010Roshn Stadium – 46,000Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium – 46,865South Riyadh Stadium – 47,060King Saud University Stadium – 46,319JeddahKing Abdullah Sports City Stadium – 58,432Qiddiya Coast Stadium – 46,096Jeddah Central Development Stadium – 45,794King Abdullah Economic City Stadium – 45,700Al KhobarAramco Stadium – 46,096AbhaKing Khalid University Stadium – 45,428NeomNeom Stadium – 46,010 More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup stadium lies half demolished next to rubble as it hosts second-tier matches with no away end

      by

      A WORLD CUP stadium currently lies half demolished and surrounded by rubble.But the hope is that it will all be ready to be opened within four years.La Romareda is currently being revampedCredit: RexThere is a building site at one end of the groundCredit: RexReal Zaragoza are still hosting matches despite the renovationCredit: AlamyLa Romareda in Zaragoza is one of the stadiums set to be used by Spain as they join Portugal and Morocco to host the 2030 World Cup.However, it seems a long way off being ready just yet.Recent images of the ground show three sides of the stadium intact – not dissimilar to Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.However, one end has already been destroyed and instead a pile of dirt lies behind the goal. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDiggers and workers are hard at work renovating the stadium to increase its capacity from 33,608 to approximately 43,000 once the expansion is complete.Fifa require all stadiums to have a minimum capacity of 40,000 to be used at World Cups. The Nueva Romareda – the New Romareda – is set to be completed in 2028 at an estimated cost of £117million. That should in theory give Real Zaragoza two years to play in their refurbished new home before fans from all over the globe arrive to catch a glimpse of their country in action in 2030. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, despite the ongoing construction and views that resemble a building site, La Romareda is still being used this season.Real Zaragoza – six-time Copa del Rey winners – currently play their league football in the Segunda Division, the second tier in Spain below LaLiga. But currently there are no tickets available for away fans while the refurbishment takes place. Instead, a banner has been erected in front of the rubble bank to block the eyesore view for players, fans and TV cameras alike. A total of 11 stadiums in nine Spanish cities are set to be used for the 2030 World Cup. The new Nou Camp, the redeveloped Bernabeu and the modern Metropolitano are the three flagship grounds. The home grounds of Espanyol, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla are also on the initial list.And the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Malaga’s Estadio La Rosaleda, Estadio Gran Canaria of Las Palmas and the Estadio Riazor where Deportivo de La Coruna play are all in line – but each of their capacities are currently less than 40,000 so will need expanding to meet the criteria. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the iconic Mestalla was stripped of its right to host matches after the shocking debacle surrounding Valencia’s proposed new ground. However, the biggest stadium used in six years’ time will be the brand new Grand Stade de Casablanca in Morocco – which will be purpose-built for the tournament and have space for a staggering 115,000 spectators. The diggers have been in to get to workCredit: RexThe Nueva Romareda will have around 43,000 seats and is set to be done by 2028Credit: AlamyThis is how the ground used to look before the end was knocked downCredit: GettyZaragoza is one of nine Spanish cities set to host 2030 World Cup matchesCredit: GettyWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Infamous Jabulani could return with ball that caused mayhem at 2010 World Cup recently seen selling for £415

      by

      ADIDAS could re-release the infamous Jabulani football, according to reports.The Jabulani was memorably used in the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.The Jabulani was unveiled ahead of the 2010 World CupCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Jabulani famously gave goalkeepers nightmaresCredit: AP:Associated PressDiego Forlan was the forward who truly mastered the JabulaniCredit: AFPIt is best remembered for violently swerving and dipping, with many players struggling to master it.According to Footy Headlines, the Jabulani could go back on sale in the coming years.They point to the fact that Adidas have been re-releasing iconic footballs from the 2000s.The Roteiro used at Euro 2004 was re-released back in March.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile the Teamgeist used at the 2006 World Cup in Germany is set to return in March 2025.Footy Headlines reckon that if this trend continues, the Jabulani could make its return in 2026 or 2027.The original version can sometimes be found on various resale sites for as much as £415 – more than four times its price upon release.Its unusual design is what made it so difficult for players to predict.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Teamgeist used at the previous World Cup, for example, was built with a 14-panel structure – while the Jabulani consisted of just eight panels.One player who did master it was Uruguay’s former Manchester United star Diego Forlan.World Cup winner and 137-cap legend Antoine Griezmann shockingly retires from international duty The forward, who has dabbled with a career in tennis since retirement, lit up the tournament, scoring several brilliant goals as his country reached the semi-finals.They went on to lose 3-2 to the Netherlands in the semis, however, with the Dutch then falling 1-0 in the final courtesy of Andres Iniesta’s winner for Spain.Who are these famous footballers? More