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

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

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      Inside three-horse race to host World Cup final with world’s largest stadium aiming to beat Bernabeu and Camp Nou

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      REAL MADRID’S Santiago Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Camp Nou could be snubbed as hosts of the 2030 World Cup final.Spain will be co-hosting the competition along with Portugal and Morocco in five years’ time.The Stade Hassan II may host the 2030 World Cup finalCredit: PopulousThe Moroccan ground will have a capacity of 115,000 and will be the largest in the worldCredit: PopulousEach end of the stadium will hold 29,500 general admission spectatorsCredit: SPAThe ground has a provisional budget of 5billion dirhams (£381million)Credit: PopulousIt has long been assumed that the tournament’s showpiece game would be played at either the Bernabeu or the Camp Nou.However, Real and Barca’s stunning homes could incredibly MISS OUT on the final to a very unlikely competitor.The 78,000-seater Bernabeu was fully renovated before reopening last season, at the staggering cost of £1.5billion.While Barca hope to return their iconic stadium before the end of the season after it’s own incredible £1bn-plus facelift, with an increased capacity of 105,000.Read More on FootballHowever, even that will be dwarfed in size by the stunning Stade Hassan II in Morocco – which could beat both to the final.The 115,000-capacity ground is projected to be the largest football stadium in the world.The stadium has been designed by Populous in collaboration with Paris-based architects Oualalou + Choi.The ground, which has a provisional budget of 5billion dirhams (£381million), will serve as the home of Morocco’s national football team and two local clubs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEach end of the stadium will hold 29,500 general admission spectators.Five levels of hospitality along each of the main stands at the side of the pitch will welcome 12,000 VVIP, VIP, Hospitality and Box users, in addition to the Royal box.Inside 30,000 capacity European stadium visited by Chelsea where you can enjoy game in a hot tub eating fondueConstruction is expected to be completed in 2028 and the stadium will be built on a surface of 100 hectares in the province of Benslimane, which is some 38km north of Casablanca.Design Principal and founding partner at Oualalou + Choi Tarik Oualalou insists the “state-of-the art” stadium “has occupied space and is giving up space around it”, unlike other candidates like the Bernabeu, which is located within the city.Oualalou, who is also the lead architect, told EFE: “Morocco’s proposal is to build the largest stadium in the world for the World Cup final in Morocco. “So it is not only calibrated, but it is designed for this, it is imagined for this.”Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu may miss out on the 2030 World Cup finalCredit: GettyBarcelona’s Camp Nou may not host the World Cup final More

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      World Cup’s hottest fan sends followers wild in busty snap wearing red latex corset and covered in lipstick kisses

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      IVANA KNOLL took social media by storm once more with another raunchy snap.Ivana, 32, was crowned as the World Cup’s sexiest fan three years ago with her antics in Qatar where she donned a series of outfits that left little to imagination.Ivana Knoll took social media by storm once moreCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana posed in a small red latex corset on InstagramCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana was covered in red lipstick kisses all over her bodyCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana shares a series of raunchy snaps across social mediaCredit: @knolldoll/instagramThe Croatian model is still going strong as she shares a series of glam pics across social media.This time she took to Instagram where she posed in a red corset with a number of lipstick kisses all over her body.Ivana posted: “When he says he misses me but I miss the days when I didn’t know he existed.”That led to almost 50,000 likes from her 2.8million followers who were left in awe and stormed the comments’ section.Read More on FootballOne fan gushed: “Wooow!”Another commented: “Slay queen!”A third wrote: “Gorgeoussss.”This fan said: “Loveee these.”Most read in FootballAnd that one stated: “OMG.”Knoll went viral when she watched her beloved Croatia compete in the World Cup.World Cup’s sexiest fan Ivana Knoll stuns in bikini video as fans say ‘you can really move those hips’She watched Luka Modric and co making it to the semi-finals and finishing third after beating Morocco in the third-place play-off.Scroll down for more from Ivana KnollIvana made a name for herself during the 2022 World Cup in the standsCredit: GettyIvana wore some steamy outfits while supporting CroatiaCredit: GettyIvana was dubbed the 2022 World Cup’s “hottest fan”Credit: Instagram @knolldollIvana’s following continues to grow on social mediaCredit: Instagram More

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      World Cup stadium which hosted infamous clash involving Cristiano Ronaldo to be destroyed for SMALLER ground

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      AN ICONIC World Cup stadium is set to be demolished and replaced by a smaller ground.The plans to improve the venue, which can hold 50,000 fans, has been hit by financial challenges. The Max-Morlock-Stadion is set to be destroyedCredit: AlamyThe ground is the home of Bundesliga 2 club NurembergCredit: GettyThe stadium played host to the infamous Portugal vs Holland game in the 2006 World CupCredit: AP:Associated PressReports from German outlet Bild claim there is an £83million black hole in funding.Nuremberg’s Max-Morlock-Stadion is now set to be knocked down and a new ground built.Plans to increase the capacity of the arena have been ditched and features like an underground car park are off the table.A capacity of between 35,000 to 45,000 is expected at the new ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe stadium is owned by Nuremberg council and parliamentary chief Andreas Krieglstein insists they can only construct a venue “viable for the city budget”.Treasurer Thorsten Brehm earlier this week called the initial figures “overambitious” and they are now “planning conservatively”.The Max-Morlock-Stadion is the home of Bundesliga 2 club Nuremberg.It also hosted five 2006 World Cup matches, including England’s 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago, and the infamous round of 16 clash between Portugal and Holland.Most read in FootballDubbed the “Battle of Nuremberg”, the referee sent off two players from each team and dished out a record-breaking 16 yellow cards.Cristiano Ronaldo was subbed off injured in the first-half after a horror tackle from Khalid Boulahrouz.Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupThe Max-Morlock-Stadion also played host to six matches at the 1972 Olympics and the European Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1967 as Bayern Munich beat Rangers.The ref sent off two players from each two in a crazy game More

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      Legendary 90,000-capacity World Cup final stadium EVACUATED as deadly wildfires rage nearby

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      AN iconic stadium that hosted the 1994 World Cup final has been evacuated as massive wildfires rage on in Los Angeles.Two people have been killed and several are injured in the devastating blaze, while more than 1,000 California structures have been destroyed.The Rose Bowl has been evacuated as massive wildfires rage on in Los AngelesCredit: Getty – PoolTwo people have been killed and several are injured by the devastating blazeCredit: AlamyAnd the flames are now closing in on the Rose Bowl, which is one of college American football’s most iconic venues and saw Brazil beat Italy on penalties in a dramatic USA 94 final.According to the Associated Press, new evacuation warnings have been issued in the Pasadena area and include the 90,000-capacity venue.The same source reported at least four separate blazes are burning from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena.Over 5,000 acres across three areas in Los Angeles have burned so far since the fires began on Tuesday morning.Read More on FootballThousands of firefighters are already battling the flames around the area.The Los Angeles Fire Department put out a plea for off-duty firefighters to help.However, weather conditions were too windy for firefighting aircrafts to fly.This has hampered the bid to extinguish the wildfires and fire officials are hoping to get the planes up soon.Most read in FootballThe Rose Bowl is the 16th biggest stadium in the world and has hosted five Super Bowls – the third highest number played at a single venue.It hosts one of the most high profile college football games every year.LA wildfires send celebs including Star Wars legend fleeing with 30k evacuated & flames fanned by 100mph hurricane galesBut it remains best known for the rest of the world for being the venue for the showdown between Italy and Brazil 21 years ago.The game ended in a goalless draw and the winner was decided in a penalty shootout.That was when iconic playmaker Roberto Baggio famously fired the ball over the crossbar as Brazil won their fourth World CupThe Rose Bowl hosted the 1994 World Cup final between Italy and BrazilCredit: GettyBrazil won the final in the famous Super Bowl venueCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Fifa ‘sincerely regret’ the ‘unacceptable’ error made in World Cup qualifying draw as they release full statement

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      FIFA chiefs have issued a grovelling apology to the Ukrainian FA for an “unacceptable” error they “sincerely regret” during the World Cup qualifying draw.The Eastern European country ended up in Group D alongside Iceland, Azerbaijan and either France or Croatia.Fifa have apologised for a mistake regarding Ukraine during the World Cup qualifying drawCredit: X @KarpatyLvivFCUkraine was illegally invaded by Russia in 2022Credit: GettyBut there was a controversial moment during the draw when Fifa attempted to depict countries which could not cross borders to face each other.Spain vs Gibraltar was cited as one example, with Kosovo versus either Serbia or Bosnia & Herzegovina another.A map with shaded areas revealed which nations fell into the category.But Ukrainian chiefs were left outraged when their country was flagged for any potential clash with Belarus.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe dark patch showed Ukraine without the territory of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.The Black Sea peninsula is still officially classed as an administrative division of Ukraine.But Russia now occupies Crimea and has several military air bases stationed there following 2022’s illegal invasion of the mainland.Ukraine’s FA wrote a furious letter to Fifa expressing their anger over the map.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd football’s governing body have now responded, expressing their “sincere regret” over the decision.Elkhan Mammadov, Chief Member Association Officer, said: “We acknowledge receipt of your letter and would like to thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying drawWorld Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar“We deeply respect the concerns raised and the sensitivity of the issue at hand.“The infographic in question was developed by an external third-party service provider.“Upon recognising the issue, we have taken immediate steps to address the situation, including working to have the image removed from circulation.“Additionally, we are conducting an internal review to ensure such oversights do not recur in the future.“We fully understand the delicate sensitivity of this matter and while the incident was unintentional, we sincerely regret any concern it may have caused and appreciate your understand as we work to address this situation responsibly.”The Ukrainian FA’s initial letter had stated: “We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the infographic map of Europe shown during the TV broadcast of the European Qualifiers draw for the Fifa World Cup 2026 on December 13, 2024.”The map, which indicated the countries unable to cross borders, highlighted the territory of Ukraine without the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Considering several official decisions and resolutions passed by the Fifa Council and the Uefa Executive Committee since 2014, which addressed the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the protection of football stakeholders in our country from the aggressive policies of the Russian terrorist state, including regarding the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, we emphasise that the version of the map presented by Fifa during the global broadcast to a multi-million audience is unacceptable.”It appears as an inconsistent stance by Fifa and Uefa on this crucial issue, especially in light of the ongoing destructive invasion initiated by Russia against Ukraine in the 21st century, in the heart of Europe.”Russia’s invasion of Ukraine timelineVLADIMIR Putin waged a murderous invasion on his neighbouring country in 2022, following years of heated Russo-Ukrainian tensions.24 February 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine with an invasion of the eastern territory of Donbas. Explosions were also reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa25 February 2022: Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky and his team posted a video following rumours they had fled the country.16 March 2022: Russia blitzed Mariupol’s Drama Theater where around 1,300 civilians were sheltering.1 September 2022: Russian forces flee the eastern Kharkiv region following a strong Ukrainian counteroffensive.21 September 2022: Putin announced a controversial partial mobilization to draft soldiers, the country’s first since World War Two.12 November 2022: The city of Kherson, in the south of Ukraine, was liberated after an eight-month occupation.21 December 2022: Zelensky travels to Washington D.C. to meet President Joe Biden and address Congress.25 January 2023: Germany approves sending tanks to Ukraine20 February 2023: US President Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Kyiv for the first time since the invasion began.23 June 2023: Russian mercenaries stage a mutiny attempt with the paramilitary organization Wagner.24 June 2023: The shortlived Wagner Group march to Moscow and the coup attempt ends.27 August 2023: Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was confirmed dead in a plane crash.8 February 2024: Zelensky replaces his top army leader Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi.20 April 2024: US House of Representatives approves a huge foreign aid package for Ukraine.6 August 2024: Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region.19 November 2024: Ukraine fires several long-range US-supplied missiles into Russia for the first time.21 November 2024: Putin’s forces fire new ballistic missiles into Ukraine for the first time. More

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      Fuming Ukrainian FA blast Fifa over ‘unacceptable error’ during World Cup 2026 qualifying draw

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      THE Ukrainian FA sent a furious letter to Fifa and Uefa complaining about an “unacceptable error” during the World Cup qualifying draw. Ukraine learnt who they will face to try and book their spot at the 2026 tournament in North America. Ukraine hit out at Fifa and Uefa following an ‘unacceptable error’Credit: ReutersThe World Cup qualifying draw map excluded Crimea from UkraineCredit: X @KarpatyLvivFCHowever, the country was left apoplectic following a map graphic depicting countries which could not cross borders to face each other – such as Ukraine and Belarus, Spain and Gibraltar and Kosovo versus either Bosnia and Herzegovina or Serbia.On it, though, the shaded Ukrainian region excluded the territory of Crimea.The peninsula in the Black Sea – officially the Autonomous Republic of Crimea – is classed as an administrative division of Ukraine after previously being annexed by Russia in 2014.Russia occupy the territory and have several military air bases stationed there during the war between the two nations, which has now claimed the lives or injured a million people since Vladimir Putin ordered the illegal invasion in February 2022. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUkraine, though, continue to view the region as part of their country so they were understandably indignant following Friday’s draw.And the Ukrainian Association of Football wrote to Fifa Secretary General Matthias Grafstrom and Uefa Secretary General Theodore Theodoridis to express their anger. The raging letter said: “We are writing to express our deep concern regarding the infographic map of Europe shown during the TV broadcast of the European Qualifiers draw for the Fifa World Cup 2026 on December 13, 2024. “The map, which indicated the countries unable to cross borders, highlighted the territory of Ukraine without the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.Most read in Football”Considering several official decisions and resolutions passed by the Fifa Council and the Uefa Executive Committee since 2014, which addressed the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the protection of football stakeholders in our country from the aggressive policies of the Russian terrorist state, including regarding the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, we emphasise that the version of the map presented by Fifa during the global broadcast to a multi-million audience is unacceptable. “It appears as an inconsistent stance by Fifa and Uefa on this crucial issue, especially in light of the ongoing destructive invasion initiated by Russia against Ukraine in the 21st century, in the heart of Europe.”Russia’s invasion of Ukraine timelineVLADIMIR Putin waged a murderous invasion ok his neighbouring country in 2022, following years of heated Russo-Ukranian tensions.24 February 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine with an invasion of the eastern territory of Donbas. Explosions were also reported in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa25 February 2022: Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky and his team posted a video following rumours they had fled the country.16 March 2022: Russia blitzed Mariupol’s Drama Theater where around 1,300 civilians were sheltering.1 September 2022: Russian forces flee the eastern Kharkiv region following a strong Ukrainian counteroffensive.21 September 2022: Putin announced a controversial partial mobilization to draft soldiers, the country’s first since World War Two.12 November 2022: The city of Kherson, in the south of Ukraine, was liberated after an eight-month occupation.21 December 2022: Zelensky travels to Washington D.C. to meet President Joe Biden and address Congress.25 January 2023: Germany approves sending tanks to Ukraine20 February 2023: US President Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Kyiv for the first time since the invasion began.23 June 2023: Russian mercenaries stage a mutiny attempt with the paramilitary organization Wagner.24 June 2023: The shortlived Wagner Group march to Moscow and the coup attempt ends.27 August 2023: Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was confirmed dead in a plane crash.8 February 2024: Zelensky replaces his top army leader Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi.20 April 2024: US House of Representatives approves a huge foreign aid package for Ukraine.6 August 2024: Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region.19 November 2024: Ukraine fires several long-range US-supplied missiles into Russia for the first time.21 November 2024: Putin’s forces fire new ballistic missiles into Ukraine for the first time.SunSport has contacted Fifa for comment.  Ukraine were pitted in Group D alongside Iceland, Azerbaijan and the winners of the two-legged France vs Croatia Nations League quarter-final.Thomas Tuchel’s England, meanwhile, got Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra in a five-team Group K. World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar More

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      England forced to find new stadium for World Cup 2026 qualifying clash against Andorra as they are kicked out of Wembley

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      ENGLAND are set to have to find a new venue for their home World Cup qualifier against Andorra.The Three Lions learned their 2026 World Cup qualifying opponents during yesterday’s draw in Zurich.England are set to have to find a new home for their date with AndorraCredit: AFPThomas Tuchel attended yesterday’s draw in ZurichCredit: AFPThomas Tuchel will begin his England reign on March 21 with a Wembley assignment against Albania.England will then host Latvia three days later, before travelling to Andorra in June.They are then scheduled to host Andorra on September 6, although they will likely have to do so away from Wembley.That’s because the national stadium is currently booked to host a series of Coldplay concerts around that night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe British band have 10 Wembley shows scheduled between August 22 and September 8.These include dates on September 4 and 7, creating a logistical nightmare if England were to play there in between.The Three Lions have played some home matches away from Wembley in recent years.In June they hosted a pre-Euro 2024 friendly against Bosnia & Herzegovina at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSColdplay are set to play 10 concerts at Wembley Stadium next summerCredit: GettyWhile in June 2023 they defeated North Macedonia 7-0 at Manchester United’s Old Trafford.Molineux and the Riverside have both also been used since 2021.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversyThree days after the home match vs Andorra, England will travel to Serbia.The following month they will take on Latvia away from home, before concluding their campaign by hosting Serbia and travelling to Albania in November 2025.Quizzed on yesterday’s draw, Tuchel said: “I have huge respect for Serbia and Albania.”They can always surprise they have a strong history of technical football, of emotional players and groups.’A NEW EXPERIENCE'”They have two very famous ex-players as coaches so we should be very aware of that.”Latvia… England never played them so this is a new experience for all of us.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We are huge favourites and we have to qualify, this is where all the focus goes.”There can’t be any other approach than take it seriously and with respect and make it happen before we can dream the dream.” More