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• Final playoff teams secure 2026 FIFA World Cup spots

  The 2026 FIFA World Cup field is finalized following dramatic playoff wins by DR Congo, Iraq, and four UEFA nations, setting the stage for the 48-team tournament across North America this June.

  ​The 48-team field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is complete after a thrilling final night of playoffs.

  In the inter-confederation brackets, Axel Tuanzebe’s 100th-minute strike lifted DR Congo over Jamaica, securing their first appearance since 1974.

  Meanwhile, Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey to end a 40-year drought, joining France, Norway, and Senegal in a highly competitive Group I.  

  ​UEFA’s final slots were claimed by Türkiye, Czechia, Sweden, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, who famously eliminated Italy on penalties.

  The result marks a third consecutive missed tournament for the Italians.

  For the hosts, the path is now clear: Mexico kicks off the tournament June 11 against South Africa, while the USMNT prepares for a Group D finale against Türkiye on June 25.  

  ​Preparation now shifts to 16 host cities as the expanded 104-match schedule looms.

  Captain Chancel Mbemba remains grounded following DR Congo’s historic qualification, stating, “We’ll stay humble, keep our feet on the ground, and continue to work.”

  With global giants like Brazil and Argentina facing hungry newcomers, the largest World Cup in history promises a “different feel and vibe” across three nations.  

• Endrick’s brilliance at Lyon and for Brazil raises questions for Real Madrid management

  Brazilian sensation Endrick has sparked debate over Real Madrid’s transfer strategy after a dominant international performance while interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa secures the dressing room’s backing.

  ​Endrick sent a powerful message to Real Madrid’s hierarchy following a decisive performance in Brazil’s 3-1 friendly win over Croatia.

  Currently thriving on loan at Lyon, the teenager won a penalty and provided an assist, filling the void left by the injured Rodrygo.

  His display highlighted the perceived “malpractice” of former manager Xabi Alonso, who struggled to integrate the phenom before his recent departure.

  ​At the Bernabéu, interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa has reportedly won the locker room’s support to become the permanent head coach.

  Despite a rocky start, Arbeloa has secured 13 wins in 17 matches, including a notable comeback against Atletico Madrid.

  The squad’s preference could sway the board’s upcoming decision between Arbeloa and external candidates like Jurgen Klopp or Massimiliano Allegri this summer.

• Gianni Rivera concerned by cultural death in AC Milan amid Azzuri absence

  AC Milan legend Gianni Rivera has criticized the club’s transition away from its Italian identity, noting the lack of Rossoneri representation in Gennaro Gattuso’s national team.

  ​AC Milan icon Gianni Rivera has expressed deep concern over the club’s dwindling Italian core following Italy’s latest squad announcement.

  Speaking before a vital World Cup play-off, the former Ballon d’Or winner highlighted that the Rossoneri no longer boast the domestic backbone that once defined their success.

  Rivera noted, “Even the president [owner, Cardinale] is a foreigner,” lamenting a shift toward international recruitment policies.

  ​The legendary playmaker argued that reliance on agents and foreign talent has stifled the development of future Italian champions.

  Reflecting on his own career, Rivera recalled making his debut alongside six Milan teammates, a stark contrast to today’s selection.

  He criticized modern clubs, stating, “Our football no longer creates champions,” while urging a return to the systems that once produced icons like Maldini.

• World Cup-bound Ghana fire coach Otto Addo after 4 straight losses

  The Ghana Football Association has dismissed head coach Otto Addo just 72 days before the 2026 World Cup, following a string of four consecutive friendly defeats that culminated in a loss to Germany.  

  ​The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken the drastic step of terminating Otto Addo’s contract effective immediately, plunging the Black Stars into tactical uncertainty.

  The decision followed a narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany in Stuttgart on Monday, which marked the team’s fourth straight loss.

  Despite a flawless qualification run, Addo’s overall 36.4% win rate ultimately failed to convince the GFA of his readiness for the global stage.

  ​The timing of the dismissal is particularly risky, as Ghana is set to open their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17.

  The team recently suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Austria, exposing defensive vulnerabilities that Addo struggled to rectify.

  The GFA has stated that a “new tactical direction” will be announced soon, though no immediate replacement has been named for the tournament-bound squad.

  ​Ghana faces a daunting challenge in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama.

  Following the opener at BMO Field, the Black Stars must travel to Boston to face a high-flying England side before a final group clash with Croatia in Philadelphia.

  With key talents like Mohammed Kudus and Iñaki Williams in the ranks, the incoming manager will have minimal time to restore confidence before the Toronto kickoff.

• FIFA cancels thousands of hotel bookings for 2026 World Cup host cities

  FIFA has released thousands of overbooked hotel rooms back into the public market across North American host cities, a move the governing body describes as standard operational procedure just months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off.

  ​FIFA has cancelled over 2,000 hotel reservations in Philadelphia and 800 in Mexico City as tournament preparations enter their final phase.

  The governing body confirmed that all 16 host cities are affected by the release of rooms initially held for technical staff and officials.

  Philadelphia Hotel Association President Ed Grose noted, “These are rooms that are going to be put back out on the marketplace.”

  ​The logistical shift comes amid broader challenges, including stadium branding disputes in Atlanta and potential security delays.

  FIFA maintains that overbooking is typical practice to guarantee operations before numbers are finalized.

  Alberto Albarran Leyva of Mexico City’s Hotel Association clarified the cancellations, stating FIFA realized it “was no longer going to use them” and that “there is no other reason or context.”