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• Fifa World Cup 2026: The favourites, the debutants and the politics

  North America gears up to host the 2026 Fifa World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Reigning champions Argentina lead the favorites alongside Spain, France, and Brazil. Exciting debutants include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Hosts Lee James, John Bennett, Isaac Fanin, and Mani Djazmi discuss tournament dynamics, featuring insights from stars like Son Heung-min and Geronimo Rulli.

  
  

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• What is happening with World Cup ticket prices?

  World Cup Ticket Tumble

  One week out from the 2026 World Cup, ticket prices are dropping, and availability is inconsistent, creating confusion. Despite FIFA’s “sold out” promises, thousands of tickets remain. Matches featuring smaller nations are now well below face value, raising questions about FIFA potentially offloading unsold inventory onto secondary markets amidst an investigation into its ticketing practices.

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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.  

• Asian Cup 2027 final draw postponed amid regional tensions

  The Asian Football Confederation has delayed the 2027 Asian Cup final draw, originally set for April 11 in Riyadh, citing the need to ensure the safe attendance of all stakeholders.

  ​The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially postponed the 2027 Asian Cup final draw due to heightened regional tensions.

  Originally scheduled for April 11 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the event currently has no confirmed rescheduled date.

  “The decision was taken after careful consideration to ensure the undisrupted attendance of all stakeholders at the Final Draw ceremony,” the AFC stated while thanking local organizers.

  ​While the draw is on hold, the AFC confirmed that the Champions League Elite stages in Jeddah will proceed as planned.

  Host nation Saudi Arabia, holders Qatar, and Japan are among the teams already qualified for the tournament.

  The governing body added it “appreciates the understanding and continued cooperation of its Participating Member Associations” as it monitors the safety concerns impacting the sporting calendar.

• Drug Lord Linked to Andres Escobar Murder Found Shot Dead in Mexico

  Santiago Gallon, a notorious drug trafficker linked to the 1994 revenge killing of Colombian footballer Andres Escobar, has been found shot dead outside Mexico City.

  ​Santiago Gallon, an alleged Colombian drug trafficker linked to the 1994 murder of footballer Andres Escobar, has been shot dead in Mexico.

  Prosecutors found a body believed to be Gallon’s in Huixquilucan on Wednesday, currently undergoing forensic examination.

  Gallon was previously implicated in the killing of Escobar, who was gunned down days after scoring an own goal that “destroyed the country’s international image.”

  ​Escobar was shot six times outside a Medellin disco by Gallon’s driver, Humberto Munoz Castro, following a confrontation about the World Cup error.

  While the driver confessed to the killing, he refused to implicate his bosses at the time.

  Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed the death of Gallon, whose criminal history included financing paramilitary groups and deep ties to the nation’s powerful cartels.