Talk of the Cricket Olympics 2028 gained momentum in Milan. FIFA president Gianni Infantino met Jay Shah in a rare cross-sport conversation.

Infantino later posted about the meeting on Instagram. He praised ICC&#39;s efforts for pushing cricket into new markets. He stressed the need for unity across global sport. The message was direct: to spread peace, and unite nations through sports.&nbsp;

The FIFA chief spoke positively about cricket&rsquo;s growth under Shah at the International Cricket Council. He also wished the ICC success as cricket prepares to return to the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/paris-2024-olympics-live-score-news-and-streaming-details/384-2-0">Olympics</a> at Los Angeles 2028.

Cricket last appeared at the Olympics in 1900. Back then, it was a quiet two-team affair. This time, the stage is far bigger, the audience global, and expectations heavy.

<h2>A Rare Crossover Moment</h2>

Football and cricket, two giants with different rhythms, are finding common ground. For FIFA-ICC collaboration, the timing is important. Cricket is no longer limited to its old centres of power. The sport has been pushed into major multi-sport events. Women&rsquo;s cricket opened new doors at the Commonwealth Games. Both men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s competitions are now a fixed part of the Asian Games calendar.

The International Olympic Committee has confirmed T20 tournaments for both men and women. Matches will run from July 12 to July 29 at the Los Angeles Games. Qualification rules are still undecided. Officials expect clarity at the ICC&rsquo;s annual conference in Singapore later this year.

Infantino spoke about working together to unite the world and people through sport. As FIFA-ICC collaboration grows, <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/crickets-return-to-the-olympic-games-la-2028/877-2-0">cricket&rsquo;s Olympic return</a> could become more than a medal chase.&nbsp;

FIFA president Gianni Infantino meets ICC chief Jay Shah in Milan, backing cricket’s Olympic return and pushing global sports unity.

Sports Can Unite the World, Says FIFA President After Jay Shah Meet

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed he plans to visit Pakistan soon, signaling renewed engagement with the country as football governance begins to stabilise.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Infantino said he has already shared his plans with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Though brief, the exchange carried a clear intent. It placed Pakistan back into FIFA&rsquo;s active conversation, not as a problem file, but as a project with promise.

&ldquo;I will come to Pakistan very soon. I promised the prime minister,&rdquo; Infantino said, striking an assured tone.

<h2>Confidence Grows After Federation Reset</h2>

Infantino acknowledged Pakistan football&rsquo;s troubled past, marked by disputes, suspensions, and repeated interventions. However, he focused on where things stand now.

He praised the newly appointed leadership of the Pakistan Football Federation, calling it a stabilising presence after years of internal turmoil. According to Infantino, the change has shifted the focus from crisis control to real progress.

&ldquo;We now have a new president of the federation who is doing a fantastic job,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;That makes a difference.&rdquo;

For Pakistan football development, credibility from Zurich opens doors that had stayed shut for too long.

With <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/fifa-world-cup-2026-schedule-groups-venues-and-historic-expansion/2802-7-0">World Cup 2026</a> preparations underway globally, FIFA&rsquo;s renewed engagement signals that Pakistan is no longer being viewed in isolation, but as part of football&rsquo;s next growth phase.

<h2>What The Visit Could Unlock</h2>

Officials expect Gianni Infantino Pakistan visit to go beyond formalities. Discussions are likely to focus on grassroots development, youth pathways, and long-delayed structural reforms. Infrastructure, coach education, and stronger governance systems are also expected to be key topics.

Infantino was clear about ambition. &ldquo;Pakistan is a great football country,&rdquo; he said, adding that FIFA wants to see it competing near the top of Asia.

For a sport that has lived on the margins locally, this renewed attention could shift direction. If handled carefully, Pakistan&rsquo;s football development may finally gain momentum, backed by stability rather than slogans.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms a Pakistan visit after talks with PM Shehbaz Sharif, underlining renewed focus on football reform.

Gianni Infantino Plans Pakistan Visit to Push Football Forward

RABAT: Morocco took another confident stride toward continental glory as the hosts booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals with a composed 2&ndash;0 victory over Cameroon, feeding off home support and delivering a performance that mixed patience with authority.

Backed by more than 64,000 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Walid Regragui&rsquo;s side showed little sign of being weighed down by expectation. Instead, they controlled territory, pressed intelligently, and steadily wore down a Cameroonian team hoping to frustrate and counter.

<h2>Diaz Sets the Tone as Morocco Takes Control</h2>

The breakthrough came midway through the first half, following a spell in which Morocco had pinned Cameroon deep inside their own half. Achraf Hakimi&rsquo;s corner from the right sparked chaos in the box, and when Ayoub El Kaabi glanced the ball goalwards, Brahim Diaz reacted instinctively to apply the finishing touch.

It was Diaz&rsquo;s fifth goal of the tournament, underlining his importance to Morocco&rsquo;s run. The <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/real-madrid-mbappe-knee-injury-laliga-title-race-update/2881-7-0">Real Madrid</a> winger continued to roam intelligently between the lines, dragging defenders out of position and giving Morocco a cutting edge in the final third.

Cameroon, five-time African champions, struggled to respond. Bryan Mbeumo found himself isolated up front, while Morocco&rsquo;s midfield pressed aggressively to cut off supply. The hosts nearly doubled their advantage before the break, with El Kaabi and Abde Ezzalzouli both testing Cameroon&rsquo;s back line.

The visitors were further disrupted by the early loss of right wing-back Jackson Tchamadeu, who was forced off after injuring his knee in a collision. The change unsettled Cameroon&rsquo;s defensive structure and tilted momentum further in Morocco&rsquo;s favour.

<h2>Saibari Seals It as Morocco Marches On</h2>

Cameroon attempted to reset after half-time, switching to a more attacking shape in search of inspiration. There were brief moments of resistance, including appeals for a penalty that were waved away, but Morocco&rsquo;s defensive discipline rarely wavered.

The decisive blow arrived in the 74th minute. From a dead-ball situation, Ismael Saibari showed quick feet and calm judgment inside the area, controlling the delivery before firing past the goalkeeper to make it 2&ndash;0. The goal drained what little belief Cameroon had left and turned the final stages into a celebration for the home crowd.

&ldquo;It is historic. Moroccans have not seen their team in the semi-finals of an AFCON for 22 years,&rdquo; said Regragui afterward. &ldquo;They deserve it, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and make this even more historic.&rdquo;

He was equally effusive about Diaz. &ldquo;Today he was the X-factor of my team. He has been amazing during the competition. Tonight, the way he ran and fought send out a message to the rest of the team.&rdquo;

Cameroon coach David Pagou, appointed only weeks before the tournament, took pride in his side&rsquo;s journey. &ldquo;We are satisfied with how the boys played. We only started working with the team on December 16&hellip; but they gave joy to the people of Cameroon,&rdquo; he said.

For Morocco, Africa&rsquo;s top-ranked nation and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, the win keeps alive the dream of a first AFCON title in 50 years. A semi-final against either Algeria or Nigeria now awaits, a challenge that will test not just quality, but nerve, as the hosts edge closer to history.

Morocco moved into the AFCON semi-finals with a commanding 2–0 win over Cameroon in Rabat, with goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari keeping the hosts on course for a historic title run.

AFCON 2026: Morocco Defeat Cameroon 2–0, Book Semi-Final Spot

FIFA is preparing a sweeping upgrade ahead of the tournament set for June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The idea is bold but precise. Every one of the 1,248 players from 48 teams would be digitally scanned to create lifelike avatars.

The process would be quick, and players step into a scanning chamber for a single second during their official photo session. That&rsquo;s it, no repeat runs, and disruptions, and <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/fifa-world-cup-2026-schedule-groups-venues-and-historic-expansion/2802-7-0">FIFA</a> says the scan captures exact body-part dimensions, building a reliable digital reference for officials during tight decisions involving semi-automated offside calls.

Offside graphics have come under pressure lately. A disputed moment earlier this season in the Premier League still lingers. A goal by Newcastle United against Manchester City stood, yet the visual showed defender Ruben Dias appearing to float mid-air.&nbsp;

With AI-enabled models, officials can track players even during sprints, collisions, or blocked sightlines. Decisions would then be displayed using AI 3D avatars, football visuals that mirror reality, not distort it.

<h3>A Different World Cup Viewing Experience</h3>

FIFA quietly tested the system during its Intercontinental Cup in December. Players from Flamengo and Pyramids FC were scanned before kickoff. The data is fed directly into offside evaluations.

At the same time, FIFA is experimenting with ball-tracking tools that confirm whether play went out before a goal. Add in real-time 3D recreations for line-of-sight judgments, and the direction is clear.

For viewers, this could change how decisions land. They&rsquo;ll be shown in a way that feels grounded. More clarity through semi-automated offside systems enhanced by FIFA World Cup 2026 technology.

The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19. While <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/fifa-60-dollar-world-cup-tickets-pricing-backlash-2026/2704-7-0">ticket prices</a> start at the basic rate, organizers are already laying the groundwork to ensure everything is ready on time. Football&rsquo;s biggest stage is getting a digital double, and this time, the pixels are expected to behave.

FIFA plans AI-powered 3D scans of all World Cup 2026 players to improve offside accuracy and avoid controversies that haunted recent seasons.

FIFA Set to Roll Out AI-Based 3D Avatars for World Cup Players

Real Madrid&rsquo;s plans for the new year have taken an early hit after <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/mbappe-leads-real-madrid-win-over-athletic-bilbao/2542-7-0">Kylian Mbappe</a> was ruled out with a knee strain, leaving coach Xabi Alonso unsure when his most decisive attacker will return to action.

Alonso spoke candidly at a press conference, saying, &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll try to make it happen quickly. It depends a lot on how he feels, but we&rsquo;ll try to get him back as quickly as possible. When is as soon as possible? That&rsquo;s the question. I don&rsquo;t know.&rdquo;

The uncertainty comes at a crucial moment for Los Blancos, who trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by four points.&nbsp;

Madrid&rsquo;s form has been inconsistent in recent weeks, increasing scrutiny on Alonso, though the coach is hopeful that other attacking options can fill the void.

Rodrygo Goes, who has hit a rich vein of form at the end of 2025, is expected to shoulder more responsibility in Mbappe&rsquo;s absence. &ldquo;He played some very good games at the end of the year&hellip; we need him, like everyone else,&rdquo; Alonso said.

Mbappe, 27, leads Madrid&rsquo;s scoring charts this season with 29 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions. His <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/real-madrid-mbappe-knee-injury-laliga-title-race-update/2881-7-0">injury</a> poses a major challenge for the squad, as Alonso looks to maintain momentum.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso admits uncertainty over Kylian Mbappe’s return after the striker suffers a knee strain, casting doubt over his availability for the Spanish Super Cup.

Xabi Alonso Unsure When Mbappe Will Return After Knee Injury

Co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the 39-day FIFA World Cup 2026 spectacle will run from June 11 to July 19.

Argentina, the reigning champions, will attempt to defend the crown they lifted in Qatar 2022 under Lionel Messi. At 38, <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/lionel-messi-makes-mls-history-with-back-to-back-mvp-awards/2614-7-0">Messi</a> is chasing a piece of history: only Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962) have successfully defended a World Cup. Remarkably, both achieved it with the Jules Rimet Trophy, meaning Argentina could become the first team to retain the modern FIFA World Cup Trophy, in use since 1974.

Cape Verde, Cura&ccedil;ao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debuts, a testament to FIFA&rsquo;s push toward broader representation. The tournament is a logistical feat unparalleled in football history, with 104 matches scheduled in 16 stadiums across three nations, promising a spectacle of both scale and intensity.

<h2>Group Stage</h2>

The 48 teams have been divided into 12 groups of four, with some heavyweight showdowns.

<table cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; width:614px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			Group
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			Teams
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			A
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Ireland
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			B
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales/Bosnia
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			C
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, Haiti
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			D
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			USA, Australia, Paraguay, Turkiye/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			E
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			F
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Ukraine/Sweden/Poland/Albania
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			G
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			Belgium, Iran, Egypt, New Zealand
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			H
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			I
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			France, Senegal, Norway, Iraq/Bolivia/Suriname
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			J
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			K
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, DR Congo/Jamaica/New Caledonia
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:60px">
			L
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:554px">
			England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Already, analysts are circling potential group-stage fireworks: Brazil vs Morocco in Group C, USA vs Australia in Group D, and Argentina vs Austria in Group J.&nbsp;

<h2>Opening Match and Key Venues</h2>

The tournament opens on June 11 at Mexico City Stadium, with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in a high-stakes debut. After 39 days, the grand finale will unfold on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), where the world will witness which nation lifts the trophy.

The North American spread ensures every matchday will have drama: Toronto, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Vancouver, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, and other iconic stadiums will host football&rsquo;s global showcase.

<h2>Fixtures Highlights: Opening Week</h2>

<table cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; width:479px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:120px">
			Date
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:146px">
			Match
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:213px">
			Venue
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:120px">
			June 11
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:146px">
			Mexico vs South Africa
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:213px">
			Mexico City Stadium
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:120px">
			June 11
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:146px">
			South Korea vs TBD
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:213px">
			Estadio Guadalajara
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:120px">
			June 12
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:146px">
			Canada vs TBD
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:213px">
			Toronto Stadium
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:120px">
			June 12
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:146px">
			USA vs Paraguay
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:213px">
			Los Angeles Stadium
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:120px">
			June 13
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:146px">
			Qatar vs Switzerland
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:213px">
			San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:120px">
			June 13
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:146px">
			Brazil vs Morocco
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:213px">
			New York New Jersey Stadium
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:120px">
			June 13
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:146px">
			Haiti vs Scotland
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:213px">
			Boston Stadium
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:120px">
			June 13
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:146px">
			Australia vs TBD
			</td>
			<td style="vertical-align:top; width:213px">
			BC Place, Vancouver
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

From Mexico&rsquo;s opening clash to Brazil&rsquo;s highly anticipated face-off with Morocco, every matchday promises tension, surprise, and individual brilliance.

<h2>The New Format&nbsp;</h2>

The 2026 edition debuts a revamped competition structure, with the top teams from each of the 12 groups moving into a Round of 32, a first in World Cup history:

Group Stage: June 11&ndash;27

Round of 32: June 28&ndash;July 3

Round of 16: July 4&ndash;7

Quarterfinals: July 9&ndash;11

Semifinals: July 14&ndash;15

Bronze Medal Match: July 18

Final: July 19

Knockout stages are intended to heighten drama, ensuring that each game bears significant weight. Messi&#39;s pursuit of back-to-back titles, Brazil&#39;s unrelenting attack, and debuting nations hoping to make an impression are part of the story.&nbsp;

Hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico want to capitalize on home advantage, while traditional powerhouses Germany, Spain, France, and England will have a more crowded path to victory.

As the countdown begins, fans all over the world prepare for a summer in which every stadium echo, chant, and goal will go down in football history.

The 2026 World Cup, with 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 sites, is expected to be the largest, most ambitious, and inclusive tournament in football history.

Get ready for the largest FIFA World Cup ever. Co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US, 48 teams will compete across 16 venues from June 11 to July 19.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Schedule, Groups, Venues & Historic Expansion

Portugal&rsquo;s emphatic 9-1 win over Armenia last month came without <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/cristiano-ronaldo-hints-2026-world-cup-last/2229-7-0">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, and the scoreline reopened a familiar discussion. Is the team freer without its most famous figure? Bruno Fernandes does not buy into that reading.

Speaking ahead of Portugal&rsquo;s next international window, the Manchester United midfielder made his position clear. Ronaldo&rsquo;s presence, he said, still bends defences, shifts markers and creates room others rely on. The goals may not always come, but the effect remains.

Fernandes pointed out that opponents rarely treat matches with Ronaldo lightly. Those reactions, he argued, shape the rhythm of Portugal&rsquo;s attack long before the final touch.

<h2>Different Profiles, Same Responsibility</h2>

Fernandes compared Ronaldo&rsquo;s role with alternatives in the squad, including Paris Saint-Germain striker Gon&ccedil;alo Ramos.&nbsp;

Ramos presses aggressively and thrives on sharp diagonal runs. Ronaldo, by contrast, commands attention inside the area. Defenders track him closely, often at the cost of space elsewhere. That contrast, Fernandes noted, should not be framed as better or worse, but as a tactical choice.

&ldquo;Cristiano in the box is still a very high-level player,&rdquo; Fernandes said, underlining that influence is not limited to scoring alone. The team&rsquo;s responsibility, he added, is to adapt, not to overthink who is on the pitch.

<h2>Numbers, Longevity, and a Manager&rsquo;s Trust</h2>

Since Ronaldo&rsquo;s debut in 2003, he has scored 143 goals across 226 appearances, making him the leading men&rsquo;s international goalscorer, and now, at 40, scrutiny follows every performance.

Doubts surfaced during the 2022 World Cup when he was benched under Fernando Santos. Those questions have eased since Roberto Mart&iacute;nez took charge. Ronaldo&rsquo;s scoring form with Al Nassr has helped, but Fernandes believes trust runs deeper than goals.

Bruno Fernandes defends Cristiano Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s squad, stressing his influence even when goals are not flowing.

Bruno Fernandes Backs Ronaldo Amid Portugal Role Debate

FIFA released the voting breakdown from captains, coaches, and media representatives across the globe, and Messi&rsquo;s choices quickly drew attention. The World Cup winner placed Dembele at the top of his list, followed by <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/real-madrid-mbappe-doubt-for-manchester-city-champions-league-clash/2616-7-0">Kylian Mbappe</a>, and Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal completed Messi&rsquo;s three picks.

Messi&rsquo;s selections carried weight. As the previous winner, his ballot offered a rare look into how one of the game&rsquo;s sharpest minds judged the past year, and Dembele&rsquo;s name sat first, clear and confident.

<h2>Dembele&rsquo;s Season Did The Talking</h2>

The French forward did not need much defending, as his campaign with Paris Saint-Germain turned into a statement. Big matches never seemed too heavy, and PSG&rsquo;s Champions League final ended in a ruthless 5-0 result, a night that stamped their authority across Europe.

Dembele finished the season with 35 goals in all competitions, 21 of them in Ligue 1, enough to top the scoring charts. Under Luis Enrique, his game looked sharper, calmer, and far more complete, and the flashes of talent became a steady presence.

Earlier this year, Dembele also collected the Men&rsquo;s Ballon d&rsquo;Or, becoming the first French player to do so since Karim Benzema, and <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/lionel-messi-makes-mls-history-with-back-to-back-mvp-awards/2614-7-0">Messi</a> was among those who publicly congratulated him then.

<h2>A Crowded Field, Clear Outcome</h2>

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/lamine-yamal-back-in-spain-squad-for-georgia-and-turkey-qualifiers/2183-7-0">Lamine Yamal</a> pushed very hard, and the teenager&rsquo;s rise at Barcelona turned heads across the continent. Finishing second at such an age only added to the sense of what lies ahead. Mbappe, meanwhile, remained firmly in the picture, rounding out the final three.

Still, the award night in Doha belonged to Dembele, and PSG&rsquo;s historic treble, capped by domestic and European dominance, tilted the balance his way. Even the Club World Cup final appearance added another layer to an already heavy r&eacute;sum&eacute;.

Messi&rsquo;s vote simply confirmed what the season had been pointing toward.&nbsp;

Lionel Messi’s FIFA ballot is out. His top pick backed Ousmane Dembele, who capped a dominant season by winning the men’s award in Doha.

Messi Backs Dembele as FIFA’s Top Men’s Player in Doha Vote

FIFA has announced a new cut-price ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, setting a fixed $60 entry point after weeks of backlash over soaring prices for the expanded tournament in North America.

The governing body confirmed on Tuesday that the new &ldquo;Supporter Entry Tier&rdquo; will apply to all 104 matches, from the group stage to the final, and will be made available exclusively through national football federations.

The decision arrives amid mounting pressure from fans who say the World Cup is drifting further away from its traditional supporter base.

<h2>A Limited Offer for Loyal Fans</h2>

According to FIFA, the $60 tickets will account for 10 percent of each <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/afc-asian-qualifiers-2024-25/131/1">qualified</a> nation&rsquo;s ticket allocation. These seats are intended for fans who follow their teams across borders and venues, with federations asked to prioritise supporters closely linked to the national setup.

FIFA described the category as a measure to &ldquo;further support travelling fans&rdquo; in a tournament spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It also confirmed that fans purchasing knockout-stage tickets will receive fee waivers on refunds if their team exits earlier than expected.

Demand, FIFA noted, has already surged past 20 million ticket requests, underlining the scale of interest despite pricing concerns.

The response from supporters was swift and sceptical. Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week branded the original pricing model &ldquo;extortionate&rdquo;, said the revision barely scratches the surface.

In a statement, FSE argued that only a small fraction of fans would realistically benefit from the cheaper tier. Based on published allocations, the group estimates that only a few hundred supporters per team, per match, would secure access to the $60 seats.

The organisation also pointed to earlier promises made during the 2018 bid process, where ticket prices were projected to start as low as $21. Those figures now feel distant, particularly when compared to Qatar 2022, where entry costs were significantly lower.

<h2>Broader Concerns Over Access And Inclusion</h2>

FSE also criticised FIFA for failing to address accessibility issues, including the lack of clear provisions for supporters with disabilities and their companions. The group described the late adjustment as an appeasement move driven by negative global reaction rather than structured consultation.

&ldquo;This shows the policy was rushed and poorly thought out,&rdquo; the statement said, adding that member associations were not meaningfully involved in shaping the pricing framework.

FIFA has pushed back on that narrative, insisting the announcement reflects ongoing engagement with stakeholders as ticketing phases roll out.

The first official ticket draw, covering all price categories, is scheduled for January 13. For now, the $60 seats offer a narrow opening for fans feeling priced out, but the wider debate over affordability is far from settled.

FIFA announces a $60 World Cup ticket tier after fans slammed soaring prices for 2026, though supporter groups say the move falls short.

FIFA Rolls Out $60 World Cup Tickets After Fierce Fan Backlash

Erling Haaland rarely lets emotions slip in public, yet his latest comments hinted at the weight he carries. The <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/manchester-city-thrash-juventus-to-stay-perfect-at-club-world-cup/713-7-0">Manchester City</a> forward, already deep into another heavy-scoring season, said the expectation to hit the net never eases. It follows his fresh contract extension that stretches his stay at the Etihad until 2034, a deal many thought would settle any long-term worries. It seems it hasn&rsquo;t.

<h2>Pressure Even in Comfort</h2>

Speaking on a podcast, Haaland explained how every striker lives with the same fear. One quiet spell and questions begin. One misfire and the noise grows louder. He didn&rsquo;t try to soften it. He knows the job and understands what City demand.

He said he avoids mapping out grand career plans because football moves too fast. One injury, one dip, one unpredictable turn, and the whole path changes. So he sticks to simple targets. Win the game in front of him. Help the team when the ball rolls his way, keep the rhythm alive. Some players hide from that truth, but Haaland spelled it out.

<h2>&lsquo;If I Don&rsquo;t Deliver, They Replace Me&rsquo;</h2>

The line that grabbed attention came when he spoke about his role. He knows exactly what City expects from their No. 9. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m the striker of City. I have to score goals. If not, they have to replace me.&rdquo;

The honesty carried more weight because of his performances. Haaland has already struck 15 goals in the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/english-premier-league-2025-26/stats/177">Premier League</a> this season and another five in the Champions League. Supporters cheer those numbers, but he sees them differently. For him, they are just evidence that he has done his part. The scoreboard is not a comfort; it is a reminder of what he must repeat next week.

<h2>A Career Choice Without Guarantees</h2>

He joined City in 2022 for &pound;51m from Borussia Dortmund, and even then, there was pressure to justify that price. His new contract won&rsquo;t change that reality either. A long deal can protect a club, but it does not protect a striker from scrutiny.

Few players at his level admit these thoughts out loud. That made this moment interesting. Not a confession, just a glimpse into how elite forwards think when the noise fades. And how even the most prolific scorer in Europe still feels the chase behind him.

Haaland says scoring pressure never fades, even with his new long-term City deal, as the striker explains why every game feels like an examination.

Haaland Says Goal Burden Never Eases As City Pushes For Dominance

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Watch the AFC World Cup Qualifiers highlights online on tapmad. The AFC Asian Qualifiers is the qualification process for Asian national teams to compete in the FIFA World Cup. The process typically involves multiple rounds of matches, with teams competing based on their FIFA ranking and past performance.

AFC Asian Qualifiers FIFA World Cup 2026

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