Sports Record referee fees at the 2026 World Cup: FIFA, VAR and the biggest officiating team in tournament history FIFA is assembling 52 main referees, 88 assistants and 30 VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup, while British media report that top referees could earn more than $100,000. The expanded tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico brings a record number of matches and intense scrutiny of every decision Jun 10, 2026 at 3:17 PM · Sports desk
Sports Croatia team hotel incident in Alexandria: food manager fired over HNS Croatian wine request leak at World Cup 2026 At Hotel AKA in Alexandria, Croatia’s base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a food manager was reportedly fired after revealing to journalists that HNS had requested two Croatian wines. Although the detail was not sport-sensitive, the case highlighted the strict confidentiality around the Vatreni camp Jun 10, 2026 at 3:16 PM · Sports desk
Sports Belgium checked on Atlanta airport tarmac after win over the USA before the 2026 World Cup Belgium’s national football team underwent a detailed security check on the airport tarmac in Atlanta after a friendly win over the USA and before flying to Chicago. Document, bag and shoe inspections caused reactions online and raised questions about procedures awaiting teams at the 2026 World Cup Jun 10, 2026 at 2:51 PM · Sports desk
Sports EuroLeague and the new Super Cup as a major boost for European club basketball in a changing market race EuroLeague is preparing a Super Cup as a new season opener while expanding to 20 clubs, reshaping the EuroCup and facing a tougher battle for the European basketball market. Chus Bueno’s plan still lacks a confirmed format and teams, but it points to the competition’s next strategic phase and wider global ambitions Jun 10, 2026 at 2:50 PM · Sports desk
Sports World Cup 2026 ticket prices and growing fan pressure on FIFA over access to football’s biggest event The 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States is approaching amid a fierce debate over ticket prices. Fan groups accuse FIFA of using a variable sales model, charging huge sums for the final stages, limiting affordable seats and raising doubts about whether football’s biggest tournament now serves only the wealthiest supporters Jun 10, 2026 at 2:32 PM · Sports desk
Sports Katie Taylor vs Flora Pili at Croke Park: farewell title fight for women’s boxing history in Dublin 2026 Katie Taylor will end her career on 5 September 2026 at Croke Park in Dublin against unbeaten Flora Pili. The farewell fight for the undisputed super lightweight title brings professional boxing back to Ireland’s national stadium for the first time since 1972, with major stakes for Taylor, Pili and women’s boxing Jun 10, 2026 at 2:29 PM · Sports desk
Sports Iran threatens to walk off at World Cup 2026 over political chants and disputed flags in Los Angeles Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali has raised the possibility of halting World Cup 2026 matches if political chants are heard in stadiums or old lion-and-sun flags appear. The biggest challenge is expected in Los Angeles, where Iran plays two group matches before a large diaspora crowd and under heightened security scrutiny Jun 10, 2026 at 2:08 PM · Sports desk
Sports Messi returns with goal for Argentina and eases injury fears in dominant win over Iceland Lionel Messi returned for Argentina, scored from the penalty spot against Iceland and confirmed his readiness before the World Cup. The 38-year-old captain became the oldest scorer in national team history as Lionel Scaloni’s side completed preparations with a 3-0 victory Jun 10, 2026 at 2:08 PM · Sports desk
Sports Fortaleza chaos: USA beat Brazil, eight red cards and police after dramatic women’s football friendly The USA women’s team beat Brazil 1-0 in Fortaleza on an own goal forced by Sophia Wilson, but the friendly was dominated by eight red cards to the Brazilian side, tense duels, protests against the officials and riot police intervention in a packed stadium used as a loud test event before the 2027 Women’s World Cup Jun 10, 2026 at 1:53 PM · Sports desk
Sports Crystal Palace close to appointing Pierre Sage after Oliver Glasner exit and historic football season Crystal Palace are close to appointing Pierre Sage as their new head coach after Oliver Glasner’s departure, with the London club aiming to preserve momentum after winning the Conference League and reaching a historic European peak. Compensation talks with Lens are still awaiting official confirmation Jun 10, 2026 at 11:10 AM · Sports desk
Sports José Mourinho returns to Real Madrid as Benfica replace him with Marco Silva after €15m clause José Mourinho leaves Benfica and returns to Real Madrid after the Lisbon club confirmed a €15m release-clause move. Benfica have appointed former Fulham manager Marco Silva, who arrives after five Premier League seasons and takes over a side that finished unbeaten in the league but without the title Jun 10, 2026 at 10:04 AM · Sports desk
Sports Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks trade drama before NBA draft, with Miami and Boston in focus The Milwaukee Bucks are weighing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future before the NBA draft as US reports point to a possible blockbuster trade. Miami Heat are viewed as the leading destination, while the Boston Celtics remain an intriguing but complicated option Jun 10, 2026 at 9:12 AM · Sports desk