People with disabilities are being shut out of the 2026 World Cup, according to fans and rights campaigners.
In stark contrast to previous tournaments, this year’s event in the US, Canada and Mexico, has no separate ticket ballot, is charging for companions who usually go free and has failed to provide free or reduced cost accessible parking. And that’s without mentioning the cost of the tickets themselves.
“I originally was going and thinking America would be amazing, and Canada and Mexico too. I’ve been many times. I know you can get about, the transport is all set up, hotels, everything is accessible, so you didn’t have any of that worry. But now the whole thing about ticketing… it’s just impossible to get tickets,” England fan Jo McNicol told DW.
“I just think they’ve priced people out. They’ve not restricted it, so anyone can get a wheelchair ticket, an accessible ticket. You don’t have to prove you need one, which is what you normally do.”
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Profit before people?
McNicol has been a regular at club matches and international tournaments for many years and was at the last World Cup in Qatar, where she found the accessibility “fabulous”. There, she said, fans with disabilities were given a proportion of the available tickets to purchase upon proof of their disability, as is also generally the case in sporting events in Europe.
Given that, McNicol booked a flight and rented a campervan for a trip this year. But she has been unable to secure tickets through the ballot system run by tournament organizers FIFA and is now unlikely to attend.
The organization has come under fire for excessive profiteering. This has included: the high initial prices of tickets, adding new higher categories to tickets without announcement, moving people’s seats after purchase, making transport and parking much more expensive than normal and profiting from a 15% levy on buyer and seller in a newly-introduced resale portal.
With category 4 tickets, the cheapest, seemingly not available for disabled fans —perhaps because they are found in the furthest, highest corners of the ground — McNicol and those like her can only access category 3 and above through said portal. This is despite no matches having been announced by FIFA as sold out. The BBC reported earlier this month that the cheapest category 3 ticket for England’s opening match is $898 (€762), up from a face value of $265.
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Disabled fans pay twice
James Flanagan from advocacy group Football Supporters Europe said tickets in Qatar were available to fans with disabilities for about $10 and that FIFA’s current policies are a “step back” that is “excluding people with disabilities from the tournament.”
With many requiring assistance at matches, Flanagan said charging for a companion was an extra penalty.
“Charging for a companion ticket, which FIFA have included in their policies, effectively doubles the cost,” he told DW. “Accessible parking will also not be discounted. All of this will challenge fans with disabilities, and time is running out to change.”
“They won’t even guarantee that the PA [companion] ticket is going to be next to you,” said McNicol, who uses a wheelchair. “But you need them. If I drop something on the floor, I can’t pick it up. If I want to use the bathroom, I need help. And also you just want to sit with someone that you want to sit with, rather than sit with a bunch of strangers. You want that choice.”
Fans ignored by FIFA
FIFA’s policy is that “companions will be seated as close to you as possible. However, the exact seat location cannot be guaranteed, and FIFA Ticketing cannot ensure that it will be immediately adjacent to your seat.”
Flanagan sees this as unacceptable. “It is not a choice that people have to have a companion with them. That is a necessity, and it’s an unfair financial burden on people with disabilities. We believe that the policy contradicts FIFA’s own commitments on inclusion and human rights,” he said.
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“FIFA needs to listen to people with disabilities, and I don’t think fans are being consulted.”
With public transport limited at many venues, parking is also a bone of contention for fans with disabilities. While FIFA’s general accessibility policy does make note that disabled parking “should be provided and located next to the stadium or close by” it does not suggest it should be free or subsidized. And it isn’t.
“Currently, fans are being asked to fork out extortionate prices for match tickets, but also $150 to $300 on an accessible parking depending on the venue,” added Flanagan. “The prices that these fans have to pay are just not acceptable.”
The former Arsenal and Villarreal boss brought with him his own backroom staff, with many of the old guard departing.
Former Sevilla goalkeeper Monchi also joined as Villa’s president of football operations in June 2023 – having previously worked with Emery at Sevilla and winning three Europa League titles together.
Emery immediately made an impact, imposing structure, clarity and belief on a Villa side that was once again flirting with relegation to guide them to a top‑seven finish and European qualification in his first season.
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The following campaign proved the progress was no fluke.
Turning Villa Park into a fortress, they established themselves as a top‑four contender during 2023-24 while also reaching the semi-finals of the Conference League, where they were beaten 6-2 on aggregate by Olympiakos.
“The first year we got here in the Conference League, a lot of us hadn’t played in Europe so when we got to the latter stages there was a lot of pressure,” Watkins said.
“Each year we’ve learned and taken something from it. And to trust the manager because he’s so experienced in this competition. He’s won it numerous times so we believe in what he tells us and keep going.”
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A first taste of top-tier European competition since 1982-83 came last season when they reached the Champions League quarter-finals against Emery’s former side Paris St-Germain.
And on their way to the last eight, they posted memorable league-stage wins against Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig while also holding Juventus to a goalless draw.
And this season’s run on the continental stage further underlines their upward trajectory under the Spaniard.
“It’s an amazing achievement for us to progress to the semi-finals and to go one step further than last year in the Champions League,” Watkins said.
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“We’re really enjoying being in this competition and this is where we want to be, in the semi-finals.”
Emery told TNT Sports: “I’m very happy. We were organised and tried to impose our ideas and style, which is not easy against Bologna.”
“We are so happy with the way we are performing in this competition. It was fantastic. We are in the semi-finals, but there is still work to do.”
Kabuni, an AI-powered sports technology platform redefining cricket training, on Thursday appointed former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as one of its “Super Coaches”.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly had joined hands with the UK based start up last year.
“This collaboration brings together Kabuni’s cutting-edge technology with Watson’s deep cricketing expertise, creating a powerful blend of data-driven insights and real-world experience for aspiring cricketers,” said Kabuni in a statement.
The coaching platform is designed to transform traditional net practice by capturing player movement and ball tracking in real time, translating it into simple, actionable feedback.
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“With its unique “1% improvement” approach, the system focuses on small, immediate corrections that lead to meaningful performance gains over time.
By integrating voice, video, and visual cues, Kabuni ensures that feedback is not just data-heavy but intuitive and easy to apply, particularly for young and developing players,” the statement added.
On his association with Kabuni, Watson said: “What excites me about Kabuni is how it simplifies improvement. Cricket is a game of small margins, and the ability to identify and act on those 1% changes can make a huge difference. Kabuni brings clarity to training in a way that players at any level can understand and benefit from.”
Nimesh Patel, Founder & CEO, Kabuni, said: “Having Shane Watson join Kabuni as Super Coach is a huge milestone for us. His experience at the highest level of the game, combined with our technology, allows us to deliver a more complete and credible training ecosystem.
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“Our goal has always been to ‘put a professional coach in every player’s kitbag’, and this partnership brings us even closer to that vision.
Mike Trout couldn’t stop rounding the bases at Yankee Stadium during the Los Angeles Angels’ four-game series, and he made history doing so.
The future Hall of Famer crushed five home runs, including a blast in the Angels’ 11-4 win Thursday afternoon, and tallied nine RBIs in the series, which Los Angeles split with New York.
The 34-year-old Trout entered the series with only two home runs and seven RBIs on the season, but he’s heading back home this weekend looking like his prime self after what transpired in the Bronx.
Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels before a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., April 13, 2025.(Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)
He also heads back with some history as the first visiting player to hit a home run four straight days at Yankee Stadium, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.
Trout’s five homers are also tied for the most in a single series against the Yankees. Only three others — George Bell, Darrell Evans and Jimmie Foxx — have done so in past seasons.
The latest home run from Trout was a solo blast that traveled 446 feet off Yankees reliever Angel Chivilli in the top of the seventh inning Thursday to make it a 7-4 game. Jo Adell’s grand slam later in the game blew it open for Los Angeles to even the series in the end.
Before that, Trout kicked off the series with two home runs and five RBIs in a wild Monday night contest that ended with the Yankees walking it off. Aaron Judge also belted two home runs in the game, as did Trent Grisham, whose game-tying two-run blast in the ninth inning kept the Yankees’ hopes alive.
Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium April 15, 2026, in New York City. (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
But Trout and the Angels got the job done Tuesday night, and the veteran outfielder’s only hit was a solo homer. Then, in Wednesday night’s loss, Trout went 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs.
Yankee Stadium in general has been a pleasant place for Trout, a South New Jersey native, as he’s hitting .346 with 13 homers in his career there. He also homered in five straight games against the Yankees if you include the Angels’ last meeting in 2025. That also took place in Yankee Stadium.
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“He’s the greatest, the greatest of all time,” Judge said of Trout after Monday’s game. “I know he’s had some tough injuries over the years, but to see himself back in a better spot this year – every time he comes to the Bronx, man, he puts on a show. I hate to see it, but it’s fun competing against a guy like that.”
As Judge mentioned, the Angels are just happy Trout is playing injury-free to start the season, and perhaps this Yankees series has him hitting his stride.
Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels hits a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York City on April 13, 2026.(Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The three-time league MVP is heading to Cooperstown one day, but there is always the thought among baseball fans about what could’ve been for his career had injuries not gotten in the way. Trout played 130 games last season for the first time since 2019.
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Now 10-10, the Angels are hoping they can get that output from Trout once more in 2026. They’re looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Sunny Mehta, formerly an assistant with the Florida Panthers, has been hired by the Devils as general manager, the team announced on Thursday.
Mehta was also reportedly a candidate in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ executive search.
The 48-year-old, who was raised in Wyckoff, N.J., spent the past six seasons with the Panthers, winning two Stanley Cups. Over the past three years, he served as head of analytics as well as assistant GM.
“This is a dream come true for a New Jersey kid, who grew up watching Devils practices just 20 minutes away in Totowa,” Mehta said in a press release. “New Jersey has a tremendous young core that will be looking to get back to being a contender, a complement of young assets and draft picks, and a passionate fan base hungry for success. I was fortunate enough to watch the New Jersey Devils raise three Stanley Cups and am excited to get to work to return to that level.”
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Mehta, who will be introduced with a media availability on Tuesday, becomes the sixth general manager in Devils history. New Jersey is coming off its second straight year missing the post-season, placing seventh in the Metropolitan Division with 87 points in 82 games.
He will take time to evaluate the status of head coach Sheldon Keefe, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported.
Devils star forward Jack Hughes missed chunks of the season due to injury, but scored the golden goal for the U.S. in the Olympic men’s hockey tournament.
“We quickly realized this job was in high demand and were incredibly fortunate to meet with many qualified candidates,” managing partner David Blitzer said in a statement. “Sunny’s familiarity with our organization and experience with a two-time Stanley Cup-winning team are characteristics that will serve as a foundation for future success. Our expectations are to be a perennial playoff team and compete for the Stanley Cup, and I look forward to Sunny leading us there.”
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Mehta previously spent four seasons with the Devils from 2014-15 to 2017-18 under Lou Lamoriello and Ray Shero.
Prior to joining the NHL, Mehta was a professional musician and poker player. He studied Jazz Guitar and Studio at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and later wrote two books on poker strategy called Professional No-Limit Hold ‘Em, Volume 1 (2009) and Small Stakes No-Limit Hold ‘Em (2007).
With the Devils having filled their GM vacancy, it leaves the Maple Leafs, Seattle Kraken and Nashville Predators as the remaining openings.
The Devils fired previous GM Tom Fitzgerald earlier in April.
Cal’s athletic department is reportedly going to cut dozens of jobs from within its administrative ranks, a potential result of increased travel costs in the ACC.
Should they have stayed in the Pac-12 with Stanford?
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and ‘Locked On Buffs’ host Kevin Borba discuss takeaways from Colorado’s Spring Game.
Did QB JuJu Lewis do enough to prove he’s the starter for Deion Sanders?
Ohio State enters 2026 with very few questions and one of the best rosters in the country.
What will the Buckeyes be keeping an eye on at their Spring Game this weekend?
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00:00 Cal athletics cutting staff 04:10 Cal and Stanford join ACC 06:31 Cal’s ACC travel challenges 15:19 Evaluating Colorado’s offensive and defensive lines 16:57 Deion Sanders’ secrecy and draft discussion 24:21 Questions about Arthur Smith’s offense 29:37 Freshman wide receiver’s early progress
Former Arsenal player and Austrian goalkeeper Alex Manninger died tragically on Thursday after the vehicle he was driving was struck by a train at a railroad crossing in Salzburg, police said. He was 48.
Manninger was not immediately identified by law enforcement, but a number of his former teams released statements on social media confirming the news of his tragic passing.
Goalkeeper Alexander Manninger reacts during the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and 1899 Hoffenheim at SGL Arena in Augsburg, Germany, on Feb. 1, 2015.(Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
“Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger,” the team’s statement read. “All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex.”
Police told The Associated Press of a fatal “traffic accident involving a local train and a car” at a railroad crossing early Thursday morning.
“Upon arrival, emergency responders found that the car’s driver, a 48-year-old man from Salzburg, had already been freed from the vehicle by first responders and was undergoing CPR. Police assisted with resuscitation efforts, including the use of a defibrillator. Despite further efforts by paramedics and an emergency physician, resuscitation was unsuccessful. The man from Salzburg succumbed to his injuries.”
Alexander Manninger, goalkeeper of Augsburg, celebrates with fans after the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and Hamburger SV at SGL Arena in Augsburg, Germany, on May 14, 2016.(Micha Will/Bongarts/Getty Images)
The details of what led to the fatal wreck were not immediately known, but police said the car was struck and dragged by a train. There were no additional injuries reported.
The death of the former English Premier League pro sent shockwaves throughout the soccer community.
“We mourn the loss of our former player Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident,” FC Red Bull Salzburg wrote on X. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
“Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48,” Liverpool added in a separate post on X. “The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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Juventus goalkeeper Alex Manninger watches the action during their Europa League Group A match against Manchester City in Manchester, England, on Sept. 30, 2010.(Scott Heppell/AP)
“Today is a terribly sad day. He has left us not only as a great athlete, but as a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an extraordinary professional seriousness,” Juventus said in a translated statement. “Juventus expresses its condolences for the passing of Alex Manninger and stands with the family in this moment of grief.”
Manninger won the 1998 Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal and was also a Serie A winner with Juventus. He made 33 appearances for Austria.
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter walks the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony, Jan. 31, 2015, at Symphony Hall in Phoenix, appearing at the annual event celebrating the league’s top players and achievements during Super Bowl week festivities. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Hall of Fame Minnesota Vikings wideout Cris Carter was rather obviously not a huge fan of J.J. McCarthy, using his platform to criticize the passer a few times during the 2025 regular season. But in the 2026 offseason, Carter thinks McCarthy will eventually get a chance to prove himself.
Minnesota has a new QB1 for now, but Carter clearly believes McCarthy still has meaningful time to reclaim the job.
The Vikings now have Kyler Murray on the roster for QB1 duty, yet Carter says not to count out McCarthy just yet.
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The Vikings’ Quarterback Timeline Still Leaves Room
A fresh take from the Vikings legend.
Cris Carter reacts during the Enshrinees Gold Jacket dinner, with Aug 2, 2019 marking the event at the Memorial Civic Center and Cultural Center in Canton, Ohio. The Hall of Fame wide receiver took part in the annual ceremony honoring the newest class ahead of enshrinement weekend festivities. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Carter on McCarthy
Carter spoke to Heavy this week, and to the surprise of some, he unloaded an optimistic McCarthy take.
“J.J. McCarthy, he’s still going to get an opportunity because most quarterbacks aren’t going to stay healthy for 17 games, so there will be an opportunity for him not only to learn and get better, but also to watch and learn from a guy like Kyler Murray … But I’d expect Kyler to be the starter this season,” Carter said.
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He added about the Vikings’ offense, “Kevin O’Connell has proven with this offense when he’s had a healthy QB, he’s been able to win 12, 13, 14 games during the regular season. If you look at the nucleus of players they do have coming back … you’d have to be looking at the Vikings to be back in the playoffs and competing for the NFC.”
“Their offensive and defensive lines are more fortified than they were 2 years ago; they just need consistent quarterback play and the ability to allow that defense to be able to turn the ball over and get after the quarterback.”
For the most part, Carter was spot-on.
McCarthy’s Whirlwind 2025 Campaign
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McCarthy showcased his potential late in 2025 in games against Detroit, Washington, Dallas, and New York, demonstrating confidence and effective offensive leadership.
However, the rest of his record is less promising. Recurring injuries hampered his performance and prevented him from achieving week-to-week consistency. By the end of 2025, he ranked last in EPA+CPOE, highlighting an underwhelming first season as a starter.
Ultimately, McCarthy’s availability is the major concern. Since entering the league in 2024, he has missed 24 of 34 possible games, resulting in a 70% absence rate over two seasons. He started the season with a memorable moment at Soldier Field, struggled the following week, got hurt, returned with a vengeance, got hurt, got hot in December, and then got hurt again.
Carter Is Correct on QB Injuries
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One thing is certain from Carter’s musings: Murray isn’t necessarily an Iron Man. He’s missed 26% of all games in his career, translating to a pattern of staying under center 12 or 13 games per season. If his history catches up with him in 2026, well, McCarthy will be ready to step in as the QB2, assuming he keeps Carson Wentz at bay, whom Minnesota signed last month for more depth.
There’s a world where Murray gets hurt — again, he’s not known for extreme durability — and McCarthy enters the lineup. Then, you know, he could just stay there if his mechanics have improved and his maturation mirrored that of an NFL starter.
McCarthy’s story doesn’t have to be over in Minnesota. It might just require some serendipity if the form of a Murray injury, as morbid as that sounds.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) exchanges words with Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) following the game, with Dec 7, 2025 marking the matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. McCarthy showed visible emotion during the postgame interaction after a hard-fought contest. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Zone Coverage‘s Wyatt Wade wrote last month, “While Murray’s signing helps the Vikings in 2026, it could create an issue in the future. McCarthy and Brosmer have only one more year on their contracts beyond this season. As a first-round pick, McCarthy has a club option after 2027, and Brosmer would be a restricted free agent.”
“The Vikings also haven’t signed Wentz yet and seem hesitant to bring in another quarterback to challenge McCarthy for the backup spot. If Murray stays healthy and chooses to leave after this season, the team is right back where they started before this offseason, if not in a bit worse situation.”
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Vikings’ Life Easier if McCarthy Is Good
Minnesota picked McCarthy with a purpose in 2024 — to be the franchise quarterback after Kirk Cousins. That plan has not worked. Injuries have spoiled the forecast.
But that doesn’t mean anyone has to be low on his future. His stock took a major hit when Murray signed the dotted line, rest assured. Yet, the Vikings’ long-term outlook would be so much easier if McCarthy arrived to 2026 as an improved and healthy man. It wouldn’t matter if Murray worked out, and the Vikings wouldn’t need to eye young quarterbacks in 2027 or 2028.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates after a road win over the Chicago Bears, with Sep 8, 2025 marking the game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. McCarthy reacted with energy after helping Minnesota secure an early-season divisional victory in a hostile NFC North environment. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.
In that vein, Minnesota might have two favorable outcomes churning: a chance for Murray to get back on track as a Pro Bowl quarterback, and if he does not, a hope that McCarthy develops and matures, as was the plan in the spring of 2024.
Carter is right that McCarthy will probably get a chance to strut his stuff in 2026. Given Murray’s history, it might be weird if he stays 100% healthy in all 17 games.
STUTTGART, GERMANY – APRIL 16: Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in action against Diana Shnaider of Russia during the Women’s Singles second round match on day four of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2026 at Porsche Arena on April 16, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
Elena Rybakina has moved into the quarter-finals in Stuttgart with a straight-sets win over Diana Shnaider, 6-3, 6-4.
Rybakina dropped just three points on serve in the opening set and lost only one point behind her first serve in the second.
She has now won five matches in a row, having lifted the title in 2024.
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After the match, she was asked about finally being able to enjoy the Porsche she won in Stuttgart in 2024.
“Well winning the tournament gave me a good push to finally take my exams and get the drivers license,” she said. “I have the drivers license. I’m enjoying the car… It’s been amazing. Super happy to be back.”
Rybakina also spoke about her calm approach on court.
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“Well I’m trying to control myself that’s for sure… I’m trying to focus on the next point. Forget the mistake as soon as possible. Overall a pretty calm person. It helps on the court.”
On how she spends time away from tennis, she added:
“Definitely not fishing… If it’s been a really difficult week, then I try to stay and relax… If I have a longer vacation I prefer to do something fun. A rollercoaster or something fun with the friends, family.”
Despite being debutants, Palace were installed as favourites to win the Conference League at the start of the season.
It took a while for them to live up to that tag, with many of their performances in Europe looking somewhat turgid.
But their 3-0 win against Fiorentina – two-time finalists in the Conference League – showed what they are capable of.
Next up for Palace is a two-legged semi-final with Shakhtar, with Strasbourg facing Rayo Vallecano in the other tie.
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“They made light work of them [Fiorentina] really, but from here on in they will expect some really tough games, there is some good quality in the competition,” added Tomkins.
“The question is whether they can bring the positivity from the first leg. That was the best I’ve seen them for a while, the three-week break did them the world of good and they looked like the team we saw early this season and last season.”
The season will end with Glasner’s departure, but it could also end with a European prize.
“Of course, that is what we all want,” said the Austrian.
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“We want to enjoy our life together, not just the football. The more successful you are, the more you enjoy your life.
“When you play the semi-final, you want to get it all at the end and that’s what we will go for.”
Did QB JuJu Lewis do enough to prove he’s the starter for Deion Sanders? 
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