Scotland‘s head coach Steve Clarke has urged his squad to fully embrace the World Cup atmosphere after they touched down at their North Carolina base.
The team, having completed an initial training camp in Florida and secured a 4-0 warm-up victory against Bolivia in New Jersey, has now established its main training headquarters and team hotel in Charlotte.
Speaking to BBC Scotland upon their arrival, Clarke reflected on the journey so far, describing the experiences as “surreal really.” He emphasised the importance of the moment for his players.
“I think the message to the lads is just to try and soak it all in, take it all in,” Clarke stated. “Obviously, the message as the week goes on and it gets closer to the most competitive game will become more serious and more business, but just now it’s just about trying to enjoy it, trying to embrace it and I think we’re all doing that.”
Scotland have arrived at their World Cup base in North Carolina (Getty)
The coach highlighted the long road to this point, noting the enduring commitment of his squad.
“Well, me and some of the boys have been together now for seven years, so we’ve built a lot to get to this moment,” he said. “To think of some of the low places that we have been and to be here at a World Cup with this group of players is just fantastic.”
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The Scottish squad is set to train throughout the week at the Atrium Health Training Ground, home to Major League Soccer side Charlotte. Their preparations will culminate in a flight to Massachusetts on Friday, ahead of their opening fixture against Haiti at the Boston Stadium.
Clarke expressed his anticipation for the tournament, acknowledging the extensive planning involved.
“It’s just finalising the preparation for the first game,” he explained. “We’ve been doing that since the draw was made in December, so it’s been a long time waiting to get here.
“I’ve been here a few times, so I understand what we’re coming into. It’s very hot, which is lovely, which is what we wanted, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Anticipation is building as we draw nearer to the beginning of World Cup 2026.
The tournament gets underway on Thursday, June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa, and ends on July 19 with the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. And you can feel part of the experience with our free sweepstake kit available for download!
This happens to be the largest World Cup ever organised, taking place across three host countries – Mexico, Canada and the USA – and features 48 nations. That means greater opportunities to win – or fall short – depending on which country you select and how you play your own sweepstake.
The Manchester Evening News has got you covered ahead of all the action with a free sweepstake kit, which you can click, download and print to take part in with friends, family and colleagues.
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The expanded tournament format will see a whopping 104 fixtures contested over 39 days. There’s certainly no lack of narratives going into the iconic competition, with it representing both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo‘s last dances as they compete for football’s most prized honour.
For England, this summer marks a fresh chapter under Thomas Tuchel, although there’s an increasing sense that it’s now or never for the second golden generation to bring the trophy home for the first time since 1966. The Three Lions face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in a favourable Group L.
Meanwhile, Scotland clinched their first World Cup qualification since 1998 in dramatic circumstances. Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army have been placed in Group C alongside Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.
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Will you pull out a heavyweight such as Argentina, France, Germany, Portugal, England, Spain or Brazil – the envy of everyone around you? Or will you be left gutted, drawing the likes of Cape Verde, Iraq, Curacao, Jordan or Uzbekistan?
Whether you find yourself brimming with confidence or cursing your luck, there is no question that participating in a sweepstake will heighten the sense of excitement and investment when the likes of Qatar and Switzerland face off in the tournament’s opening week.
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Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to add Pepe to his backroom staff at Real Madrid once he takes over. The manager’s return has been confirmed following Florentino Pérez’s victory in the club’s presidential election.
According to a report in MARCA, Mourinho is working to finalise his coaching staff. He has set his sights on Pepe as one of the key players to add to the team, to help manage the players.
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The defender worked with Mourinho at the club and spent 10 years at the Santiago Bernabéu before leaving in 2017. He won the UEFA Champions League three times in his spell with Los Blancos, with as many La Liga titles and two UEFA Super Cups.
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The fans have since started reacting to the news on social media, and many have been sharing memes of what the scene could be in the dressing room.
Real Madrid reportedly has had issues in the dressing room since the exit of Carlo Ancelotti last summer. Reports suggest that Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are not on the same page, while a physical fight between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde sent the Uruguayan to the hospital too.
Benfica confirm Real Madrid will activate Jose Mourinho’s clause
Jose Mourinho has a €15 million clause in his contract and Benfica have confirmed that Real Madrid have informed them about the plans. They released an official statement, announcing that the manager would be making his move back to the Bernabéu if Perez won the elections and said:
“Sport Lisboa e Benfica – Futebol, SAD (“Benfica SAD”) hereby informs that the candidacy of President Florentino Pérez for the Real Madrid CF elections has expressed a firm intention to hire coach José Mário dos Santos Mourinho Félix should he win the elections for the presidency of said club, scheduled for June 7, 2026. If such a scenario occurs, the signing will be executed for the amount of €15,000,000, corresponding to the release clause of the sports employment contract currently in force.”
Mourinho managed 178 matches at Real Madrid, winning 127 times and losing just 23. However, he managed just one La Liga and one Copa del Rey at the club and will be determined to do better in his second stint.
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This is not the first time the Portuguese manager has returned to his former club. He moved back to Chelsea in 2013 after leaving them in 2007, while also returning to Benfica, where he managed in 2000 and since last summer.
Terence Crawford, guided by coach Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, fought 42 times undefeated before retiring late last year. Were there any fights left on the table?
The switch-hitter from Omaha, Nebraska, won world championships in five divisions – undisputed in two – to stake his claim as the best fighter of a generation. His swansong was a jump up in weight to beat Mexican icon Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Crawford is content in retirement and, unlike many of his peers, seems to find it easy to resist a return to the ring. Though his skill level is undeniable, one criticism that has been levelled at him, by the likes of Canelo and Ryan Garcia, is that his record does not include many elite names.
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Speaking on the Front Page podcast, ‘BoMac’ was asked if there were any fighters he wished Crawford could have faced in his career, perhaps to further cement his legacy, and named Manny Pacquiao without hesitation.
“Manny Pacquiao. That’d have been great.”
On why it didn’t happen, McIntyre claims promoter Bob Arum, who worked with both men when the fight made most sense, blocked it.
“Bob [Arum] just said it the other day. He stopped it because he knew how that fight was gonna come out. [Pacquiao] was a cash cow … He didn’t want to mess up that money.”
Crawford has previously revealed that he pushed for a Pacquiao fight way back in 2015 when he was on his way to becoming super-lightweight world champion, and there were indeed other occasions in the years that followed where it could have made sense.
Though ‘Bud’ looks set to remain retired, Pacquiao’s career is on the opposite trajectory. The Filipino returned professionally last year, fighting to a draw against then WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. This year, he plans to rematch Floyd Mayweather, though details on the event remain scarce.
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has been branded “unprofessional” by his Norwegian counterpart, Stale Solbakken, following the abrupt cancellation of a planned training-ground friendly.
The fixture, intended for Monday, was called off by Scotland due to reported injuries within their squad, a decision that has sparked a strong rebuke from the Norwegian camp.
Solbakken voiced his dismay after his side’s 1-1 draw with Morocco, a Group C rival of Scotland. Speaking to Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, he stated: “It was at least as surprising to me, and it is unprofessional of Scotland.
“It is unprofessional that the coach has not called me, that they use the team manager and call and say it after we have finished training.”
Stale Solbakken hit out at Scotland for abruptly cancelling a training pitch match against Norway (Reuters)
He further cast doubt on Scotland’s reasoning, adding: “I don’t think the injuries they’re blaming came from the last training session. That’s not the case. It’s disappointing. It’s unprofessional. But we have to live with that. That’s why we adjusted a bit in the game.”
Norway’s team manager, former Fulham defender Brede Hangeland, echoed the sentiment, telling NRK: “We have been working on that match for many months. It is embarrassing to cancel it a couple of days before.
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“We can’t do anything about it, we just have to forget about it and make the best of it. But there has been a lot of organisation, agreements and gentlemen’s agreements and then suddenly they don’t want to. I think that was weak, so to speak.”
In response, Clarke offered a concise explanation to BBC Scotland: “It was just going to be a training game for an hour at our training ground. We picked up one or two niggles last week and decided it wasn’t worth the risk.”
Both national teams are currently based in North Carolina for their respective World Cup preparations, with Norway situated in Greensboro and Scotland in Charlotte, approximately 90 miles apart.
According to its own statutes, FIFA is supposed to be politically neutral. However, Infantino has created the impression that he is deliberately mixing international sports politics with the interests of a state.
2. Shouldn’t all fans be able to attend their team’s games?
US entry regulations are also drawing sharp criticism. Tightened visa rules mean fans from several participating nations are effectively barred from attending. For Iran and Haiti, a complete entry ban applies to spectators — only the teams and their support staff are allowed to enter the country.
Fans of Senegal will find it difficult to follow their team to the World Cup in the USAImage: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/picture alliance
It will also be virtually impossible for fans from Senegal and the Ivory Coast to attend games, as the issuing of tourist visas for citizens of these nations has been largely suspended — partly because, in the past, many travelers from these countries overstayed their visas in the US. At one point, the US government had introduced a security deposit of up to $15,000 (€12,874) for visitors from some countries — a sum they were to be reimbursed after their departure. This measure was lifted for many ticket holders shortly before the tournament began.
US immigration policies and the possibility of operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are fueling a sense of unease. In the run-up to the event, the US government declined to rule out the possibility of checks or arrests in the vicinity of World Cup stadiums.
3. Should a ticket for a game really cost $690,000?
Ticket prices at the start of sales were exceptionally high; many seats went on sale for thousands of dollars each, while premium tickets for the final originally cost around $11,000.
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FIFA is using “dynamic pricing,” under which prices fluctuate significantly depending on demand. Even within the same sales phase, fans are paying different amounts for identical seats.
Added to this are reports that buyers, despite selecting a specific category or location within the stadium, have received tickets for inferior seats. Fan organizations and consumer protection groups accuse FIFA of price gouging, a lack of transparency, and unfair sales practices and have filed a formal complaint with the European Union. The attorneys general of the US states of New Jersey and New York have launched investigations into FIFA’s ticketing.
With just weeks to go before the opening game, very few matches had sold out. As of May 28, the cheapest ticket for the final available on FIFA’s website was listed at $8,625. A seat in wheelchair areas was going for a minimum of $10,350. The very last available seat — located in the front row of a section near one of the corner flags — was listed for $690,000.
Germany failed to make it to the knockout phase of the last two World Cups, but with 48 teams, this time it should be easierImage: Frank Hoermann/Sven Simon/IMAGO
In addition to official ticket sales, FIFA operates its own resale platform, taking a 30% cut of every transaction. Critics argue that many fans have been priced out of the tournament.
4. Shouldn’t only the best teams compete at the World Cup?
This World Cup will feature 48 teams instead of 32. As a result, the number of matches will increase from 64 to 104. Experts and many fans fear this could dilute the sporting quality of the tournament.
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At the same time, advancing to the knockout stage has become easier, as not only the top two finishers from each of the 12 preliminary groups will qualify, but also the eight best third-placed teams. Due to the number of teams, a round of 32 has been added.
Some observers view this reform as a politically motivated decision: smaller football associations — whose votes carry significant weight within FIFA — stand to benefit most from the allocation of additional spots. This raises the question of Infantino’s motives for pushing through this expansion. Was it primarily to consolidate his power base within the football’s global governing body?
5. Wasn’t this tournament meant to be sustainable and climate-friendly?
Although FIFA has publicly championed the causes of sustainability and climate protection, the 2026 World Cup is facing heavy criticism due to its environmental impact. Studies estimate that the tournament will generate more than nine million tons of carbon dioxide, primarily due to the distances between host cities and the high volume of air travel involved. Environmental organizations have labeled this event potentially the “most climate-damaging World Cup” in history.
The problem persists at the local level as well. Many stadiums are located in the suburbs and in some cases there is little or no public transportation available. Where public transportation is available, some prices have skyrocketed; a short train ride to MetLife Stadium from New York was originally set to cost up to $150 (compared to the standard fare of around $13). Following protests from fans, the organizers eventually lowered the price to $98. The shuttle bus service is now scheduled to cost $20, down from the previously proposed $80. Those driving to the stadium face high parking costs at many venues, ranging from $75 to $300, depending on the game. At least at stadiums with expensive parking, there is usually an affordable public transit alternative.
Critics say all this means that despite FIFA’s climate pledges, many fans will be forced to undertake environmentally harmful — and expensive journeys.
Jun 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The Chicago Cubs don’t yet know the extent of starting pitcher Jameson Taillon’s hamstring injury. But one thing all parties seem to be certain of: the veteran right-hander is headed for the injured list.
The 34-year-old Taillon left with one on and none out in the second inning of the Cubs’ Sunday night game against the visiting San Francisco Giants. After walking Matt Chapman on six pitches to start the second, Taillon summoned the trainer to the mound.
Taillon was pulled from the game, walking gingerly into the dugout and down the stairs toward the clubhouse. He was replaced by Javier Assad, who pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings in a game ultimately won by the Giants, 2-1 in 10 innings.
“It’s a left hamstring strain,” manager Craig Counsell announced after the game. “Imaging tomorrow … it’s an IL. We’ll get more information tomorrow (regarding) severity and maybe an idea of a timeline.”
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For his part, Taillon was optimistic about a long-term prognosis but resigned to the fact that he will be missing some time.
“I don’t think it’s crazy,” Taillon told reporters after the game. “Like, I’m walking around and moving around. Obviously, it will be an IL stint but, hopefully, we can keep the arm conditioned and moving around. … But I don’t it’s surgical or anything like that. I’m getting an MRI tomorrow and we’ll know more.”
Taillon entered the game sporting a 2-5 record and 5.19 ERA in 67 2/3 innings across 13 starts.
In his fourth season with Chicago, Taillon is 33-30 with an ERA just above four in 94 games (93 starts) with the Cubs.
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He is 84-65 with a 3.94 ERA in 10 seasons with the Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates (2016-19) and New York Yankees (2021-22).
Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have been linked to a second fight since February but it seems as though a formal announcement is around the corner, with a new date and venue appearing to be set.
However, in the time that has passed, fans have become unsure as to whether the event will go ahead and, if it does, if it will instead be an exhibition bout rather than a fully sanctioned professional contest, with a delayed announcement from ‘TBE’ heightening those concerns.
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Now, as expected, it seems as though the initial date and venue of Saturday, September 19, at The Sphere in Las Vegas, has been dismissed. Instead, on the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s calendar, Manny Pacquiao Promotions are confirmed for an event at the T-Mobile Arena six days later, with Friday, September 25, becoming the new expected date for the rematch.
Once the Zambidis is over, the second instalment of the Mayweather-Pacquiao rivalry will presumably be announced, with fans hopeful that the fabled 50-0 record of one of boxing’s modern greats will be on the line.
Erling Haaland’s nightmare return: Poor ratings, argument, Man City star’s pressure – Manchester Evening News
Need to know
Erling Haaland played his first minutes since Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth against Morocco in New Jersey on Sunday
Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard look on during Norway’s draw with Morocco(Image: Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
All you need to know about Erling Haaland’s nightmare return to action this weekend:
Erling Haaland had not played since the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on May 19 prior to the World Cup warm-up clash with Morocco in New Jersey on Sunday.
Haaland started the game and lasted 72 minutes before being replaced by Crystal Palace striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
However, it was an afternoon to forget for Haaland as he managed just four touches of the ball. His only shot was blocked as Norway drew 1-1.
During the game, Haaland appeared to have an argument with one of the Norwegian team’s physios to cap off what was a poor night for him.
The Norwegian media opted to criticise Haaland in their post-match ratings. Dagsbladet awarded him a meagre two out of 10 rating, writing: “The striker was invisible in the first half. He played himself up after the break, but this was actually a shockingly weak rehearsal.” Meanwhile, TV2 handed Haaland a three out of 10, their lowest rating of any Norway player.
Norway boss Stale Solbakken leapt to his defence after the game. “He’s a player who feels it today. He needed those minutes. Without being rude to him, he saves himself five, 10, 15 per cent. Those explosions are coming,” he said.
Haaland and his Norway teammates are under pressure to perform this summer. This is the first World Cup they have qualified for since 1998.
Norway’s next game is their World Cup opener against Iraq in Boston on June 16. Read more here.
While the allure of World Cup matches often comes with a hefty price tag, a more accessible avenue for fans to immerse themselves in the global spectacle is emerging through a network of fan festivals. These vibrant hubs promise more than just soccer, featuring everything from floating pitches to live music acts like Motley Crue.
As is customary for the tournament, all 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States are set to establish dedicated fan zones. FIFA’s host city organizing committees have sanctioned approximately 78 such fan fests, complemented by events hosted by some 20 Major League Soccer teams, with others partnering directly with city-run festivals. These designated public spaces, often found in parks and squares, offer fans a communal viewing experience alongside food, beverages, entertainment, official merchandise, and a platform for cities to showcase their local culture.
FIFA’s host city organizing committees have sanctioned approximately 78 such fan fests (Getty Images)
However, this expanded World Cup, featuring 48 teams and a longer schedule, presents unique challenges. Host cities are already grappling with significant economic pressures, including inflation and rising gas prices. Although federal funding has been allocated to support the event, these funds have not fully covered all associated costs. Consequently, some festivals are reducing their operational days, while others are introducing charges for tickets, guaranteed admission, seating, or elevated experiences, such as private cabanas in the intense Houston heat.
Mamdani, Hochul join in
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani have announced free fan festivals across the city’s five boroughs and at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, aiming to ensure residents “don’t feel overlooked.”
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host eight World Cup matches, including the final, and will be dubbed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.
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Mayor Mamdani stated, “Every fan should be able to watch the greatest tournament on earth without dipping into their savings.”
Eschewing fees in Toronto
Toronto has reversed its controversial plan to charge \$10 for entry to its World Cup fan fest, following significant public outcry. The city initially cited cost concerns for the Fort York and Bentway events.
Now, 16,000 daily tickets will be free, though nearly 4,000 premium tickets will also be sold. Organizers stated the charge was necessary to prevent overcrowding and budget overruns.
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Toronto city councilor Josh Matlow, criticizing the initial proposal, said on social media: “Toronto residents already paid \$180 million to host the games, and tickets to the stadium are cost prohibitive for most people. At the very least, an event that was promised to residents, no matter their means, so that everyone can be part of the World Cup, will be free and accessible to all.”
Big city sprawl fests
World Cup host cities are embracing a decentralized approach to fan celebrations, opting for multiple events rather than a single large gathering to accommodate their vast populations.
In Los Angeles, the World Cup will kick off with a major fan festival at the L.A. Coliseum from June 11-14, with tickets priced at \$10. Beyond this central event, the region will host ten additional free fan fests, stretching from Burbank to Venice Beach on various dates throughout the tournament.
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The San Francisco Bay Area has adopted a more community-focused strategy, collaborating with diverse groups, including the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, for watch parties. The largest gathering is slated for San Pedro Market Square in downtown San Jose, a joint effort between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Bay Area Host Committee.
Meanwhile, Mexico City will feature an official fan fest in the iconic Zocalo public square. Mayor Clara Brugada has also unveiled plans for 18 other free community events, ensuring locals across the city can partake in the match-day excitement.
Major League Soccer capitalizes on the moment
Major League Soccer is anticipating a significant surge in fan engagement, hoping the upcoming World Cup will provide a substantial boost, echoing the league’s very creation after the United States last hosted the tournament in 1994. Teams across the league are now orchestrating “Soccer Celebration” festivals to attract new supporters.
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The MLS boasts a record 44 players representing various national teams in the global competition. Camilo Durana, the league’s chief business officer, highlighted the potential impact. “Historically, after every men’s World Cup that the U.S. men’s national team has participated in, we’ve seen about a 10% to 20% growth in interest in MLS,” he stated. Durana believes this World Cup, “in its expanded form, played on home soil with MLS playing such an important role from a hosting perspective, we think it can have an even greater impact, and that’s the opportunity for us.”
In a creative move, Seattle’s Sounders, alongside the National Women’s Soccer League’s Reign and their partners, have announced a distinctive floating fan zone and soccer pitch. This innovative barge, situated off Waterfront Park’s Pier 62 on Elliot Bay, draws inspiration from the city’s maritime history.
Concerts galore
Many fan fest concerts are free, but most are first-come, first-served, and require advanced registration. There are options for paid premium seating.
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The lineups run the gamut of musical styles and tastes.
In Vancouver, British Columbia, Flo Rida, Ziggy Marley and Motley Crue are among those performing at the city’s fan zone in PNE Grounds at Hastings Park.
Kansas City’s fan fest will have performances by the Chainsmokers, Sheryl Crow, the All-American Rejects and others at the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
Imagine Dragons and Enrique Iglesias are among the acts at Parque Fundidora in Monterrey, Mexico.
Tension between the United States and Iran is continuing in sport. Iran’s World Cup squad landed in Mexico on June 7 under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic dispute. With some members of the entourage still lacking U.S. visas. The dispute comes just days before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup on June 11, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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