Sleeper hitters for Week 12 (June 8-14)
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FIFA World Cup 2026: Rising costs, travel hurdles leave fan bases hanging | FIFA World Cup 2022
For decades, the FIFA World Cup has been as much about traveling supporters as it has been about football itself. Fans routinely crossed continents, filled fan zones, packed local bars, and followed their national teams from the opening match to the final whistle.
But ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a growing number of long-time supporters say this edition has become financially and logistically out of reach.
From soaring ticket prices and expensive inter-city travel to visa concerns and political unease surrounding travel to the United States, many loyal fans are choosing to watch from home rather than attend in person.
London-based IT worker Mike Wilson, who has attended four World Cups over the last two decades, is among them. Instead of flying across North America this summer, he plans to watch part of the tournament from a beach in Portugal.
Others are making similar decisions. Argentine supporter Emiliano Becerra will attend only two group-stage matches before returning home, while Dutch fan Peter Bergakker has ruled out traveling to the United States altogether.
A World Cup Designed for Wealthier Fans?
International football tournaments have always required significant financial commitment, but supporters argue that previous World Cups still offered pathways for ordinary fans willing to save for years. The numbers tell a different story in 2026.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, lower-tier Category 3 group-stage tickets cost $69. For the upcoming tournament, FIFA has listed comparable tickets for as much as $265.
Transportation has become another challenge. Unlike Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, where fans benefited from free travel options between host cities, supporters attending matches across North America’s vast geography face substantial transportation expenses.
The tournament’s ticket resale system has also drawn criticism. Previous World Cups limited resale prices to face value through FIFA’s official platform. This time, fans can sell tickets at market rates, while FIFA collects a 30% fee from transactions.
Although FIFA has defended its pricing strategy by citing “record-breaking” demand, many supporters believe the tournament is moving beyond the reach of average football fans.
The economics of following a team
Japanese supporter Tomonori Akutsu, preparing to attend his sixth consecutive World Cup, admits the costs have forced him to reconsider his plans.
Without hesitation, he described the United States as the most difficult host nation he has experienced.
“Complete lack of hospitality in every aspect,” Akutsu said, pointing to expensive tickets, inflated resale prices, costly hotels, and fan festivals that require paid admission.
“Simply, my impression is this is America, the ultimate capitalism.”
For Argentine doctor Emiliano Becerra, the financial reality has dramatically altered how he follows his national team.
Becerra paid $1,100 to attend Argentina’s victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final. During recent tournaments, he routinely followed Argentina through every knockout-round match.
This year, however, he spent $1,200 on a resale ticket just to watch Argentina face Jordan in Dallas during the group stage.
The economics simply no longer support a full tournament journey.
Could High Prices Damage the World Cup Atmosphere?
One of the tournament’s defining features has always been the culture created by traveling supporters.
Wilson believes that culture could suffer if ordinary fans continue to be priced out.
He and his friends ultimately decided that the overall cost of attending was impossible to justify. Historically, he had never paid more than $200 for a World Cup ticket. In 2026, that amount barely secures a seat high in the stands for a group-stage match.
Rather than attend, the group opted for a football-themed holiday in Portugal.
The concern for many observers is whether a tournament increasingly accessible only to affluent supporters risks losing some of the atmosphere that has made the World Cup unique.
Scotland’s Fans Refuse to Stay Away
Not every supporter group is backing down. Scotland’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence has created a determination among fans to attend regardless of cost.
Campbell Lewis and his friends began reserving refundable accommodation across the United States immediately after qualification to avoid future price increases.
Demand has been so high that obtaining Scotland match tickets has proven difficult. Lewis recently secured two tickets for Scotland’s second group-stage game for himself and his 10-year-old son, but he continues to wait for prices to fall before purchasing tickets for the opener against Haiti. As of Thursday, the cheapest resale ticket for that match remained above $600.
“For a lot of Scottish people of my generation, this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” Lewis said. “We were all kids the last time we qualified. And even though the prices have gotten out of hand, there’s just this determination that we want to go.”
Travel rules add another layer of uncertainty
Cost is not the only obstacle facing international supporters.
Unlike Russia in 2018, which waived visa requirements for ticket holders, and Qatar in 2022, which simplified entry procedures, many fans traveling to the United States still face lengthy visa processes.
Earlier this year, supporters from countries including Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia were expected to provide bonds of up to $15,000 before entering the country. The policy was later reversed, but concerns remain.
Carlos Pera, president of Uruguay’s travel agency association, recently cited U.S. visa requirements as one reason fewer Uruguayan fans are traveling to the tournament. For some supporters, concerns extend beyond bureaucracy.
Peter Bergakker, a Dutch financial controller living near Heidelberg, Germany, said political tensions and what he described as President Donald Trump’s “hostile” stance toward European allies influenced his decision not to travel.
A Test for FIFA’s Business Model
The 2026 World Cup is expected to generate record revenues through ticket sales, sponsorships, hospitality packages, and tourism spending.
Yet the growing dissatisfaction among traditional supporters highlights a challenge for FIFA: balancing commercial success with accessibility.
While demand remains strong and premium experiences continue to sell, the organization faces increasing questions about whether the sport’s biggest event is becoming less welcoming to the fans who helped build its global culture.
As football enters an era of unprecedented commercial growth, World Cup 2026 may become a case study in how far a tournament can push pricing before its most passionate supporters decide to stay home.
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Thea Gagate and Alyssa Valdez during Alas Pilipinas’ victory over Kyrgyzstan in the AVC Women’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — Thea Gagate played her best game yet in the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup ahead of Alas Pilipinas’ big game against powerhouse South Korea.
With Alas needing to bounce back from a five-set meltdown against Australia less than 24 hours ago, Gagate stood tall with 11 points in a 25-9, 25-11, 25-17 domination of Kyrgyzstan to improve to a 2-1 record in Pool A on Monday at Candon City Arena here.
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“I always look back at the things I still need to improve and where I can gain more confidence, especially when it comes to my blocking,” said Gagate in Filipino after scattering eight kills, two blocks, and an ace.
READ: Alas Pilipinas stays in semis hunt, overpowers Kyrgyzstan
Thea Gagate on their bounce back win. #AVCWomensCup @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/82Dl1szclv
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 8, 2026
The former PVL Rookie of the Year from ZUS Coffee is eager to share her experience with the new-look team after representing the national squad in their 2024 breakthrough bronze-medal run in the AVC and reaching the final last year before losing to defending champion Vietnam.
“I think I can share the lessons I learned from my previous stints with the national team, especially with the younger players. At the same time, I’m doing my best to give everything I can for the team,” said Gagate.
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“It’s about giving my best and applying everything I’ve learned from my previous national team tournaments. Hopefully, I can show even more in the upcoming games because those matches are very important,” she added.
Gagate and the rest of the Nationals have also kept their focus on winning despite the issues surrounding the suspended Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).
READ: Alas comes up short vs Aussies despite big games from Alyssas
“We’re really just focused on ourselves and our teammates. There’s a lot of trust within the team, and especially in our coaches. They’ve played a huge role in helping us come together and become more united,” said the former La Salle star.
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Gagate braces for a crucial game against the 2-0 Korea, which was relegated from the Volleyball Nations League and is currently World No. 38 and sixth in Asia.
“For us, it’s about executing what we’ve been working on in training. We know they’re a very fast team, so we need to adjust quickly and match their pace,” she said.
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According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Oliver Glasner has made Milan his preferred destination and is awaiting a fresh approach from the Rossoneri, while David Alaba‘s chances of moving to San Siro will increase if the ex-Crystal Palace boss is appointed along with Ralf Rangnick.
Milan are rebuilding their club’s structure after sacking their coach and prominent directors at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Milan revolution: latest on Glasner, Rangnick and Alaba
Gazzetta newspaper reports on Monday that ex-Crystal Palace boss Glasner is willing to move to San Siro and expects a call from the Rossoneri in the coming days after a first meeting between his agent, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gerry Cardinale last week.
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Milan are also due to appoint a technical director, and Austria coach Rangnick is among their primary options.
The German has already made it clear that he wants to develop his project with his own ideas and trusted men, including Southampton director Johannes Spors and Manchester United head scout Christopher Vivell.
Just like Glasner, Rangnick also expects a call from Milan in the coming days.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – MAY 27: Oliver Glasner, Manager of Crystal Palace, looks on prior to the UEFA Conference League Final 2026 match between Crystal Palace FC and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Football Arena Leipzig on May 27, 2026 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 20: David Alaba of Real Madrid warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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According to Gazzetta, if both Glasner and Rangnick join Milan, Austria international Alaba will have a greater chance of moving to San Siro as a free agent.
The 34-year-old has already been offered to Milan as well as Inter and Juventus, but he’s on very good terms with Rangnick, so he’d naturally be glad to join his national team coach in Milan next season.
Milan are aware that Alaba has had physical issues in the 2025-26 campaign, but are confident that his experience would help the team next season.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev has won the French Open final against Flavio Cobolli, and with it his first Grand Slam title.
Also in this sports roundup:
Morocco and Norway drew 1-1, just a few days before the World Cup. Denmark‘s Christian Eriksen once again collapsed on the pitch.
In Formula 1, Kimi Antonelli secured his fifth win of the season in Monaco. Metz won the first Women’s Champions League in the history of French handball. The French Rugby Sevens team won the final stage of the World Championship in Bordeaux.
This week, the UFC will host an unprecedented fight card at the White House, as part of a celebration of 250 years of the United States.
Various details around the event have emerged since last summer, but the fights themselves were confirmed in March, drawing a disappointed reaction from many fans.
The UFC had promised the greatest card in its history, with US president Donald Trump (who will turn 80 on the day of ‘UFC: Freedom 250’) predicting “eight to nine” fights – all of them for world titles.
Instead, fans will get seven, six of which will feature US stars and two of which will be title bouts. Is the card good enough? Let’s grade the fights themselves, then the event on the whole.
Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje
A title-unification fight in one of the UFC’s most-stacked divisions?! That sell makes it feel like a strong grade is incoming… but Gaethje is a heavy underdog here, with many fans expecting him to be knocked out by the unforgiving fists of Topuria. Of course, anything is possible in MMA, and in piecing up Paddy Pimblett for five rounds to collect the interim lightweight belt, Gaethje showed what he can do as an underdog. But Topuria is not Pimblett; he is a generational talent. Plus, Gaethje’s tendency to take huge risks and immense damage mean he’s tailor made for “El Matador” to add another highlight-reel KO to his unbeaten record.
Furthermore, Gaethje isn’t even the second-best lightweight in the world; that’s Arman Tsarukyan, who even has a claim to being the UFC’s best 155lb-er. Then there’s Islam Makhachev, who left the division to win welterweight gold, but whom many fans wished to see paired with Topuria in a battle of the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Given those options were out there, it’s hard to grade this main event too highly. Grade: C+
Ciryl Gane vs Alex Pereira
Another example where there was at least one more-interesting option on the table (get used to that sentiment in this article). Once Pereira vacated the light-heavyweight belt last week, some fans thought a dream showdown with all-time great Jon Jones was on the cards – especially given Jones had just claimed he was in negotiations for a spot at the event. Instead, UFC president Dana White gave a conflicting report to Jones’s, saying the retired ex-champion was never on his mind, and we’ll get Pereira vs Gane for the interim heavyweight belt.
What works in this bout’s favour is that it’s interesting stylistically – Gane, a fleet-footed big man, against Pereira, a powerhouse moving up in weight – and marks Pereira’s long-awaited heavyweight debut. Furthermore, he could become the UFC’s first-ever three-weight champ (albeit with an interim belt), so there’s history on the line. Grade: B
Sean O’Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi
As with Topuria and Pereira, US star O’Malley is one of the biggest names in the UFC and definitely should be fighting at this event. But against Zahabi? The Canadian is a more-than-competent opponent for ex-champ “Suga’ Sean” in this bantamweight clash, but O’Malley vs Cory Sandhagen was the obvious play here. That bout would’ve been an all-American contest between two sharpshooters, with real ramifications in the title picture. Or, you could have put O’Malley in a rematch with reigning champion Petr Yan, although Merab Dvalishvili claimed that Russian fighters were always unlikely to feature at the White House. Grade: C
Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler
Chandler is a big American name who always delivers excitement, and after he was teased with the prospect of a Conor McGregor fight for three years, God knows he deserves a spot at the White House. But here, he should have been given that bout with McGregor, who was pining for a place at this event, and who said he’d gladly face Chandler – two years after a broken toe ruled the Irishman out of their planned match-up. Instead, Chandler will take on flashy Brazilian striker Ruffy.
The bout is sure to deliver fireworks, so we’ll give the UFC credit there, but the expectation is that “Iron Mike” will fall victim to the rising star. It just feels a bit unfair… That said, we do understand that the UFC is operating at a loss on this event, and hypothetically saving McGregor for International Fight Week in July makes more financial sense. Grade: B-
Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus
This is perhaps the flattest match-up on the card. Yes, it’s an all-American bout; and yes, it sees two exciting middleweight prospects square off. But fans have soured somewhat on wrestler-turned-power-puncher Nickal, while they respect but don’t care too much about Daukaus. The winner will edge towards the title picture at 185lb, but this is hardly the kind of big-stakes fight that we were promised for 14 June. Grade: C
Derrick Lewis vs Josh Hokit
A late addition in April, and a personal request by Trump, who watched from cageside as Hokit won an instant classic with Curtis Blaydes in Miami. Hokit has emerged as a controversial, rising star courtesy of his WWE-style promos, and he will take on one of Trump’s favourite fighters in Lewis. This could go either way: it could be a slugfest to match Hokit’s last outing, or it could be a cumbersome encounter; it is unlikely to be anything in between. In any case, it did get two extra American fighters on the card. Grade: C+
Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia
Here are the positives: Lopes always excites, and the match-up makes divisional sense at 145lb. Lopes is aiming to bounce back from two title-fight losses in his last three fights, and the Brazilian’s opponent here is a rising contender who represents the US. Tick, tick, tick. But while our counter-point isn’t especially dynamic, it holds true: this one just doesn’t get the juices flowing enough for the White House fight card. Lopes vs Garcia? Come on, now… This was meant to be the greatest card in UFC history. Grade: C+
Overall event grade: C+. We can see what the UFC was trying to do. Seven fights is a smarter move than doing too many, especially given title bouts are scheduled for 25 minutes. And of the seven fights, six feature US stars, including big homegrown names in Gaethje, O’Malley and Chandler. What’s more, Topuria and Pereira are two of the UFC’s biggest stars regardless of nationality. But while we’ve praised the UFC for the good elements it’s bringing to the White House, it’s so difficult not to focus on what is lacking.
Above are clear examples of better match-ups, and that’s without even disregarding some of these fights altogether to mention totally different athletes. By usual standards, this would be an A grade card for the UFC – maybe an A+ at a push. But not for an event of this magnitude.
Best hitter matchups for this week include the Mariners, Athletics and Giants
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1 min read
Whether you’re in need of an injury fill-in or just a hot-hand play, Scott White has you covered with 10 sleeper hitters for the upcoming scoring period, all rostered in less than 80 percent of CBS Sports leagues. They’re not must-starts by any estimation, but they’re often the best you’ll find off the waiver wire.
All information is up to date as of late Sunday.
Best hitter matchups for Week 12
1. Mariners @BAL4, @WAS3
2. Athletics MIL3, COL3
3. Giants WAS3, CHC3
4. Cubs @COL3, @SF3
5. Astros @LAA3, @KC3
Worst hitter matchups for Week 12
1. Blue Jays PHI3, NYY3
2. Phillies @TOR3, @MIL3
3. Red Sox @TB3, TEX3
4. Rangers @KC3, @BOS3
5. White Sox ATL3, LAD3
The New York Knicks practice prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals basketball series against the San Antonio Spurs, Sunday, June 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
2026 NBA Finals schedule: San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks
NEW YORK — Madison Square Garden has seen just about everything in sports and entertainment, from the first Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier fight to the first Wrestlemania.
It just hasn’t seen much of the NBA Finals.
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The New York Knicks have brought the finals back to their home court for the first time since 1999 and can make sure they don’t leave again this year. Fans are spending astonishingly high prices for tickets and the potential to witness a celebration more than five decades in the making.
READ: Donald Trump, Knicks fan, heads back to New York for NBA Finals
With a 2-0 lead over Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks are halfway to their first championship since 1973. They are the biggest thing in the Big Apple, and it seems everyone is caught up in the hoopla except the Knicks themselves.
“I know the fan base is really excited, as they should be,” captain Jalen Brunson said. “But as a team, us inside the locker room, we have more work to do.”
Game 3 is Monday, with President Donald Trump in the building. Whether they’ve played in the arena or sat way up in the cheap seats — not that there is such a thing this time with tickets reselling for more than $10,000 — people know this night will be different.
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“I think it’s going to be through the roof,” Spurs guard Dylan Harper said. “I think it’s going to be everything that I’ve kind of seen or dreamed of times 10.”
It will be the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since June 25, 1999, which ended with the Knicks watching the Spurs celebrate their first championship after winning Game 5.
That series, and one in 1994, were the only finals games played at MSG since the Knicks won the 1973 title. They were rarely close again until this 13-game winning streak, the second longest by any team in one playoffs, with the atmosphere around the city seemingly becoming more raucous with each victory.
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READ: NBA Finals: Down 0-2, Wembanyama says he’s ‘built for’ pressure
“Fans have earned the right and deserve the right to see finals basketball be played here at Madison Square Garden,” Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said. “For this to be the first game in a long time that they have seen finals basketball, it’s up to us to bring it, give them something to cheer for, give them something to get loud for and also give them something to believe in.”
Wembanyama, Brunson and the rest of the players will be only part of the scene Monday, sharing it with the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game and the celebrity fans who surround the court. Some of them were already there Sunday for practices, with Knicks coach Mike Brown finally getting to meet actor Ben Stiller, then having his news conference extended when rapper Fat Joe insisted on a chance to speak from the back.
Wembanyama got to show his stuff at MSG in his second season, when the Spurs were given the leadoff game on the NBA’s marquee Christmas schedule and he scored 42 points. Opportunities like that, which the Spurs increasingly have been treated to since drafting the 7-foot-4 phenom from France, could help them with what they will face Monday.
“This arena’s like no other. The added circumstances will be on top of that,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said. “We’ve been fortunate to play some games in this arena recently that have been, again, not finals, but a Christmas game. Again, I just think added attention around Victor and being in this arena a few times, we’ve experienced that. I would expect tomorrow will be more than that.”
The Knicks have been so dominant during this run that they haven’t gotten to see MSG much. They have played only four home games since May 4, when they opened the second round of the playoffs. So even the home team struggles to put into words exactly what Monday will look and sound like.
READ: NBA Finals: Knicks bench shines vs Wembanyama, Spurs in Game 2
“I’ve seen a lot of crazy atmospheres,” guard Deuce McBride said. “I don’t think I’m going to know what to expect, but I’m just proud to be here, I’m so blessed to play here and I know the fans are going to bring it and we’re going to do everything we can.”
The arena that shook when Willis Reed walked onto the court for Game 7 in 1970 will be rocking again Monday. The current MSG had opened just a couple of years earlier, and the previous one never even saw the NBA Finals. The Knicks made it three straight years from 1951-53, but those games were played at the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue because the Garden was hosting the circus.
Game 3 kicks off a massive sports week in the New York region, with a World Cup game scheduled for Saturday in nearby East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will host the final. Knicks forward Josh Hart had signed on in an ambassador role for the local World Cup committee but knows the Knicks have put even the world’s biggest sporting event on the back burner for the moment.
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“I love football, man, so obviously a little bummed I can’t go to some of those matches, but I have something a little more interesting right now going on in my life,” Hart said. “It also adds to the energy of the city.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has been re-elected until 2030 after defeating businessman Enrique Riquelme in the club’s first genuinely contested presidential election in two decades.
However, within hours of victory, attention quickly shifted from the election itself to Pérez’s biggest football promise — the return of José Mourinho.
According to reports from Spain, Mourinho’s comeback was a major part of Pérez’s campaign messaging, with the veteran president immediately signalling a new era focused on restoring Real Madrid to the summit of European football.
Riquelme mounted Madrid’s biggest challenge in years
Riquelme’s candidacy created the most politically competitive Real Madrid election in recent memory.
The entrepreneur campaigned on promises of structural reform, transparency and football renewal. He also reportedly pushed ambitious sporting ideas involving club legends and high-profile transfer plans.
Although Pérez ultimately secured victory comfortably, Riquelme’s campaign generated major support among younger Madridistas and ensured the election became far more than a routine confirmation process.
Following the result, Riquelme congratulated Pérez but insisted:
“This is not the end.”
That statement immediately fuelled speculation that internal political battles at Real Madrid may continue well beyond this election cycle.
Mourinho return becomes immediate headline
Despite the election result dominating Spanish football headlines, Mourinho quickly became the centre of discussion among supporters.
Pérez reportedly told supporters:
“The fight for the 16th Champions League starts today.”
He also praised Mourinho publicly, calling him:
“One of the world’s best coaches.”
The Portuguese manager previously coached Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga with a record-breaking 100-point season and helping end Barcelona’s domestic dominance under Pep Guardiola.
Many Madrid supporters still regard Mourinho as the man who rebuilt the club’s mentality before the Champions League dynasty that followed.
Now, more than a decade later, Pérez appears ready to bring “The Special One” back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
The president behind the Galácticos era
Pérez first became president of Real Madrid in 2000 and immediately transformed the club into football’s biggest commercial powerhouse.
His first spell saw the arrival of stars like:
- Zinedine Zidane
- David Beckham
- Ronaldo Nazário
- Luís Figo
That famous “Galácticos” project changed football marketing forever and helped transform Real Madrid into a global entertainment empire.
After returning to power in 2009, Pérez oversaw arguably the greatest era in the club’s modern history, including:
- Six UEFA Champions League titles
- Multiple La Liga triumphs
- The redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabéu
- Record-breaking commercial growth
- The signings of stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham
Under Pérez, Real Madrid strengthened their reputation as Europe’s ultimate big-stage club.
More than Mourinho: Pérez planning another Galáctico era
Mourinho’s expected return may be dominating headlines, but sources in Spain suggest Pérez’s plans go far beyond the dugout.
Real Madrid are reportedly already exploring defensive reinforcements, with names such as Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries linked to the club ahead of the new season.
Even more intriguing are reports that Pérez has teased another blockbuster “Galáctico” signing potentially worth around €150 million.
The identity of that player remains unknown, but the speculation has already exploded across Europe as fans wonder who could become the next superstar at the Santiago Bernabéu.
It would not be the first time Pérez has shaken world football with a statement signing.
Across his presidency, Real Madrid have consistently targeted the biggest names in the sport, including:
- Luís Figo
- Zinedine Zidane
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Kaká
- Gareth Bale
- Jude Bellingham
- Kylian Mbappé
That strategy helped transform Real Madrid from a football giant into arguably the most powerful sporting brand on the planet.
A reign measured in trophies
Across his two spells in charge, Pérez has overseen one of the most successful periods any football club has ever experienced.
During his presidency, Real Madrid have won:
- Multiple UEFA Champions League titles
- Numerous La Liga crowns
- FIFA Club World Cups
- Copa del Rey trophies
- UEFA Super Cups
The club also became one of the richest and most powerful sporting institutions in the world under his leadership.
Few presidents in football history can match Pérez’s combination of sporting success, commercial influence and global brand growth.
What comes next for Madrid?
Reports in Spain suggest Pérez’s new term could immediately usher in another major rebuild.
With Mourinho potentially returning, transfer plans already taking shape and another Galáctico signing being teased, Pérez appears determined to launch one final era capable of delivering Real Madrid’s long-awaited 16th European crown.
For Pérez, the election victory was important.
But for many Madrid fans, the real excitement begins now.
Because if his latest promises become reality, José Mourinho is returning to the Bernabéu — and another era of Galácticos may be about to begin.
Two-time Olympic-medallist PV Sindhu will look to end a prolonged title drought, while rising star Ayush Shetty will spearhead India’s men’s singles campaign at the Australian Open Super 500 badminton tournament beginning on Tuesday. Sindhu, seeded third, enters the tournament with a favourable draw as she searches for her first BWF World Tour title since winning the Syed Modi International in 2024. The former world champion’s best result this season remains a semifinal finish at the Malaysia Open in January.
The 30-year-old will open against Peru’s Ines Lucia Castillo and is likely to face the winner of the first-round clash between fellow Indian Isharani Barua and China’s Han Qian Xi.
Sindhu comes into the event after a round-of-16 finish at the Indonesia Open, where she lost to Paris Olympics champion and old nemesis and world No.1 An Se-young of South Korea.
If she progresses as expected, Sindhu could run into Japan’s world No.3 Akane Yamaguchi in the semifinals.
The Indian enjoys a slender 15-13 head-to-head advantage over the Japanese star. A potential final could pit her against second seed and world No. 8 Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand, against whom Sindhu leads 7-5.
India will have a sizeable presence in the women’s singles draw as Tanvi Sharma faces fifth-seeded Chiu Pin-Chian of Chinese Taipei, while Malvika Bansod takes on Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei.
Anmol Kharb has been handed a tough opener against former world champion and fourth seed Nozomi Okuhara of Japan.
Aakarshi Kashyap faces Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching, while Tanya Hemanth takes on USA’s Ishika Jaiswal.
In men’s singles, world No. 20 Ayush Shetty, seeded sixth, will begin against a qualifier as he seeks a good run after a pre-quarterfinal exit at the Indonesia Open last week.
Former world championships bronze-medallist HS Prannoy opens against Indonesia’s Moh. Zaki Uba, while world No. 49 Kiran George will face Malaysia’s Justin Hoh in the first round.
India’s challenge in men’s doubles will rest on two pairs.
Hariharan Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun, who are fresh from a quarterfinal appearance at the Indonesia Open, face a stiff opening-round test against eighth-seeded Chinese Taipei duo Lee Fang-Chih and Lee Fang-Jen.
Achutaditya Rao Doddavarapu and Pochana Arjun Reddy will take on China’s Huang Di and Liu Yang.
India have no representatives in the women’s doubles main draw.
In mixed doubles, sixth-seeded Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto will open against Hong Kong’s Chan Yin Chak and Ng Tsz Yau. PTI TAP BS PM TAP PM PM
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