Saturday, 9 May 2026
KATY PERRY, FUTURE, LISA, TYLA, AND MORE TO HEADLINE U.S. WORLD CUP OPENING CEREMONY
OPENING CEREMONY
FIFA will feature a star-powered lineup of performances at the opening games featuring hosts Canada, Mexico and the U.S
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| LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Katy Perry performs during her "The Life Of Times" tour on October 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage) |
The megastars for the opening ceremony of the first World Cup game in the United States have been announced. Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla will headline the celebrations on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The U.S. will face Paraguay in the tournament’s opening match.
Opening celebrations will also be held in Mexico and Toronto on June 11 and June 12 — marking the first time FIFA has featured multiple opening ceremonies across different countries for a single tournament. In Canada, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatei, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince will take the stage to celebrate the opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto’s BMO Field.
Meanwhile, the opening ceremony in Mexico will include J Balvin, Tyla, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, and Danny Ocean before the tournament opener on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium.
“This opening ceremony in Los Angeles represents the extraordinary scale of what the FIFA World Cup 2026 will become,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement. “The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country.”
More artists are expected to be announced. Host cities in the U.S. will include Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York/New Jersey. Ceremonies are set to begin 90 minutes before kickoff.
- CHARISMA MADARANG, RollingStone
SOUTHAMPTON CHARGED BY EFL AFTER BEING ACCUSED OF SPYING ON MIDDLESBROUGH
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| The Riverside Stadium hosts the first leg between Middlesbrough and Southampton |
Southampton have been charged with a breach of EFL regulations after being accused of spying on a Middlesbrough training session ahead of the two clubs' Championship play-off semi-final.
The English Football League had received a complaint from Middlesbrough over allegations of unauthorised filming by someone connected to Southampton during a training session ahead of Saturday’s first leg at the Riverside Stadium.
The incident had revived memories of an incident when the League issued a fine of £200,000 to Leeds for spying on a Derby training session before a match between the two clubs in January 2019.
An EFL statement on Friday night read: "Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission.
"This follows a request from the EFL for the club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two clubs meeting in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final first leg.
"The charges relate to the following Regulations: EFL Regulation 3.4, which requires clubs to act towards each other with the utmost good faith; and EFL Regulation 127, which prohibits any club from observing, or attempting to observe, another club’s training session within 72 hours of a scheduled match between the two clubs.
"Under EFL Regulations, Southampton would ordinarily have 14 days to respond to the charges.
"However, given the nature of the matter, the EFL will ask the Independent Disciplinary Commission to shorten the response period and to list a hearing at the earliest opportunity.
"The League will make no further comment whilst proceedings are ongoing. "
Saints responded to the EFL charge, saying: "Southampton Football Club acknowledges the statement issued by the EFL in relation to alleged breaches of EFL Regulations.
"We can confirm that we will be fully cooperating with the League throughout this process.
"Given the ongoing nature of the matter, the club is unable to comment any further at this time."
Middlesbrough have been approached for comment by the Press Association.
Hull and Millwall met on Friday night in the other Championship semi-final, with the first leg being drawn 0-0.
Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic said he was completely unaware of the 'spygate' story surrounding Southampton.
"Why do you need to spy? We played already," Jakirovic said.
"I know everything about everything. What Middlesbrough will surprise (with?) He will put 14 players? What? Unbelievable. Really?"
Millwall manager Alex Neil said: "I would certainly comment on it if somebody from Hull was hiding in a tree videoing our training. Well, I might not have caught him yet!
"It doesn’t affect us, so I’m not going to get involved in that conversation."
The alleged incident has revived memories of when the League issued a fine of £200,000 to Leeds for a breach of its ‘good faith’ regulations in 2019.
Then Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa sent a spy to the Derby training ground before a match between the two clubs.
Bielsa, who faced fierce criticism for his actions and responded by delivering a lengthy press briefing outlining his coaching methods, paid the fine out of his own pocket.
- RTE | 100
Friday, 8 May 2026
LEBRON JAMES OFFERS BLUNT RESPONSE AFTER JJ REDICK'S VIRAL TAKE
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| Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix |
LeBron James kept his comments brief after the Lakers fell 0-2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, refusing to discuss the officiating drama despite JJ Redick’s strong postgame remarks.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was seemingly upset after their 125-107 loss on Thursday, which put them down 0-2 in the second-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
There was plenty of drama with the referees during and after the game, from Austin Reaves' confrontation with one of the officials to head coach JJ Redick's postgame comment, where he stated that LeBron gets the worst whistle of any star player he has ever seen.
LeBron, meanwhile, who finished Game 2 with 23 points and 6 assists, didn't engage in any talks about the refs and gave a short and blunt response after the loss.
"We're down 2-0," LeBron said while talking to the media postgame, via Dave McMenamin.
He was also asked about the viral JJ Redick take, to which he gave another short response.
"I don't know," he stated.
The series is now heading to Los Angeles, where the Lakers will try to protect their home court.
Game 3 will be played at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
- Basket News
FABIO WARDLEY AND DANIEL DUBOIS GETS INTO A HEATED ROW OVER 'BINDMAN' COMMENTS
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| Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois will not need all 12 rounds in their heavyweight title fight. Photo: Queensberry Promotions |
Daniel Dubois accuses Fabio Wardley of being disrespectful
Daniel Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) addressed Fabio Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) over his disrespectful comments during yesterday's final press conference in Manchester, ahead of their May 9 world heavyweight championship clash, "By the way, I heard you call me the dust man, and I'm gonna collect the trash, boy!"
During a fight week interview, the WBO world heavyweight champion was asked to assign Dubois an occupation in a playful scenario where he wasn't a professional boxer. Wardley guessed that he would likely be a binman.
Dubois did not take the comment well, "Na, it's disrespect, so I'm going to put it right in the ring, boy. I'm gonna bust his bubble anyway. That's what I've got to do."
Wardley replied back, "What did you say, dustman? I didn't call you the dustman. Someone asked me what you might have as a job and I said, 'He might be a binman'.
"There was no negative with that, don't let other people get into your head and tell you what it comes across like," Fabio advised.
Dubois interrupted him, "Na, I heard what you said. It's disrespect."
"You didn't hear it," Wardley quickly replied. "You didn't hear what I said because you don't run your own social media. So you didn't hear it. You let other people talk to you and tell you what you should be like. It wasn't like that. I just asked what job you might have and I said a binman. I didn't say it was a bad job."
A former recruitment consultant, Ipswich's Wardley is unbeaten in 21 contests and has won English, British, Commonwealth, two Interim world titles, and a WBO World heavyweight title, which is remarkable considering he had just four white collar bouts behind him and didn't start boxing until his 20s.
Dubois is the opposite to that, he has been boxing since he was a kid, had a stellar amateur career winning 69 from 75 bouts, collecting national and international titles. He turned pro to much acclaim after famously dropping the reigning IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in sparring as a teenager. Promoter Frank Warren built him with the moniker #everybelt, which came to fruition as he currently has at least 14 titles in his trophy cabinet, which includes the WBA Regular and IBF World heavyweight titles.
Their collision this Saturday night in Manchester is set to produce fireworks with both explosive heavyweights sharing a powerful 95% HO ratio, hence why the event is called, 'Don't Blink'.
- Tim Rickson
REAL MADRID PREPARING FAREWELL TRIBUTE FOR CLUB CAPTAIN AT THE BERNABEU
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| Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images |
According to journalist Alberto Pereiro, Real Madrid are finalising preparations for a grand farewell tribute to club captain Dani Carvajal during the final home match of the season against Athletic Club on 24 May.
The veteran right-back is set to leave the club upon the expiration of his contract this June, with no renewal being offered to the 34-year-old.
His departure stems from a difficult final campaign marred by persistent injuries and a significant reduction in playing time following the arrival of new defensive reinforcements in Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Santiago Bernabeu says goodbye to a legend
A recent foot fracture has sidelined him, casting doubt on whether he can physically participate in the final league fixtures.
Regardless of his fitness, the Bernabeu tribute will celebrate a legendary career that began as a ten-year-old in the club’s academy.
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| An icon says goodbye. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) |
Since his first-team debut in 2013, Carvajal has amassed over 430 appearances and won a joint-record 27 major trophies, including six Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns.
His legacy as one of the club’s greatest-ever defenders remains untouchable, even amidst a tense final few months for the squad defined by internal friction with manager Alvaro Arbeloa and some of his staff members.
The tribute on the final matchday against Athletic Club is expected to be a highly emotional affair, marking the departure of the last active member of the squad that secured the historic “La Decima” in 2014.
Fans attending the Santiago Bernabeu will have the opportunity to show their appreciation for a player who set an example for every young prospect coming through the Real Madrid youth academy.
- Raghavendra Goudar
IT THIS THE NEXT 'WAKA WAKA'? SHAKIRA WITH BURNA BOY TEASES NEW FIFA WORLD CUP SONG | VIDEO
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| Colombian singer Shakira performs during a free concert at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 2, 2026. — AFP pic |
LOS ANGELES, May 8 — Colombian pop idol Shakira on Thursday teased the new official song for the 2026 World Cup, releasing a brief video of the track filmed at Brazil’s iconic Maracana Stadium.
The singer – who also created the 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka” – announced the song, titled “Dai Dai” in a post on her Instagram account.
In the 67-second video, Shakira appears on the pitch at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, where she performed in a free concert at the city’s Copacabana Beach last Saturday before two million people.
Holding the “Trionda”, the official match ball of the 2026 World Cup, Shakira performed excerpts of the song in English, joined by dancers dressed in the colors of teams including the United States and Colombia.
The song was produced with Nigerian artist Burna Boy and is set for official release on May 14. The clip, also shared by the Fifa World Cup account, ends with the message: “We’re ready!”
Shakira has a long association with the World Cup, performing at the 2006 and 2014 World Cup finals in addition to producing “Waka Waka” for the 2010 tournament. — AFP
'LEAKED' AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI DM'S RELEASED AFTER BURST-UP WITH FEDERICO VALVERDE
The drama between Real Madrid teammates Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde has taken another twist.
Real Madrid released a statement on Thursday evening confirming they have opened disciplinary action against both midfielders following the training ground incident that left Valverde with a head injury.
The Spanish giants said: "Real Madrid CF announces that, following the events that took place this morning in the first team training session, it has decided to open disciplinary proceedings against our players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni. The club will announce the resolutions of both cases in due course, once the corresponding internal procedures have been completed."
In a separate statement, Real Madrid revealed Valverde has been “diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury” following the altercation with Tchouameni. However, they added Valverde is “at home in good condition” and “must remain at rest between 10 and 14 days” as he recovers.
The diagnosis means Valverde, one of Real Madrid’s standout performers in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Los Blancos, will miss Sunday’s crucial El Clasico against Barcelona away at Camp Nou.
Barcelona will secure the 2025-26 La Liga title with a win or draw this weekend.
Federico Valverde Released Statement
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| Federico Valverde |
The injured Valverde released a statement via social media, insisting his bust-up with Tchouameni was a “disagreement” rather than a “fight”.
The Uruguay international, who is considered one of the world’s best midfielders, added: “During the argument, I accidentally hit a table, causing a small cut on my forehead that required a routine visit to the hospital.
“At no point did my teammate hit me, and I didn't hit him either, although I understand it's easier for you to believe we came to blows or that it was intentional, but that didn't happen.
“I feel that my anger about the situation, my frustration at seeing some of us struggling to get through the end of the season, giving it our all, pushed me to the point of arguing with a teammate.
“I’m sorry. I'm truly sorry because this situation hurts me, this moment we're going through is painful. Real Madrid is one of the most important things in my life, and I can't be indifferent to it.
“The result is an accumulation of things that culminate in a senseless fight, damaging my image and leaving room for doubt that they'll fabricate stories, slander, and add fuel to the fire of an accident.”
'Leaked' DMs From Tchouameni Released
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| Aurelien Tchouameni |
Over on X (Twitter), the account @AQABABE has posted screenshots claiming to be from a conversation with Tchouameni.
The France international allegedly said: "Something happened but I can't say anything,” before adding, "I told you nothing happened yesterday in the sense that there was no fight."
Tchouameni then allegedly said: "I didn't punch him, it’s not true, that’s all I can tell you." He added: "His head hit the ground."
@AQABABE then released a screen recording in an attempt to convince doubters that the DMs legitimately came from Tchouameni’s official Instagram account.
If the DMs are legit then it confirms that both Valverde and Tchouameni agree no punches were thrown during the bust-up, despite reports to the contrary.
- Rob Swan
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