Sports
New York To Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, organisers FIFA announced on Sunday.
The New York bid held off a strong challenge from Dallas to secure the July 19 game, the culmination of the expanded 48-team tournament being co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The competition will kick-off with the opening game at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium on June 11.
Atlanta and Dallas will host the semi-finals while the third-place game will take place in Miami.
READ ALSO: AFCON 2023: Nigeria, S/Africa Renew Rivalry In Semifinal Clash
The decisions were announced on a live television broadcast in North America which featured FIFA president Gianni Infantino alongside comedian and actor Kevin Hart, rapper Drake and celebrity Kim Kardashian.
The 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium, across the Hudson river in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is the home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets but has held a number of international football games including the final of the 2016 Copa America tournament.
The New York bid had lobbied hard on the city’s experience at hosting major international events and it’s position as a global city with easy transportation connections for fans.
Dallas had hoped that AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, would benefit from having a roof to protect the game from the elements.
READ ALSO: Last Surviving Player Of 1958 World Cup Final, Hamrin, Is Dead
Los Angeles had also thrown their hat into the ring but their attempt struggled amid disagreements with FIFA about tournament upgrades needed to their NFL venue, SoFi Stadium.
The Azteca will become the first stadium to host World Cup tournament games in three separate editions after 1970 and 1986.
The venue hosted the finals of the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.
Neymar in, Paqueta out as Brazil launch World Cup campaign
The United States will kick off their group stage campaign at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12 and will also play in Seattle.
Toronto was selected to host the first game for the Canadian team. Vancouver is the other Canadian venue which will host the team.
Sports
EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title
Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.
City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.
The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.
READ ALSO:EPL: Chelsea Winger, Mudryk Banned For Four Years After Failing Drug Test
Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.
He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.
“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”
Sports
UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies
Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.
Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.
Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.
READ ALSO:EPL: Guardiola Reveals Only Chance Man City Will Win Title Ahead Of Arsenal
According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.
“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.
“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.
READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal In Shock Move To Sign Kvaratskhelia From PSG
“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.
“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”
Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.
Sports
Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.
Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.
“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.
READ ALSO:Grassroots To Global Podium: Edo Sports Commission Marks Enabulele’s First Year In Office
He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.
“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.
The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.
Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.
READ ALSO:2025 NYG: Be Determined, Enabulele Charges Team Edo, As Screening Commences In A’Ibom
“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.
Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.
“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.
He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.
-
Politics4 days ago
2027: Tinubu’s Re-election May Put An End To Nigeria — Baba Ahmed Warns
-
Metro5 days ago
I’m A Street Girl’ – Bimbo Ademoye Clashes With Area Boys [VIDEO]
-
Politics5 days ago
BREAKING: 2027: Former Adamawa APC Guber Candidate, Aishatu Binani Defects To NDC
-
Business4 days ago
JUST IN: Nigerian Filling Stations Reduce Fuel Price After Hike
-
Politics5 days ago
Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Actress Eniola Badmus Gets New Federal Appointment
-
News5 days ago
10 African Countries With Highest Petrol Prices In Prices In April 2026
-
News2 days ago
BREAKING: Wike Picks Alabo George For Rivers Governorship
-
News3 days ago
OPINION: Why South Africans Murder Nigerians In Cold Blood
-
Politics4 days ago
NDC Speaks On Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Joining Party