arabnews.com - Relocating World Cup matches unlikely despite Trump rhetoric, current and former officials say

Relocating World Cup matches unlikely despite Trump rhetoric, current and former officials say

NEW YORK: Senior figures behind the 2026 World Cup dismissed concerns that US president Donald Trump could move matches from cities he does not deem “safe.” Republican president Trump said last month that he would consider moving games from Democrat-controlled San Francisco and Seattle if they did not cooperate with his immigration and crime initiatives. He raised the issue again this week, this time targeting Boston and its Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu, suggesting he could appeal directly to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino. John Kristick, who led Canada, Mexico and the United States’ successful bid to jointly host the 2026 finals, emphasized that planning has been underway for nearly a decade and remains unaffected by political rhetoric. “From what I’m seeing, there’s been zero distraction in terms of the preparedness,” Kristick, co-head of global events at Playfly Sports Consulting, told Reuters. “Tickets are already being sold.

Unbeaten Dortmund confident ahead of trip to ‘unique’ Bayern, says Kovac

BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund’s undefeated run has filled the team with confidence ahead of Der Klassiker at champions Bayern Munich on Saturday despite the hosts’ impressive 10-match winning streak in all competitions, coach Niko Kovac said on Thursday. Kovac, who took over in the middle of last season, has seen Dortmund go unbeaten in Germany and Europe this term. They sit second in the Bundesliga, four points behind Bayern. “We are solid at the moment and that is the basis if you want to have any success. Of course we know the form of Bayern — 10 wins from 10 games (across all competitions),” Kovac told a press conference in Dortmund. “We are on 2.3 points per game (on average) which is pretty good but they are on three points.

Azeem Rafiq stays true to his cause

LONDON: It is two years since I first met Azeem Rafiq in Dubai to discuss the launch of his book, “It’s not banter, it’s racism.” A video of our wide-ranging discussion was published by Arab News, along with a summary of the interview.

Exciting Strasbourg youngsters face PSG test in Ligue 1

While PSG’s position at the top is no surprise, Strasbourg are exceeding expectationsThis season, Strasbourg became the first team in the history of the five major European domestic leagues to field 11 starters born in 2000 or laterPARIS: Ligue 1 leader Paris Saint-Germain host third-placed Strasbourg on Friday with just one point separating them.While PSG’s position at the top is no surprise, Strasbourg — owned by Chelsea’s parent company BlueCo. since 2023 — are exceeding expectations.The team feature homegrown talents and have been flourishing since English coach Liam Rosenior took over.

Contacts

Arabnews.com Sport News

Relocating World Cup matches unlikely despite Trump rhetoric, current and former officials say

Unbeaten Dortmund confident ahead of trip to ‘unique’ Bayern, says Kovac

Azeem Rafiq stays true to his cause

Exciting Strasbourg youngsters face PSG test in Ligue 1

Saudi Arabia’s premier Overwatch 2 tournament returns

Have the UAE missed a golden chance of World Cup return?

Dubai Basketball extends Head Coach Jurica Golemac’s contract until 2028

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner opens Six Kings Slam with dominant win in Riyadh