FIFA, World Cup, American Hotel & Lodging Association
20 May 2026

US hotels fear the expected World Cup tourism boom may fall short after bookings came in below expectations across most host cities. The American Hotel and Lodging Association said hotel demand does not match FIFA’s reported ticket sales.

The association blamed FIFA’s large room blocks for creating artificial demand before many reservations were released. FIFA rejected the claim, saying room releases followed agreed timelines, while hotels hope late bookings rise before the tournament starts.

Wrexham, Josh Windass, Southampton
20 May 2026

Wrexham forward Josh Windass questioned why the Championship play-offs were not restarted after Southampton were expelled for spying on opponents. Wrexham missed the play-offs by two points and are now monitoring possible action after the ruling.

Windass argued the four-team play-off should start again with Wrexham replacing Southampton after the EFL ruling. The club is waiting for the full written reasons before deciding whether compensation or another legal route could be considered.

Michael Salisbury, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest
20 May 2026

Referee Michael Salisbury was not selected for the final Premier League matchday after a controversial VAR incident in Manchester United’s win over Nottingham Forest. PGMOL later admitted Matheus Cunha’s goal should have been disallowed for handball in the buildup.

Salisbury allowed the goal to stand after rejecting a pitchside VAR review involving Bryan Mbeumo’s handball. Referees’ chief Howard Webb told Forest that football’s expectation would have been for the goal to be ruled out.

World Cup, USMNT, FIFA
19 May 2026

World Cup resale ticket prices have dropped to their lowest average level since mid-January, with group-stage get-in prices falling sharply. USMNT opener tickets have also dropped below 1,000 dollars for the first time since January.

TicketData figures show weaker resale demand across several teams, including the USMNT, Iraq and Turkey. Some fixtures remain expensive, but falling prices suggest sellers are adjusting expectations before the tournament begins on 11 June.