Shakira, FIFA, Burna Boy, J Balvin, Tyla
Ahead of 11 June 2026

Shakira will perform the official World Cup song at the opening ceremony in Mexico before Mexico face South Africa. Burna Boy, J Balvin and Tyla are also part of the show at Estadio Azteca.

FIFA will stage separate opening ceremonies in Mexico, Canada and the United States for the first matches in each host nation. Shakira is also listed for the final’s half-time show alongside Madonna and BTS.

1860 Munich, Hasan Ismaik, Gernot Mang
4 June 2026

1860 Munich terminated their cooperation agreement with investor Hasan Ismaik after the club failed to secure a third-tier licence. The decision follows forced relegation to the Regionalliga and years of unrest around the ownership structure.

Ismaik withdrew approved loans and refused emergency funding as the club faced a €2.7 million shortfall. President Gernot Mang confirmed the licensing failure, leaving 1860 Munich facing another damaging rebuild in the fourth tier.

FIFA, Gianni Infantino, World Cup teams
4 June 2026

FIFA has changed the World Cup pre-match ceremony so substitutes will join starters in the centre circle during national anthems. The new format will also include larger flag banners and a dedicated player entrance arch.

FIFA says the change is designed to give every fan a clearer stadium view of the ceremony. Later rounds may add coloured smoke and pyrotechnics before matches, with traditional handshakes and team photos still following the anthems.

Robbie Keane, Celtic, Dermot Desmond
4 June 2026

Several Celtic supporter groups have backed a statement opposing Robbie Keane’s potential appointment as manager. The criticism centres on his previous role with Maccabi Tel Aviv during the conflict in Gaza and warns the move would divide the fanbase.

Keane has reportedly held talks with Dermot Desmond while Celtic decide whether to continue with Martin O’Neill. Supporters including the Green Brigade argue his Maccabi spell conflicts with the club’s identity and wider supporter values.

Japan, Tigres UANL, Monterrey
4 June 2026

Japan changed training venues in Monterrey before the World Cup after players found an uneven pitch with dirt patches at their original facility. The squad moved from Tigres UANL’s ground to Monterrey’s El Barrial base.

The issue went viral on Mexican social media and drew criticism of Tigres UANL’s facility. Japan open against Netherlands in Arlington before returning to Monterrey to face Tunisia, then meet Sweden in their final group match.

Erling Haaland, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Enrique Riquelme
4 June 2026

Manchester City are considering legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme used Erling Haaland’s image while promising to sign him. City denied any release clause and said there is no chance of the striker moving to Madrid.

Riquelme displayed a Madrid shirt with Haaland’s name during a television appearance and also promised to pursue Rodri. Haaland’s father and agent dismissed the claim, while City warned the image use could trigger legal action.