Even though the Qatar World Cup won't start until the winter, some emotions have already begun to surface among football enthusiasts.
For thousands of fans, it is a novel experience because alcohol is also prohibited at stadiums.
Fans may now be ready for additional changes in the 2026 edition, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, according to The Sun.
The current structure will be expanded by an additional 14 teams. 16 groups of three teams each were originally planned for the 2026 World Cup, with the top two teams qualifying.
But that can result in a situation where teams settle for draws in order to advance to the next round. In a group of four, it is still feasible but more difficult to control.
Football administrators are currently debating going back to 12 groups comprising four nations. The top two advance automatically, and the eight best third-place teams compete for a spot.
This year, the participating nations will compete in 64 matches in Qatar, but that number might reach a staggering 104 matches in 2026.
The competition would last 35 days instead of 28, which would be difficult for teams and players all across the world.
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“He has already said ‘OK’” – Di Marzio suggests ‘it’s just a matter of time’ before Chelsea star joins Italian giants
Hakim Ziyech, a forward for Chelsea, is getting closer to a transfer to AC Milan, according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. According to reports, the Moroccan has consented to join Stefano Pioli's team, who are looking to recruit him this summer.For €40 million, Hakim Ziyech moved from Ajax to the Blues. The 29-year-old had a challenging season with the west London club because he had trouble keeping up with the Premier League's physical and quick demands.
The winger struggled to advance last season, scoring just eight goals in 44 games across all competitions, making it difficult for him to establish a consistent spot in Thomas Tuchel's starting lineup.
According to Di Marzio, Ziyech wants to leave Thomas Tuchel's team, who are also eager to let the winger go. The Italian powerhouses might try to recruit him on a loan "with an option to buy, maybe a commitment to buy," he continued.
AC Milan, however, is finding it difficult to deal with Ziyech's exorbitant wage. In his remarks to Wett Freunde, Di Marzio said:
Ziyech desires to depart from Chelsea. I believe Chelsea wants to part with Ziyech. It's only a matter of time, in my opinion. He has already given his approval to AC Milan's proposal, but they must work with Chelsea to come to a fair deal, whether through a loan with a buy option or a promise to buy.
"His hefty compensation of €6 million net is the issue. For Italian football, that is incredibly high. The bond between Chelsea and AC Milan is strong."
Due to previous player transfers between the two clubs, Chelsea and AC Milan share a tight relationship. Last summer, the Blues sold Olivier Giroud and Fikayo Tomori to the Serie A team.
This summer, Callum Hudson-Odoi might leave Stamford Bridge like Hakim Ziyech did. The Blues are trying to rebuild their offense because one of the main factors in their failure last season was the front line's inability to score goals and be creative.
Raheem Sterling, a winger for Manchester City, is about to be signed by the team, according to Si.com. The Guardian claims that Thomas Tuchel's team is also the front-runner to sign Raphina, a winger for Leeds United, this summer.
The improvement of Hudson-Odoi last season was limited by recurrent injuries and poor play. Only 15 Premier League games were played by the 21-year-old for the Blues.
If the Blues add Raphina this summer, his playing time might decline even further. He might then look to transfer to a team where he will often start. Newcastle United is reportedly interested in signing the winger, according to Teamtalk.
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