Key events

2h ago Klopp agent rejects persistent Real Madrid speculation
3h ago David Sullivan resigns as West Ham chairman
4h ago Preamble

Several star players will be absent from this summer World Cup. Yara El-Shaboury has put together an XI of notable absentees featuring names such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Fifa has withdrawn World Cup tickets given to around 60 supporters who received them without payment after a site glitch, and the governing body now requires full settlement.

The passes were issued at zero cost because of a checkout payment problem, Fifa stated on Thursday.

Fifa expressed regret over the mistake and any resulting disruption. The seats stay reserved and the supporters have been asked to pay the proper price.

This adds to ongoing issues with the World Cup ticketing system that officials in New York and New Jersey are reviewing for possible consumer law breaches.

The incorrectly priced tickets went on sale via the official site on 21 May, more than three months after Gianni Infantino declared every game sold out.

Have you downloaded your World Cup wall chart? If not, you can print this version ahead of the opening matches next week.

Numerous international friendlies are scheduled for today. Among them are...

Portugal v Chile
United States v Germany
Switzerland v Australia
Brazil v Egypt
Bolivia v Scotland
England v New Zealand

Steve Clarke thinks Haiti impressive win over New Zealand may help Scotland avoid complacency ahead of their opening fixture. The 4-0 result in Florida caught attention north of the border, with Clarke side expected to beat the world 82nd ranked side to advance from Group C alongside Morocco and Brazil. Scotland meet Haiti in Boston next Saturday.

Marlon is not alone in forecasting an England versus France final. Richard writes:

I also see an England France final.

Marlon contacted us after using our Bracketology tool to map England path to the final.

England defeating France in the final. Sure.

Right, that concludes my stint. Emillia returns to cover further football developments.

Jacob Steinberg

Tuchel sure sharp Kane is ready to captain England at World Cup

Thomas Tuchel stated Harry Kane is in excellent condition and prepared to guide England at the World Cup. The Bayern Munich forward has often lacked full fitness at past tournaments yet enjoyed a strong campaign in Germany and appeared at his physical peak during this week training.

England travelled to Florida to adjust to expected high temperatures and have trained in demanding conditions at their West Palm Beach camp.

Tuchel emphasises recovery and recognises the squad success depends largely on Kane remaining fit. The national record scorer stays central despite earlier form and fitness concerns at Euro 2024 and enjoys full manager support before the side travels across Florida to meet New Zealand in Tampa on Saturday.

He looks in top shape, Tuchel said. He looks lean, sharp and trains at the highest level. We held a defensive session today and he set the intensity. He is accustomed to Bayern high press and intense play in the opposition half. He leads by example. I believe he is in peak condition.

He is ready. We need not worry about him even in June heat. He has demonstrated all week he is prepared. He is our key player.

Further reports from Jacob Steinberg in Florida:

Barney Ronay

Power and glory: World Cup set to deliver unmissable spectacle

This is the end of elaborate plans, the end of everything that stands. It feels appropriate that football latest journey into uncharted territory, a venture so distinctive you may never seek another, should be a World Cup led by a troubled figure with a saviour complex operating outside normal sporting rules, the warrior poet Swiss lawyer the game never realised it required.

The 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada begins properly on 11 June at Azteca Stadium. The event will then unfold over 39 days, 16 host cities, 104 matches and a 6000 mile stretch from Mexico City south to Vancouver north and Boston east. Ten years in planning, the outcome of a century of influence and excess, this is by most measures not merely the biggest sporting occasion ever held but the biggest event period, as they say in America.

How football reflects the world, part 95. Estimates suggest the tournament will produce 80bn dollars in worldwide economic activity across its span, roughly the GDP of Belarus. If the World Cup were a nation someone would already have placed nuclear arms there. We witness big sport in its ultimate global shape. Yet also, in keeping with current trends, a show shaped around one opportunistic leader.

This is now Gianni Infantino realm, a man who projects total belief in his own artificiality, waving arms like a Las Vegas magician, distributing favours amid applause, smiling piously at the power table even while his own peace prize patron launches multiple military moves in a year, all while speaking of joy, love, unity, hope. Or as Shakira might say, Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let us go.

Read Barney Ronay full column here:

Here is a quick Super Lig note, Vincenzo Italiano has been named Besiktas coach.

The 48 year old Italian agreed a two year contract with the Turkish club, which has not claimed a league title since 2021.

Former Fiorentina and Bologna manager becomes the 11th coach at Besiktas in five years after Frenchman Valerien Ismael, Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Klopp agent rejects annoying Real Madrid speculation

Jurgen Klopp agent has dismissed suggestions the former Liverpool manager would take the Real Madrid job if Enrique Riquelme wins the presidency.

Marc Kosicke rejected Riquelme claim that the German, now Red Bull global football head, would become coach after a statement named him first choice if elected on Sunday.

In a social media post Kosicke said: It is annoying. Jurgen Klopp is content at Red Bull and has no wish to coach at a club.

A statement from Riquelme office reported by Sky Sports read: We know Jurgen Klopp has said he does not intend to return to the bench soon and has declined many offers. That is why we think the Real Madrid challenge is unique. There are great clubs but only one Real Madrid. Only one institution that unites tradition and future, values and ambition, passion and excellence.

For that reason if members trust me this Sunday on Monday 8 June Raul Gonzalez Blanco our proposed sporting director will contact Jurgen Klopp personally to present our project and our desire for him to lead our new era from the bench at Real Madrid.

More on this story:

Some women international news, Australia suffered a surprise home loss to Mexico. Here is the AAP report from Newcastle New South Wales:

Coach Joe Montemurro lamented the Matildas poor choices in a shock 1-0 stoppage time defeat to Mexico on home soil.

A disjointed Matildas side wasted chances at McDonald Jones Stadium while Alice Soto set up Diana Ordonez for the winner.

Rankings made the hosts strong favourites with Matildas welcoming Steph Catley Emily van Egmond Mary Fowler and Ellie Carpenter back for the match against the 15th ranked side on Saturday night.

Yet none of Australia established players scored from 19 shots while Mexico managed 12 in front of 23167 fans.

It was the Matildas first home game since their 1-0 Asian Cup final loss to Japan in March after sweeping FIFA Series matches against Malawi and Kenya in April.

Montemurro assessment was straightforward: We did not score goals.

The attacking third I have said many times is hard to coach because it involves feeling and timing.

Many things occur in those zones and the decisions were incorrect. It is that simple.

And with that it is time for lunch. Tom Bassam takes over for the next hour.

I have heard the same from others. It may relate to the Premier League season finishing only two weeks ago and the Champions League final last weekend. Too much football?

You can also view the selection by Zohran Mamdani mayor of New York City in the video below.

I chose Spain to win. Let me know your pick.

Before news of David Sullivan departure from West Ham I asked which nation you expect to win the World Cup. Jack replied:

I cannot look past Spain. Quality depth in every position blending pragmatism and skill after a Euros triumph and an improved Yamal.

I am unsure if they count as a dark horse but my underrated pick is Brazil. Still a flawed side with history yet Ancelloti is the right manager to deliver the hexa.

That was unexpected news. Let us return to World Cup discussion.

Any further developments will be shared.

Further details on Sullivan resignation:

David Sullivan departure follows almost two weeks after West Ham relegation from the Premier League. Here is Jacob Steinberg comment on that...

West Ham also issued a statement on Sullivan resignation.

It reads: West Ham United confirms Joint Chairman David Sullivan has stepped down with immediate effect.

Mr Sullivan has also resigned as director of WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club after learning of impending serious historic allegations. None relate to West Ham or its operations.

Through his legal team Mr Sullivan denies any illegal conduct and chose to step down to prevent club disruption while he addresses the matter privately.

Interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani reporting to the current Board will continue leading daily operations. The club will update on future board structure but offers no further comment now.

The complete statement from David Sullivan:

I have recently learned that factually incorrect and entirely false decades old allegations about my personal life are due to be broadcast and published.

The false claims have been sensationalised by media. After a lifetime building businesses in the adult industry where I met thousands of women it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims arise. I categorically deny these claims.