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Man Utd, Chelsea chase hot Orban

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Man Utd, Chelsea chase hot Orban

Major Premier League Clubs chase after the signature of the sizzling speedy Nigerian forward

 

Gift Emmanuel Orban: The KAA Gent talent who is already writing history | Transfermarkt

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

One of the hottest Nigerian players in the summer transfer market is Gift Orban and Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Fulham-all of them Premier League clubs-who should be wise to this fact, are now conjoined in the mad race to sign the sizzling KAA Gent striker.

 

Though, not even capped by Nigeria, but the 20-year-old who has consistently turned heads in the Belgian Jupiler League this season, is now under the searchlight of major Premier League sides.

 

Yet, very little of this latest sensation was known less than a year ago before his unnoticed move to the Belgian side in January, where he’s found the net 19 times in equal number of games in all competitions.

 

Significantly, 14 of his strikes came from only 13 league games, catapulting his modest Belgian side to fifth placing in the country’s major Professional League term.

 

Before now, Orban was only being tutored in Norway’s second tier outfit Stabaek where he scored 19 goals in 24 matches the previous year.

 

In his remarkable short spell under Belgian football skies, so far the Nigerian forward has also thrown in another five goals in six Europa Conference League games this season to Gent’s sensational season, as well as being credited with scoring the quickest hat-trick in the history of UEFA club championships by scoring 3 times within 205 seconds in Gent’s 4-1 pre-quarterfinals bashing of Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir.

 

Another recent hattrick against Cercle Brugge, further attests to Orban’s resilience, consistency and reliability as a major marksman and striker of reckon.

 

The Nigerian’s striking qualities are his blazing speed and the remarkable suave striker’s instinct to always turn up in the right place at the correct time -major requirements for prospective Premier League forward liners-the combination of physicality and natural endowment that should serve him very well should he opt for life in snazzy English football.

 

No wonder then that the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Fulham, have all taken notice, and sent recruiters to Belgian to scout Orban.

 

Gift Orban, dalla Nigeria di Osimhen alla tripletta in 3 minuti e 24 secondi

 

The Evening Standard, reports that Man United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham join some clubs who have asked scouts to keep tabs on Orban this term.

 

In addition, the report claims that Gent would only listen to ‘huge’ deals for the Nigerian, who is to tied to the Ghelamco Arena through summer 2027.

 

Orban has also been reported to be very contented with his situation at Gent and is enthusiastic to maintain his growth in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League before pondering a transfer to another clime.

 

Erik ten Hag is ambitious to hire a world-class striker and a midfielder to his Man United side this term should Old Trafford capture Champions League football qualification for the upcoming season.

 

Meanwhile, it is being rumored that Nigeria manager José Peseiro will hand the forward his first Nigeria senior team callup in Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games in June and September.

 

According to Soccernet, Orban is in Peseiro’s list for the game against Sierra Leone in June, and São Tomé and Príncipe in September after the manager completed a highly rewarding scouting visit of Belgium.

 

The forward initially turned down the call-up to country’s the Olympic Eagles in March citing earlier club commitments as his reason.

 

Forest fans not excited by Dennis return

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Forest fans not excited by Dennis return

 As Reds prepare to face a rampaging Arsenal side

 

Nottingham Forest FC - Emmanuel Dennis Profile

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Brazilian Gustavo Scarpa is all but confirmed to miss the rest of the season after inflicting a recurrence of his calf injury just as forward Emmanuel Dennis returns to the Nottingham Forest fold, says Reds boss Cooper. But, a section of Reds fans appear to be unenthusiastic with the likely return of the Nigeria international to the Forest lineup.

 

Here’s what Forest fans have said on social media concerning the current injury situation at the City Ground…

 

Peter Plackett: Dennis I’m not so bothered about, but Scarpa I wish him a speedy recovery… he will be good for us.

 

Andrew Savage: Dennis? I wouldn’t pick him if he was super fit.

 

Rich Watson: If he is fit still do not play him.

 

Danny Barnsley: Dennis cannot come back and jump in the squad, we’ve found a team that’s starting to gel well. Don’t try fixing something that isn’t broken.

 

Relegation fighting Nottingham Forest has been handed a major boost against Arsenal, as Dennis returns to the training ground ahead of their crucial Premier League battle on Saturday.

 

Steve Cooper’s battlers face an acid test in their effort to maintain the status quo for another spell in English top-flight football by getting a critical result at the City Ground.

 

The Reds are only three points clear of the drop zone with just two games remaining, and must now dig in deeper to keep at bay an Arsenal side still on the hunt for the Premier crown, after decades of being contented as also rans.

 

Forest will take a confidence boosting two consecutive home victories-a 3-1 besting of Brighton, as well as a 4-3 triumph over Southampton-to the fray against the Gunners.

 

Now, Forest will hope to take their best to war mongers against Mikel Arteta’s side, and have Dennis returning to the fold. The Nigerian has two goals to his name following his transfer from Watford last summer.

 

Adesanya gets September date with TBA Foe

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Adesanya gets September date with TBA Foe

The Octagon returns to Australia for UFC 293 in September

Robert Whittaker Israel Adesanya

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

It’s almost on-Israel Adesanya versus Dricus du Plessis-following UFC President Dana White’s official video posting on the UFC’s official Twitter ANZ page that the Octagon will make its anticipated return to Australia later this year.

 

“We just did a deal with New South Wales government, which will bring three pay-per-view events to Sydney over the next four years,” White said. “The first of these events will be happening on September 10th [September 9 in the United States] this year for UFC 293.”

This is a good tiding for fight fans in Australia, as the company is giddy up with shows in the region all the way to 2027.

According to FOX Sports Australia, Robert Whittaker could easily usurp the headlining situation for UFC 293 in Australia if he is able to subdue du Plessis at UFC 290 on July 8. Fox Sports maintains the main event for UFC 293 in Sydney is intended for Adesanya’s UFC Middleweight Championship in a likely nine-week finish. Should du Plessis overcome Whittaker, then it’s possible he would get the immediate shot at 185-pound championship.

Despite his 0-2 standing against Adesanya, Robert Whittaker has been astute in his stance that he feels he will have the answer if he faces off against the Nigerian born Aussie in the Octagon a third time.

“He doesn’t want to fight me,” Whittaker told Fox Sports Australia. “I’m the hardest fight in the division for him. That first one, not so good for me. The second one, nearly. This third one though, I have a really good feeling I am. I’ve been evolving every fight, you can see it. If you watch back my fights, every fight I’ve been getting better. I think I’m the biggest threat to him and his reign at the present moment. So, of course he wants him (Du Plessis) to win. It’s a much easier fight, but it doesn’t bother me.”

Adesanya was also called out by du Plessis, who in turn took to his Twitter account to marvel over the UFC Middleweight Champion’s difficulty in saying his name.

“So you won’t say my name, that’s smart you better not. I don’t need your airtime at all, I have my whole continent of AFRICA behind me. Go enjoy your very spectacular victory at home in New Zealand. We are Africa we fear nothing,” Du Plessis wrote.

On his part, Adesanya has vowed to take his game up a notch when the opportunity presents to clash with either Whittaker or du Plessis in his next fight.

 

In his last ring encounter, Adesanya was finally able to find a way around Alex Pereira even doing so with a spectacular knockout, and regaining the UFC middleweight diadem in the process. Currently, his sights are affixed on the hereafter.

While a segment of pundits and admirers salivate over another encounter with ‘Poatan’ to score a trilogy joust, the Brazilian seems to focused to move up in weight class to the light heavyweight division. Adesanya, meanwhile, is already aware of the two figures posing to be his next foe in the Octagon.

In July, Whittaker will meet du Plessis in a title eliminator at UFC 290. The winner is now billed to tango against ‘Stylebender’ in September at UFC 293.

Be certain the Aussie is feeling pretty confident of his abilities.

“Face The Pain! Back in the day when you heard this track…you know s***s about to get REAL!! We’ve come a looong way as a sport. It’s been awesome to watch the growth…then I jumped in the game and played my part in taking it to new levels and to millions (and millions) of new people around the (world). My next game will be something special, regardless of who wins. Who do you want to win, Rob or Dricus and why?”

Adesanya is ready. Du Plessis is too. So is Whittaker. The fight is on. You can bet on it.

Tyson Unleashes Fury on UFC Commentator

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Tyson Unleashes Fury on UFC Commentator

Slams Joe Rogan: “Little bald-headed midget”

 

Tyson Fury Joe Rogan

 

Boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is none too pleased with UFC color commentator Joe Rogan’s recent comments, writes Fernando Quiles for BJPENN.COM.

Rogan recently told comedian Andrew Schultz that if Fury and UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones were fighting in a room, there’s no way “The Gypsy King” would stand a chance of making it out of that room. Rogan said Fury’s only realistic opportunity would be to catch Jones with one punch, and he doesn’t believe that would happen.

Tyson Fury Blasts Joe Rogan

Fury caught wind of Rogan’s opinion and he went off in a video posted on his Instagram Stories:

“I’m the baddest man on the planet,” Fury said. “I heard Joe Rogan say something about me, and I’ve been off all social media, so I didn’t reply that little p**sy. Little f***ing bald-headed midget. I heard him say that Jon Jones could f**k me up if we were in a room together. I don’t think so. Not a man born from a mother could f**k me up in a room on our own. Whatever happens in that room I’ll be walking out. No f***ing problem.”

Fury’s next move has been a bit of a mystery to fight fans. His last bout was against Derek Chisora, a bout “The Gypsy King” won easily via 10th-round TKO. Many slammed the booking of the fight, and Fury became quite hostile whenever asked about the legitimacy of the matchup.

Some boxing fans have even accused Tyson Fury of ducking Oleksandr Usyk. Fury has given Usyk numerous ultimatums, all of which the Ukrainian heavyweight has agreed to publicly. Some say that Fury’s bluff has been called on several occasions, but “The Gypsy King” insists that Usyk is the one who is fumbling the bag. It’s led fight fans to criticize Fury for pulling the same old boxing politics card. Time will tell what Fury’s next boxing match will be.

Aribo valued for less than £4M

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Aribo valued for less than £4M

Nigeria star now face a major decision to return to former club

 

Joe Aribo:Saints' Future Up in Smoke? – THISDAYLIVE

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

For Joe Aribo to return to the Ibrox Stadium this summer, an exceptional cut price would be necessary for the move to take place.

 

Former Celtic ace  John Hartson has emerged a shock haggler in discussing the former Rangers midfielder’s unimpressive season with relegated Southampton. He insists the former Gers star is not worth more than a third of £10million in current asking price to Rangers.

 

Hartson says to Go Radio’s Football Show: “The fee would have to come down, it won’t be £10million. It would have to be at least a third of that.

 

“I’d take him back in a heartbeat if the opportunity was there but how would it work financially?

 

“Southampton will want some of the fees back if he’s out of the picture, meanwhile Michael Beale wants to build his own team. And if they sign Malik Tillman?

 

“If he became available I’d take him. He knows the club and did well so why not. But it will depend on wages and fees.”

 

The 26-year-old departed Rangers last summer for the more glamourous Premier League, with Saints coughing up to £10million for the Nigeria ace.

 

However, Aribo’s seemingly snazzy transfer soon went out of style, as he found game time hard to come by following Ralph Hasenhuttl’s exit from the coaching office.

 

Barely playing under Nathan Jones, the Nigeria midfielder only grossed 26 run outs season long with the most of them directly from the bench.

He entertained two goals to his credit along the way as Saints were dragged to relegation to the Championship cadre next season.

 

Now, Hartson figures Rangers would have him back “in a heartbeat” if a deal became possible.

 

 

Brentford and Toney for new contract talks

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Brentford and Toney for new contract talks

Despite his eight-month ban for Betting rules contravention

 

Brentford are set to open talks with Ivan Toney about extending his contract with the Bees

 

 

Brentford are set to open contract talks with Ivan Toney at the end of the season despite his eight-month ban from football for betting offences, Matt Hughes reports For Mailonline.

 

Owner Matthew Benham had been planning to listen to offers for Toney this summer, but given the England striker will be out of action until January at the earliest there is an acknowledgement at the club that other Premier League sides are unlikely to match a valuation in excess of £50million.

 

Brentford attempted to tie Toney down to a new deal earlier in the season without success before the emergence of the betting charges.

 

The club want to show their support for a player who has been instrumental to their extraordinary achievement of securing a top-10 Premier League finish despite having the division’s lowest wage-bill, as well as protecting his transfer value.

 

Toney has two years left on the £20,000-a-week contract he signed when making a £10m move from Peterborough three years ago, and although he received a modest pay-rise when Brentford were promoted to the Premier League two years ago given his goal-scoring exploits since he could command wages of over £150,000-a-week elsewhere.

 

Manager Thomas Frank and the rest of Brentford want to reward Toney for his performancesManager Thomas Frank and the rest of Brentford want to reward Toney for his performances

 

Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle expressed interest in Toney earlier this season, while Tottenham and Chelsea could also be in the market for new strikers this summer.

 

Brentford operate a strict pay-scale however, with Ben Mee currently the club’s highest-paid player on around £55,000-a-week, and were unwilling to meet Toney’s demands during negotiations last year.

 

Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle expressed interest in Toney earlier this season, while Tottenham and Chelsea could also be in the market for new strikers this summer.

 

Brentford operate a strict pay-scale however, with Ben Mee currently the club’s highest-paid player on around £55,000-a-week, and were unwilling to meet Toney’s demands during negotiations last year.

 

clause in his contract that would enable him to leave for a fixed price next summer.

 

Without signing a new contract Toney’s transfer value would drop significantly in 12 months time.

 

Brentford also have the option to terminate Toney’s contract as admitting to 232 charges of betting on football represents a clear breach of his terms.

 

While such a move would save Brentford around £640,000 in wages in the short-term based on Toney’s current deal it would cost them millions in a potential transfer fee as it would enable him to leave the club as a free agent.

 

Brentford and Toney are waiting to see the FA’s written reasons before deciding whether to appeal against the severity of the punishment, and any talks over a new deal will not begin until the process has run its course.

 

Toney is believed to be unhappy with the length of the ban, but may not choose to appeal itToney is believed to be unhappy with the length of the ban, but may not choose to appeal it

 

While Toney is believed to be unhappy with the length of the ban mounting an appeal would be risky strategy.

 

Even if successful it could result in delaying Toney’s return to action as his current ban includes two months of the close-season.

 

Any appeal would be heard by a new independent commission which could take several months to convene.

 

The FA are planning to apply to FIFA to make sure that Toney’s suspension applies worldwide, thus denying him the chance to move abroad this summer, which is regarded as a formality.

 

CAF U-17 Final: Senegal VS. Morocco

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CAF U-17 Final: Senegal VS. Morocco

Senegal VS. Morocco – TotalEnergies AFCONU17 2023 – Final

 

 

Stage set for Senegal and Morocco showdown in the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations Final at Nelson Mandela Stadium on Friday night

 

U17-final

 

The stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling final between Senegal and Morocco at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, Algeria in the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2023.

The two have been amongst the most consistent performers in the competition. The final will kick-off at 22h00 local time (21h00 GMT) and will be watched in several parts of Africa.

CAF TV partners including beIN Sport, SuperSport, Canal+, StarTimes will show the final live including 30 Free-to-Air TV stations in Africa.

In territories where there is no TV partner, CAFTV (YouTube) will show the final.

So far, the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations Algeria 2023 has been a resounding success attracting a number of top scouts from leading African clubs and also European clubs.

CAF and the Local Organizing Committee (“LOC”) have been working hard in the last few hours preparing for the final.

While the 90 minutes will be the main event, a beautiful pre-event music and entertainment performance is being prepared featuring some top artists in Algeria.

The artists include the musical group Freelance, and the Algerian legend Cheb Bilal.

Tickets for the final can be purchased on the platform TADKIRATI and in all approved distribution points.

Road to the Final:

Senegal dominated Group A, defeating Congo (1-0), Algeria (3-0) and Somalia (3-0). The Lion Cubs of Teranga knocked-out South Africa (5-0) in the quarterfinals before facing Burkina Faso (1-1) in the semi-finals, where a penalty shootout (5-4) decided the match.

Morocco also had a similar path to the Final. They finished top of their group ahead of Nigeria who they beat 1-0, South Africa (2-0) and Zambia (2-1). In the quarter-finals, they eliminated hosts Algeria (3-0). In the semis, they were held by Mali 0-0 and needed the penalties to advance (6-5).

 

TotalEnergies U17 AFCON: We were patient and organized, says Morocco’s Said Chiba

 

Morocco head coach Said Chiba during the post match press conference after the 2023 Under 17 African Cup of Nations Semifinal match between Morocco and Mali held at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine

 

Morocco’s coach Said Chiba has paid glowing tribute to his players for executing their tactical plan to the latter, as they edged out Mali 6-5 on post-match penalties in Constantine on Sunday to qualify for the final of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Atlas Cubs held on for a barren draw in regulation time, shutting out a potent Malian attack, before goalkeeper Taha Benrhozil’s heroics saw them triumph on penalties.

“We knew that we were going into a difficult game and we needed to manage it well and to ensure Mali, which is a very high-level team, does not find its rhythm and channels to attack. We played compact as to how we had planned,” the coach noted.

He added; “We were patient and very organized and this was the only solution for us to win. We executed our plan really well and these players have demonstrated a lot of tactical discipline beyond their age.”

Morocco have had one of the meanest defenses in the tournament so far, and they have only conceded twice, against Zambia, in their last Group B match in which they changed almost the entire team as qualification to the quarter final was already confirmed.

Morocco have made it to the final for the first time ever, as their best performance prior to this was a fourth-place finish when they hosted the tournament in 2013.

“I am proud of the players and proud of this team. We have made everyone at home proud and now we hope for one more beautiful story,” Chiba added.

Morocco switch attention to next Friday’s finale when they take on Senegal, who have also qualified into the final for the first time ever.

Dia delighted to guide Senegal to its first ever TotalEnergies U17 AFCON final

 

Senegal head coach Serigne Saliou Dia during the 2023 Under 17 African Cup of Nations semifinal match between Senegal and Burkina Faso held at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba

 

Senegal prevailed 5-4 on post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. This is their third participation at the tournament and in the previous two editions they have played in, the Teranga Cubs have not made it past the group stages.

“I congratulate my players who fought hard to achieve this objective of going into the final. I also congratulate Burkina Faso because it was a great quality match between the two sides,” the tactician said.

He adds; “playing the final for the first time ever is a great achievement for Senegal and we are all proud as a team.”

Looking back to the match against Burkina Faso, the coach said it was a difficult duel, with tactical and physical prowess going head to head.

“We had two opposite styles with Burkina Faso. For us we try to progress with the ball from the back while Burkina Faso play with the long balls and attacking the second balls. They were also very strong in midfield. But as a team we put in a great effort,” Dia noted.

Meanwhile, he has paid a glowing tribute to academies and youth training centres in Senegal, saying this achievement was down to the work they have put in, to nurture talent from an early age.

“I want to thank the coaches of these players from all over Senegal as well as their training centres. We are trying to put things in place as a country and to give players the Senegalese identity from a young age, instill the values in them and we are now seeing the fruits,” Dia further added.
Senegal will now face off with Morocco in the final at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Friday, where they hope to follow in the footsteps of other Senegalese national teams in winning continental titles.

Most recently, Senegal won the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) hosted here in Algeria, while they won the U20 crown in Egypt. In 2021 they won the senior AFCON and the Beach Soccer AFCON.

Can they make it five in a row?

 

 

WATCH LIVE! Burkina Faso 1-0 Mali 1H

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WATCH LIVE! Burkina Faso 1-0 Mali 1H

Burkina Faso VS. Mali – TotalEnergies AFCONU17 2023 – 3RD Place

 

We have to finish in style, says Burkina Faso’s coach Traore

 

 

Burkina Faso head coach Brahima Traore has said his team intends to finish their TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Algeria in style as they aim to go back home with a bronze medal from Thursday’s third and fourth play-off in Annaba.

Burkina Faso’s dream of a second title in the tournament was put off after losing 5-4 on penalties to Senegal in the semi-finals on Sunday in Algiers.

“Of course it was a disappointment for us not to achieve the second of our targets which is to win the trophy. We couldn’t make it and now we have another medal to play for. The players are motivated to get the bronze medal because we want it to be a memory for them,” said the tactician as he spoke on Wednesday in the pre-match press conference.

 

Brahima Traouri Burkina Faso head coach during the 2023 Under 17 African Cup of Nations 3rd place Burkina Faso Press Conference held at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba

 

Striker Souleumane Alio says as much, that the players are focused to go home with something to add on to their World Cup qualification.

“We will give our all to go back home with a bronze medal and make the people of Burkina Faso happy. I missed a crucial penalty and naturally as a competitor, it was painful. But as a player, you need to take in both the good times and bad times and move forward,” Alio said.

Coach Traore says they have prepared well for the meeting and have had time to get themselves psychologically and physically ready, after recovering from the grueling semi-final in the capital.

“We gave the players rest yesterday (Tuesday) because we travelled and also played a very tough match and also hadn’t had enough time to recover. We needed them to be well rested and physically ready because it is another difficult match ahead of us,” said the coach.

He added; “For us, every match is a final and this will be the same too. We will go hard and try to get a result.”

Burkina Faso lost to Mali 1-0 in the group stages and they will look to make amends, with a better performance and possibly a stab at victory.

However, coach Traore says they are not looking at the match as a possible route for revenge, but rather looking to finish the tournament in style and give the players some morale boosting send off.

 

Third place will be a consolation for us, says Mali’s Coulibaly

 

 

Mali’s head coach Soumaila Coulibaly had admitted that the team is still hurt from their semi-final loss to Morocco at the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and says winning the bronze medal match will lift their spirits as a consolation.

Mali, who were searching for a record setting third U17 title were beaten 6-5 by Morocco in Sunday’s semi in Constantine.

“This defeat hurt us a lot but for me as a coach and also a former player, I know such can always happen to a good team in a competition. It hurt us because we felt we had a good chance to make the final,” said the tactician.

He added; “It was a bit difficult for the youngsters and I had to talk to them a lot after the match. I told them we needed to forget the defeat and focus on what is ahead because there is so much for them. We will try to win this third place match as a consolation for them.”

 

Soumaila Coulibaly Mali head coach during the 2023 Under 17 African Cup of Nations 3rd place Mali Press Conference held at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba

 

Midfielder Baye Coulibaly has admitted the players are still reeling from that defeat, but affirms they will give their best against Burkina Faso.

“The defeat against Morocco hurt as a lot, but it is not the end of the world. It is up to us to put in the work and correct the mistakes. Each match for us is a final. We will put the defeat behind our backs and go for victory in this match,” noted Coulibaly.

Mali face Burkina Faso in the play-off in Annaba, a side they faced in the group stages and beat them 1-0.

The tactician says he will make rotations in his squad to give some players who did not get a chance to play an opportunity to showcase their talents as well.

“Some players have played more matches and we will try give them a rest and also, those who have not had a chance will have their opportunity. We will set up a competitive team that will get is third place,” noted the tactician.

Mali is playing its third play-ff match in the competition. In 1995, they beat Guinea 2-1 and in 1999, they were 1-0 winners over Cameroon.

 

FIFA Unveils 2026 World Cup Logo

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FIFA Unveils 2026 World Cup Logo

FIFA Unleashes the Most Captivating FIFA World Cup that is Humanly possible

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Following months of expectation and years of construction, what could go down as the most captivating FIFA World Cup event in history is gradually unravelling before our eyes.

 

FIFA has just unveiled the 2026 World Cup Logo to add to its long list of this expanding glamorous paranoma surrounding its 2026 senior Mens World Cup event.

 

Almost a year ago, FIFA revealed the 16 host cities and venues for the next World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The highpoints of that revelation was that 11 U.S. cities were chosen from the tendered possibilities, with three in Mexico and two others in Canada completely the lucky picks.

The Lucky Cities:

  • United States: New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Seattle, San Francisco/Bay Area and Los Angeles
  • Canada: Vancouver, Toronto
  • Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey

 

 

This edition of the event was allotted to the North American and CONCACAF adversaries five years ago, effectively ending Morocco’s powerful bid, and is bound for becoming an extraordinary tournament for different objectives.

 

FIFA World Cup 2026 heralds the initial World Cup event held by over one nation following the 2002 version, when Japan co-organized the championship with South Korea, and is actually destined for the only World Cup with three organizers, so far.

 

Mexico will standout as the only country to stage or co-organize the tournament for a third time after hosting it in 1970 and 1986, the U.S. will be hosting it for the second time in its history (after 1994), and Canada will record its first hosting of the the men’s edition of the tournament, having hosted the Women’s World Cup in 2015.

 

 

Also, this will mark the first World Cup to ensemble 48 official nations for the tournament sequel to FIFA’s confirmation in 2017 to increasing the qualified national ides from 32 teams, which had been the norm from France 1998. Under the new arrangement, 16 groups with a trio of teams will contend with the top two teams from every bracket progressing to a Round of 32, which will feature knockouts thereafter to the final.

 

Together, 80 games will be played over 20 venues, with the U.S. staging 60 matches — in addition to the quarterfinals, semifinals and final – with Mexico and Canada individually hosting 10 games. The venues are split into 3 zones: EAST, CENTRAL and WEST and were set forth in New York City on Thursday.

 

 

‘Osimhen could be a Utd flop’

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‘Osimhen could be a Utd flop’

Ex-Man Utd great warns Erik ten Hag against Victor Osimhen signing

 

Jaap Stam responds to Erik ten Hag snub as he makes fresh Man Utd coaching offer - Mirror Online

Jakob (Jaap) Stam (left) was snubbed by Erik ten Hag in being his assistant coach at United. Will ten Hag now take his advice? Time will tell.

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Ex-Manchester United defender Jakob (Jaap) Stam, cautions manager Erik ten Hag to think twice before signing an over £100 million striker who might end up a huge flop.

 

Instead, the ex-star who won a treble with the Red Devils urges the manager to shun signing a striker on the whims of a gamble in favor of procuring a more “proven” prospect into the Man Utd fold.

 

Stam feels the Nigerian forward is an unproven quality in terms of the tougher Premier League terrain where he might struggle to find his feet instead of hitting the floor running.

 

The former United central defender favors the signing of Harry Kane who is a proven force in Tottenham Hotspurs and in the Premier League.

 

Manchester is hard pressed to bring in an elite-level centre-forward to Old Trafford this summer. To this end, Anthony Martial has been listed by Old Trafford for sale to finance the acquisition of a quality striker for United this summer.

 

Likewise, Wout Weghorst is not likely to be hired permanently when his loan agreement with Burnley expires. The lanky Dutchman appears to have his next club already secured for the next season football.

 

Marcus Rashford has hit the best form of his career this season, scoring an all time-best 29 goals in all competitions. But, Rashford’s highlight is in his expediency in marauding from the left wing, a remarkable quality that could be enhanced by bringing in a striker in the quality of Osimhen or Kane to take the Red Devils to the next level.

 

Osimhen and Kane are variously considered the two strikers Ten Hag will have to choose from. Both are not expected to come cheap but could cost well over £100m and will make a very complicated signing.

 

However, Stam feels the choice between Osimhen and Kane is not all difficult to make.

 

Stam confided to the Manchester Evening News, his concerns over the signing of Osimhen, 24, who could initially struggle to hit form in the more grueling Premier League.

 

However, there’d be no such worries for Kane, who is also having of one of his best ever seasons, despite the struggles of his team. In the absence of the brilliant Erling Haaland this term, Stam reckons that Kane’s 27 league goals this season would’ve still guaranteed him a seven-goal cushion ahead of Brentford’s Ivan Toney in the golden boot race.

 

“It’s always difficult to say which one,” confessed Stam who wore United’s colors from 1998 to 2001.

 

“Kane knows the Premier League very well, he’s proven himself at Spurs and he’s one of the best goal scorers in the world. He knows the level of play and what’s been expected from him and what he can bring.

 

“So can you bring in a player like Kane and of course you would be doing a very, very good deal for United in bringing him in. I think Osimhen, he’s a different type of player.

 

“For him, he needs to get acquainted to the Premier League at first. It can go fast, but it can also be a struggle at times as well.”

 

“Ten Hag also needs to have a look at his philosophy and the type of player that he wants to have,” continued Stam.

 

“Does he want to have a real strong No 9 and a target man that can hold up the ball, who can link up with other players around him as well?

 

“Does he want to have a small creative player with a lot of pace as well? Is he dropping in at times a little bit more? Do you want to have a player with a lot of pace up front to make a change as well in your way of playing like Rashford was doing when he played up front in transition?

 

“But you need to have a No 9. You need to have a different striker in the team to give you that something extra, to give you these goals.”

 

It has been reported that ten Hag has actually prioritized the signing of Kane over Osimhen and would only bring over the Nigerian striker to Old Trafford if the Kane signing falls through the cracks.

 

Stam’s advise only adds voice to the support of the choice of a Kane acquisition to Old Trafford.

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