Renowned Irish actress Fiona Shaw stars in Hot Milk, an adaptation of Deborah Levy’s 2016 novel, as a mother with a mysterious illness, who is taken to a seaside Spanish town in search of a cure
The eagerly anticipated ‘Hot Milk’ hits UK and Ireland cinemas on Friday, July 4.(Image: Copyright remains with handout provider)
The distinguished Irish actress and TV Bafta laureate, Fiona Shaw, speaks about her immersion in her latest character, Rose, a mother beleaguered by an enigmatic illness, in the movie adaptation of Deborah Levy‘s critically acclaimed 2016 novel ‘Hot Milk’.
Against the vivid setting of a sun-drenched Spanish summer, the plot unfolds as Rose and her daughter Sofia, portrayed by ‘Sex Education’ star Emma Mackey, journey to Almeria’s picturesque seaside town seeking healing from a quirky local remedy man.
Rose’s life is dominated by an immobilising ailment, confining her to a wheelchair and riddled with unrelenting pain, rendering her utterly reliant on Sofia for even the simplest tasks such as venturing outside or fetching a drink. A growing sense of exasperation seeps into Sofia’s character who pins her hopes on the exotic clinic to rejuvenate her mum’s vigour, thus liberating her own aspirations for autonomy and independence.
Fiona Shaw stars in Hot Milk, an adaptation of Deborah Levy’s 2016 novel(Image: Copyright remains with handout provider)
Shaw, celebrated for her portrayal of Carolyn Martens in the hit series ‘Killing Eve’, lauded her youthful co-star Emma Mackey, age 29, for crafting their characters’ poignant relationship amidst strenuous circumstances. “I had the easier job – it’s much easier to play the selfish person,” Fiona Shaw candidly admits.
“Emma had to decide, in each scene, how she would cope with her mother’s behaviour – but the mother just continues on. She isn’t thinking about the effects, and that’s the problem,” Shaw adds.
She says: “They’re not two people at loggerheads. I don’t think the mother is at odds at all. She adores her daughter, wishes she wouldn’t visit her father, and wants her to focus on her studies.
“She can’t see that she’s the reason none of those things can happen properly. And that blindness is a nightmare for the other person – but Emma had to carry that. We would laugh about it, but she had to play the scenes. I just had to play Rose – she had to play the reception.”
As Sofia’s story unfolds, her fascination with the adventurous Ingrid, portrayed by Phantom Thread star Vicky Krieps, leads her to break free from her mother’s overbearing influence. Yet, as Sofia steps into her own, her mother’s inability to cope with this change brings to light unsettling truths about Rose’s condition.
In her preparation for the role, Shaw delved into the complexities of psychosomatic disorders, where mental stress manifests physically, and consulted individuals who deal with such conditions. “We spoke to people with the syndrome – this tendency to not have any physiological reason why you can’t walk, but you can’t walk,” Shaw shared.
“This syndrome comes with pain and with a twitch. I really concentrated on trying to get the stuckness of the person – and I was helped a lot by using a wheelchair.”
The film Hot Milk marks Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s first venture as a director at 57, and she fondly referred to Shaw and Mackey as “an inseparable couple” during filming. Renowned screenwriter Lenkiewicz, known for hits like Ida and Disobedience, described taking the reins as director for such a woman-centric narrative as “one of the most incredible experiences” of her life.
The eagerly anticipated ‘Hot Milk’ hits UK and Ireland cinemas on Friday, July 4.
LONDON — Alfred Brendel, a pianist and poet renowned for his refined playing of Beethoven over a six-decade career, died Tuesday at his home in London. He was 94.
Brendel’s death was announced by the public relations agency Bolton & Quinn.
Born in what is now the Czech Republic, Brendel gave his first recital in Graz, Austria, in 1948 at age 17. His final concert was with the Vienna Philharmonic at the Musikverein on Dec. 18, 2008.
“I grew up in a family that was not musically inclined, not artistically inclined and not intellectual, so I had to find out a lot of things for myself,” he said in a 2012 interview for the Verbier Festival. “I was a young person who, in the early 20s, did not think I have to achieve something within five years, but I thought I would like to be able to do certain things when I’m 50. And when I was 50 I said to myself, ‘I have actually done most of the things I want to do.’ ”
Brendel also was praised for his interpretations of Mozart, Schubert, Liszt and Haydn. He recorded the 32 Beethoven piano sonatas three times, and he played them over a month at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 1983, among 77 recitals in 11 cities during the 1982-83 season. He repeated the sonatas again at Carnegie over three seasons in the 1990s.
“With winks to the audience and demonstrative hand movements, he has a playful manner that offsets his serious, contemplative interpretations,” the Associated Press wrote during the 1990s cycle.
Born on Jan. 5, 1931, in Wiesenberg, northern Moravia, Brendel studied piano in Zagreb, Yugoslavia with Sofia Dezelic and then at the Graz Conservatory with Ludovika von Kaan. He also took composition lessons with Artur Michl. His studies were interrupted when he and his mother fled as the Russian army invaded during World War II.
“When I turned 16, my piano teacher told me I should now continue on my own and give a first public recital,” he recalled during a lecture after his retirement. “I should also audition for the great Swiss pianist Edwin Fischer, which I did the following year. Three of his masterclasses that I attended during the Lucerne festivals made an impact that lasts to this day. I also met Eduard Steuermann, the pupil of Busoni and Schoenberg. Apart from these encounters, I studied on my own.”
Brendel had lived in London since 1971. He received 10 Grammy nominations without winning. He wrote several books, including a collection of poems called “Cursing Bagels.”
“I used to live a double life,” he said in a 2012 interview with the Verbier Festival. “I’m also a literary person lecturing, giving readings of my poems and teaching.”
The only OFC team competing in the Club World Cup, Auckland qualified for the Club World Cup as the best OFC Champions League winners over the ranking period between 2021 and 2024.
They have dominated their continental competition in recent years, winning it 13 times since 2006.
They won four and drew one of their five games in the most recent edition of the tournament, scoring 13 goals and conceding just twice.
Reflecting on Sunday’s defeat, Auckland’s interim coach Ivan Vicelich said: “This [result] is the reality of football against one of the world’s top teams.
“It’s a dream for players coming from an amateur level to play in this environment. We knew it was going to be a very difficult game, playing against one of the top teams in the world – potentially one of the favourites – so we’re just really proud of the players’ efforts.”
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany added: “We have to remain modest, but it was important to be able to say that we took the game seriously.
“It was a good first match at the tournament, but of course challengers are going to grow and it’s going to become more difficult.”
The Bundesliga champions take on Argentine giants Boca Juniors in their next Group C encounter on Friday local in Miami (Saturday 02:00 BST).
“A traditional game from Europe against a traditional team from South America – even if I weren’t Bayern coach, I’d have attended this game,” said Kompany. “It will be special.”
THE squads for this year’s Soccer Aid have finally been confirmed, with the iconic charity match kicking off TONIGHT!
Tyson Fury will co-manage England at the charity match for Unicef alongside Wayne Rooney, who is out of retirement to play and manage alongside the former heavyweight champion.
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Tyson Fury is England manager and Wayne Rooney is player-manager for the charity match
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Joe Hart will be in between the sticks
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Legendary defender Leonardo Bonucci will also make his debut for the World XI
Fury has refused to rule out the mouthwatering prospect of subbing himself on and forming a partnership with Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer Rooney.
Upon his announcement, Tyson Fury said: “ENGLAND MANAGER! Who would ever have thought it!?
“I have had some big fights in my career and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight!
“Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it’s even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year – and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney!
“How can we lose!? The work UNICEF does all around the world is so special and so important.
“I really hope that you can come along and support us this summer.”
Old Trafford will host the game, with Stamford Bridge and the London Stadium hosting the match in recent years.
England won Soccer Aid 2024 edition 6-3 to end a SIX-YEAR wait to beat the World XI.
Who is playing at Soccer Aid 2025?
Here are the full line-ups for this year’s Soccer Aid:
*Subject to change
England full team at Soccer Aid 2025:
Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur)
Alex Brooker (TV personality)
Jermain Defoe (Former footballer)
Toni Duggan (Former footballer)
Angry Ginge (YouTuber)
Tom Grennan (Musician)
Bear Grylls (TV personality)
Joe Hart (Former footballer)
Steph Houghton (Former footballer)
Aaron Lennon (Former footballer)
Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist)
Paddy McGuinness (TV personality)
Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian)
Gary Neville (Former footballer)
Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality)
Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)
Paul Scholes (Former footballer)
Jill Scott (Former footballer)
Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle)
Louis Tomlinson (Musician)
Michael Carrick (Former footballer)
Phil Jagielka (Former footballer)
Roman Kemp (Radio host)
Jack Wilshere (Former footballer)
Bella Ramsey (Actor)
And the following will be coaching England:
Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager)
Tyson Fury (Boxer)
Harry Redknapp (Former football manager)
Vicky McClure (Actor)
Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer)
World XI full team at Soccer Aid 2025:
Tony Bellew (Former boxer)
Leonardo Bonucci (Former footballer)
Tobi Brown (YouTube star)
Martin Compston (Actor)
Richard Gadd (Actor)
Bryan Habana (Former rugby star)
Dermot Kennedy (Musician)
Kaylyn Kyle (Former footballer)
Gorka Marquez (Dancer)
Nadia Nadim (Footballer)
Livi Sheldon (Gladiators star)
Edwin van der Sar (Former footballer)
Nemanja Vidic (Former footballer)
Harry Kewell (Former footballer)
Big Zuu (YouTube star)
Noah Beck (Actor)
Carlos Tevez (Former footballer)
Billy Wingrove (Football freestyler)
Robbie Keane (Former footballer)
John O’Shea (Former footballer)
Maisie Adam (Comedian)
David Trezeguet (Former footballer)
Nicky Byrne (Singer)
Kheira Hamraoui (Former footballer)
Asim Chaudhry (Comedian)
World XI manager:
Hosts
Commentators
Sam Matterface
Iain Sterling
Jason Manford
Officials
Rebecca Welsh
Natalie Aspinall
Emily Carney
Jane Simms
When is Soccer Aid 2025?
The match takes place at Old Trafford on Sunday, June 15.
Tickets cost from £20 for adults and £10 for concessions.
The match will be aired for FREE on ITV and streamed on ITVX.
And after helping LAFC win a playoff to replace Club Leon, Lloris will be between the sticks for the Group D opener against Chelsea on June 16.
But his presence is sure to reignite the Blues’ capital rivalry with Spurs.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will see the World’s best players decide which club is the greatest
CB: SERGIO RAMOS (MONTERREY)
Having led Real Madrid to four Club World Cups in the past, Ramos will be feeling confident he can help Mexican side Monterrey get far this summer.
The centre-back is already captaining the team just four months after joining following spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla.
But at 39 years of age, Ramos has shown he has still got what it takes to boss a defence.
And he will need to be at his best to help Monterrey get past Inter Milan and River Plate in Group E.
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Ex-Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos is in townCredit: Getty
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He is now captain of Mexican side MonterreyCredit: Getty
CB: THIAGO SILVA (FLUMINENSE)
Once a Chelsea icon, always a Chelsea icon.
Even at 40 years old, Silva would still likely walk back into the Blues’ XI.
Instead, he is king of the hill at Fluminense, saving them from relegation in his first season.
And Silva’s know-how should help the Brazilians get out of a group which includes German giants Borussia Dortmund.
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Thiago Silva became an icon at ChelseaCredit: Getty
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The veteran is starring for FluminenseCredit: Alamy
CB: NICOLAS OTAMENDI (BENFICA)
A two-time Premier League winner with Man City, Otamendi has gone on to win more trophies since leaving the Etihad.
Having now completed five seasons at Benfica, the 37-year-old has a Portuguese league title to boot.
And he even played a key role in Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022.
Otamendi is just one of several big forgotten names playing at Benfica, who are in a tough group with Bayern Munich and Boca Juniors.
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Nicolas Otamendi has won plenty since leaving Man CityCredit: Reuters
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He has spent five seasons at BenficaCredit: Getty
RWB: JOAO CANCELO (AL-HILAL)
Once regarded as the best full-back in world football, Cancelo’s fall from grace was swift after starring at giants including Inter Milan, Juventus, Man City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
He is now playing in Saudi Arabia, earning a fortune with moneybags Al-Hilal.
At the age of 31, Cancelo is still playing in his prime years.
And he will be looking to inflict damage when Al-Hilal come up against reigning champions Real Madrid in Group H.
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Joao Cancelo will be hoping to upstage old side Man CityCredit: Getty
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The right-back plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
CM: ANDER HERRERA (BOCA JUNIORS)
It’s been six years since Herrera, 35, lit up Old Trafford in a Manchester United shirt.
His tenacity in midfield endeared him to supporters while raking in FOUR trophies including the FA Cup and Europa League.
After playing for PSG and a second spell at Athletic Bilbao, Herrera now finds himself in Argentina with Boca Juniors.
But just six appearances in all competitions since his January switch means Herrera may not be guaranteed a starting spot in the US.
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Ander Herrera won four trophies at Man UtdCredit: Getty – Contributor
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He joined Argentine side Boca Juniors in JanuaryCredit: Getty
CM: RUBEN NEVES (AL-HILAL)
Why he was not snapped up by a fellow Premier League club while at Wolves remains a mystery.
Neves, 28, is only entering his prime now and continues to be a key player for Portugal.
Yet he finds himself playing in Saudi with Al-Hilal, completing a shock move two years ago before leading them to a Treble last season.
Neves would still walk into most European squads and could attract interest with some strong Club World Cup performances — but that’s only if he wants to leave the riches of the Middle East.
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Ruben Neves was a star man at WolvesCredit: Getty
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He has spent two years at Al-HilalCredit: Getty
LWB: ALEX TELLES (BOTAFOGO)
A miserable time at Manchester United saw Telles, 32, fail to live up to the hype as one of Europe’s best left-footers.
After winning trophies galore at Galatasaray and Porto, he left Old Trafford empty-handed after just two years.
But he has enjoyed plenty of success since then, winning trophies at Sevilla, Al-Nassr and now Botafogo.
The Brazilian champs are coming in with a host of experienced homegrown talents and Telles’ deadly free-kicks are likely to cause some damage.
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It didn’t work out for Alex Telles at Man UtdCredit: AFP
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He has helped Botafogo win the Brazilian titleCredit: Getty
CAM: ANGEL DI MARIA (BENFICA)
Man United’s flop winger is returning to boyhood Argentina club Rosario Central this summer — but only after he leads out Benfica for the final time at the Club World Cup.
Ignoring his duff sole season in the north west, Di Maria’s record means he will go down as one of football’s most talented and decorated wingers ever.
His two years at Benfica have not yielded any trophies, however.
And Di Maria, 37, will be desperate to make amends before leaving Europe for good.
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Angel Di Maria’s struggles at Man Utd are well documentedCredit: Getty
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He is leaving Benfica for Rosario Central after the Club World CupCredit: Getty
ST: EDINSON CAVANI (BOCA JUNIORS)
Another former United player, Cavani will feel he did not do himself justice during his two seasons in England.
Having also struggled at Valencia, the 38-year-old is now leading the way for Argentine giants Boca Juniors
20 goals in 39 games last year showed Cavani still has an eye for goal.
And although his pace may have gone, the experienced Uruguayan’s sheer physicality and clever movement will surely see him in the mix for the Golden Boot.
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Edinson Cavani had a mixed two years at Man UtdCredit: PA
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He now bangs in goals for Boca JuniorsCredit: AFP
ST: OLIVIER GIROUD (LAFC)
Last but not least, Giroud will face off against old side Chelsea later this month.
His extra-time assist helped LAFC book their place at the tournament ahead of Club America.
Giroud has already become a talisman for his Californian side, preferring the role of creator to goalscorer.
And his cunning know-how could help the experienced poacher nick a goal when he faces off against a young Blues defence.
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Olivier Giroud will face old side Chelsea in the group stageCredit: Getty
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He helped LAFC qualify for the tournament with a last-gasp assistCredit: Getty
He was eventually brought on for three remaining minutes plus stoppage time but was unable to impact the match, with Senegal instead scoring a third to win 3-1.
After the match Tuchel spoke to ITV and was asked to explain the reason behind Toney’s late introduction.
He said: “First of all it was more than three minutes.
“Second of all I think that Ivan is a specialist for exactly these situations.
“We created a lot of chances with Gibbs-White, with Ebs [Eberechi Eze], with Morgan Rodgers, and with Jude in fluid positions.
“I think Ivan is strongest when we have a phase where we have a lot of balls in the box and that was the case, so after 80 minutes we got him ready.
“Then we scored and they took the goal away and it took a little while longer than we wanted but that’s what he can give – presence in the box and a goal later in the match.”
Captain Harry Kane started ahead of Toney for both matches and scored in both.
Toney was recalled to the England squad for the first time since his move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli last summer.
Roy Keane slams ‘LAZY’ Kyle Walker for role in Senegal goal vs England as ITV star says ‘can’t make mistakes like that’
He last featured for the Three Lions in the final of Euro 2024 against Spain, but played just one minute.
Tuchel spoke of Toney deserving his recall ahead of the fixtures against Andorra and Senegal.
He said: “Ivan deserves to be with us. I’m convinced.
“He’s scored over 20 goals for Al Ahli this season, he won a major title – the Asian Champions League – and had a big involvement in the team in goals and assists.”
A new-look FIFA Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, kicks off in the United States on June 14 and runs through to the final on July 13.
In advance of the tournament, Al Jazeera takes a look at the top five talking points:
1. Cramped schedule raises concerns over player welfare
FIFA’s decision to expand the Club World Cup from a six- or eight-team tournament to a supersized 32-team edition has been criticised by FIFPRO, the global football players’ union, and the World Leagues Forum (WLF).
Legitimate questions have been raised about the extra workload on players due to the increased number of matches, and the corresponding reduction in rest and recovery time for players in a shortened off season.
“The FIFA Council’s decision to schedule the first edition of the 32-team FIFA Club World Cup between 15 June and 13 July 2025 without implementing further player workload safeguards demonstrates a lack of consideration for the mental and physical health of participating players, as well as a disregard for their personal and family lives,” FIFPRO said in a statement in December.
A report released by FIFPRO and Football Benchmark in April found that several Club World Cup-bound players are among the most overworked for the 2024-25 season.
The report’s findings estimated that Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, who made 43 back-to-back appearances up until April 1 with fewer than five days of recovery time before these matches, could potentially reach 65 back-to-back appearances for club and country by the end of the season, racking up close to 7,000 minutes and 78 games.
The WLF, an organisation representing 44 major professional leagues that is chaired by Premier League chief Richard Masters, said the organisation was unhappy that it had been overlooked in FIFA’s decision-making process.
According to the Reuters news agency, Masters accused FIFA of prioritising its own commercial interests, adding that the June-July schedule would affect player availability for national leagues at the start of the season in August.
An elongated FIFA Club World Cup schedule in 2025 has reduced the already-short off season for many top players in the tournament, increasing the chance of injury, according to FIFPRO [File: Jason Cairnduff/Reuters]
2. Will the matches be competitive?
While the expansion of the Club World Cup to 32 sides allows more teams a chance at testing themselves against some of the biggest names in global club football, it also raises questions about the competitiveness of the tournament.
With every group having at least two clubs from Europe or South America, teams from the other continental confederations, such as Asia or Africa, could find themselves having very little chance of glory against the heavyweights of the game.
For example, in Group G, Moroccan side Wydad AC and UAE Pro League Al Ain are pitted against Manchester City and Juventus, who have been supremely successful on the domestic and continental stage.
Teams from the European confederation (UEFA) have historically dominated the Club World Cup, winning 16 of the 20 editions played to date. The remaining four have all been won by clubs from the South American confederation (CONMEBOL).
So, history suggests that the presence of European or South American sides could lead to lopsided matchups in this year’s edition.
Real Madrid are the most successful club in the Club World Cup, having won a record five titles [File: Josep Lago/AFP]
3. Where are the superstars and superteams?
While Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe will play at the tournament, fans will be denied an opportunity to watch many of the elite performers from the 2024-25 season, such as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner, or teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, who won three trophies this year with Barcelona.
Salah created history as the first player in Premier League history to finish a season with the most goals and assists as well as win the Player of the Season award. But one of the most in-form forwards in the world will not be among the players in the US as Liverpool could not qualify for the tournament, with Manchester City and Chelsea earning spots from the English quota.
Further confusing the selection of teams was FIFA’s abrupt decision to give the host nation a spot and award it to Inter Miami, underlining the opaque nature of the qualifying criteria for the tournament which won’t feature Liverpool, Barcelona or Napoli, who have all just been crowned champions in three of the most prestigious leagues in Europe.
Inter Miami gained entry by topping Major League Soccer’s regular season standings, despite losing in the first round of the playoffs – a decision critics say shows FIFA’s desperation to have Inter’s Argentina great Messi at their inaugural showpiece.
Apart from the winners of each confederation’s premier club competitions, teams qualified according to a ranking based on their performances over a four-year period. Barcelona, the current La Liga champions, missed out on a spot due to the four-year club coefficient rankings and two-team restrictions, as their archrivals Real Madrid qualified for the Club World Cup alongside Atletico Madrid.
The Catalan giants, fielding some of the most exhilarating footballers on the planet, such as 17-year-old wonderkid Yamal or the goal-scoring genius of Raphinha, are a huge omission from the club-based tournament.
Prodigious talents like Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay, who ushered Napoli’s stunning 2024-25 Serie A title charge in Italy, will also not play.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah will be one of many global football stars missing from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 [File: Phil Noble/Reuters]
4. Introduction of a special transfer window
In the build-up to the tournament, FIFA announced the creation of a special transfer window, allowing participating clubs to make last-minute transfers before their teams board the flight to the US.
FIFA has said signings can be made from June 1 to June 10 as well as June 27 to July 3, explaining that the objective of the latter window is to encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring “to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation”.
The introduction of this transfer window is unique as signings usually either take place in the close season or the middle of the season, known as the summer and winter windows for European clubs.
FIFA’s move has led to speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo could be one of those players to put pen to paper during the window on a short-term deal for one of the participating clubs. Spanish newspaper Marca reported in late May that a club in Brazil had submitted an offer to sign Ronaldo. Botafogo – one of four Brazilian clubs competing at the tournament – have been linked with the veteran forward.
Ronaldo, 40, has hinted he could leave Al Nassr after declaring that a “chapter is over” hours after the Saudi Pro League finished. Al Nassr have not qualified for the Club World Cup, unlike fellow Saudi side Al Hilal, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently said “there are discussions” over Ronaldo playing at the Club World Cup.
The Portugal star confirmed on Saturday that he had received “quite a few” offers from participating clubs to play for them at the tournament, but had decided against accepting any.
Should a Ronaldo transfer ultimately occur, the Club World Cup could see Messi and Ronaldo face-off in the US market, greatly boosting media interest, ticket sales, TV viewership figures, and enhancing the overall appeal of the tournament. The duo, who are arguably the greatest players of their generation, last played in the same competition at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
A club which has already benefitted from this special transfer window is Real Madrid, which was able to reach an agreement with Liverpool to sign defender Trent Alexander-Arnold early and make him available for the tournament.
The right back was scheduled to join the Spanish giants on a six-year deal as a free agent after his Liverpool contract expired on June 30, but according to The Athletic, Real paid Liverpool 10 million euros ($11.4m) to fast-track the process and get him on board for the Club World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, is out of contract this month, which has led to speculation over his exit from the Saudi Pro League club [File: Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters]
5. Dress rehearsal for next year’s FIFA World Cup
Fans in the US will get a glimpse of what the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil will look like when they attend the Club World Cup matches this year.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the US alongside Canada and Mexico, running for more than a month with 100+ matches.
Among the 12 stadiums that will host the new-look Club World Cup, some have also been chosen as venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will have 48 participants for the first time.
MetLife Stadium, an 82,500-seater in New Jersey, will host the semifinals and the final of the Club World Cup as well as the final of next year’s prestigious World Cup.
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, Seattle’s Lumen Field and Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium are the other venues which will be involved in both tournaments.
The venues, though, might not be filled to their full capacity as organisers have struggled to sell tickets, with club fan tickets, general public tickets, and hospitality sections all still up for sale on the official FIFA site, nearly two weeks out from the start of the event.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy is coming to the US next year, as the final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey [File: Martin Meissner/AP Photo]
LAYING “snog, marry, avoid” with colleagues at work could be sexual harassment, a tribunal has ruled.
The “crass” and “inappropriate” game may breach the Equality Act, an Employment judge said.
The risqué quiz involves naming three people and then asking a person to pick which one you would like to kiss, which one you would get married to and which one you would steer clear of altogether.
In the BBC hit comedyGavin and Stacey, Pam, Mick, Gavin and Smithy played a version of it featuring celebrities during a car ride from Essex to Wales.
However, the tribunal found it may break workplace laws.
The ruling came in the case of a police officer who sued Derbyshire Police after a female colleague involved him in the game — using mugshots of sex workers.
The officer candidly admitted to the tribunal that she had “jokingly” played the game with co-workers and included PC Shafarat Mohammed in their discussion.
PC Mohammed claimed that during the discussion in May or June 2022 he was only shown images of black women and was asked what he liked about one of them.
He said he was “embarrassed” and “offended” by the questioning and felt it was inappropriate.
The tribunal judge said: “We agree that the questions were inappropriate.”
However, the tribunal found there was no racial or religious element to it as the sex workers were of varying ethnicities.
PC Mohammed lost his case for racial and religious discrimination and harassment.
Two top cops accused of mocking a colleague’s Irish accent in ‘grossly offensive’ leaving video
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A cop sued Derbyshire Police after a female colleague dragged him into a game of ‘snog, marry, avoid’ using sex worker mugshots (stock picture)Credit: Getty
He declared: “Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability.
“Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it’s so important that we, as a management team can tap into their psychological side too.
Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
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Louis was transferred over 50 times as he clocked up 903 appearancesCredit: PA:Press Association
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The ace has now taken up a new job as assistant coach at Slough TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren’t going as well as they may have hoped.
“And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we’ve got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.”
Slough fans reacted with delight at the news.
One said “Class this, great gaffer to learn off.”
Another declared: “Superb appointment, welcome back.”
One noted: “Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.”
Another added: “So much experience and knowledge at this level.”
“We’re definitely close,” the LAFC midfielder said of the coach he played for in three MLS Cup finals.
So it’s been difficult for Delgado to watch from afar as Vanney’s Galaxy team, the one Delgado played for last season, has struggled through the worst start in franchise history.
“I definitely hope, personally, things go better for him,” Delgado said of Vanney, who got a multiyear contract extension Friday, one that reportedly makes him the best-paid manager in MLS. “I hope Greg can get things turned around.”
As long as that turnaround starts next weekend since Delgado returns Sunday to Dignity Health Sports Park for the first time since December’s MLS Cup final. Only this time he’ll be wearing the black and gold of LAFC, the Galaxy’s bitter rival.
“Yeah, definitely. I want to come out on top,” he said. “It’s kind of a weird situation. You don’t wish them too well because you want to do well yourself.”
A weird situation is also an apt description of Delgado’s last five months. Six weeks after capping a career-best season by assisting on the winning goal in the Cup final, Delgado was traded 12 miles up the Harbor Freeway to LAFC, a sacrifice to the league’s paltry salary cap.
The Galaxy (0-10-3) haven’t won since but Delgado has thrived. Not only did LAFC (6-4-3) give him a multiyear contract with a raise from the $876,250 he made last season, but he’s tied for the team lead with three assists and is one of just three players to appear in all 13 MLS games for a team that hasn’t lost a league game in six weeks and is fifth in the Western Conference table.
And he’s done that despite playing under a coach not named Greg Vanney for just the second time in 11 seasons.
Galaxy coach Greg Vanney celebrates after a win over Seattle in the Western Conference final on Nov. 30. The defending MLS Cup champion Galaxy is winless through its first 13 games of the season.
(Etienne Laurent / Associated Press)
“Coming to a new team, a different view of things, may take a little time,” said Delgado, who played under Vanney in Toronto and with the Galaxy after breaking in as a teenager with Chivas USA, where Vanney was an assistant coach. “I’m a guy who can take in information and change on the fly as well. I think my ability to do things passing and how I see the field, [my] work rate covering ground, helps.”
His leadership and experience is also important. Although he just turned 30 on May 9, Delgado is in his 14th MLS season and his 340 appearances, including playoffs, ranks ninth among active players, according to Transfermarkt. No other LAFC player is close.
He’s also the only man to have played for all three of Southern California’s MLS teams, Chivas USA, the Galaxy and LAFC. Yet none of that, he said, has prepared him for changing sides in El Tráfico.
“It is definitely a different look,” he said. “But at the end of the day it’s a Derby. Once that whistle blows and we’re on the field, I’m locked in.”
The crosstown rivalry has grown into the most passionate in MLS but most of that bad blood is felt in the stands. On the field, Delgado said, the feeling is more one of mutual admiration regardless of the colors you’re wearing.
“I don’t know what goes on between the two fans bases, but I know as players there’s a level of respect. Everyone has their own journey of getting here. Everyone has their own battles,” he said.
And his fight Sunday will be for LAFC. So while he feels for his former teammates, he’d like nothing better than to see them suffer for at least one more week.
“I have an emotional attachment with the club over there. But I’m over here, right?” he said. “I have duties over here and I’m working on doing my part and finding success for this club.”
