Latest Football (Soccer) News
Carlo Ancelotti Set to Sign Brazil Contract Extension Through 2030 World Cup
Carlo Ancelotti will sign a four-year extension with Brazil's Football Confederation to remain head coach until the 2030 World Cup, with no salary increase for him but adjustments for his four assistants. The deal follows a verbal agreement revealed in December, and the official announcement is expected before he names his squad on March 16 for friendlies against France and Croatia.
Ancelotti, who took charge after leaving Real Madrid in May 2025, has a 4-2-2 record and aims for Brazil's sixth World Cup title.
Ancelotti Finalizing Brazil's 2026 World Cup Squad
Ancelotti is close to finalizing his World Cup squad, stating some positions are not yet 100% defined despite Brazil's wealth of talent. Brazil begins their 2026 campaign against Morocco on June 13, following March friendlies in the US against France in Boston and Croatia in Orlando.
The 66-year-old coach earns €10 million annually, the highest in national team history.
Mexico City Sex Workers Suffer Earnings Slash Due to World Cup Construction
Sex workers in Mexico City report halved earnings from bike lane construction and dividers along Calzada de Tlalpan near Azteca Stadium, ahead of the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony. Nighttime metro closures for Cup preparations have stranded workers, exacerbating impacts on around 15,000 in the trade.
Advocacy groups criticize the government for prioritizing economic gains over the poor.
World Cup Preparations Cause Displacement and Wage Cuts for Mexico City's Poor
Rapid renovations for the 2026 World Cup, including Azteca Stadium upgrades and public works in working-class areas, are displacing vulnerable residents and slashing incomes. The event is projected as a $3 billion economic boost for Mexico via tourism and infrastructure.
Local government efforts to 'fix up' the city for visitors are hurting those at the bottom, per affected workers.
Street Brigade Denounces World Cup Impact on Sex Workers' Livelihoods
Elvira Madrid Romero of Street Brigade says the government focuses on World Cup profits at the poor's expense, with sex work serving as a lifeline for 15,000 including transgender women. Construction blocking client access has persisted since late 2025.
Despite not being criminalized, the trade faces severe disruptions from event preparations.
Brazil Under Ancelotti Eyes Sixth World Cup Triumph After 2002 Win
Ancelotti targets Brazil's first World Cup since 2002, with their best recent finish fourth place in 2014. In eight games, Brazil has won four, drawn two, and lost two under his leadership.
He emphasized Brazil's fortunate pool of good players in recent comments.
Ancelotti's Brazil Prepares for Key Friendlies Against France and Croatia
Brazil will host France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando on March 31 as World Cup warm-ups. Squad announcement comes March 16, amid ongoing finalizations.
These matches test preparations for the June 13 opener versus Morocco.
2026 World Cup Co-Hosting Strains Mexico City's Infrastructure and Workers
Mexico, US, and Canada co-host the 2026 World Cup, with Mexico City hosting the opening at Azteca Stadium amid massive upgrades. Public transportation enhancements and neighborhood builds are causing widespread disruptions.
Economic projections highlight billions in benefits, but social costs mount for the marginalized.
Ancelotti Remains Highest-Paid Brazil Coach Despite No Raise in Extension
Ancelotti's €10 million ($12m) annual salary stays unchanged in the extension, still the record for Brazil's national team. Assistants' pay will be adjusted upward.
The Italian expressed extension desire in September, solidifying his role post-Real Madrid.
Mexico City's Iconic Azteca Stadium Renovations Fuel World Cup Tensions
Azteca Stadium renovations and surrounding infrastructure for the World Cup have blocked access and earnings for street workers near the venue. Longtime workers like Montserrat Fuentes report no clients on busy nights due to changes.
City beautification prioritizes image over local livelihoods.