FIFA clears Otamendi, Caicedo for WCup openers

Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi and Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo are cleared to play in their World Cup openers despite being sent off in their final qualifying games, FIFA announced Friday.

Arbeloa: I won’t burn Madrid players at the stake

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has made an emotional defence of Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni after their training ground bust-up, hitting out at “lies” about his squad’s professionalism and calling dressing room leaks “a betrayal.”

Katy Perry to headline U.S. World Cup opener

Katy Perry will headline the U.S. opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup, with FIFA announcing Friday that local stars will also lead kickoff celebrations in Mexico and Canada.