World Cup 2026: countdown to kick-off in Mexico, Somali referee to officiate Uefa Super Cup – as it happened

Thursday's latest news before the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa

BTL chat is thus far dominated by Gianni Infantino's ritual pre-tournament torching of his own dignity. SonOfThe Desert offers this:

Infantino is just absolutely wretched, isn't he? An absolute nothing of a man, sucking up to tyrants because he thinks it makes him look strong.

"But you know what's really annoying me? All those heads of national associations who could have unified around a candidate - anyone - to oppose Infantino and try and rescue Fifa from humiliation. Couldn't be bothered though, could they? Might've had to do some actual work that way.

New York has honored two footballing greats by temporarily renaming streets after Thierry Henry and Pele ahead of the World Cup kickoff ...

Crowds gathered at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in downtown Manhattan to mark the unveiling of Thierry Henry Way" by city officials, according to FOX Sports.