Rio Ferdinand, a former England and Manchester United defender, will play in Washington, DC on Friday for the 2026 World Cup match.
Samantha Johnson, a broadcaster, and a number of other sporting legends, including Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge, and Shaquille O’Neal, will join the 47-year-old.
At 17:00 GMT (12:00 local time), the draw will feature 48 nations at the Kennedy Center.
Ferdinand, who also played for Leeds, West Ham, and Queens Park Rangers, won 14 awards while playing for Old Trafford before transitioning to broadcasting in 2015 after retiring.
Along with NBA legend O’Neal, who won four championships during his 19-year career, and New York Yankees hero and seven-time MLB all-star Judge, NFL legend Brady, who won seven Super Bowls and legendary NHL player Gretzky, who is a four-time Stanley Cup champion, will play.
The 1970s classic song “YMCA,” which has more recently become a part of president Donald Trump’s campaign rallies, will be performed by American disco group Village People.
On the bill are former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and British superstar Robbie Williams.
Heidi Klum, the supermodel and Emmy Award winner, and actor and comedian Kevin Hart will co-host the program, and producer and actor Danny Ramirez will speak with those present.
The United States, Mexico, and Canada will jointly host the 2026 World Cup, which will take place from June 11 through July 19.
Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 to reclaim Barcelona’s La Liga lead on Wednesday, extending it one point to two goals and adding another with Kylian Mbappe’s second goal.
One of their best performances of the season came at Athletic’s San Mames, ending a string of three league draws away from home.
With Eduardo Camavinga nodding in the second half of the first half, Mbappe opened the scoring with his first La Liga assist, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
In the second half, French superstar Mbappe scored his 16th league goal of the year to seal Madrid’s victory.
The team probably had the best game of our lives today, at a challenging location, in a significant moment, and we took it on calmly, Alonso said to the media.
We were aware of the significance of the draw at Girona last weekend, and we are now going to start thinking about the match against Celta (Vigo) on Sunday.
You can’t think too long about things, both in the good and the bad, because the calendar is very demanding. ”
Alexander-Arnold and Camavinga were both substituted in the second half, which was a negative for Los Blancos.
In the same game last winter, Mbappe missed a penalty while still finding his feet at Real Madrid, later calling it his “rock bottom,” but Athletic faced arguably the best player in the world when he returned.
Kylian is in excellent form, he scored two excellent goals today with his movement and Vini (Vinicius Junior) had a strong connection, and the team came out to play right away to win the game, according to Alonso.
Unai Simon made a wise save at his near post before a Vinicius effort was parried by Mbappe in the fourth minute, which almost gave Real Madrid the lead.
In the seventh minute, Madrid took the lead thanks to a brilliant Mbappe goal, which came out of the blocks against eighth-placed Athletic.
With a superb long pass, Mbappe scurried fearlessly into the box and delivered a flawless finish to beat Simon.
On one of Athletic’s rare forays forward, Gorka Guruzeta fired over and forced Thibaut Courtois into a good save at the other end.
Nico Williams and Alex Berenguer had the best of intentions, but Courtois put together a brilliant stop to negate this.
connection between Mbappe and Vini
Madrid was awakened once more, and Vizius, who had a strong connection with Mbappe, threatened twice.
With a low effort from a tight angle, the Brazilian winger attempted to block him off with a low effort from the post.
After Eder Militao sent him through on goal, Vinicius was saved by the goalkeeper who made a superb save to stop him.
At the conclusion of a successful team move, Madrid grabbed their second before the break when Mbappe nodded Alexander-Arnold’s cross across goal for Camavinga to head home from close range.
Early in the second half, Courtois tipped over Athletic’s fierce effort from range.
When Alexander-Arnold pulled up with an apparent muscular injury and was replaced by Raul Asencio, the first of two unpleasant notes came for Madrid.
With his 25th goal in all competitions, Mbappe put the game beyond question with a second long-range effort that struck right at the near post. Simon could have improved his efforts to prevent it, perhaps reversing some of his earlier excellent work.
Alonso suffered another potential injury on a later, potential injury-related outing in the Basque Country against his former teammates when Camavinga was taken off hurt.
Despite the fact that the Brazilian appeared to be having disagreements with the coach over the past few weeks, the coach even received a warm embrace when he took the place of him.
Inigo Lekue, the Athletic defender, said, “They were stronger than us.
No matter what we did, we made an effort to play our game but were unable to. ”
Washington, DC – A White House committee organizing the 2026 World Cup in the United States calls the event a “global moment of unity.”
The executive director of the White House Task Force on the World Cup, Andrew Giuliani, told reporters on Wednesday, “We want to make sure that we’re as welcoming as possible.”
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However, Donald Trump’s increasing anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies are raising questions about Washington’s commitment to hosting a friendly tournament.
Giuliani praised the US Department of State’s efforts to shorten the time it takes to get interviews for visitor visas, which will allow fans from all over the world to visit the US during the World Cup, which Mexico and Canada will host together.
Giuliani also confirmed that fans from 19 nations that are subject to a US travel ban won’t be granted special World Cup exemptions. Additionally, he did not rule out removing undocumented immigrants from neighborhoods where matches are held.
Amnesty International USA’s Americas advocacy director, Daniel Norona, criticizes the US administration’s strategy.
If you’re pushing down on anyone who disagrees with you, repressing them, and promoting discrimination, you can’t have unity, Norona said to Al Jazeera.
If they are acting in a way that is contrary to what unity means, then I don’t believe we can refer to this as a moment of unity.
travel interdiction
Haiti and Iran, both of which are subject to the travel ban, are participating in the tournament.
Giuliani repeatedly reiterated that fans and direct support personnel from banned countries will be given visas, but that they may not, as he repeatedly said. Every single person who is present, he said, “is a national security issue.”
However, some Iranian delegation members have already been denied visas by the US for Friday’s World Cup group stage draw.
Andrew Giuliani addresses reporters in Washington, DC, on December 3, 2025. [Sherry L. Brukbacher/US State Department/Foreign Press Center]
Giuliani also defended the travel ban for Haitian fans, noting that Sebastien Migne, the national team’s coach, has never traveled to the Caribbean nation, which has experienced gang violence, humanitarian crises, and natural disasters.
Haitians outside Haiti are also subject to Trump’s ban. As the Trump administration continues to rescind immigration protections for Haitians living in the US, Norona also made a point about how the crackdown might affect them.
Norona argued that Trump’s policies are “the antithesis” of the World Cup, which celebrates openness and welcoming people from all over the world.
For the fans, players, and everyone involved in the World Cup, “we are concerned that this will create a non-welcoming and overall hostile environment,” Norona told Al Jazeera.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids aimed at World Cup venues were not approved by Giuliani.
About 14 million people who have never been granted permanent residency in the US have established new lives and families, many of whom are Latinos who love football.
Giuliani, the son of Trump’s former personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, said, “I’ve known the president for 25 years.” The president doesn’t rule out anything that would improve the safety of Americans.
Norona claimed that no one is safe during immigration raids.
They only serve to spooky effect the rest of the football fans and the rest of the community who want to watch their games, he claimed.
Trump has a “unique style”
Trump’s crackdown has affected more than just undocumented immigrants.
Over the objections to Israel, the administration has pushed to deport people who are legal residents of the country, including visitors, foreign students, and permanent residents.
Sami Hamdi, a British journalist who fought for Palestinian human rights, was detained by ICE agents in October and held for two weeks before being taken out of the country for his advocacy for Palestinian human rights.
The undocumented population in the US is among the chilling effects, according to the author. Anyone who might disagree or be offended by the current administration has a chilling effect, said Norona.
Giuliani, for his part, argued that Trump does not want foreigners to enter the country because it is a “fictional narrative.”
He stated that “he wants to make sure that people can enter the United States legally.” He added to reporters that we can also ensure that the games and other experiences are secure.
Trump, however, had launched an anti-immigrant tirade on Tuesday, calling US Somali residents “garbage.”
Giuliani was questioned by Al Jazeera about Trump’s rhetoric and how it might conflict with the unity message US officials are putting forth during the World Cup.
The president “has a distinctive style.” In my opinion, Giuliani is a very effective leader, and I believe that is the justification for why he is the ideal host for this incredible World Cup, which will be the largest in human history,” Giuliani said.
He continued to make the case that Trump’s bigoted approach was honest.
He is unique in that regard in terms of the president’s rhetoric. Like me, he is a New Yorker. Giuliani remarked that there are times when we use words that are a little off-kilter than words for polished politicians.
“But I believe that’s also the reason why he’s been able to really touch the hearts of so many Americans because he is completely honest with them.”
However, Norona claimed that Trump’s statements send a “racist” and “discriminatory message.
He continued, “I don’t believe it’s style; it’s a deliberate choice of words.” It should be reprobable for everyone, the author writes.
After Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Trump looks at Gianni Infantino, who holds the golden glove trophy next to him.
FIFA Pace Prize
Trump has shown a lot of interest in football in general and the World Cup. He regularly hosts Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, at the White House and he recently watched the Club World Cup final in New Jersey in July.
During his visit to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he welcomed Portuguese football player Cristiano Ronaldo to a state dinner in Washington, DC, last month.
The US president will also be present for the first FIFA Peace Prize presentation at Friday’s draw.
There have been calls for FIFA to require immigration protection at games. Additionally, the organization’s close ties to Trump have drawn criticism.
FIFA’s anti-racism messages were not promoted during the World Cup, which appeared to be in line with Trump’s opposition to diversity and inclusion initiatives.
By the time of publication, FIFA had not responded to Al Jazeera’s request for comment.
According to Minky Worden, the director of sport for Human Rights Watch, “FIFA’s so-called peace prize is being awarded in the wake of violent detentions of immigrants, national guard deployments in US cities, and the obsequious cancellation of FIFA’s own antiracism and anti-discrimination campaigns.”
What you need to know about Aitch’s love life, from being filmed in bed to famous exes: The Mirror.
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Aitch discussed his romantic relationship with tonight’s I’m a Celeb.
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I’m A Celeb’s Aitch opened up about his love life tonight(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
What Aitch, the star of I’m a celeb, said about his famous ex-girlfriends and being filmed in bed.
Aitch, a favorite of the stars, opened up about a night he shared with a girl in Brighton during a discussion about kiss-and-tells in camp. He claimed that “some girl filmed me while I was sleeping and posted it everywhere.” He didn’t seem particularly concerned, though, and he just kept saying, “It happens, doesn’t it”?
Aitch has had a number of high-profile relationships. Shortly before I’m A Celeb hit screens, Aitch was dating Lois Cottam, a psychology student from his hometown of Manchester. A source said: “Aitch and Lois still have a lot of love for each other, but they decided they are better off as friends.”
The star famously had a brief romance with Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg in 2022 after he appeared on her show – which sees her audition people for relationships. She even appeared in the video for his song Baby where she turns up at his door.
After days of rumours the pair were together, Aitch – whose real name is Harrison Armstrong – shared a picture of them on their third date at a bowling alley, which was followed by a £752 dinner.
You guessed it, he said. “Yeah, I guess. F*** off now”. Some people were even persuaded that the relationship was a PR stunt because it didn’t go on forever.
The following year he was linked to an Australian influencer called Lola Thompson after she shared a picture of them cuddling up together in a lift. They are thought to have split in October 2023 and she later hit out at him for telling a story she said was about her on a podcast.
Aitch even used the 2020 Brit Awards to promote their relationship to stunning model and influencer Taylor Mullings. He shared a picture of the pair together, saying “Gang” in a snapchat.
Fans of I’m A Celeb anticipated that Aitch’s most recent romantic relationship would be with former EastEnder Shona McGarty’s campmate. However, romance has not developed in the jungle despite some early flirtations and some enthusiastic cheerleading from Ant McPartlin. Yet.
READ THE FULL STORY: I’m A Celeb Shona McGarty’s romance with Aitch: 7 things you need to know
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After years of struggle with depression and addiction, actor Perry was discovered dead in his home’s hot tub in 2023.
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Friends star Matthew Perry died in a hottub in 2023(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A doctor was sentenced to a prison sentence for the death of Friends star Matthew Perry before the star’s death. The sentence for Dr. Plasencia was two and a half years. In connection with Perry’s death, he is the first of five people to serve time in prison.
After years of struggle with depression and addiction, the Friends star, who rose to fame as Chandler Bing in the sitcom, was discovered dead in his bathtub at home in 2023.
Plasencia admitted guilt on four counts of ketamine distribution earlier this year. Four others facing charges have already entered pleas of guilt.
Perry’s father John and stepmom Debbie wrote an emotional letter as part of a judge’s “victim impact statement” prior to Plasencia’s sentencing. What were your motivations? I have no idea. a physician who lives devoted to “helping people”?
His heartbroken mum and stepdad also blasted the doctor who supplied him with ketamine weeks before his death.
In a moving victim impact statement released before his court hearing in Los Angeles today, Suzanne and Keith Morrison expressed their anger toward Salvador Plasencia. Plasencia and others were referred to as “jackals” who exploited their son before he died at the age of 54, according to the pair’s statement, which was also included in a victim impact statement.
One of five people who admitted guilt to giving Perry drugs is the doctor. Jasveen Sangha, a 42-year-old British woman, is dubbed the “ketamine queen.”
Senator Kabiru Marafa has backed President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria.  ,
Marafa, who served in the Senate for Zamfara Central from 2011 to 2011, made a statement on Wednesday.
On Wednesday’s episode of Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former lawmaker remarked, “I strongly support Donald Trump’s decision to issue that threat.”
I disagree with many Nigerians because the majority of them view it from the perspective of their national sovereignty and patriotism, which I support. But what significance does “sovereignty have for a dead man”?
Read more about this story: [Insecurity] US Lawmakers Charge The Nigerian Government With Putting A Stop to Killings
Trump’s comments, in his opinion, imposed pressure on the country’s leadership to address the country’s unrest.
