Daily News Summary: Spain SACK Lopetegui & hire Hierro; North America host 2026 World Cup

Welcome to All Football's Daily News Summary, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

TOP HEADLINES

OFFICIAL: Julen Lopetegui sacked as Spain head coach 1 day before the World Cup

Spain have officially sacked Julen Lopetegui as head coach just 24 hours before the World Cup after shock Real Madrid appointment.

OFFICIAL: Fernando Hierro will take charge of Spain during the World Cup

Spain have officially appointed Fernando Hierro as their new head coach for the incoming World Cup shortly after the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.

OFFICIAL: Canada, Mexico & the U.S. will jointly host 2026 FIFA World Cup

The United States, Canada and Mexico will jointly host the 2026 World Cup after beating bid rival Morocco, FIFA has announced.

PSG have been cleared of breaching financial fair play rules by UEFA

UEFA have closed their investigation into the financial affairs of French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

WORLD CUP

Mohamed Salah takes part in full Egypt training ahead of World Cup

Mohamed Salah has returned to group training with Egypt ahead of their World Cup opener on Friday as he steps up his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury.

Portugal are the most popular World Cup team on social media

Russia 2018 promises to be the most digitally accessible World Cup in history and Cristiano Ronaldo's influence has seen Portugal ranked as the most popular team on social networking websites.

Mbappe, Rashford, Arnold, Uzoho & 20 youngest players at World Cup 2018

This year's tournament offers an opportunity for some of the game's rising stars to shine, but who are the youngest footballers in Russia?

Iceland’s Thunderclap & international football's 10 most famous fan chants & celebrations

The stage is set for a group of fans to take over as the new favourites after Iceland impressed at Euro 2016, but what examples are there to follow?

World Cup 2026: What cities will host USA, Mexico & Canada finals?

With FIFA set to announce the winners of the bid to host the 2026 World Cup on June 13, we take a look at which cities will be participating

TRANSFER RUMOURS

5 prime Real Madrid transfer targets for Julen Lopetegui

Julen Lopetegui will be the new Real Madrid manager after agreeing a three-year deal to succeed Zinedine Zidane.

Real Madrid have agreed personal terms with Alisson, but need raising bid to €80m (MD)

Real Madrid have agreed personal terms with Alisson Becker, according to Mundo Deportivo, but Roma want €80m compared to the €60m offered.

Anthony Martial wants to leave Manchester United, confirmed his agent

Anthony Martial wants to leave Manchester United, confirmed his agent, as Juventus prepare another bid for the winger. “The rapport with the Coach will be crucial.”

WHAT THEY SAY

Xavi gives opinion on sacked Lopetegui: Federation must always be above individuals

Julen Lopetegui's surprise decision to strike a deal with Real Madrid on the eve of the World Cup has been criticised by former Spain star Xavi.

Roberto Carlos: If Messi were Brazilian then he'd already have a World Cup

For many, Lionel Messi's legacy depends on whether or not he wins a World Cup with Argentina, but Roberto Carlos believes it's a team sport and that the forward has been unlucky.

Ronaldo: Cristiano is unique, but I admit that Messi adds more magic to football

Brazil's former striker, Ronaldo Nazario, praised the quality of Real Madrid's Portuguese striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, but admitted feeling a greater preference for Lionel Messi's game.

IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS

Can VAR finally end Ramos' reign of terror?

The Spaniard is as clever as they come but the use of technology should cast an even more unfavourable light on a true master of the game's dark arts

VIDEO OF THE DAY

11 World Cup last minute goals

TODAY'S FIXTURE (CET)

World Cup Opener

17:00     Russia vs Saudi Arabia