Sports
Bayern pledges support for injured Alphonso Davies ahead of World Cup
The club’s sporting director, Max Eberl, said that the Bundesliga champions were cooperating with Canada Soccer with an eye not only to the World Cup but also on the players’ long-term fitness.
•Alphonso Davies
Bayern Munich on Friday pledged to do everything they could to give injury-hit star Alphonso Davies a chance to be fit to play for Canada at the World Cup.
The club’s sporting director, Max Eberl, said that the Bundesliga champions were cooperating with Canada Soccer with an eye not only to the World Cup but also on the players’ long-term fitness.
“Our hope is that we can all work together to do what’s best for Phonzy,” Eberl told a press conference before Bayern’s final Bundesliga game of the season against Cologne.
Canada play all three of their group games at home, starting with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12.
“It’s tragic enough that he’s picked up an injury ahead of the World Cup on home soil,” said Eberl. “We’ll all work together to ensure he might have a chance – but for that to happen, he needs to get fit. He has to accept that, and he does.”
Sports
FIFA confirms release of official World Cup 2026 song “Dai Dai” by Shakira, Burna Boy
Featuring motivational lyrics centered on resilience, ambition, and unity, “Dai Dai” pays homage to football legends including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Paolo Maldini, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta, David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed the release of “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026 track via Sony Music Latin and its immediate availability on all major streaming platforms.
“Dai Dai” was performed by global superstar Shakira in an collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy.
Featuring motivational lyrics centered on resilience, ambition, and unity, “Dai Dai” pays homage to football legends including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Paolo Maldini, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta, David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.
The Colombian singer made the announcement herself on social media on Friday, posting: “Dai Dai is here. The @FIFAWorldCup 2026 starts now!”
“Dai Dai” also celebrates various football nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, England, Germany, France, South Africa, Spain, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands.
Beyond its infectious rhythm, the anthem carries a meaningful purpose. All royalties from “Dai Dai” will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million by the end of the tournament.
Sports
Madonna, Shakira, BTS to headline FIFA World Cup final halftime show
The halftime show lineup was announced yesterday by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, who is curating the show.
Pop music superstars Shakira, Madonna and BTS are set to headline the World Cup’s first-ever halftime performance, which is slated to take place July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.Organisers are calling the halftime show a “singular moment’ that will be broadcast live globally.
The halftime show lineup was announced yesterday by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, who is curating the show.
In the announcement, Martin took performance suggestions from several Muppets, including Elmo, Miss Piggy and Cookie Monster.
“How about Madonna? Elmo loves Madonna,” Elmo said. The beloved Sesame Street character then called BTS on speed dial to confirm whether they would join the show.
“Shakira’s in, and she’s bringing cookies,” said Elmo.
The selection of musical acts appears to be a reflection of the international teams reflected in the World Cup, per the Washington Post.
Shakira, from Colombia, was scheduled to release “Dai Dai,” the official World Cup song, yesterday. The song also features Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
The “Whenever, Wherever” singer is no stranger to World Cup anthems, having previously sung “Waka Waka” in 2010 and “La La La” in 2014.
Sports
Beckham becomes first British billionaire sportsman
Beckham, who retired from playing in 2013, is a co-owner of Inter Miami, estimated to be Major League Soccer’s most valuable club at £1.07 billion.
•David Beckham
Former Manchester United and England star David Beckham has become Britain’s first billionaire sportsman, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.
Beckham and his wife Victoria’s collective wealth reached an estimated £1.185 billion ($1.583 billion) this year, the Rich List compilers said.
That moved them into second place in the list of the UK’s wealthiest sportspeople, behind the family of ex-Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, whose wealth was valued at £2 billion.
Beckham, who retired from playing in 2013, is a co-owner of Inter Miami, estimated to be Major League Soccer’s most valuable club at £1.07 billion.
The 51-year-old also has lucrative brand ambassador roles for companies including Adidas and Hugo Boss.
Beckham captained England and won the Premier League and Champions League during a glittering career with United, before spells at Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
-
Business2 days agoDangote to flood Nigerian markets with 1 million metric tons of paddy rice
-
Entertainment3 days agoBreaking: Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo dies at 40
-
Business2 days agoWhat President Tinubu Tells World Leaders At Nairobi’s Summit
-
Politics3 days agoMakinde to declare presidential ambition on Thursday
-
Business2 days agoFrance Mobilises €23bn Private Capital For Investments In Africa
-
Sports3 days agoNigeria to host 48th CAF General Assembly, CAF Awards ceremony
-
News2 days agoIMF Releases Top 10 Largest Economies in 2026
-
News2 days agoFG Jails Ex-minister Mamman 75 years for N33.8bn fraud
