Sports
Club World Cup, World Cup to deliver $62bn global GDP boost- FIFA
The 2026 tournament will kick off on June 11 and conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, and metropolitan areas around Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
FIFA estimates that its next two flagship summer tournaments – the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, will generate a staggering $62 billion in global economic impact and $47 billion for the United States.
Business Day reports that the soccer governing body, alongside the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat, unveiled two comprehensive socioeconomic reports highlighting the projected financial and social benefits of hosting the tournaments, both set to be primarily staged in the U.S.
The expanded 32- team Club World Cup, scheduled for June 14 to July 13, 2025, is projected to contribute up to $21.1 billion in global GDP, with $9.6 billion of that within the U.S.
Domestically, the tournament could also generate $17.1 billion in gross output and unlock $3.36 billion in social benefits, while supporting the creation of approximately 105,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs.
FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup is no longer a low-profile exhibition. With Inter Miami and Lionel Messi headlining the opening match against Egyptian giants Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the month-long competition is being billed as a major global football event.
The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with other host cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Orlando, Nashville, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington D.C.
World Cup 2026: Global GDP boost and nearly 1 million jobs
Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the economic projections are even more significant.
The tournament is expected to drive up to $40.9 billion in global GDP, while generating $8.28 billion in social benefits.
Globally, nearly 824,000 jobs could be created, with 185,000 of those expected in the U.S. alone. Domestically, the World Cup could bring in $30.5 billion in gross output and $17.2 billion in GDP.
The 2026 tournament will kick off on June 11 and conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, and metropolitan areas around Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Matches will also be played in Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey in Mexico, and Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.
Sports
Super Eagles to receive AFCON bonuses before Friday – FG
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that the payments would be reflected in the players’ domiciliary accounts “starting today or tomorrow”.
The Federal Government has said that the Super Eagles’ match bonuses at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have cleared the necessary regulatory stages.
Ohibaba.com reported the previous day that the Super Eagles had threatened to boycott travel to the host city of their quarter-final match at the AFCON over unpaid allowances.
Nigeria will face Algeria in the quarter-final on Saturday in Marrakesh, a city about five hours away from their current base. The team is scheduled to travel from Fez to Marrakesh today, Thursday.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that the payments would be reflected in the players’ domiciliary accounts “starting today or tomorrow”.
However, the players and officials were determined to miss the trip unless the outstanding allowances were paid.
The Eagles are yet to receive bonuses for all four matches played at the tournament.
Sports
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles threaten to boycott Algeria match over unpaid win bonuses
It was gathered that win bonuses for the four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique have yet to be settled.
• Super Eagles win against Mozambique
Super Eagles players have threatened to boycott their quarter final match against Algeria unless all outstanding winning bonuses are paid by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
A highly reliable source within the team disclosed to Vanguard that the team have resolved not to travel to Marrakech for their next match on Thursday this week.
According to the source, players and officials are reportedly still awaiting their bonus payments from the tournament.
It was gathered that win bonuses for the four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique have yet to be settled.
While the team remains committed to the competition, they have made it clear that they will not train or travel to Marrakech for the next match unless the outstanding payments are resolved, our source confirmed.
Recall that in November, the team also threatened to boycott their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon, citing unpaid entitlements.
In a joint statement signed by players and staff, the squad said, “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments.
The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”
Sports
Fenerbahçe wants to buy Ademola Lookman from Atlanta for €42m
Lookman is currently with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he has been one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Photo: Ademola Lookman, in action
Turkish giants Fenerbahçe are preparing a January move for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman as the Yellow Canaries look to strengthen their attacking options with the Nigerian winger.
Sport Mediaset journalist Orazio Accomando, hinted that Fenerbahçe are ready to submit an offer structured as a €5 million paid loan, with a right, or potential obligation, to buy set at €37 million, taking the total package to €42 million.
Discussions are still at an early stage, but Lookman has been identified as a priority target as the Istanbul club seeks to reinforce its squad.
Atalanta, however, value the Nigerian international highly following his impressive performances in Serie A and European competition and are reluctant to approve any deal that delays a permanent sale unless the conditions are particularly favourable.
Lookman is currently with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he has been one of the tournament’s standout performers.
The former African Player of the Year has recorded three goals and four assists in just three matches, performances that have significantly boosted his market value.
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