FIFA announce 16 cities to host 2026 World Cup across USA, Canada and Mexico

FIFA announced 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup today at a live event in New York City, selecting 11 cities in the United States, three cities in Mexico and two cities in Canada.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the first time that three countries have hosted the competition.

The selected cities in alphabetical order are:

UNITED STATES: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle.

MEXICO: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey

CANADA: Toronto, Vancouver

The 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico will host a total of 48 teams and 80 matches under the new expanded format, marking the largest FIFA World Cup in history. 

“It’s a historic day for U.S. Soccer and the entire American soccer community, from every corner of our grassroots all the way to the pros and our National Teams,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “Together with our good friends in Canada and Mexico, we couldn’t be more excited to work with FIFA to host what we think will be the greatest World Cup in history. I want to congratulate all the bid cities that will host games. I know you will all do a fantastic job of sharing your world class stadiums, unique communities and culture, and amazing fans when the world comes to the North America in four years.”

Each of the three host countries had a player representative at the announcement, which was broadcast on FOX Sports 1 and Telemundo, the English and Spanish rights holders, respectively, for the tournament when it is broadcast in the United States. U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Christian Pulisic represented the United States, while Mexico was represented by midfielder Hirving Lozano and Canada by midfielder Jonathan Osorio.

The historic tournament will be the first to feature 48 nations, up from 32 that competed in the last seven tournaments dating back to 1998 when the number of participants was increased from 24.

NHL, NHLPA, PepsiCo extend North American partnership

PepsiCo, the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League today announced a multiyear extension of their North American partnership. This extension will now make PepsiCo a more than 20-year NHL and NHLPA partner.

PepsiCo will maintain exclusive NHL and NHLPA North American rights in the carbonated soft drinks, water, energy drinks and savory snack categories. PepsiCo’s wide portfolio of brands includes Pepsi, MTN DEW, Aquafina, Rockstar, Lay’s, Tostitos, Ruffles, Doritos, Cheetos, Rold Gold and Miss Vickie’s.

Through the partnership, PepsiCo will continue innovative activation and increased exclusivity around promotional opportunities. Heightened strategic customer marketing and partnerships are part of the agreement as well. Throughout the partnership, PepsiCo will activate during tentpole NHL events, including NHL All-Star Weekend, NHL Winter Classic®, NHL Stadium Series™, NHL Heritage Classic™, and NHL Global Series™.

Each tentpole event includes a unique activation asset that PepsiCo will use with key customers. PepsiCo will also continue their long-standing integrated Pepsi Zero Sugar Shutouts digital platform on League-operated media channels. Also, as part of the extension, PepsiCo will continue to utilize players in activations and marketing efforts, as a partner of the NHLPA, through the players’ group licensing programme.

“We’re thrilled to extend our long-standing partnership with the NHL and NHLPA allowing us to celebrate hockey fans and the sport they love throughout North America,” said Justin Toman, Senior Director, Sports Marketing, PepsiCo. “Building on our legacy, our brands will continue to generate dynamic programming that takes the fan experience to new heights, especially at some of the most exciting points in the season including tentpole NHL events and the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”

“PepsiCo is a blue-chip partner with an incredible capacity to activate across our season, bringing unique NHL experiences and promotions to our fans in channels where we would not otherwise be present. Renewing our over decade-long partnership, which will take us to a more than 20-season relationship is a testament to the value both our brands receive from this alliance,” said Kyle McMann, NHL Senior Vice President, North American Business Development. “We look forward to continuing our partnership and collaborating to create unique activations and opportunities to engage our fans and celebrate our great game on and off the ice.”

“The National Hockey League Players’ Association is very pleased to be extending our already long-term partnership with PepsiCo, a worldwide brand that remains a leader in sports marketing,” stated Devin Smith, Senior Director, Marketing & Community Relations. “PepsiCo has done a wonderful job working closely with the Players in previous marketing campaigns and we have big plans for further Player integration with them as we move forward.”

PepsiCo brands will continue to integrate into NHL and NHLPA media assets, including NHL and NHLPA digital and social media platforms, in addition to maintaining strong presence around major League event platforms, such as NHL Winter Classic, NHL Heritage Classic, NHL Global Series, NHL Stadium Series, NHL All-Star Game, and Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Santander enter esports as main sponsor for the top League of Legends competitions in Europe and Latin America

Banco Santander today announced a multi-year agreement to become a main sponsor of the League of Legends European Championship (LEC) and the Liga Latinoamérica (LLA). In an event hosted in Madrid, some of the most recognized streamers, artists and League of Legends players helped unveil Santander’s esports sponsorship.

League of Legends is one of the most successful esports worldwide, with some of the most developed professional competitions and established community of followers. In 2021 the League of Legends World Championship drew a peak viewership of close to 74 million concurrent live viewers, with an average minute audience of just over 30 million, according to the organizer, making it one of the most watched esports events worldwide. With the claim ‘Level up your dreams’, Banco Santander wants to build a new community and connect with younger generations to help them prosper.

The partnership with the League of Legends European Championship and the Liga Latinoamérica, is a 100% digital media agreement that will complement the bank’s other global sponsorships in F1 and football. This agreement will see the bank also sponsor the League of Legend’s Brazilian Championship (CBLOL). The bank has also previous local experiences in this field, being Openbank the sponsor of the national Spanish competition (Superliga). 

Credit:Santander

As a partner for these League of Legends esport leagues in Europe (LEC) and in Latin America (LLA and CBLOL), Santander will display a variety of assets to promote the brand and raise awareness in the League of Legends communities during the esports events, including: logo placements, dedicated content segments, commercial slots during broadcast breaks, banners, drops and VIP tickets for the finals, among others. 

Juan Manuel Cendoya, global head of Communications, Corporate Marketing and Research at Banco Santander, said: “We are excited to announce this new collaboration with a very innovative partner, with whom we are united by our attributes of innovation, diversity and digitalization. We believe that entering the world of esports will bring Santander new opportunities to engage with new generations of digital natives and help them prosper.”

Maximilian Schmidt, head of League of Legends esports in EMEA, said: “It is a pleasure for us to collaborate with a global banking institution committed to innovation, digital transformation and providing the best possible services for younger generations.”

Basketball Ireland and TG4 agree deal for international basketball in 2022

Basketball Ireland and TG4 have agreed a three-game deal for FIBA EuroBasket games in 2022, which will see both the men’s and women’s senior sides shown live on the station. The first game takes place on June 30th, when the Irish senior men take on Austria in Salzburg, followed three days later by their home contest against Switzerland, on July 3rd.

Ireland remain firmly in contention in Group A, they’re third, just a point behind joint-leaders Switzerland and Austria. The group winners and the two best second-placed finishers from three groups will advance to round 2 of the Pre-Qualifiers, which begin in August, with another two-game matchday window in November.

Ireland’s senior women return to action on November 27th, at home against the Netherlands in their FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers, which will also be live on TG4.

Basketball Ireland CEO, John Feehan, said: “This agreement reinforces TG4’s commitment to top class Irish international and domestic basketball. They already provide excellent coverage of our InsureMyHouse.ie National Cup and showcased our return to FIBA EuroBasket last year. This announcement for our 2022 internationals is another sign of the appetite for basketball in this country.”

Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, TG4 Head of Sport, added: “TG4 is excited to be broadcasting the Irish senior international basketball teams, as they compete against Europe’s best in FIBA EuroBasket. Both the men’s and women’s teams have put in hugely impressive performances since returning to EuroBasket level, and our viewers have enjoyed watching and supporting them. TG4 is delighted to make even more of these games available to the public on free-to-air television and this agreement means that more top-class basketball will be aired for Irish audiences in 2022.”

Ireland senior men’s head coach, Mark Keenan, stated: “This is great news for our sport, the guys are hugely excited about the upcoming games against Austria and Switzerland in a few weeks’ time. It’s wonderful to see both games shown live on TG4, the station have been a great supporter of Irish basketball. We’re looking to give our fans plenty to cheer about in the next two games, as we target reaching the next stage in FIBA EuroBasket qualification.”

Ireland senior women’s head coach, James Weldon, added: “It’s fantastic news that TG4 will once again cover our home game with the Netherlands this November. It gives the wider basketball community and beyond a chance to see our players in action at the top level of European basketball.”

Austria versus Ireland on June 30th tips off at 7.20pm, with live coverage on TG4 starting at 7.05pm. Three days later Ireland host Switzerland at the National Basketball Arena, live coverage starts at 5pm, with the game tipping off at 5.15pm. TG4’s Cispheil Beo will be presented by Galway sports broadcaster Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, who will be joined by a team of expert basketball analysts. The series is produced by Fogarty Fenwick Services.

FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers 

Thursday, June 30th

Austria v Ireland, Alpenstrasse Sports Hall, Salzburg, 1920, LIVE ON TG4 from 1905

Sunday, July 3rd

Ireland v Switzerland, National Basketball Arena, Dublin, 1715, LIVE ON TG4 from 1700

FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023 Qualifier

Sunday, 27th November

Ireland v Netherlands, National Basketball Arena, time TBC LIVE ON TG4

Formula 1 to race in Melbourne until 2035 in new agreement

The Australian Grand Prix will remain in Melbourne until 2035, following a deal to extend the race’s agreement beyond 2025 by a further 10 years. In addition, Formula 2 and Formula 3 will join the race weekend schedule for the first time from 2023.

More than 419,000 fans visited Albert Park for the 2022 Australian Grand Prix in April, making it the largest ever crowd for a weekend sporting event in Australia.

Albert Park has hosted the Australian Grand Prix since 1996, with significant investment made over the past two years in order to improve the circuit, fan experience and facilities – while further improvements, including to the paddock and pit lane, are planned in order to continue the circuit’s modernisation.

The date of next year’s Australian Grand Prix will be provided in due course, and once the 2023 calendar is finalised, it will be subject to World Motor Sport Council approval.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “I am delighted to confirm that Melbourne and the Albert Park circuit will continue to be on the Formula 1 calendar until 2035. The race has always been a favourite for the fans, drivers and the teams and Melbourne is an incredible and vibrant international city that is a perfect match for our sport.

“This year we saw huge crowds and passionate fans at the Grand Prix, and we are very excited by the future in Australia as our sport continues to grow. I want to thank the Victorian Government, Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria and Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport & Major Events for their tireless support for the event in Melbourne, as well as Andrew Westacott and Paul Little from the AGPC for making this already long-term partnership secure for the future. We are all looking forward to being back in Melbourne next season with all our fans.”

Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport & Major Events, Victorian Government, said: “The Australian Grand Prix has never been bigger, with more than 419,000 people flocking to Albert Park for this year’s race. We know how important this event is to our economy and that’s why we’ve delivered the longest extension for the race since it has been held in Melbourne.”

Andrew Westacott, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, said: “This is a sensational announcement that is simply great for Melbourne and Victoria. It builds on our rich motor sport history as well as Melbourne’s love of big sporting events and provides aspiration to the next generation of Aussie racing stars. We’re proud of our strong relationship with Formula 1 and together we will grow the sport in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Everyone at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation looks forward to taking the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix to new levels over the course of the next 13 years.”

Formula 1 have also announced that they are extending their partnership with Bandeirantes a Brazilian media company for another three years until 2025.

The new deal will extend to practise sessions as well as coverage of qualifying and the race.

Ian Holmes, Director of Media Rights and Content Creation at Formula One, said:“Formula One has always had a significant presence in Brazil and an illustrious history associated with the country so it’s fantastic that through these deals, we’re able to make the sport as widely available to as many fans as possible,” 

Dorna and Motorsport Network team up to launch Global MotoGP™ Fan Survey

Dorna Sports S.L and Motorsport Network today launched the 2022 Global MotoGP™ Fan Survey, aimed at capturing the views of racing fans around the world towards the sport they love. The survey will be the largest MotoGP™ fan survey ever conducted, operating in 15 languages across Motorsport Network’s flagship Motorsport.com website and motorcycle platforms, with data analysis from Nielsen Sport.

The MotoGP™ survey aims to gather fans’ input on a wide range of topics, including viewing habits, onsite experience and content consumption; opinions about future changes to improve the sport and insights into key issues beyond the racetrack. There are also questions on fan engagement and the growth of gaming and eSports, as well as identifying the fans’ favourite riders, teams and racetracks.

This is the first Global Fan survey conducted for MotoGP™. Motorsport Network leads the way in this field, recently completing Global Fan Surveys in partnership with F1™ in October 2021 and with NTT INDYCAR Series in February 2022.

James Allen, President of Motorsport Network and leader of the Global Fan Survey project: “We are looking forward to hearing from MotoGP™ fans around the world. Having recently completed large scale surveys for Formula One and INDYCAR, we understand the importance of the Global Fan surveys to rights holders and organizers of major race series, who can use the results like a compass to take their sport forward into the future. MotoGP™ is one of the world’s most thrilling sporting spectacles. A survey on this scale has not been done before with MotoGP™ and we can’t wait to see the results.”

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports: “The fans around the world make our sport what it is; they’re the heart of MotoGP™. We are always looking for ways to make MotoGP™ even better than before, so who better to ask than the fans? By utilizing the power of Motorsport Network, we will be able to reach our audiences across the globe, providing us with invaluable insight directly from our fanbase so we can better understand what they want from the sport, what they like or dislike, and what they value most about MotoGP™. This is an incredible opportunity to engage with so many people and give them a voice in the future of the sport we all love.”

The 2022 Global MotoGP™ fan survey is open to anyone over the age of 16 and will run for four weeks, kicking off on June 16th with the key findings due to be announced in September.

Betfred backing England for Rugby League World Cup

Betfred will be the principal partner of the England Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair teams on a two-year deal including this autumn’s Rugby League World Cup.

The partnership will kick off with the Mid-Season Internationals this weekend – when England’s Men face the Combined Nations All Stars in a double header at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium also featuring England Women versus France, with England Wheelchair also facing France at the Manchester Basketball Centre on Sunday. 

Betfred boss Fred Done said: “We are proud of the successful relationship with Rugby League that we have built at all levels since we became the title sponsors of the Betfred Super League in 2017, and to be principal partners of the three England teams preparing for a home World Cup is a perfect fit.

“It’s especially exciting for us to be working with the Women’s and Wheelchair teams, after breaking new ground for Rugby League as the first sponsors of the Women’s Super League in 2019, and now also of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup, Wheelchair Super League and Challenge Cup.

“Rugby League is such an inclusive sport and it’s a great honour for us to be involved at all levels, as we look forward to the country getting behind England Rugby League.”

Ralph Rimmer, the RFL’s Chief Executive, said: “Betfred have been outstanding sponsors for the sport of Rugby League for the last five years, sticking with us through the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, and this new partnership with our three England teams underlines the strength of that relationship. 

“They are a proud English company with roots in the North, and let’s hope we can celebrate the partnership with England teams reaching all three World Cup Finals in Manchester on the weekend of November 18-19. 

“It promises to be a thrilling tournament, and we are delighted that Betfred will be the principal partners of our three England teams until the end of 2023.”

Emma Raducanu and HSBC partner to mobilise the next generation

HSBC has announced a four-year partnership with Emma Raducanu, current British women’s tennis number one and the reigning US Open champion, with the shared ambition to create opportunities for the next generation.

Emma made tennis history when in 2021, she became the youngest female British player to win the US Open. Since then, her authenticity, talent and determination has made a global impact beyond the tennis world as an international citizen, who embraces a multi-cultural lifestyle.

In her announcement video, Emma reveals her excitement about the collaboration which is anchored in shared interests and values, championing internationalism, inclusivity, and opportunity for young people. HSBC is partner to five Olympic sports – golf, rugby sevens, tennis, badminton and football. Underpinning this support is a commitment to future generations and a sustainable and accessible future for sport.

The bank is committed to opening up a world of opportunity for our customers and communities all over the world.  From focusing on supporting grassroots initiatives that help children realise the physical and mental benefits of sport, to opening up participation and enjoyment of sport to a wider audience.

HSBC is the Official Banking Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon. It has supported the Ticket Resale Scheme since 2010 and generated £1.8m, with every ticket re-sold helping charities through the Wimbledon Foundation, enabling increased opportunities for local communities and the next generation of tennis players. Initiatives such as Give It Your Max have been beneficiaries of this support, opening up tennis to more children in inner city schools.  The bank has also presented the Mexico Telcel since 2004.

HSBC supports young customers across 64 countries and territories who, like Emma, look for a bank that will help open the opportunities that matter to them, whether it is to start university, to travel or simply to begin managing their own money.

Noel Quinn, HSBC Global Chief Executive, said “HSBC has had a longstanding relationship with Emma and her family for many years. We’re hugely proud of Emma and what she has already achieved in her professional career. We also believe there are some really great and innovative ways that we can work with her to inspire and educate young people, which is why we’re so pleased to have forged this new long-term partnership.”

Emma said, “To partner with HSBC is so natural for me having grown up playing in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon and having been a customer for many years. If I wasn’t a tennis player, I would definitely want to work in finance so I’m excited to learn more about the industry in the years to come. We are working on some really cool ideas and I’m particularly looking forward to working on initiatives that help young people such as financial education, but watch this space!”.  

Icons Series Announces Reflo As “Official Team Rest Of The World Apparel Partner”

Icons Series, a new concept in sport and entertainment, today announced a three-event partnership with sustainable clothing brand Reflo to become the “Official Team Rest of the World Apparel Partner.” The agreement begins with the inaugural USA event June 30 – July 1 at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ, where Reflo will outfit furnish Ernie Els’s team with six unique outfits inspired by the majestic waterside location of the course.

Known for disrupting the fast fashion industry while leaving a positive impact on the planet, Reflo apparel is made from advanced technical fabrics woven from recycled waste, and the gear for this summer’s event will repurpose the equivalent of 36,608 plastic bottles.

Highlighting the company’s sustainability-driven purpose, Reflo will plant nearly 3,000 trees in partnership with Icons Series and implement additional initiatives at the event such as planting an additional tree for every birdie made. Fans can track the initiative’s progress by using #Trees4Birdies.

“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Reflo, one of the most innovative new brands in the apparel space,” said Icons Series CEO, Thomas Brookes. “Their sustainability efforts are industry-leading and align perfectly with Icons Series’ goal of ‘making a difference by being different.’”

“The Icons Series is a cutting-edge sport and entertainment concept whose aim to deliver a differentiated product to a global audience aligns with our vision,” said Reflo Co-Founder Rory MacFadyen. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Team Rest of the World beginning with the inaugural USA event this summer and showcase our high-quality apparel options being worn by iconic sports stars. We are also delighted to be spreading the Reflo message and supporting the invaluable staff, volunteers and officials of this unique event.”

The current Team Rest of World roster includes former top-ranked tennis player and three-time Grand Slam winner Ash Barty, boxing’s pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez, three-time Golden Boot winner Harry Kane, one of the finest cricketers in history AB de Villiers, one of the most successful soccer managers ever Pep Guardiola, a veteran, record-breaking, international and winner of multiple major trophies, James Milner MBE, international rugby champion and World Rugby Hall of Famer George Gregan AM, and one of the best batsmen of the modern era, Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting AO. Additional Icons will be announced in the coming weeks.

Bolstering their commitment to sustainability, in 2021 Reflo launched an extensive collection of high-performance men’s apparel. The apparel is made from advanced technical fabrics woven from recycled waste including single use plastic and coffee beans. The UK-based company aims to recycle five million plastic bottles worth of plastic, and plant 1 million by 2026. The fabrics are created to adhere to multiple sustainability certifications including Global Recycled Standard, Bluesign, Oeko-Tex 100 and U Trust.

Today’s announcement supports Reflo’s commitment to challenging the traditional sponsorship model by cultivating positive impact partnerships engineered to create a more sustainable future. The company recently announced a partnership with the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open with additional sports and brand collaborations to be announced throughout the year. Reflo products, including the limited edition Reflo x Team Rest of World polo shirts will be available to purchase on course throughout the event and at www.reflo.com.

About Icons Series

Icons Series is a world-first, innovative new concept in sport and entertainment which brings bonafide global icons together for an ultra-competitive team match-play tournament. The events feature Team USA against Team Rest of World, with two professional captains and rosters composed of the biggest names in sport battling it out in a new frontier in entertainment. Founded by visionary global sports executive Thomas Brookes, Icons Series launches at Liberty National Golf Club in 2022 with additional worldwide events to follow.

Nitro Rallycross Appoints Aurora Media Worldwide as Broadcast Production Partner for Inaugural Global Series

Nitro Rallycross have appointed Aurora Media Worldwide as broadcast production partner for their inaugural global championship series. Aurora will create the world feed and global highlights programmes.

Specialising in the development and production of live, premium global sports events, Aurora is recognised as a creator of innovative, formatted international live broadcasts, which are widely distributed around the world.

The new season of Nitro Rallycross, also known as Nitro RX, sees the series visit a host of brand-new tracks and classic rallycross venues across the globe with stops in the USA, Canada, Sweden, Finland and The Middle East. All of which will be given the Nitro touch of “Cars that Fly” and “Tracks that Thrill”.

The Nitro RX 2022-23 season comprises ten rounds, with the iconic Lydden Hill Race Circuit, in Kent, hosting the first race this weekend on 18th-19th June. The series finale takes place in the USA in March 2023.

Nitro RX’s high-adrenaline race line-up includes three regular divisions: Group E, Supercar, and NRX NEXT. This series sees the competition debut of the FC1-X – the most powerful vehicle in rallycross – in the new electric class, Group E which will capture the spirt of the iconic Group B rally cars of the 1980s. The FC1-X delivers the electric equivalent of 1,070 peak horsepower (800 kW) and accelerates from 0-60 in just 1.4 seconds.

Capturing the thrill of the series, Aurora will use a combination of track & RF cameras, live on-boards, drones and FX cameras, video-game inspired shots will take audiences in close to the action, with a refreshed and innovative suite of data driven graphics to tell the on-track story.

The presentation team include Jarod DeAnda as host for the programmes and the voice of Rallycross himself, Andrew Coley, is onboard as Lead commentator. Katie Osbourne will be reporting from the paddock, all backed by ‘Street Bike Tommy’, of Nitro Circus fame, getting up close and personal to authentically showcase drivers, team members, friends, family and fans on the ground.

Nitro RX mastermind Travis Pastrana will be defending his crown, lining up alongside the likes Andreas Bakkerud, Fraser McConnell and Chris Meeke, plus former F1 World Champion Jenson Button, seeking a new challenge as he joins the line-up, alongside Xite Energy Racing team owner and driver Oliver Bennett later in the season.

Brett Clarke, Chief Revenue Officer, Thrill One Sports & Entertainment said: “We are very excited to be working with Aurora Media Worldwide. They’re the best in the business at creating innovative, ground breaking sports productions from broadcast through to digital, perfectly suited to the world of Nitro RX. Our show is fast-paced, up close, and personal. As a fan experience, it gives you everything but the autographs… for those, you’ll have to join us in person!”

James Hopkins, Commercial Director, Aurora Media Worldwide said: “Nitro Rallycross is a revolutionary motorsports concept, expanding from US to international shores. The action is non-stop and we are excited about the innovative sporting format and production plans, including working with a world class talent roster representing over.”