David Squires on … the gruelling ultra marathon that is Fifa’s World Cup draw

A recent report has criticized FIFA and the IOC for their inconsistent policies regarding athletes convicted of sexual assault, highlighting the confusion this creates for major events like the World Cup and Olympics. The report emphasizes the need for clear standards across borders to address these serious issues effectively.

FIFA has announced the establishment of a peace prize, with the inaugural award expected to be presented to Donald Trump, amidst concerns regarding the involvement of a controversial figure linked to Myanmar's junta in the selection process. This announcement coincided with a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Trump, raising eyebrows about the motivations behind the prize's creation.

Human rights organizations, including the Sport and Rights Alliance and Amnesty International USA, have raised concerns about the upcoming 2026 World Cup, urging FIFA to take action to protect the rights of local communities and fans amid fears of immigration raids and arbitrary detentions during the tournament. They have made seven specific requests to FIFA ahead of the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.

The draw for the 2026 men's football World Cup will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., featuring performances by Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, and the Village People, with the latter expected to perform their iconic song YMCA. The event is co-hosted by Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart, and Danny Ramirez, and is set for December 5, 2025.

JaMarcus Shephard has been officially introduced as the 33rd head coach of Oregon State football, following his tenure as an offensive assistant at Alabama. His appointment comes after the dismissal of former coach Trent Bray amid a challenging season, and Shephard has signed a five-year contract with the program.

Fifa has failed to sell the TV rights for its inaugural Women’s Champions Cup, which is set to take place in London starting January 28, featuring Arsenal as the representative from Europe. This situation mirrors Fifa's recent difficulties in securing broadcast deals for other competitions, including the men’s Club World Cup.

Washington successfully flipped 4-star wide receiver Jordan Clay from Baylor on Monday night, marking a significant move as the Early Signing Period approaches. This decision follows Washington's efforts to secure Clay, having hosted him twice in the past month.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is set to take place in Washington, D.C., with U.S. President Donald Trump expected to play a significant role in the event. This draw is crucial as it will determine the matchups for the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams. Additionally, Trump is anticipated to receive a new FIFA Peace Prize during the proceedings.