On the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pundit Roy Keane delivered a blistering critique of former Manchester United colleague and Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz, calling him a “brilliant coach” but questioning his man-management. Meanwhile, FIFA president Gianni Infantino used his opening address in Mexico City to defend ticket prices averaging $500, while England’s warm-up against Costa Rica was delayed an hour by torrential rain in Orlando, as reported by Daily Mail Sport.

Roy Keane’s “Dead Fish” Verdict on Carlos Queiroz

Speaking on ITV in New York, Roy Keane did not hold back when assessing Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz, who was formerly Keane’s coach at Manchester United. “I just hope they don’t become too defensive. one of Carlos’s biggest strengths was his defensive side of the game,” Keane said. He added: “Brilliant coach, huge question marks over him as a manager. I felt like he had the personality of a dead fish when I worked with him.” The comment, captured on video by ITV Sport, quickly went viral on social media. Keane, known for his no-nonsense punditry, was sporting shorts to beat the New York heat.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Off-Night: Missed Chances and Early Substitution

Portugal defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a pre-tournament friendly,but their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo struggled. The 41-year-old missed several clear-cut chances to add to his record-breaking international tally of 143 goals before being substituted in the 65th minute. According to Daily Mail Sport, Ronaldo was given longer on the pitch than any other outfield starter , yet failed to convert. Portugal are in Group K with DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. ronaldo’s performance raises questions about his form heading into a World Cup where Portugal are considered pre-tournament favourites.

Infantino’s $500 Average Ticket Price Defence and “Chill” Referee Remark

In his opening address in Mexico City, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the tournament’s controversial ticket pricing, which has seen seats start at $140 and non-corporate final tickets in New Jersey costing $8,680.. infantino claimed the average ticket price of $500 is comparable to NBA or NHL playoff games. “If we are doing something wrong, everyone in North America is doing something wrong,” he said, according to Daily Mail Sport.. he also addressed the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the US, telling critics to “chill” and asserting that FIFA cannot dictate visa policies but is “working behind the scenes.” Infantino praised his own organisation for ensuring Iran’s participation despite visa issues, saying, “I don’t know who else would have been able to ensure in these circumstances… Iran could come and play.”

England’s Storm-Delayed Warm-Up: Rain, Lightning, and Pitchside Dining

England’s final World Cup warm-up against Costa Rica in Orlando was delayed by an hour due to torrential rain and lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the venue. Manager Thomas Tuchel and his squad arrived late as Orlando roads flooded. Spectators scrambled for shelter, though the match eventually went ahead, with England winning 3-0. The game itself produced little of note, but fans were baffled by pitchside dining tables placed just behind the bench , a novelty that went viral on social media according to Daily Mail Sport.