The World Cup is coming to North America this summer, and FIFA just dropped some massive news. They've signed a groundbreaking deal with YouTube that could completely change how you watch the tournament.
Here's the scoop: broadcasters who hold World Cup rights can now stream the first 10 minutes of games live on YouTube. FIFA is calling it a "game-changing partnership," and they're hoping it'll get younger fans hooked before they switch over to traditional TV channels.
But that's not all. Some broadcasters will be allowed to stream select matches in full on their YouTube channels. FIFA is also giving certain content creators unprecedented behind-the-scenes access throughout the tournament. If you're planning your World Cup betting strategy, this means you'll have more ways than ever to watch games and gather intel on team form.
England's Kansas City Base and Boycott Talks
England will be setting up camp in Kansas City, and Mayor Quinton Lucas is pretty excited about it. Six matches will take place there, with Argentina and the Netherlands also using the city as their base.
"We in Kansas City call ourselves the soccer capital of America," Lucas told The Independent. The city has state-of-the-art training facilities, which should keep Thomas Tuchel happy as he prepares his squad.
Lucas also addressed the elephant in the room: potential boycotts over US-Iran tensions. He's confident the tournament will go ahead, saying people can "distinguish what's going on at the administration level from what's happening on the ground."
Neymar Snubbed by Brazil
In a surprise move, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti left Neymar out of the squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia. The 34-year-old isn't happy about it.
"Obviously I'm upset and sad not to have been selected," Neymar said on MadHouseTV. Ancelotti explained he needs players who are 100% fit, which makes sense given Neymar's recent injury struggles.
For those eyeing Brazil as World Cup favorites, this is worth noting. If Neymar can't crack the squad for friendlies, his place in the final World Cup roster isn't guaranteed. There's still one more squad announcement before the tournament, so the drama continues.
Finally, the first official World Cup song is on the way. Jelly Roll and Carin Leon are teaming up for a country-rock anthem called "Lighter," dropping March 20. It's meant to blend the musical styles of all three host nations.
