US, Canada and Mexico to host World Cup 2026 & Spain sack manager

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While England have been training and Spain have been sacking (and replacing) their manager, Poland have been literally flying.

They've landed in Russia and Robert Lewandowski was photographed while taking a photograph.

Poland get their tournament started on Tuesday against Senegal.

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Eric Dier has strapping on his left thigh but took full part in training and showed no sign of discomfort.

Says it’s a groin problem he’s been carrying for a while and feels fine.

OrnsteinCopyright: Ornstein

Mustapha: Lopetegui's Spain are currently on 20-match unbeaten. Both parties should have managed the crisis well. But hey, egos fly everywhere in Spain. Their politics/affiliations are too strong.

Henok Gebru: Unbelievable!!! Ohh What have they done....they should've kept hold of Lopetegui they just sanctioned their own downfall for this.

Fernando Hierro's last job in management was with Spanish Segunda side Real Oviedo back in 2017, where he guided them to an eighth-place finish.

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Spain have appointed Real Madrid and Spain defender Fernando Hierro as Julen Lopetegui's replacement for the World Cup in Russia

One question many have been asking is with three hosts, do they all qualify automatically?

At present there is little to suggest they will not, as both South Korea and Japan were awarded places when they co-hosted in 2002 edition.

Moreover with the number of teams up to 48 for the 2026 World Cup, CONCACAF nations of which all three are a part, may receive as many as six places, up from three or four.

Dave Hurley: Hope US, Canadian and Mexican politicians can settle their trade differences before World Cup 2026 or it could be a bit tetchy.

Luke Benfield: The host country gets automatic qualification for the World Cup. How does that work in 2026? Do they all three countries get qualification?

US player Alex Morgan says they World Cup is 'coming home' after the US, Canada and Mexico win the 2026

Alex MorganCopyright: Alex Morgan

While we are very much exploring all things World Cup, let's draw your attention to BBC Radio 5 live's Conor McNamara and his 360 degree welcome to Russia.

Note, it makes you dizzy.

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Former Sheffield United player and British champion boxer Curtis Woodhouse has a novel idea for Spain...

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Helles Mammut: The Spanish FA president acted more like a scorned ex-girlfriend than a man of his position. Cooler heads clearly didn't prevail there and I don't think this would have happened this way in any other country... Rubiales should hand in his resignation next...

Saint Kenzy: Van Gaal accepted to be man United coach like 2 weeks to the World Cup, was with Netherlands and they did well at the World Cup. What about that? He was sacked because it was Real Madrid he accepted.

Spain's Under-21 manager Albert Celades will replace sacked manager Julen Lopetegui in the dugout for their first World Cup match against Portugal on Friday, according to reports in Spain.

The 42-year-old earned four caps for Spain and played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

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Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales made it very plain the decision to fire Lopetegui was taken because of the way his departure for Madrid was handled.

Rubiales repeatedly and insistently stated the federation knew absolutely nothing about the negotiations until five minutes before the Bernabeu club sent a press release to reveal Lopetegui’s appointment – he also confirmed he had asked for the announcement to be delayed, but that plea went unheeded.

In a wider context, this shocking development is part of a wider political power play within Spanish football, with newly-appointed Rubiales seizing the first opportunity to show that the federation will not allow itself to be pushed around by anyone – even Real Madrid.

Unconfirmed reports are now stating that under-21 coach Albert Celades and the federation’s director of football Fernando Hierro – a former Real Madrid defender – will take charge for the World Cup opener against Portugal. But with this crazy story, we should expect another twist or two.

While we are on the subject of Spain, can we just flag up the fact that Spanish Football federation president Luis Rubiales (left) looks like he could be the twin of West Ham defender Pablo Zabaleta.

Can you see it? Or is that just us?

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Grumpy Gorilla: I've heard about Spain playing well with a false number nine but playing with a false manager is taking things to a whole new level.

Daniel: Lopetegui extended his contract to 2020 at the end of May, and went behind the Spanish FA's back and signed with Real. They've done the right thing. But how will this effect the players? We'll see come Friday...

What do you think about Spain sacking Julen Lopetegui? Tweet us on #bbcfootball.

Social media has gone into overdrive after Spain sacking Julen Lopetegui, as you might expect.

BBC Sport World Cup pundit Cesc Fabregas and Gary Lineker have shared a witty exchange.

Who will Spain turn to? Sergio Ramos has had a busy month, maybe he could take the helm...

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Just before leaving the stage Fifa president Gianni Infantino stated his desire to run for re-election next year.

EPACopyright: EPA