Football officials from the U.S., Canada and Mexico "are likely to meet next year" to discuss a joint bid for the 2026 World Cup, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani said on Wednesday. FIFA confirmed on Oct. 14 that co-hosting would be allowed at the '26 tournament and that there would be "no restrictions on the number of countries in a given bid." Montagliani said, "It’s obviously a possibility. We are fully aware that each country could probably host it on its own" (REUTERS, 12/28).
Bundesliga clubs have "shunned Turkey as a training camp destination in a short winter break this season for the domestic football league." Fifteen of the 18 top-flight clubs "are using the break for intensive preparations abroad, but the uncertain security situation in Turkey has led to a complete rethink." More than a third of the clubs recently chose the Turkish Riviera -- and "especially the resort of Belek -- as a winter training camp." This time, no club is traveling to Turkey, "where conditions have always been regarded as perfect" (ALBAWABA, 12/27).
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Carlo Tavecchio said that he has "no problem" with Serie A fixtures being played over the festive period -- "as long as none take place on Christmas Day." Serie B President Andrea Abodi -- whose league plays games on Christmas Eve -- said that Serie A "should contemplate delaying its winter break to have games around Christmas." Tavecchio: "I never said I had any problems with playing over the festive period, but for a Catholic like myself it would be strange playing on the day Jesus Christ was born" (ESPN.com, 12/28).
US Club Soccer and its technical partner, La Liga, unveiled featured sessions for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Convention from Jan. 11-15 in L.A. Drawing 4,000-plus coaches and more than 10,000 attendees, the event is billed as the "World's Largest Annual Gathering of Soccer Coaches" (US Club Soccer).
