Toronto reversed course on plans to charge fans to attend its World Cup fan festival, with the city council ​approving a revised plan to create a free general ‌admission option after some councillors objected that the $10 fee broke a promise.

City staff had proposed a plan last week for $10 general admission tickets for ​the event. The festival, which is set to include live ​game broadcasts, food and entertainment, was originally promoted by ⁠the city last year as a “free and inclusive space” for ​fans to enjoy games during the June 11-July 19 World Cup.

But ​after objections from some councillors, who raised concerns about affordability for residents, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow asked staff this week to revisit the ticketing idea.

City ​staff issued a report on Wednesday proposing that of the ​20,000 general admission tickets available every day, 15,600 will be free and 500 ‌will ⁠be reserved for community groups at no cost. There will be 3,900 premium tickets available daily that will range from $100 to $300.

In the original report last week, staff said the ticketing plan was ​required as a ​crowd control measure ⁠and to help cover costs related to an “enhanced fan experience.”

“Fan Fest should be free for general ​admission,” Chow told reporters this week before council ​voted 18-3 ⁠to create a free general admission ticket option. “We can offer VIP packages for those who want them, but the gates should be ⁠open ​for everyone.”

Toronto, one of 16 cities across ​Canada, the United States and Mexico hosting games for the 48-team World Cup, will ​stage six matches.

-Reuters

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Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes expressed hope that he and his teammates can help crown Cristiano Ronaldo’s ​international career by winning the 2026 World ‌Cup.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo is set to appear in a record sixth World Cup in June, a tournament expected to ​be the final major chapter of the forward’s ​career.

“Wrapping up all this last World Cup with ⁠Cristiano (Ronaldo) winning it would be something amazing,” Fernandes ​told Wayne Rooney in a BBC report published ​on Friday.

“I really hope we can make it happen, not just for Portugal, but for everything Cristiano gave to football and ​the world,” the Portuguese midfielder and Manchester United ​captain said.

Ronaldo, considered one of the greatest players ever to ‌have ⁠not won a World Cup, is the record scorer in international football with 143 goals.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was part of Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning team and has lifted the Nations League twice.

Portugal’s opening Group K game is on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by Uzbekistan on June 23, with both games in Houston. They play Colombia on June 27 in Miami in their final ⁠group ​game.

The World Cup runs from June ​11 to July 19 in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

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Morocco’s preparations for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup may have received an unexpected boost following injury concerns surrounding Brazil defender Eder Militão.

The Atlas Lions are scheduled to face the five-time world champions, Brazil’s national football team, at MetLife Stadium on June 13, but uncertainty now surrounds one of Brazil’s key defensive figures.

Militão, who plays for Real Madrid, is at serious risk of missing the tournament after suffering a hamstring injury during his club’s recent victory over Alavés. The defender signalled to be substituted before halftime after feeling discomfort, and subsequent medical tests confirmed a muscle injury in his left leg.

Further reports indicate the problem could be a recurrence of a previous injury sustained in December, raising fears that surgery may be required — a development that would likely rule him out of the World Cup, which kicks off in less than 50 days.

The 28-year-old centre-back is now awaiting further assessment, with a final decision expected following additional examinations by Real Madrid’s medical team.

For Morocco, the potential absence of Militão could weaken Brazil’s defensive structure ahead of their Group stage clash. The North Africans, who impressed on the global stage in recent tournaments, will be keen to capitalise on any vulnerability as they aim for a strong start against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.

Militão’s injury is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Brazilian defender, who has struggled with fitness issues in recent seasons, including consecutive anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

While Brazil remain formidable opponents, Morocco’s camp will be monitoring developments closely as they fine-tune preparations for what promises to be a high-profile opener.

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