Miami GP: race to the limit with Checo Pérez and changing weather

Canada has decided to leave behind its reputation for courtesy. At least during the World Cup it organizes.

With the chance to make history at home, players talk less about manners and more about mentality. Midfielder Niko Sigur made it clear:

“I don’t think it’s always a bad thing to play with arrogance. I think we’re at our best when we play with that confidence.”

Canada opened Group B with a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, its first point in a World Cup. This Thursday against Qatar they will look for their first victory. “If we are at our best and all together, we can cause them a lot of problems,” Sigur added.

The team arrives with casualties, but received an incentive: captain Alphonso Davies will be available after missing the debut due to a hamstring injury. Coach Jesse Marsch said they will evaluate his usage during the game. Promise David is recovering from a hip injury and Marcelo Flores was already ruled out in May. Moïse Bombito has not played since October due to a broken leg.

Injuries opened opportunities. Jayden Nelson replaced Flores after scoring in added time against Uzbekistan. “We know we have the necessary weapons to win,” said Stephen Eustáquio.

Trust has become a recurring theme. Instead of focusing on the pressure of hosting, the players embrace the moment. “We could use the word ‘pressure.’ I think we could use the word ‘ready,'” defenseman Richie Laryea said.

Canada is characterized by its high intensity pressure. “We always go on the attack. That fits with facing people,” Laryea said.

However, there is a fine line. Defenders Luc de Fougerolles and Alistair Johnston arrive with a yellow card. FIFA’s fair play system could be a tiebreaker in a tied group.

Four years ago, Qatar was the first host to lose all three of its group matches. But after watching their 1-1 draw against Switzerland, Sigur warned: “It’s the World Cup. You can’t play this game on paper,” Ali Ahmed added.

More than 50,000 fans are expected at BC Place. Adam Lovell of The Voyageurs supporters club said: “Losing my voice will be a good sign. I’ll try to set the tone with the fan culture.”

Eustáquio promises an aggressive start. “Hopefully that gives Qatar enough power,” he joked. He knows it’s not the time to be polite.

Penalties for financial non-compliance

UEFA announced a fine of 6 million euros for Roma for non-compliance with Financial Fair Play. The Italian club slightly exceeded the provisional objective set for the year ending in 2025, receiving a penalty of 2 million. In addition, by registering a relationship between staff costs and total income greater than 70%, another fine of 4 million was added.

Olympique de Marseille was also sanctioned for not complying with the regulations on football income in the 2025-26 season. UEFA considered the limited magnitude of the infringement and the drop in income from broadcast rights in France. As a result, the club is excluded from the next club competition it qualifies for in the next three seasons, unless it meets the target in 2026-27. He was also restricted from registering new players on List A for the 2026-27 season and fined €6 million.

Clubs that followed the rules

In contrast, Milan, Inter, Monaco, Besiktas, Paris Saint-Germain, Antwerp and Trabzonspor met the final objective of the agreement. These clubs exited the supervision regime after covering the reporting periods ending in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The sanctions seek to ensure financial stability in European football, without altering sporting competition.

The drone incident

The preview of the match between Mexico and South Korea for the lead in Group A had an unexpected ingredient. This Thursday, a drone was detected flying over the Verde Valle facilities, where the Asian Tigers train.

The security team acted immediately. The intervention of the National Guard was requested, which managed to neutralize the device using electronic interference systems. The drone descended on the training field without causing any major setbacks.

However, the incident escalated. Asian media reported that the South Korean Federation had asked FIFA for a thorough investigation.

Statements from the South Korean coach

In the pre-match conference, technical director Hong Myung-bo referred to the fact:

“While we were training there was actually a drone flying over, we found out now. Fortunately what happened was before the practice and development of our tactics began, so it did not affect us, but it is true that what happened was unfortunate.”

The strategist also spoke about the rival. He compared Mexico to the Czech Republic, another team in the group:

“Czechia and Mexico are two different teams, their style is different. This week, with my players, we have shared different perspectives, different analyses. We know that Mexico is very strong and we are going to have to play well.”

The party will define the leader of the sector. The tension, on and off the court, promises an intense duel.