FIFA reportedly earned about $5 billion from ticket sales and hospitality at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, far more than its original estimate and around five times what it made in Qatar four years ago.

The figures

According to a report in a British newspaper, the $5 billion figure compares with an earlier FIFA estimate of $3.3 billion for the same revenue stream. Total revenue from the tournament is put at about $15 billion. Qatar 2022 reportedly brought in $929 million from tickets and hospitality. The 2026 tournament had 40 more matches because of the expanded 48-team format, but much of the increase is said to come from higher prices and dynamic pricing, where ticket costs rise with demand. FIFA's resale platform also reportedly takes a 30 per cent cut of resold tickets.

Criticism

Fan groups have described the prices as extortionate and scandalous. Football Supporters Europe called them a monumental betrayal of fans, many of whom also faced high travel and hotel costs in North America.

FIFA's response

FIFA has not officially confirmed the $5 billion figure. A spokesperson said more than 100,000 of the 6.81 million tickets were sold at $60, including more than 1,000 for the final. The spokesperson said the money would be reinvested in football, including support for its 211 member associations, and that official revenue figures would appear in its annual report after audits. FIFA also plans to raise funding for member associations to $6.35 billion for 2027 to 2030.

Why it matters

The figures are likely to add to debate over the cost of attending major tournaments, with fan groups already pressing for price caps at future World Cups.

Barely 24 hours after VeryDarkMan demonstrated the performance of his Ratel power station, Blord has come out with his own claims, and Nigerians are already raising serious questions.

According to Blord, his 1,000W-rated power station can power a big refrigerator, a 128W industrial fan, a television and even a treadmill for 12 solid hours!

Wait a minute! How is that possible?

VDM tested his 1,200W-rated power station, and it lasted 5 hours and 17 minutes under the conditions of his demonstration.

Now Blord is claiming his 1,000W unit can run all those appliances for 12 hours, without showing a complete, uninterrupted test to back up the claim.

Blord, Nigerians need evidence, not just words!

However, there is something important here. A power station's watt rating tells us how much power it can deliver at once, while its battery capacity, measured in watt-hours (Wh), determines how long it can run appliances. So battery life cannot be judged from the 1,000W and 1,200W ratings alone.

Blord, show us the battery capacity, connect all those appliances and let the test run for 12 hours. No editing, no shortcuts!

VDM has shown his demonstration. Nigerians are waiting to see yours.

Do you believe Blord's 12-hour claim, or should he prove it with a proper live test?

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who is the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate for governor of Abia State in 2027, has been remanded in a correctional centre in Lagos after appearing in court on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Her application for bail is listed for hearing on Friday, 30 October.

What happened

Ogala was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos on three counts linked to a complaint by the cleric Pastor Chris Okafor. The charges relate to the alleged publication of photographs, the alleged spreading of false electronic messages and alleged threats against the pastor. She has not been convicted of anything, and the allegations are yet to be tested at trial.

News of the remand first spread on Wednesday afternoon, when comedian Deeone shared it online. Reports differ on which Lagos facility she was taken to. Before she was led away, Ogala posted a short video from the courtroom in which she described the case as a political move aimed at stopping her governorship bid. Clips of the moment she was taken out of court were shared widely on Thursday.

Background

The dispute between Ogala and Okafor has played out on social media for months. It reportedly began after the pastor announced plans to marry another woman, which led Ogala to criticise him publicly. She has since spoken several times about their past relationship. In another video from court, she was also heard telling the judge that her former partner was using the law against her.

How people reacted

Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore condemned the remand in a Facebook post, calling it an abuse of power. He accused the police of repeatedly using the Cybercrimes Act to shield powerful people, argued that what he called a private quarrel should not have become a criminal case, and urged the courts to stay impartial. He also said her rights as a candidate must be protected. Online, fans were divided, with some backing the actress and others saying she should answer the charges in court.

What happens next

All eyes are now on Friday's bail hearing in Lagos. Her party has not yet said how the case will affect her campaign in Abia.

President Bola Tinubu left Abuja on Thursday, 29 October 2026, for Makkah in Saudi Arabia, where the Presidency says he will perform Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage. The trip has quickly become the latest flashpoint in the race for the 2027 presidential election.

What the Presidency said

Announcing the journey, the President's adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the visit was for spiritual reflection and prayers for Nigeria's peace, unity and progress. Before leaving, Tinubu was scheduled to commission new equipment for the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Abuja airport. No return date was announced.

Atiku's demands

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, communications director of the ADC presidential campaign, Atiku Abubakar claimed to have information that the President's real destination after a brief stop in Makkah was France. He asked the Presidency to publish daily proof of Tinubu's presence at the holy sites, to say whether the trip was linked to his health, to release the full itinerary and to explain how the journey was being paid for. The statement also raised questions about a reported loan request. Atiku said he would join other Nigerians in praying for the country but insisted the questions be answered.

Sowore's claim and the reply

Activist Omoyele Sowore also claimed the President was travelling for medical care. Responding on X on Thursday, Tinubu's aide on social media, Olusegun Dada, rejected the claim. He pointed to the President's recent schedule, including the flag-off of his re-election campaign in Kaduna, meetings at the State House and a Federal Executive Council meeting, and said a sick man could not keep such a programme. Dada added that Tinubu made similar trips before the APC primary and the general election in 2022.

What happens next

The opposition is expected to keep pressing for details while the President is away, and the Presidency has not said when he will return to Abuja.