Julius OkoriePortugal international, Cristiano Ronaldo, is set to extend his Al-Nassr Contract to 2027 a deal that will see him pocket about €200 million per annum.
The former Manchester United striker, who is hoping not only to play at the 2026 World Cup but also at the 2030 edition where Portugal will be co-hosts, has an option of a third year on expiration of the new 2-year contract based on his performance and personal preferences during that time.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis extension is particularly significant as it aligns perfectly with Ronaldo’s aspirations to represent Portugal at the World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Unlike standard sports contracts that typically focus solely on player performance, this deal encompasses broader commercial, ambassadorial, and developmental roles for Ronaldo, adding layers of complexity to the negotiation process.
The five-time Ballon d Or winner has been at his best since joining the Saudi League side. The 40- year-old has scored in virtually every match he has played for the side with 72 goals in 73 appearances to his credit since joining the club early 2023.
Meanwhile World Soccer ruling body FIFA are thinking of having the draw of the next world Cup in Las Vegas otherwise dubbed the Sin City.
The Athletic reported FIFA are in advanced negotiations with several venues in Las Vegas to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw come December.
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There are also possible talks of moving the event to Washington D.C. to allow President Donald Trump to more easily participate in the draw.
The United States already has experience hosting FIFA World Cup festivities in Las Vegas. The 1994 FIFA World Cup draw unfolded at the Las Vegas Convention Center and featured singer Stevie Wonder, late actor Robin Williams and then-President Bill Clinton, who made an appearance on video.
Fast forward more than 30 years later and Las Vegas could once again be home to the FIFA World Cup draw. In 2025, FIFA has a wealth of options when it comes to venues, including the MGM Grand Garden Arena, T-Mobile Arena and even The Sphere.
Since Las Vegas was not named as one of the 11 U.S. host cities for the upcoming competition, it could now potentially still participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming to the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
The newly-expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, 16 more than the traditional 32 teams. Six months before the tournament kicks off in Mexico on June 11, 2026, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will divide the teams into 12 groups of four.
So far, seven teams have already qualified for next summer’s tournament. Along with the three host nations, Japan, New Zealand, Argentina and Iran have all punched their tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The qualified national teams will have to wait until the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw unfolds in December to find out their group stage opponents.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
