Jamie Carragher laughs at Rio Ferdinand after World Cup controversy

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher delivered a scathing reply to Rio Ferdinand with laughing and money bag emojis, following controversial comments he made regarding the upcoming 2026 World Cup draw.

Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand is among the hosts in the United States for the soccer tournament, which will establish the group configurations. FIFA has faced criticism in the run-up to the World Cup over ticket pricing for supporters, with one recent listing for a semifinal ticket on the official resale platform reaching around $214,000.

Ahead of the draw, Ferdinand was asked about ticket costs and whether the sport should be more affordable.

He said to the BBC: "I am a man of the people in terms of I'm from a place where we were always hoping for things to be accessible.

"I know that the people behind the scenes at FIFA are aiming and working to something like that now, whether they get there for that remains to be seen.

"I think we have to be conscious of that, and I think FIFA are definitely people who are conscious of that, the powers that be there.

"I think we can look at every industry, every sector, we have that conversation about things, and I think it's more about making sure that there's a product that's super elite that matches what's on the pitch, and then everyone can feel that it's justified taking time out and working hard to go and get tickets."

Ferdinand faced backlash for his remarks, which elicited a scathing response from Carragher in the form of laughing emojis and money bag emojis posted beneath the interview video.

The debate over ticket prices isn't the only controversy overshadowing the upcoming World Cup draw in North America.

The FIFA Peace Prize, a new accolade expected to be awarded to American President Donald Trump during the draw ceremony, is also causing a stir.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is slated to kick off the draw, with the hosts and draw assistants now confirmed.

Ferdinand will be one of the hosts, alongside Samantha Johnson and Eli Manning.

The draw assistants comprise some of America's most prominent sports stars, including Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal, Wayne Gretzky, and Aaron Judge, who will assist in determining the groups.

England is in pot one, with Thomas Tuchel poised to steer the Three Lions toward potential triumph.

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