Don’t mention the war: Tucson prepares to welcome Team Iran for World Cup
- 13-May-2026
TUCSON, United States: In the Strait of Hormuz, US warships menace Iran’s oil tankers, while in Washington President Donald Trump demands “complete victory.” But in Tucson, they’re getting ready to welcome the Iranian football team as if nothing were amiss. The city, an oasis of civilization in the Arizona desert, is set to be the […]
Trump says he is OK with Iran playing in FIFA World Cup
- 01-May-2026
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday told reporters that “I’m OK” with Iran playing in the FIFA soccer World Cup, which will be held in North America in June and July. The comments come after FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday said Iran would be present at the tournament and play in the United States. […]
FIFA received 150 million World Cup ticket requests, Infantino says
- 29-Dec-2025
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the ticket prices for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, citing heavy demand for them and the revenue generated for the sport around the world. This month fan groups criticised the cost of tickets , which were several times more expensive than those for similar […]
Draw for 2026 FIFA World Cup kind to favourites
- 06-Dec-2025
Friday’s FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC put top teams Argentina, Spain and England in seemingly favourable groups for the 2026 competition which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Italy face Northern Ireland in European playoffs, Sweden meet Ukraine
- 20-Nov-2025
Italy will face Northern Ireland in the European playoffs in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup while Sweden meet Ukraine as 16 teams learned the pathways that determine the four remaining European slots for the global tournament.
Deschamps pleased with France squad for stepping up in absence of big names
- 17-Nov-2025
Jean-Philippe Mateta and Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike can provide France with more attacking options as they prepare for next year’s World Cup, manager Didier Deschamps said after their 3-1 win over Azerbaijan in a qualifier on Sunday.
No player assured of spot in US World Cup squad, says Pochettino
- 15-Nov-2025
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has warned players that “no one can feel safe” about their chances of making the final squad for next year’s World Cup on home soil.
Ancelotti finding his feet as Brazil boss prepares for defensive shake-up
- 14-Nov-2025
Carlo Ancelotti may still be wrestling with Portuguese but the Italian is increasingly comfortable in his role as Brazil coach as he prepares to field an experimental defensive lineup in a friendly with Senegal at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Mbappe ruled out of World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan
- 14-Nov-2025
France captain Kylian Mbappe will miss Les Bleus’ FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Azerbaijan this weekend with an ankle injury, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Friday.
Cameroon World Cup hopes hit by injury blows
- 12-Nov-2025
Cameroon have been hit by two major injury blows, and face a possible third ahead of Thursday’s World Cup playoff against the Democratic Republic of Congo.