Iran’s national football team will run a pre-World Cup training camp in Antalya, Turkey, before traveling to its U.S. base in Tucson, Arizona. Iranian media reports players face visa procedures amid delays for entry into the United States. The squad is set to play a friendly against Gambia on May 29 in Turkey, with a second warmup match still undecided. Iran held a send-off ceremony in Tehran, while federation chief Mehdi Taj said no visas have been issued yet.
Romelu Lukaku is back in Belgium’s World Cup squad, earning his fourth tournament place after a frustrating injury stretch. The Napoli striker, 33, had not played for Belgium for almost a year and has managed only five Serie A matches this season. His selection comes after he withdrew from earlier friendlies over fitness concerns. Belgium also includes World Cup stalwarts Kevin de Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, with Axel Witsel heading into his own fourth campaign as well.
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Didier Deschamps has unveiled France’s star-studded FIFA World Cup squad, packed with attacking power including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and rising talents. The biggest surprise is goalkeeper Robin Risser, rewarded after a breakthrough season with Lens and named Ligue 1’s best goalkeeper earlier this week. Risser joins as the No.3 behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba. France begin Group I against Senegal, Iraq and Norway in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Southampton’s Championship playoff final at Wembley is under threat after the EFL charged the club with breaching regulations over alleged unauthorised filming of Middlesbrough’s training before the semifinals. The hearing must be held by May 19, with the EFL still planning the May 23 showpiece but warning supporters that disciplinary proceedings could alter the fixture. With Southampton set to face Hull after beating Middlesbrough, the league offered few specifics on outcomes or penalties, only that contingency plans—and possibly appeals—are ready.
Thousands packed Tehran as Iran’s World Cup departure rally unfolded with fresh kit reveals and patriotic messages. Yet behind the celebrations, uncertainty remains over whether the squad can enter the United States for the tournament. Iran’s FA says it is working with FIFA to clear visa issues, while the team is set to train in Turkey ahead of kick off.
Chris Wood will captain New Zealand at the World Cup with a clear mission: secure their first-ever tournament win and “create some history.” The striker said he believes the squad can compete despite the challenge ahead. New Zealand’s Group G campaign starts next month against Iran, Egypt and Belgium.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr drew 1-1 with rivals Al-Hilal when a bizarre late own goal rescued a point. The result keeps Al-Nassr five points clear in the Saudi Pro League, but the title still isn’t locked in. Al-Nassr can clinch the championship with a win against Damac next, turning a dramatic moment into a do-or-die finale.
Michael Carrick is reportedly the frontrunner to become Manchester United’s permanent manager after the club’s strong run of form. Carrick stepped in on an interim basis following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal last year, when United had suffered disappointing results. Now, with momentum building, United are said to be considering Carrick for the full-time role.
Cristiano Ronaldo begins what could be his final FIFA World Cup, set to be his first since leaving European football for the Saudi Pro League. The 2022 transfer stunned fans and fueled doubts about whether his level would drop. Now, as Portugal prepare for the tournament, the question is whether his form and influence can outlast the switch and time.
Carlo Ancelotti has named Neymar in Brazil’s preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, signaling a potential comeback after he missed selections in recent Brazil squads. The move follows Neymar’s recent encouraging performances and sets the stage for an intriguing final-team selection ahead of the tournament.
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PSG forward Ousmane Dembele has been voted Ligue 1’s Player of the Season for a second straight year, taking the honor late Monday night. The award adds to PSG’s remarkable run, marking the club’s 10th consecutive year claiming the top player spot in the league. The streak follows Kylian Mbappe’s five-year dominance before his move to Real Madrid.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams, with Gianni Infantino arguing it boosts global representation and makes the event more of a shared “social” spectacle. Supporters see opportunities for debutants like Curacao and Jordan, while critics worry the extra spots reduce stakes and make it easier for teams to reach the knockouts.
Chennaiyin FC will take on NorthEast United away from home in their penultimate ISL 2025-26 fixture on Sunday, determined to bounce back after losing to Punjab FC. With the standings packed tightly, the result could shape how Chennaiyin close the season, making this clash a must-win moment rather than just another round.
Lionel Messi has heaped praise on Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal, calling him the best player of the new generation at an Adidas event tied to FIFA World Cup 2026. Speaking alongside the spotlight on Yamal’s promise, Messi also revisited the themes of his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, adding extra weight to the compliment.
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This Sunday, Barcelona face Real Madrid in el Clasico as the Catalans chase a second consecutive La Liga title. Barcelona only need a draw to be crowned champions, but a win would keep them on track for a remarkable 100-point season milestone, turning the match into a high-stakes swing between celebration and records.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s bid to stay on track in the ISL title race hit a roadblock as FC Goa fought back for a 1-1 draw at PJN Stadium in Margao. Jamie MacLaren gave Bagan the lead early in the second half, but a late equaliser by substitute Ronney Willson Kharbudon ensured honours were shared.
Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz missed Saturday’s Premier League match against Chelsea after coach Arne Slot said the German was dealing with a stomach bug. Slot revealed Wirtz fell sick this week, skipped parts of training, and was left out of the squad for the trip to Anfield. The absence raises questions over his availability next.
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa says Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni’s apologies should close the book after their scuffle. The incident still cost both players a combined 500,000 euros, with the club levying hefty fines. Arbeloa insisted the matter was settled once they acknowledged the problem and moved on, signaling unity over punishment.
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Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde suffered a head injury following an on-field altercation with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni. The club has launched disciplinary proceedings against both players. Valverde played down the incident, insisting no punches were exchanged and that he accidentally struck a table during the confrontation, escalating questions around what really happened.
India U17 women’s team made AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup history by thrashing Lebanon 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time. The emphatic win also ended a long wait for goals and a victory since 2005, with the team’s maiden knockout run now set to take on hosts China.
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