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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France’s FIFA World Cup squad has been announced with Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann omitted in a surprising move. Coach Didier Deschamps said Camavinga’s club season—marked by injuries, strong positional competition, and a disappointing run—cost him a place. Robin Risser and Maxence Lacroix earned unexpected call-ups. France open their campaign on June 16 against Senegal in New Jersey, with Kylian Mbappe expected to be central despite injury concerns.
China Media Group said it has struck a FIFA broadcasting deal covering four World Cup tournaments, ending a rights standoff less than a month before the 2026 men’s World Cup begins in the US, Mexico and Canada. The package includes men’s events in 2026 and 2030 and Women’s World Cups in 2027 and 2031, with exclusive media and sub-licensing rights in mainland China. It spans free-to-air and paid TV plus online and mobile distribution, but financial terms remain undisclosed.
FIFA has unveiled the official song for the 2026 World Cup, “Dai Dai,” created by Shakira and Nigerian star Burna Boy. FIFA described the track as a high-energy celebration blending global sounds with football, culture, and unity. The song is available on major streaming platforms, and FIFA says royalties will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. FIFA also confirmed a star-studded final halftime show on July 19 in New Jersey headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, as the US, Canada, and Mexico host the tournament.
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.
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Mexico City is preparing for the World Cup with 18 free public fan zones, a top-tier food scene, and major landmarks like Zócalo and Chapultepec Park. Organizers expect heavy crowds and intense rush-hour traffic near Estadio Azteca, alongside pollution concerns and the challenge of high altitude. Getting to the stadium is easiest via Metro Line 2 or Line 3 plus connections, but visitors are warned about intermittent internet, cashless payments, and safety risks near Santa Ursula.
The US is easing entry rules for World Cup fans by ending visa bond requirements for foreign visitors from select qualifying countries. Citizens from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia who hold World Cup tickets will no longer have to post large visa bonds to enter the country. The move aims to make travel smoother for fans attending matches.
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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The US State Department says it will ease visa rules for select World Cup visitors by waiving the bond payments required from some applicants. Bonds will be dropped for teams competing in US matches and for fans from participating countries who already hold tickets and have enrolled in the visa priority system.
India delivered a stunning recurve showing at the Shanghai Archery World Cup, beating leading teams in the women’s competition. China’s Li Mengqi dominated the men’s individual recurve, then added mixed team gold. In the compound mixed team event, the spotlight shifted again as American archers claimed top honors, reshaping the medal tally.
India’s women’s recurve archery team clinched World Cup Stage II gold in Shanghai, toppling hosts China after a tense shoot-off. The win marks India’s first World Cup gold in five years and sets a confidence boost ahead of the Asian Games. Deepika Kumari also matched a national milestone with her 12th World Cup medal, prompting pride from Anand Mahindra.
India’s women’s recurve team of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat and Kumkum Mohod delivered a breakthrough at Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, beating hosts China in a high-pressure shoot-off. The win secured India’s first World Cup gold since 2021 and capped a stunning run that included an upset over South Korea in the semifinals.
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Justin Kluivert is set to return for Bournemouth after four months out with knee surgery, giving a major lift to both his club hopes and his standing for the Netherlands ahead of the World Cup. The 27-year-old has not played since early January, but is expected to be in Bournemouth’s squad soon—watching closely for a comeback impact.
Cricket Australia is reportedly making a massive push to keep Pat Cummins on board, with an offer worth $12 million across the next three years. The Sunrisers Hyderabad captain, fresh off a World Cup-winning ODI leadership stint, remains one of Australia’s most valuable fast-bowling assets. The reported contract aims to lock in his service long term.
Iran winger Ali Gholizadeh has been ruled out of the World Cup in North America after suffering a serious knee injury while playing in Poland for Lech Poznan. The 30-year-old previously appeared in all three of Iran’s 2022 World Cup matches in Qatar. Lech Poznan confirmed the setback late Monday, casting doubt on Iran’s wide options.
FIFA is reportedly facing a major World Cup broadcast rights crunch across India and China. In India, negotiations with Reliance over a $20 million offer have not been finalized. In China, authorities still haven’t announced their position. With the tournament start close, fans fear they may miss live matches or face limited coverage.
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England has picked a 15 player squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Nat Sciver-Brunt set to captain the side on home soil. The list blends proven campaigners like Danni Wyatt-Hodge with a fresh inclusion, uncapped spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman. Head coach Charlotte Edwards said the selection was brutal due to deep talent.
FIFA says it will release additional World Cup tickets starting 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday for all 104 matches, covering Categories 1, 2, 3 and newly introduced pricing tiers. The move comes after fan anger over added, more expensive categories, with FIFA attempting to widen access while keeping the new premium structure in place.
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