Iran’s football federation chief Mehdi Taj says the team has received no US visas for the 2026 World Cup so far. Players are expected to travel for fingerprinting, but Iran is waiting on FIFA guarantees about the visa process. The squad is scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt across US cities including Los Angeles, leaving their participation in limbo.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has been named an official supporter of the 2026 World Cup across North America and Asia, signaling a bigger push to deepen its ties with global football. The move complements Saudi Arabia’s plan to host the 2034 World Cup and backs wider initiatives, including grassroots and youth development, supported by its ongoing international sports investments.
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Canada’s soccer team is preparing for a defining moment at the 2026 World Cup, with the nation set to host matches and ride a surge in local interest. Backed by top stars like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, Canada believes it can contend—not just participate—while the home tournament promises to lift soccer’s profile across the country.
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.
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.
FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co hosted across multiple countries, marking only the second time the tournament has taken this approach. The 2002 World Cup was the previous example, jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan, with South Korea delivering the opening ceremony. Details now point to an even bigger, multi venue spectacle for 2026.
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FIFA is struggling to sell 2026 World Cup media rights in India as expected deal values come in far below early projections. Experts say broadcasters are wary after overspending on cricket and facing a weaker advertising environment. With demand softening, FIFA may have to scale down its expectations to align with a subdued local market.
Donald Trump said he would not pay over $1,000 for a World Cup ticket, warning that such high prices could keep many Americans from attending. He argued that his supporters should still be able to go. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing as requests for the 2026 tournament surge far beyond past editions.
FIFA says it has signed broadcaster agreements across more than 175 territories for World Cup 2026, but India and China remain problematic for viewers. The gap raises questions about how rights deals will be finalized and delivered in the two most populous markets, where demand is enormous and negotiation timelines can make or break telecasts.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran will participate in the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup and play fixtures in the United States, even amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US. Speaking on the matter, Infantino framed it as his responsibility to “bring people together.” Iran has qualified and is set for Group G.
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Germany has postponed its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad announcement by nine days due to injury concerns. Coach Julian Nagelsmann, originally set to name the squad in Frankfurt on May 12, is now waiting longer so players can recover and prove fitness after the final Bundesliga day, potentially altering who makes the cut.
Real Madrid defender Éder Militão has undergone surgery for a hamstring problem, a setback that is expected to rule him out of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Spanish reports suggest recovery from this type of procedure can take at least a few months, leaving Brazil without one of its key defenders at a crucial stage.
Iran’s expected involvement in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is now clouded by fresh US remarks. Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to potential security and entry problems, intensifying uncertainty. The situation follows earlier discussions by US special envoy Paolo Zampolli, leaving fans wondering whether Iran can realistically participate under current constraints.
Barcelona says Lamine Yamal will miss the remaining six La Liga games after a leg injury sustained while taking a penalty against Celta Vigo. The club expects him to recover in time to play for Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026, though no exact return date has been confirmed. Yamal is following a controlled recovery plan.
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Iran’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US remains uncertain. Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the final call will depend on evolving security and political conditions amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran. With FIFA preparations underway, Iran’s stance adds uncertainty to the tournament’s confirmed line-up while diplomatic risks persist.
FIFA has reopened last-minute ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, releasing tickets for all 104 matches about 50 days before kickoff. More than five million tickets have already been sold, with additional batches planned until the final. The move comes amid criticism of high prices, but FIFA insists it uses variable pricing—not dynamic pricing—to manage costs.
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