FIFA WORLD CUP

With only 12 days remaining until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, national teams across the 48-nation tournament are finalizing squads, monitoring injuries, and adjusting strategies as the countdown enters its final stretch across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Global build-up reaches final stage Most participating nations have either confirmed or are in the final phase of trimming their 26-man squads, with FIFA’s final submission deadline set for June 1. Several major teams are already shaping their tournament identity, while injury setbacks and late fitness tests are forcing last-minute changes. Argentina: Messi leads historic sixth World Cup Lionel Messi will headline Argentina’s squad in what will be a record-extending sixth World Cup appearance, with...

Iran's ambassador to Mexico has revealed that the country's national football team still lacks US visas and is not competing in the World Cup on “equal terms” because of difficulties training ahead of the tournament. Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh visited the north-western Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Iranians have relocated their training camp. They were originally planned to be based in Tucson, in the US state of Arizona. The ambassador told a news conference that “the country to the north” – meaning the US – had not followed through on its responsibility of hosting the Iranian team. “We don’t know whether or not they’re going to give the players their visas,” he added. Iran will play their three World Cup group games in two West Coast US cities: Los An...

A federal judge has officially dismissed criminal charges against a former media executive and an Argentine sports marketing firm involved in a high-profile, yearslong soccer corruption case. The dismissal came after the US Justice Department stated that pursuing the prosecution no longer aligns with the current administration's federal law enforcement priorities. The decision was handed down on the anniversary of the 2015 Swiss hotel raids that originally launched the massive, global investigation into FIFA, soccer's international governing body. That initial crackdown resulted in charges against 14 defendants, exposing deep-seated corruption at the highest levels of global soccer and forcing the eventual resignation of top executive officials. The dropped prosecution marks another ...

Defending champions Argentina and England will have their World Cup teams based in Kansas City under a list of training sites announced by FIFA .  The record 48 teams competing in the global football showdown that begins next month will have 39 teams based in the United States, seven more based in Mexico, and two based in Canada. “Team Base Camps are an integral part of the fabric of any FIFA World Cup,” said Heimo Schirgi, 2026 FIFA World Cup chief operating officer. “They are where teams put down roots, train and recuperate, and experience the day-to-day rhythms of the tournament.” Iran were confirmed with a team base in Tijuana, Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday said the country would allow Iran to be based there to avoid US visa restrictions. Colom...

Iran’s sports minister said FIFA has promised the country’s men’s football team will receive visas to play in the United States at the World Cup this summer despite the ongoing Middle East war, local media reported on Monday. Iran’s participation at the global spectacle has been in question for months because it is being co-hosted by the US, which along with Israel began bombing Iran on February 28, sparking a wider regional war. “The FIFA president promised us that all our players would receive visas. There is no reason why our players should not receive visas,” said minister Ahmad Donyamali, quoted by local news agency ISNA. “I hope that all the conditions will be met so that the national team can participate in the tournament in a calm and orderly manner.” The Iranian sq...

UEFA is planning a major overhaul of the qualification system for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and future European Championships, with a new format inspired by the UEFA Champions League’s “Swiss system.” As reported by the Economic Times on Thursday, the proposed structure would replace the traditional qualifying groups with a league-style competition designed to create more competitive matches and reduce the number of one-sided fixtures involving Europe’s strongest and weakest nations. Under the plan, the 36 highest-ranked European national teams would compete in League A, divided into three groups of 12 teams. Instead of playing every nation home and away, each team would face six different opponents during the qualification campaign. Lower-ranked nations would compete in a se...

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom has expressed confidence that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing regional tensions and concerns surrounding visas and entry arrangements. Speaking after a meeting with Mehdi Taj in Istanbul on Saturday, May 16, Grafstrom described the talks as “excellent” and “constructive”. “We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran football association,” Grafstrom told Reuters. “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.” Iran are scheduled to play all three of their Group G matches in the United States during the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. However, uncertainty has surroun...

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, football fans around the globe are reflecting on the incredible numbers and records that have shaped the history of the tournament since its inception in 1930. The 2026 edition, which will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to be the biggest FIFA World Cup ever, featuring 48 national teams for the first time in history. So far, 22 editions of the tournament have been played, producing unforgettable moments, legendary players, and astonishing statistics. Brazil remains the most successful nation in World Cup history with five titles, winning the trophy in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. Germany and Italy follow closely with four titles each. The highest-scoring player in World Cup history is...

L-R: Shakira and Burna Boy - [Dai-Dai Song Cover] Global music star, Shakira, has officially released “Dai Dai,” the anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in collaboration with Nigerian The Colombian singer announced the release of the highly anticipated track on Friday through her social media platforms. “Dai Dai is here. The @FIFAWorldCup 2026 starts now!” she wrote. World football governing body, FIFA, also confirmed the release of the song in a statement posted on its official X handle, revealing that the track is now available on all major streaming platforms. According to FIFA, the song embodies the spirit and excitement expected to define the global football tournament. “Today, excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues to build with the release of Dai Dai, featu...