
The flag Iranians are not allowed to wave at the World Cup
The Iranian team is absent from the World Cup; politics take precedence.

James Milner has announced his retirement after a 24-year career in the Premier League. The former England international made a record number of appearances and won three Premier League titles.
Mentioned in this story
Former England international James Milner has announced his retirement after a 24-year Premier League career.
The versatile 40-year-old was out of contract after spending the past three seasons with Brighton.
Milner played for six teams in England's top flight and broke the record for most Premier League appearances in February.
He started his career with Leeds and went on to win three Premier League titles - two with Manchester City and one with Liverpool - and also helped the Reds win the Champions League in 2019.
Milner made his England debut while with Aston Villa in 2009 and ended his international career with 61 caps.
"I've been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country at two European Championships and two World Cups," read a statement by Milner, external on social media.
"But more than anything, it's the people and friendships I've made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever."
Figure caption,
'You knew Milner would be a success,' says Micah Richards
Milner made his Leeds debut at 16 in November 2002 and at the time was the second-youngest player to play in the Premier League.
The following month he became the youngest player to score in the Premier League and is now third on that list, behind Max Dowman and James Vaughan.
Milner missed most of the 2024–25 season through injury but played 22 games in all competitions in 2025-26, making his 658th and final Premier League appearance during Brighton's last game of the season.
"From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I've been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40," he added.
James Milner broke the record for the most Premier League appearances in February, although the exact number is not specified.
James Milner played for six teams in the Premier League, including Leeds, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton.
Milner won three Premier League titles, two with Manchester City and one with Liverpool, and also helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019.

The Iranian team is absent from the World Cup; politics take precedence.

Major unions rebuff Farage's call for affiliation with Reform UK, criticizing the party's stance on workers' rights.

White House warns UK against banning social media for under-16s

Lindsey Graham invests over $18 million to counter Mark Lynch's primary challenge.

Controversies prompt Maine Democrats to reconsider Graham Platner's candidacy.

Studies suggest GLP-1 medications could help reduce cancer risk; research is still in early stages.
See every story in News — including breaking news and analysis.
After spending two years in the first team at Leeds, Milner was sold to Newcastle after his boyhood club were relegated to the Championship in 2004.
He then joined Villa in 2008 and Manchester City in 2010, helping them to their first two Premier League titles in 2012 and 2014.
Milner left for Liverpool in 2015 and spent eight seasons at Anfield, scoring 26 goals from 332 appearances.
In 2020, he helped the Reds win their first league title since 1990 and lifted the FA Cup and League Cup with both Liverpool and City.
"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life," Milner said.
"Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.
"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."
Figure caption,
'Very, very special.' Alan Shearer hails James Milner's longevity