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Iran confirmed to play at World Cup according to FIFA chief Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted Iran will play World Cup matches in the United States, despite ⁠the football governing body’s ⁠Congress opening without the country’s delegation, its absence highlighting tensions and challenges

Ronaldo to lead Portugal at sixth World Cup as Martinez names squad

World Cup, in Oeiras, outside Lisbon, Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AP26139441621310-1779196256.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C513&quality=80) Portugal’s head coach Roberto Martinez announces the squad [Armando Franca/AP] The coach defended his decision to name four

What to expect from the 48-team format at the World Cup 2026

matches. Iran, one of Asia’s strongest sides, will face New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, raising the likelihood of a mismatch that offers little competitive intrigue for the average football

Messi at the World Cup: Inter Miami injury update, substitution

2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) / ALTERNATE CROP](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AFP__20260525__B3X62PR__v2__HighRes__FblMlsInterMiamiPhiladelphia-1779698754.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C481&quality=80) Messi leaves the pitch during the Miami-Philadelphia MLS match [Chandan Khanna/AFP] ## Did Messi get injured before the World Cup? While the Miami striker

World Cup 2026: Will violence and protests test Mexico’s cohost status?

highlighted that FIFA had not addressed direct risks to journalists working in Mexico’s World Cup host cities. Amnesty International also [called upon](/sports/2026/3/30/fifa-world-cup-will-be-held-amid-human-rights-crisis-in-the-us-amnesty) FIFA and World Cup hosts to take urgent action to protect

What does Trump shooting at White House dinner mean for World Cup security?

highlights the country’s failure to control gun violence. Comments on social media ranged from fans questioning the US as a host to calling for the matches in the country to be cancelled altogether

Ranking the Middle East and North African teams at World Cup 2026

opening match against Norway could effectively shape the entire campaign as it may represent Iraq’s best opportunity to claim points before facing France in the second game. The final group match against Senegal will

It's been a thrilling start to the World Cup. Here are the highlights and what's next

highlights and what's next ![U.S. forward Folarin Balogun (c) celebrates with teammates after scoring his second goal during the U.S.'s opening 4-1 victory over Paraguay in the group stage of the World

World Cup opening ceremony: Who’s performing, when it starts, how to watch

highlighted that this specific artist lineup was chosen to reflect the cultural diversity and vibrant diasporas of the US, showcasing the nation’s considerable influence on global pop culture, music, and entertainment. **Opening day schedule

Top five ‘must-watch’ matches of the group stage at World Cup 2026

highlight of the first weekend of the tournament, as five-time champions [Brazil](/sports/2026/5/28/brazils-world-cup-2026-team-preview-players-to-watch-group-matches-squad) take on Qatar 2022 [surprise package Morocco](/opinions/2022/12/15/morocco-was-the-feel-good-story-we-did-not-know-we-needed) in New Jersey. Brazil come into the tournament with an ageing squad

To find the World Cup's Cinderellas, we have to start with the group stage

FIFA World Cup 2026 signage at Kansas City Stadium on June 08, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. **Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images** Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images *The following was* [*originally published in the Up First newsletter*](https://www.npr.org

U.S. launches second day of Iran strikes. And, World Cup facts to know before kickoff

2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off,** drawing billions of viewers to the world's biggest sporting event. Mexico will compete against South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City. The lead

Israel-Iran strikes threaten truce. And, Ebola is spreading at an unprecedented rate

opening its doors later this month on the South Side of Chicago. During a press preview, NPR and other media toured the building and grounds, which highlighted the legacy of the Obama presidency. The center

World Cup host Mexico pledges security at tourist sites after shooting

opened fire on tourists at pyramids outside Mexico City less than two months before the FIFA World Cup. A lone [attacker carried out the shooting](/news/2026/4/20/gunman-kills-canadian-woman-injures-more-at-mexicos-teotihuacan-pyramids) on Monday on top of one of the Teotihuacan

Mexico to beef up security at tourist sites after shooting at pyramids

2026.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2175x1450+0+0/resize/1100/quality/50/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F96%2Fe6%2Fa392f99748698e7e8f3a4c772036%2Fap26110785005303.jpg) Eduardo Verdugo/AP MEXICO CITY — Mexico's government said it was beefing up security at tourist sites after a man opened fire on tourists at pyramids outside of Mexico City less than

Here's who's missing at the World Cup: Soccer-playing grannies!

highlighter yellow. On the other was the United States in white. > *For stories about life in our changing world,*[subscribe to our Global Health newsletter.](https://www.npr.org/newsletter/goats-and-soda) When the whistle blew, the Americans immediately

The World Cup is bigger than ever - and BBC Sport has an app to match

2026 World Cup is here and bigger than ever as 48 nations compete for the biggest prize in football in the United States, Canada and Mexico.** The BBC is home to the best coverage

What is happening with World Cup ticket prices?

2026 World Cup kicks off, many questions remain unanswered about match tickets.** Fifa promised the event would be sold out, but there are thousands of tickets available for sale across several platforms. BBC Sport

Real Madrid set for rare trophyless season - will Arbeloa pay the price?

Fifa Club World Cup. And this season has certainly been an inconsistent one. Real started the campaign with Xabi Alonso as manager. And while a 2-1 defeat of Barcelona gave them a five-point

Brentford and Fulham share the points after goalless draw

opening goal against Leicester](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/059f/live/0a357710-3b29-11f1-bdd4-fdf1a2a9ebde.jpg) - [Four months on, all change as Celtic & St Mirren meet at Hampden again](/sport/football/articles/cj944xwm3mjo) - Attribution [Scottish Cup](/sport/football/scottish-cup) - Posted 6 hours ago6h ![St Mirren score against Celtic