Germany's 2026 World Cup hopes suffer a blow as 18-year-old Bayern Munich forward Lennart Karl is ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury. RB Leipzig's Assan Ouedraogo replaces him.

England manager Thomas Tuchel expressed concern over the patchy playing surface at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium before the New Zealand friendly. He said he saw a photo that worried him but has heard it will be OK, and confirmed the pitch issue will not affect his team selection plan of using two different XIs for 45 minutes each.

Iran's World Cup participation is uncertain due to unresolved US visa applications for its delegation. Despite relocating training base to Mexico and strong on-field form, the team faces potential exclusion if visas are denied, impacting Group G.

FIFA demands payment from fans who got free World Cup tickets due to a glitch, as investigations into pricing and sales practices escalate ahead of the 2026 tournament.

With a week to go, the 2026 World Cup faces a pricing crisis. FIFA is under investigation by NY and NJ attorneys general for alleged artificial price inflation and misleading fans, as thousands of tickets remain unsold and resale values plummet below face value.

Iran’s national team opens up about preparing for the 2026 World Cup in the US while at war with the host country, with midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi admitting the constant news from home makes it 'not easy' to focus on football.

Internal discord over player ticket allocations has emerged in the French national team just days before the 2026 World Cup, stirring memories of the 2010 mutiny. Despite being the most expensive squad, questions about unity persist.

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was unable to travel with the World Cup squad after his ESTA was flagged, leaving coach Yakin with a selection headache.

Iran’s third-highest goalscorer, Sardar Azmoun, is excluded from the final 26-man World Cup squad after a social media post with a UAE ruler sparked political backlash, casting a shadow over Team Melli’s Group G campaign.

Iran's football team heads to the 2026 World Cup in the US without star striker Sardar Azmoun, excluded over a photo with Dubai's ruler. The decision is seen as political reprisal, not tactical.

Marcelo Bielsa excluded Luis Suárez and Nahitan Nández from Uruguay's 2026 World Cup squad, signaling a ruthless shift to a younger, high-pressing style led by Darwin Núñez.

Billy Gilmour is ruled out of the 2026 World Cup after a knee injury in Scotland's friendly win over Curacao. Tyler Fletcher made his senior debut as a half-time substitute, potentially replacing the Napoli midfielder.

An escalating Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo prompts the US, Mexico, and Canada to impose travel restrictions ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, casting doubt on the participation of DR Congo's national team.

FIFA may ban the Lion and Sun flag from World Cup 2026 stadiums, sparking a legal challenge. The emblem symbolizes opposition and diaspora identity. The controversy adds to geopolitical tensions as Iran plays in Los Angeles.

Iran's football team will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, for the 2026 World Cup, commuting to matches in the US after Washington refused visas and security assurances, confirmed by Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj and approved by FIFA.

FIFA reportedly approved Iran's request to relocate its 2026 World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico due to geopolitical tensions, visa issues, and security concerns.

England manager Thomas Tuchel omitted stars Phil Foden and Cole Palmer from the final 26-man squad, prioritizing system cohesion over individual brilliance.

High-profile players like João Pedro miss out on World Cup squads, sparking debate and reshaping tournament power dynamics.

Iran moved its 2026 World Cup base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico due to security fears and visa issues from US-Israel war on Iran. FIFA approved. Team will avoid US soil but remain near venues.

DR Congo's football team refuses US demand to isolate for 21 days due to Ebola outbreak, risking travel to 2026 World Cup.

As the 2026 World Cup nears, Canada's roster takes shape without Kamal Miller and Theo Bair. Global sports media in countdown mode with trivia and history features.

U.S. officials require DR Congo's World Cup team to isolate in a Belgium 'bubble' for 21 days before entering the U.S. due to Ebola outbreak, sparking logistical and competitive concerns.

Harry Maguire omitted from England's 2026 World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel. Wayne Rooney calls it 'very unlucky' and a 'shock'.

Chris Richards' World Cup participation is uncertain after an ankle injury. Conflicting reports from Crystal Palace and the player's camp create confusion for coach Pochettino.