Scotland's World Cup hopes hang by a thread after Brazil defeat; South Africa advance. Mexico flawless, Canada falter, and Australia stun Turkey with defensive masterclass.

Despite FIFA's pledge of inclusivity, the 2026 World Cup in the US sees Iranian fans' tickets revoked, Palestinian FA chief Jibril Rajoub stranded in Mexico, and other delegates denied visas under Trump's strict entry policies.

FIFA leadership overruled US-based staff who opposed dynamic pricing for the 2026 World Cup, prioritizing revenue over accessibility. Empty seats and fan fury result from a strategy that maximizes profit from wealthy buyers, despite internal dissent.

Iran's national team left a handwritten note calling for 'peace, respect and friendship' after a 0-0 draw with Belgium. The gesture references a deadly school attack and ongoing US-Iran war negotiations.

Iran's World Cup campaign faces off-field turmoil as the federation prepares a formal complaint to FIFA over travel restrictions. Coach Ghalenoei calls the team 'most oppressed' after being forced to arrive in Los Angeles just 24 hours before key matches, disrupting recovery and preparation.

Canada's 2026 World Cup opener against Bosnia saw swaths of empty seats at BMO Field, with tickets priced up to $2,240. Fans and even President Trump criticized the costs, highlighting a disconnect between FIFA and supporters.

Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association, says he was denied a US visa to attend the 2026 World Cup, stranding him in Mexico City and highlighting a broader visa controversy affecting dozens of accredited officials from over 20 nations.

Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association, is stranded in Mexico City without a US visa for the 2026 World Cup. Iran's team also faced last-minute visa clearance, sparking accusations of US obstruction.

Thousands of empty seats at a World Cup match in Guadalajara highlight controversy over FIFA's dynamic pricing and opaque ticket distribution, raising concerns about fan accessibility.

In a historic and chaotic 2026 World Cup opener, referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio showed three red cards—a record for an opening match—as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. The dismissals overshadowed Mexico's first-ever opening win, leaving both teams with suspensions and questions about discipline.

Iran's 2026 World Cup campaign starts in Tijuana under armed guard after US visas denied. The team faces a hostile host nation, artificial turf, and a commuter schedule across the border, marking a tournament first.

During the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City, the US flag was met with loud boos from the crowd, reflecting strained US-Mexico relations and casting a shadow over the tri-nation co-hosted event.

Japan captain Wataru Endo retires from international football due to foot injury, dealing a major blow to World Cup campaign. Kaoru Mitoma also out. Team faces leadership void and midfield reshuffle.

As the 2026 World Cup transforms Mexico City into a global spectacle, thousands of protesters demand justice for over 133,000 disappeared people, blending football euphoria with a powerful cry for accountability.

Protests and controversy mar the 2026 World Cup opener in Mexico City after FIFA president Infantino's dismissive press conference. A Somali referee's visa denial, along with demonstrations from teachers, families of the disappeared, and displaced fans, set a tense backdrop.

Forecasts show extreme heat, humidity, and thunderstorms will affect nearly a quarter of World Cup 2026 matches, creating physical risks and scheduling chaos for players and fans.

The 2026 World Cup faces controversy over political interference, exorbitant ticket prices, and logistical issues, with FIFA and Trump’s involvement drawing criticism.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches across 16 cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico, health experts warn of infectious disease risks from Ebola to measles, testing global health surveillance.

Somali referee Omar Artan, the first from his nation to officiate a World Cup, was denied entry to the US three days before the 2026 tournament, forcing FIFA to remove him. CBP cited vague "vetting concerns," likely linked to Somalia's inclusion on a travel ban list.

Iran’s World Cup preparations are in turmoil after the US denied visas to key managerial and technical staff, forcing the team to base in Tijuana, Mexico. Iranian officials accuse the US of discriminatory treatment, casting doubt on competitive integrity.

FIFA canceled approximately 60 World Cup tickets accidentally issued for free due to a website error on May 21st. Affected fans must now pay the original price to keep their reservations, sparking backlash amid ongoing scrutiny over FIFA's ticketing practices.

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.

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.