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.

Scotland coach Steve Clarke has called up 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher as a last-minute injury replacement for the 2026 World Cup, after Billy Gilmour suffered a knee injury. Fletcher, with less than 20 minutes of Premier League play this season, leapfrogged more experienced standby players.

Thomas Tuchel's England squad has departed for a pre-World Cup camp in Florida. The German manager compares the challenge to climbing Mount Everest, emphasizing preparation and endurance. Jamie Carragher endorses Tuchel's appointment.

FIFA and Zee Entertainment have reached a last-minute deal to broadcast the 2026 World Cup in India, averting a blackout that could have left 85 million football fans without access to the tournament.

Christian Pulisic scored and assisted as the US beat Senegal 3-2 in a World Cup send-off friendly. Goals from Dest, Pulisic, and Balogun gave the US a lead, but defensive lapses allowed Mané to score twice, exposing vulnerabilities.

South Africa's Bafana Bafana faced an embarrassing visa delay, missing their scheduled departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will now fly on Monday after the sports minister condemned the administrative error.

Canada faces a crucial Group B campaign at the 2026 World Cup, with Alphonso Davies' fitness a major concern. They open against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto, then face Qatar and Switzerland in Vancouver.

Uncapped at World Cup level, Sunderland's Nilson Angulo joins Ecuador's 2026 squad featuring stars Caicedo, Hincapie and Valencia.

Guillermo Ochoa joins Messi and Ronaldo as first players selected for six World Cups. Mexico coach Aguirre overhauls squad after Qatar failure, blending experience with youth for co-hosted 2026 tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup expands to 48 nations, 104 matches across 16 host cities in the US, Mexico, and Canada over 39 days. Questions arise about whether the scale serves the sport or the bottom line.

Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is battling a hamstring injury that could derail his World Cup debut. He is expected to miss the opener against Cape Verde and is a major doubt for the second group game against Saudi Arabia.

Canadian midfielder Marcelo Flores tore his ACL in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, likely missing the 2026 World Cup. The injury, confirmed on Instagram, is a crushing blow to Canada's hopes in Group B.

Australia's 26-man World Cup squad blends veterans like Mathew Ryan and Harry Souttar with emerging talent. Drawn in Group D with USA, Turkey, and Paraguay, the Socceroos aim to build on their 2022 round of 16 run.

Uruguay's 2026 World Cup squad announced by Marcelo Bielsa omits iconic striker Luis Suarez, ending his international career. The squad relies on a blend of midfield battlers and a forward line led by Darwin Nunez, despite his lack of club minutes. The campaign starts against Saudi Arabia on June 15.

Tony Popovic names uncapped Tete Yengi and Cristian Volpato in Australia's 26-man World Cup squad. Volpato, previously Italy U21, switches allegiance after FIFA clearance.

USMNT defeated Senegal 3-2 in Charlotte. Christian Pulisic assisted and scored, ending a six-month international goal drought. Sadio Mané scored twice for Senegal. Pochettino's side showed attacking promise but defensive issues remain.

South Africa's flight to the 2026 World Cup was grounded due to visa problems for players and officials. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called the situation an 'embarrassment' and demanded accountability.

Tony Popovic names a bold 26-man Socceroos squad for the 2026 World Cup, including uncapped strikers Cristian Volpato and Tete Yengi, while cutting veteran winger Martin Boyle in a high-stakes gamble to fix attacking woes.

FIFA will prohibit players from gathering at the technical area when a goalkeeper is injured, aiming to curb gamesmanship. The rule change, approved by IFAB, will be enforced at the 2026 World Cup.

Billy Gilmour's knee injury rules him out of the 2026 World Cup. 19-year-old Tyler Fletcher, who debuted in the same match, replaces him in Steve Clarke's 26-man squad.

Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine, makes Algeria's 2026 World Cup squad alongside Riyad Mahrez. The goalkeeper recovers from a broken jaw as the Fennec Foxes prepare to face Argentina, Austria, and Jordan in Group J.

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.

Scotland's World Cup prep hit as Gilmour out with knee injury. Clarke calls up Man Utd teenager as replacement, mixing concern and opportunity.

Hundreds gathered in North Miami to celebrate Haiti's first World Cup qualification in 52 years, with players like Duckens Nazon offering messages of hope and unity.