The Madrid fans, a few of them, meanwhile have started an online petition for Mbappe to be sold over concerns that the French player is saving himself for the World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe issues statement after criticism for weekend trip with actor girlfriend amid injury recovery

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has repeatedly stated that Iran will be at the World Cup, underscored that stance at the start of his address to delegates in Vancouver.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Gianni Infantino confirms Iran's participation; Trump's three-word reply goes viral

Iran has already qualified for the 48‑team tournament and been placed in Group G, with scheduled group matches against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle.

‘Want World Cup to go ahead as scheduled’: FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid concerns over Iran’s participation

The ICE chief was answering the questions following shooting of two US citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good which has sparked protests across the country, especially against the department. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played from June 11 to July 19 in 16 cities across the US.

FIFA World Cup 2026 | 'Dedicated to the security': US ICE chief shares agency's role at upcoming event

Infantino rejected suggestions there might be a boycott of this year's World Cup -- to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 -- due to policies adopted at home and abroad by the Trump administration.

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Infantino defends giving peace prize to US president Trump

The State Department of U.S. said athletes, coaches and support staff for the World Cup, the Olympics and events endorsed or run by a long list of collegiate and professional sporting leagues and associations would not be subject to the full and partial travel bans.

US to allow athletes from banned countries to attend major sporting events? Here's what we know so far

The upcoming year is filled with mega sporting events, starting from as early as February, including a major multi-team cricket event. Check out what highlights the 2026 sporting calendar. 

From FIFA World Cup to Commonwealth Games, here are 5 major sporting events in 2026

Next year's World Cup -- to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19 -- will be the first to feature 48 teams, a 50 per cent increase from the 32 teams last time.

How much cash prize would the winner of 2026 FIFA World Cup get? FIFA drops details

Football's global governing body FIFA said in a statement that it had created a limited number of "Supporter Entry Tier" fixed at $60 for all 104 matches, including the final.

FIFA announces $60 World Cup tickets after pricing backlash

The two games will be the last time Thomas Tuchel's men play at home before they bid to end England's 60-year wait for a major trophy at the World Cup finals in North America. England waltzed through World Cup qualification with a 100 percent record.

Thomas Tuchel's England to face Uruguay and Japan ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

The footballer had previously said that he'll play if his body holds up for the tournament which begins June 29. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Will Lionel Messi play FIFA World Cup 2026? He says 'At worst, I’ll be watching...'

On Friday, the Iran Football Federation's spokesperson said that they had informed FIFA about the Iranian delegation not participating in the ceremony as the United States refused to grant visa to several members of the delegation.

Iran representatives to attend 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in apparent U-turn

Set to face Group B leaders Switzerland in the final qualifying match, Kosovo, which gained independence in 2008, could write a new chapter by securing qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Explained: How Kosovo, Scotland can qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup on final matchday

In Group A, both Germany and Slovakia are locked on 12 points each from five matches and will go head-to-head on Monday in Leipzig. In Group G, matters are a little complicated.

Explained: How Poland, Slovakia can qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup on final matchday

According to FIFA's Disciplinary Code, Chapter 2, Article 14(i) says that if a player is sent off for "assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting or hitting an opponent," they should serve a three-game ban.

Here's why Cristiano Ronaldo could be suspended for opening match of 2026 FIFA World Cup

'2026 World Cup 'definitely' my last', says Portuguese star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo

Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi moved to Inter Miami in 2023 after being linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia. That followed a two-year spell with Paris Saint-Germain, the club he joined in 2021 after ending his long association with Barcelona.

Saudis turned down Lionel Messi stint ahead of 2026 World Cup, says official

Messi, who has been playing professionally since 2004, wants the chance for one more star turn on football's biggest stage.

Messi keen on playing 2026 World Cup but will leave it to his body to decide for him

The FA said the decision, which had been taken on Tuesday and was effective immediately, was "based on a lack of results in the World Cup qualifiers".

Sweden sack coach Jon Dahl Tomasson after 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying defeats

South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing Teboho Mokoena after the midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and then Zimbabwe, the football body's disciplinary committee said.

South Africa lose 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying points over ineligible player

Infantino has said FIFA has "full and entire" confidence in the Trump administration to help deliver a successful tournament.

Trump suggests 2026 FIFA World Cup games could be moved from unsafe cities

The FSS referred to a 2014 match, when a drone carrying a flag promoting a "Greater Albania" flew over the pitch - triggering angry fans to run onto the field and cancelling the game.

Serbia-Albania World Cup qualifier moved over security fears, Leskovac to replace Belgrade

Israel, whose players donned black armbands in honour of the victims of Monday's deadly shooting at a bus stop in east Jerusalem carried out by Palestinian gunmen, took an early lead through an own-goal but lost in the end.