Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, activists have reportedly defaced a FIFA advertisement, painting slogans protesting against the football governing body. The incident highlights growing criticism surrounding FIFA’s policies and global sporting events, drawing attention to ongoing debates over governance, ethics, and commercialisation in international football.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Activist Deface FIFA Advertisement, Paint Slogans Against FIFA

Iran has been crowned Asian football champions three times in history, making it one of the most successful teams in the continent’s football journey. The team’s performances in the AFC Asian Cup have cemented its status as a strong force in Asian football, consistently competing at the highest level. As attention turns to the FIFA World Cup, Iran’s regional dominance continues to be a key talking point in international football discussions.


FIFA World Cup: Iran Has Been Crowned Asian Football Champions Thrice

See the 8 most iconic FIFA World Cup haircuts of all time, featuring Ronaldo, Beckham, Neymar, Valderrama, and more. These unforgettable hairstyles became as famous as the players themselves

From Ronaldo's famous 2002 haircut to Beckham's mohawk, let us revisit the most iconic FIFA World Cup hairstyles that became football folklore

Ronaldo to Beckham: 8 most iconic FIFA World Cup haircuts that football fans still remember

England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted he was far from satisfied with his team's performance despite a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in a pre-FIFA World Cup friendly, criticising what he described as ‘freestyle’ football during the opening half. Harry Kane scored the only goal of the match in Tampa on Saturday as England secured the win. However, Tuchel felt his side lacked structure and discipline in the first half before showing improvement after the break. "I am OK with it (the win)," said the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss.&nbsp;"I am not super-happy about it. I like the second half more than the first half. We played more from our positions, and that is why we played with more speed, and off the ball, we played with a bit more bite. In the first half, we were out of position, and it was a bit too much freestyle. That slowed our game down and made it difficult for the counterpress because we were not in the positions that we wanted to be when we started attacking. That is basically the story of the match," he said.&nbsp;Tuchel also pointed to tactical issues, particularly a lack of width in England's play. "We were taking crosses, a lot of long-range shots, normally not our style of play. We played a lot of long balls, we played a lot of long passes. That was not part of the training in the last four days," he added. One of the biggest positives for England was the return of Jude Bellingham.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-afg-one-off-test-day-2-suthar-shines-with-3-21-on-debut-as-hosts-take-control-1780829025846">IND vs AFG, One-off Test, Day 2: Suthar shines with 3/21 on debut as hosts take control</a>&nbsp;The midfielder made an impact after coming on for Morgan Rogers, bringing energy and urgency to the attack following his injury layoff. Tuchel was full of praise for the Real Madrid star. "Jude has the decisiveness, and he has the bite," Tuchel said. "This is a key characteristic. You can see that he comes back from an injury and is full of energy and happy to be back on the pitch. He had his break, unfortunately, in a decisive part of the season. But you can see now that he is actually in a sweet spot. He comes back, he's fresh, he wants to play, and he is in top shape," he added.&nbsp;The England boss also praised captain Harry Kane after the striker once again delivered on the scoresheet. "It is a decisive goal. Harry is in top shape, and I think that when the pressure comes, and the tournament starts, that will bring the best out of all our players," he added. The match was played in challenging weather conditions, with the Florida heat testing the players physically. Tuchel believes adapting to such conditions is an important part of England's World Cup preparations.&nbsp;"We had one training in the sun, and now this match felt really, really odd," Tuchel admitted. "But it is good that we are exposed because that's why we're here. We wanted it that way, and we need to get used to it because it will come at some point," he signed off. England will now travel to Orlando before facing Costa Rica in their final warm-up match on Wednesday. The Three Lions have been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama and will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Arlington.<h2>How to watch and stream FIFA World Cup 2026 in India</h2>You can watch FIFA 2026 on Zee’s new Unite8 Sports network (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD). Multiple group-stage matches taking place simultaneously will be aired across the four channels with English and Hindi feeds. All games will also be streamed live on the Zee5 app and website.Link: <a href="https://www.zee5.com/">https://www.zee5.com/</a>

England boss Thomas Tuchel criticised his side's performance despite a 1-0 win over New Zealand, praising Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham ahead of the FIFA World Cup

England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted he was far from satisfied with his team's performance despite a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in a pre-FIFA World Cup friendly, criticising what he described as ‘freestyle’ football during the opening half. Harry Kane scored the only goal of the match in Tampa on Saturday as England secured the win. However, Tuchel felt his side lacked structure and discipline in the first half before showing improvement after the break. "I am OK with it (the win)," said the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss. "I am not super-happy about it. I like the second half more than the first half. We played more from our positions, and that is why we played with more speed, and off the ball, we played with a bit more bite. In the first half, we were out of position, and it was a bit too much freestyle. That slowed our game down and made it difficult for the counterpress because we were not in the positions that we wanted to be when we started attacking. That is basically the story of the match," he said. Tuchel also pointed to tactical issues, particularly a lack of width in England's play. "We were taking crosses, a lot of long-range shots, normally not our style of play. We played a lot of long balls, we played a lot of long passes. That was not part of the training in the last four days," he added. One of the biggest positives for England was the return of Jude Bellingham. Also Read: IND vs AFG, One-off Test, Day 2: Suthar shines with 3/21 on debut as hosts take control The midfielder made an impact after coming on for Morgan Rogers, bringing energy and urgency to the attack following his injury layoff. Tuchel was full of praise for the Real Madrid star. "Jude has the decisiveness, and he has the bite," Tuchel said. "This is a key characteristic. You can see that he comes back from an injury and is full of energy and happy to be back on the pitch. He had his break, unfortunately, in a decisive part of the season. But you can see now that he is actually in a sweet spot. He comes back, he's fresh, he wants to play, and he is in top shape," he added. The England boss also praised captain Harry Kane after the striker once again delivered on the scoresheet. "It is a decisive goal. Harry is in top shape, and I think that when the pressure comes, and the tournament starts, that will bring the best out of all our players," he added. The match was played in challenging weather conditions, with the Florida heat testing the players physically. Tuchel believes adapting to such conditions is an important part of England's World Cup preparations. "We had one training in the sun, and now this match felt really, really odd," Tuchel admitted. "But it is good that we are exposed because that's why we're here. We wanted it that way, and we need to get used to it because it will come at some point," he signed off. England will now travel to Orlando before facing Costa Rica in their final warm-up match on Wednesday. The Three Lions have been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama and will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Arlington. How to watch and stream FIFA World Cup 2026 in India You can watch FIFA 2026 on Zee’s new Unite8 Sports network (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD). Multiple group-stage matches taking place simultaneously will be aired across the four channels with English and Hindi feeds. All games will also be streamed live on the Zee5 app and website. Link: https://www.zee5.com/

Coach Thomas Tuchel criticised England's ‘freestyle’ football despite a 1-0 win over New Zealand, while praising Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham

FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-ups: Thomas Tuchel calls out England's 'freestyle' football after 1-0 win over New Zealand

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum surprised reporters during her regular morning press conference on Wednesday (June 4) by tossing a football into the crowd at the end of the briefing. The playful gesture was part of a promotional activity linked to the 2026 World Cup, which is set to open in Mexico City on June 11. As the ball flew into the audience, two journalists rushed to catch it. During the scramble, one reporter lost her balance and fell to the floor. Sheinbaum immediately stepped forward to assist the journalist before handing her the football. The light-hearted incident drew laughter from those attending the event.<h2>Watch the viral video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">⚽😂 | La presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum cerró su conferencia mañanera lanzando balones del Mundial 2026 a los representantes de la prensa. Una reportera estaba decidida a no irse con las manos vacías y, aunque terminó llevándose el balón, protagonizó una caída que rápidamente… <a href="https://t.co/4Eww2Oy9Xp">pic.twitter.com/4Eww2Oy9Xp</a>&mdash; 🔴 ESPACIO (@EspacioNoticias) <a href="https://x.com/EspacioNoticias/status/2062958518341153092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The moment came after Sheinbaum fulfilled a previous promise by giving away her ticket to the World Cup opening match. Earlier, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum delivered a promise on Friday by giving away her ticket to the World Cup opening match. Sheinbaum, the first female president in the country's 200-year history, donated her ticket No. 00001 to Yolett Cervantes Cuaquehua, a 21-year-old Indigenous woman from the eastern state of Veracruz. Mexico plays the opening match against South Africa on June 11 at Azteca Stadium. A jury selected Cervantes Cuaquehua after winning a contest for her ball-handling skills. "They are the pride of Mexico. They will not represent the president, or the head of government; they will represent Mexico," Sheinbaum said at a news conference to give away the ticket to Cervantes Cuaquehua.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-pope-has-chosen-leo-xiv-reveals-which-team-he-s-supporting-at-fifa-world-cup-2026-1780825376533">The Pope has chosen! Leo XIV reveals which team he's supporting at the FIFA World Cup 2026</a>&nbsp;Sheinbaum also gave away tickets to other matches being played in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, the Mexican venues for the World Cup, to three other amateur athletes aged 16, 22, and 23. They were selected by the jury as part of a government-organized contest. "Thank you so much for considering us," Cervantes Cuaquehua said.&nbsp;In March, Sheinbaum ruled out attending the opening game herself, saying she wanted to give the spotlight to young Mexican female soccer players. "I think a young woman who plays soccer is a great representative of our country. Very few people will be able to attend the opening," Sheinbaum said at the time. She added that she plans to watch the match at the Zócalo, Mexico City's main square, where a Fan Fest will be held.<h2>How to watch and stream FIFA World Cup 2026 in India</h2>You can watch FIFA 2026 on Zee’s new Unite8 Sports network (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD). Multiple group-stage matches taking place simultaneously will be aired across the four channels with English and Hindi feeds. All games will also be streamed live on the Zee5 app and website.Link: <a href="https://www.zee5.com/">https://www.zee5.com/</a>

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sparked laughter after tossing a football into a crowd of reporters during a World Cup promotional event and helping a journalist who fell while trying to catch it

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum surprised reporters during her regular morning press conference on Wednesday (June 4) by tossing a football into the crowd at the end of the briefing. The playful gesture was part of a promotional activity linked to the 2026 World Cup, which is set to open in Mexico City on June 11. As the ball flew into the audience, two journalists rushed to catch it. During the scramble, one reporter lost her balance and fell to the floor. Sheinbaum immediately stepped forward to assist the journalist before handing her the football. The light-hearted incident drew laughter from those attending the event. Watch the viral video here

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum tossed a football to reporters during a press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Here's what happened next

Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum tosses football during press conference. What happens next surprises everyone

Pope Leo XIV has publicly thrown his support behind the United States as the FIFA World Cup 2026 prepares to kick off on June 11, giving a morale boost to the tournament's co-host nation. The pontiff, who made history as the first American leader of the Catholic Church, said he would be supporting the US national team throughout the competition, despite his demanding schedule.&nbsp;Speaking to a journalist aboard a flight from Rome to Madrid on Saturday, Pope Leo said, “I would certainly support the US. I don't know how many games I'll be able to see, but I wish them all the best.” The United States is co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside Canada and Mexico. The American team will begin its Group D campaign against Paraguay, Australia, and Turkiye.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/meet-the-indian-origin-footballers-set-to-feature-at-fifa-world-cup-2026-1780747695549">Meet the Indian-origin footballers set to feature at FIFA World Cup 2026</a>&nbsp;Born Robert Prevost in the Chicago suburbs, Pope Leo XIV also holds Peruvian citizenship after spending decades serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru before becoming Pope. His connection to both countries has often sparked curiosity about his football loyalties. Last year, Pope Leo indicated he would support Peru if the South American nation faced the United States on the field. However, Peru failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, leaving Team USA as the recipient of the Pope's backing.&nbsp;During the flight, the Pope was also asked whether he preferred Real Madrid or Barcelona. Remaining diplomatic in his current role, he replied, “The Pope is for all teams.” He then referenced his pre-papal identity and added with a smile, “Prevost is for Real Madrid.” Pope Leo is currently on a week-long visit to Spain and the Canary Islands as excitement builds for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026.<h2>How to watch and stream FIFA World Cup 2026 in India</h2>You can watch FIFA 2026 on Zee’s new Unite8 Sports network (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD). Multiple group-stage matches that will take place simultaneously will be aired across the four channels with English and Hindi feeds. All games will also be streamed live on the Zee5 app and website.Link: <a href="https://www.zee5.com/">https://www.zee5.com/</a>

Pope Leo XIV supports Team USA ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The first American Pope also reveals his Real Madrid preference during a visit to Spain

Pope Leo XIV has publicly thrown his support behind the United States as the FIFA World Cup 2026 prepares to kick off on June 11, giving a morale boost to the tournament's co-host nation. The pontiff, who made history as the first American leader of the Catholic Church, said he would be supporting the US national team throughout the competition, despite his demanding schedule. Speaking to a journalist aboard a flight from Rome to Madrid on Saturday, Pope Leo said, “I would certainly support the US. I don't know how many games I'll be able to see, but I wish them all the best.” The United States is co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside Canada and Mexico. The American team will begin its Group D campaign against Paraguay, Australia, and Turkiye. Also Read: Meet the Indian-origin footballers set to feature at FIFA World Cup 2026 Born Robert Prevost in the Chicago suburbs, Pope Leo XIV also holds Peruvian citizenship after spending decades serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru before becoming Pope. His connection to both countries has often sparked curiosity about his football loyalties. Last year, Pope Leo indicated he would support Peru if the South American nation faced the United States on the field. However, Peru failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, leaving Team USA as the recipient of the Pope's backing. During the flight, the Pope was also asked whether he preferred Real Madrid or Barcelona. Remaining diplomatic in his current role, he replied, “The Pope is for all teams.” He then referenced his pre-papal identity and added with a smile, “Prevost is for Real Madrid.” Pope Leo is currently on a week-long visit to Spain and the Canary Islands as excitement builds for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026. How to watch and stream FIFA World Cup 2026 in India You can watch FIFA 2026 on Zee’s new Unite8 Sports network (Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD). Multiple group-stage matches that will take place simultaneously will be aired across the four channels with English and Hindi feeds. All games will also be streamed live on the Zee5 app and website. Link: https://www.zee5.com/

With just a few days left before the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins, Pope Leo XIV has revealed the team he will be supporting and wishes them all the best

The Pope has chosen! Leo XIV reveals which team he's supporting at FIFA World Cup 2026

When the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, India will once again be watching from afar. The Blue Tigers failed to secure a place at football's biggest tournament, extending a wait that stretches back decades. Yet despite India's absence, traces of the country will still be present on the world stage. Four players of Indian origin are expected to represent different countries at the World Cup. Their stories are not merely heartwarming tales of a successful diaspora. They offer something far more important: a window into what modern football development looks like when talent is placed inside the right system. For Indian football administrators, coaches, and fans, the journeys of these players raise a difficult question. If footballers with Indian roots can reach the World Cup elsewhere, what are those countries doing differently?<h2>The World Cup dream India couldn't build</h2>For years, discussions about Indian football have revolved around passion. The country has millions of football fans. Stadiums fill up in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Goa, and the Northeast. The Indian Super League has increased visibility and investment.Yet India remains absent from football's elite table. The stories of Indian-origin players competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 suggest the issue is not a lack of talent. Instead, the difference lies in the systems that identify, nurture, and develop that talent from childhood.<h2>Qatar's academy model: Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid</h2>One of the most fascinating stories belongs to Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, a young winger born in Doha to Malayali parents from Kerala. His development pathway reflects Qatar's long-term investment in football infrastructure. Rather than relying on chance, Qatar built an ecosystem designed to identify talented youngsters early and expose them to elite coaching, sports science, and international competition. The result is a teenager capable of competing on football's biggest stage before turning 20. For India, the lesson is clear: talent identification cannot depend solely on local tournaments or sporadic scouting. It requires a nationwide, organised system capable of finding and developing promising players from a young age.<h2>Australia's football ladder: Nishan Velupillay</h2>Nishan Velupillay's rise through Australian football highlights another area where India continues to lag. Born in Melbourne to a family with Tamil and Anglo-Indian roots, Velupillay progressed through community football before entering professional academy structures and eventually reaching the A-League. His journey followed a clear and predictable pathway. At every stage, there was a next step. From grassroots football to academy development and then professional football, the route was already mapped out. In India, many talented youngsters still struggle to find that bridge between local football and the professional game. Too often, promising careers end before they truly begin.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-england-s-secret-weapon-against-heat-a-device-that-cools-through-the-palm-1780732596198">FIFA World Cup 2026: Thomas Tuchel England's secret weapon against heat? A device that cools through the palm</a><h2>New Zealand's sporting culture: Sarpreet Singh</h2>Sarpreet Singh's story demonstrates the importance of culture as much as infrastructure. Born to Punjabi parents in New Zealand, Singh grew up playing multiple sports before emerging as one of the country's brightest football talents. His development eventually earned him a move to one of Europe's biggest clubs. But behind that success was a sporting environment that encouraged participation, experimentation, and long-term growth. Families could see a viable future in professional sport. That remains a challenge in India, where football often struggles for attention against cricket and where many parents remain uncertain about the long-term prospects of a sporting career. Building trust in football as a profession may be just as important as building stadiums and academies.<h2>Samuel Moutoussamy and the European standard</h2>Perhaps the most revealing example is Samuel Moutoussamy. Born in France to an Indo-Guadeloupean father of Tamil heritage and a Congolese mother, Moutoussamy developed within one of the world's most competitive football ecosystems. French football academies are renowned for producing technically gifted and tactically intelligent players capable of competing at the highest level. Every training session is intense. Every match carries consequences. Every young player faces fierce competition.That environment accelerates development. Indian football has made progress in recent years, but the overall intensity, tactical sophistication, and competitive depth remain far behind leading European and Asian football nations.<h2>The real lesson for Indian football</h2>The success of Indian-origin players at the FIFA World Cup 2026 challenges one of football's oldest misconceptions. For decades, critics have suggested that South Asians are somehow unsuited to elite football. The evidence increasingly points elsewhere. The issue is not heritage. It is an opportunity. These players were not created by extraordinary genetics or luck. They were products of systems that invested heavily in coaching, infrastructure, scouting, and player development. The countries they represent built pathways that transformed potential into performance.<h2>India's World Cup future depends on the blueprint</h2>For Indian football, the World Cup should not simply be viewed as a month-long spectacle. It should be treated as a case study.The journeys of Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, Nishan Velupillay, Sarpreet Singh, and Samuel Moutoussamy reveal what becomes possible when players of Indian origin grow up inside elite football ecosystems. India's challenge is not finding talent. Its challenge is building a system capable of developing that talent consistently. Until that happens, Indian football may continue to watch the World Cup from the sidelines, even as players with Indian roots take centre stage for other nations.

India failed to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026, yet four Indian-origin footballers will feature on the biggest stage. Here's what their success reveals about Indian football's development gap

When the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, India will once again be watching from afar. The Blue Tigers failed to secure a place at football's biggest tournament, extending a wait that stretches back decades. Yet despite India's absence, traces of the country will still be present on the world stage. Four players of Indian origin are expected to represent different countries at the World Cup. Their stories are not merely heartwarming tales of a successful diaspora. They offer something far more important: a window into what modern football development looks like when talent is placed inside the right system. For Indian football administrators, coaches, and fans, the journeys of these players raise a difficult question. If footballers with Indian roots can reach the World Cup elsewhere, what are those countries doing differently? The World Cup dream India couldn't build For years, discussions about Indian football have revolved around passion. The country has millions of football fans. Stadiums fill up in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Goa, and the Northeast. The Indian Super League has increased visibility and investment. Yet India remains absent from football's elite table. The stories of Indian-origin players competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 suggest the issue is not a lack of talent. Instead, the difference lies in the systems that identify, nurture, and develop that talent from childhood. Qatar's academy model: Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid One of the most fascinating stories belongs to Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, a young winger born in Doha to Malayali parents from Kerala. His development pathway reflects Qatar's long-term investment in football infrastructure. Rather than relying on chance, Qatar built an ecosystem designed to identify talented youngsters early and expose them to elite coaching, sports science, and international competition. The result is a teenager capable of competing on football's biggest stage before turning 20. For India, the lesson is clear: talent identification cannot depend solely on local tournaments or sporadic scouting. It requires a nationwide, organised system capable of finding and developing promising players from a young age. Australia's football ladder: Nishan Velupillay Nishan Velupillay's rise through Australian football highlights another area where India continues to lag. Born in Melbourne to a family with Tamil and Anglo-Indian roots, Velupillay progressed through community football before entering professional academy structures and eventually reaching the A-League. His journey followed a clear and predictable pathway. At every stage, there was a next step. From grassroots football to academy development and then professional football, the route was already mapped out. In India, many talented youngsters still struggle to find that bridge between local football and the professional game. Too often, promising careers end before they truly begin. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Thomas Tuchel England's secret weapon against heat? A device that cools through the palm New Zealand's sporting culture: Sarpreet Singh Sarpreet Singh's story demonstrates the importance of culture as much as infrastructure. Born to Punjabi parents in New Zealand, Singh grew up playing multiple sports before emerging as one of the country's brightest football talents. His development eventually earned him a move to one of Europe's biggest clubs. But behind that success was a sporting environment that encouraged participation, experimentation, and long-term growth. Families could see a viable future in professional sport. That remains a challenge in India, where football often struggles for attention against cricket and where many parents remain uncertain about the long-term prospects of a sporting career. Building trust in football as a profession may be just as important as building stadiums and academies. Samuel Moutoussamy and the European standard Perhaps the most revealing example is Samuel Moutoussamy. Born in France to an Indo-Guadeloupean father of Tamil heritage and a Congolese mother, Moutoussamy developed within one of the world's most competitive football ecosystems. French football academies are renowned for producing technically gifted and tactically intelligent players capable of competing at the highest level. Every training session is intense. Every match carries consequences. Every young player faces fierce competition. That environment accelerates development. Indian football has made progress in recent years, but the overall intensity, tactical sophistication, and competitive depth remain far behind leading European and Asian football nations. The real lesson for Indian football The success of Indian-origin players at the FIFA World Cup 2026 challenges one of football's oldest misconceptions. For decades, critics have suggested that South Asians are somehow unsuited to elite football. The evidence increasingly points elsewhere. The issue is not heritage. It is an opportunity. These players were not created by extraordinary genetics or luck. They were products of systems that invested heavily in coaching, infrastructure, scouting, and player development. The countries they represent built pathways that transformed potential into performance. India's World Cup future depends on the blueprint For Indian football, the World Cup should not simply be viewed as a month-long spectacle. It should be treated as a case study. The journeys of Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, Nishan Velupillay, Sarpreet Singh, and Samuel Moutoussamy reveal what becomes possible when players of Indian origin grow up inside elite football ecosystems. India's challenge is not finding talent. Its challenge is building a system capable of developing that talent consistently. Until that happens, Indian football may continue to watch the World Cup from the sidelines, even as players with Indian roots take centre stage for other nations.

From Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, Nishan Velupillay, Sarpreet Singh, and Samuel Moutoussamy, these four Indian-origin footballers will feature in the FIFA World Cup 2026

Meet the Indian-origin footballers set to feature at FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already triggering a major global tourism surge, with hotels, airlines, and travel companies preparing for a massive influx of football fans. As excitement builds ahead of the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the travel and hospitality sectors are witnessing rising bookings, increased demand, and fresh business opportunities linked to the world’s biggest football event.


FIFA World Cup 2026: World Cup Fever Drives Tourism Surge; Massive Boost for Hotels & Airlines

Curacao, Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Cape Verde will make their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026. See their historic journeys

Curacao, Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Cape Verde have qualified for their first FIFA World Cup. Meet football's newest dreamers. Let us look at their incredible journey as only few days remain for the biggest tournament to start

Who are the FIFA World Cup 2026 debutants? Full list of first-time qualifiers

Four teams- Curacao, Cape Verde, Jordan & Uzbekistan will make their debut at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Know Your Debutants at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Argentina suffered a disappointing defeat in their opening match of the tournament, putting early pressure on the team as the competition begins. Fans were left stunned as Argentina struggled to find momentum against a determined opponent. The loss raises questions about tactics, form, and the road ahead in the tournament.


Argentina Lost Their Lost Their Opening Match of the Tournament 

For generations, the FIFA World Cup has belonged to football's traditional powers. Brazil, Germany, Argentina, France, Italy and Spain have long dominated the game's biggest stage, while smaller countries have often been left dreaming from afar. That is why the story of Curacao is so remarkable.&nbsp;When the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off across North America, the tiny Caribbean island nation will take its place among the world's best. Home to just 156,000 people, Curacao has become the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, writing one of the most extraordinary underdog stories in football history. For many football fans around the world, Curacao remains relatively unknown. The island sits in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela. Famous for its colourful Dutch colonial architecture, turquoise waters, and thriving tourism industry, it has rarely been associated with footballing success. Now, that has changed forever.<h2>A dream that once seemed impossible</h2>For decades, World Cup qualification felt like a distant fantasy. Curacao's footballing history is relatively young compared to many established football nations. After the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, Curacao inherited the footballing legacy of the former territory and began building its own national identity on the international stage. The challenges were obvious. A population smaller than many towns around the world meant a limited player pool. The island lacked the vast football infrastructure enjoyed by larger nations. Financial resources were modest, and competing against established teams in the CONCACAF region often felt like an uphill battle. Yet football has never been a game that obeys population statistics. What Curacao lacked in numbers, it made up for with ambition.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-goals-that-shook-the-world-fifa-world-cup-s-most-memorable-strikes-1780632269258">From Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi to James Rodriguez | The goals that shook the world: FIFA World Cup's most memorable strikes</a><h2>The Dutch connection</h2>One of the most important factors behind Curacao's rise has been its unique relationship with the Netherlands. As a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curacao has long maintained strong cultural and historical ties with Europe. Over the years, thousands of people with Curaçaoan roots settled in the Netherlands, creating a footballing bridge between the island and one of Europe's most respected development systems.&nbsp;The national team started actively recruiting players with Curacaoan heritage who had developed in Dutch academies. Many had trained at clubs renowned for producing elite footballers. They brought technical quality, tactical awareness, and professional experience that elevated the standard of the national team almost overnight. Instead of viewing its small population as a limitation, Curacao expanded its footballing reach far beyond its shores. The result was a squad capable of competing with nations many times its size.<h2>Building a winning culture</h2>Talent alone, however, does not qualify a team for a World Cup. Curacao's transformation was also driven by a growing sense of belief. For years, the national team had shown flashes of potential. There were appearances at regional tournaments and occasional victories over stronger opponents, but consistency remained elusive. That began to change as the federation invested in creating a more professional environment around the team. Training standards improved. Recruitment became more strategic. Players developed a stronger connection to the national project. Most importantly, the squad started believing that qualification was not merely a dream; it was a realistic objective. As momentum grew, so did expectations.<h2>The Dick Advocaat effect</h2>The appointment of veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat proved to be a turning point. Few managers possess a resume as extensive as Advocaat's. Having coached at World Cups, European Championships, and some of the biggest clubs in the world, he brought invaluable experience to a team entering uncharted territory. More than tactics, Advocaat brought clarity.&nbsp;Players spoke about the structure, discipline, and confidence he instilled within the squad. Under his guidance, Curacao developed a clear identity: organised without the ball, fearless in possession, and capable of competing with stronger opponents.The team no longer approached matches hoping to survive. It entered them expecting to compete.<h2>Taking advantage of the opportunity</h2>The expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup created additional qualification opportunities across the globe. For smaller nations, it represented a chance to achieve something previously considered almost impossible. But opportunity alone guarantees nothing. Many teams entered qualifying believing they had a chance. Few managed to seize it. Curacao did.&nbsp;Throughout the qualification campaign, the team displayed remarkable composure. There were no dramatic collapses, no panic under pressure, and no sense of being overwhelmed by the occasion. Match after match, they accumulated points, navigated difficult away fixtures, and demonstrated a maturity that belied their lack of World Cup experience. What stood out was not a single famous victory but the consistency of the campaign. Champions are often defined by spectacular moments. Qualifiers are often defined by avoiding bad ones. Curacao mastered the art of doing the basics exceptionally well.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-top-5-most-successful-teams-in-fifa-world-cup-history-1780643997793">Meet top 5 most successful teams in FIFA World Cup history</a><h2>More than just a football team</h2>As the qualification moved closer, excitement swept across the island. In a nation of 156,000 people, footballers are not distant celebrities hidden behind layers of security. They are members of the community. Their families live on the island. Their stories are familiar. Every victory felt personal. Every step towards qualification carried the hopes of an entire nation. When the final whistle confirmed Curacao's place at the World Cup, celebrations erupted across the island. What had once seemed impossible was suddenly reality. The country was going to football's greatest stage.<h2>The ultimate underdog story</h2>The beauty of the World Cup lies in its ability to produce stories that transcend football. Curacao's qualification is not simply about tactics, coaching, or recruitment. It is about possibility. It is a reminder that football's biggest dreams are not reserved for the biggest countries. In a tournament that will feature global superpowers and squads worth hundreds of millions of dollars, Curacao will arrive with something many others cannot claim: the knowledge that simply reaching the World Cup is already one of the greatest achievements in the nation's sporting history.&nbsp;And yet, no one on the island will be satisfied with merely showing up. The team that defied the odds to get there now has a chance to inspire the world. For a nation of just 156,000 people, the journey itself has already become a miracle. The next chapter will unfold on football's grandest stage.

Curacao, a Caribbean island of just 156,000 people, has become the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Discover how the football minnows achieved what India is still chasing and the lessons their remarkable journey offers

For generations, the FIFA World Cup has belonged to football's traditional powers. Brazil, Germany, Argentina, France, Italy and Spain have long dominated the game's biggest stage, while smaller countries have often been left dreaming from afar. That is why the story of Curacao is so remarkable. When the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off across North America, the tiny Caribbean island nation will take its place among the world's best. Home to just 156,000 people, Curacao has become the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, writing one of the most extraordinary underdog stories in football history. For many football fans around the world, Curacao remains relatively unknown. The island sits in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela. Famous for its colourful Dutch colonial architecture, turquoise waters, and thriving tourism industry, it has rarely been associated with footballing success. Now, that has changed forever. A dream that once seemed impossible For decades, World Cup qualification felt like a distant fantasy. Curacao's footballing history is relatively young compared to many established football nations. After the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, Curacao inherited the footballing legacy of the former territory and began building its own national identity on the international stage. The challenges were obvious. A population smaller than many towns around the world meant a limited player pool. The island lacked the vast football infrastructure enjoyed by larger nations. Financial resources were modest, and competing against established teams in the CONCACAF region often felt like an uphill battle. Yet football has never been a game that obeys population statistics. What Curacao lacked in numbers, it made up for with ambition. Also Read: From Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi to James Rodriguez | The goals that shook the world: FIFA World Cup's most memorable strikes The Dutch connection One of the most important factors behind Curacao's rise has been its unique relationship with the Netherlands. As a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curacao has long maintained strong cultural and historical ties with Europe. Over the years, thousands of people with Curaçaoan roots settled in the Netherlands, creating a footballing bridge between the island and one of Europe's most respected development systems. The national team started actively recruiting players with Curacaoan heritage who had developed in Dutch academies. Many had trained at clubs renowned for producing elite footballers. They brought technical quality, tactical awareness, and professional experience that elevated the standard of the national team almost overnight. Instead of viewing its small population as a limitation, Curacao expanded its footballing reach far beyond its shores. The result was a squad capable of competing with nations many times its size. Building a winning culture Talent alone, however, does not qualify a team for a World Cup. Curacao's transformation was also driven by a growing sense of belief. For years, the national team had shown flashes of potential. There were appearances at regional tournaments and occasional victories over stronger opponents, but consistency remained elusive. That began to change as the federation invested in creating a more professional environment around the team. Training standards improved. Recruitment became more strategic. Players developed a stronger connection to the national project. Most importantly, the squad started believing that qualification was not merely a dream; it was a realistic objective. As momentum grew, so did expectations. The Dick Advocaat effect The appointment of veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat proved to be a turning point. Few managers possess a resume as extensive as Advocaat's. Having coached at World Cups, European Championships, and some of the biggest clubs in the world, he brought invaluable experience to a team entering uncharted territory. More than tactics, Advocaat brought clarity. Players spoke about the structure, discipline, and confidence he instilled within the squad. Under his guidance, Curacao developed a clear identity: organised without the ball, fearless in possession, and capable of competing with stronger opponents. The team no longer approached matches hoping to survive. It entered them expecting to compete. Taking advantage of the opportunity The expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup created additional qualification opportunities across the globe. For smaller nations, it represented a chance to achieve something previously considered almost impossible. But opportunity alone guarantees nothing. Many teams entered qualifying believing they had a chance. Few managed to seize it. Curacao did. Throughout the qualification campaign, the team displayed remarkable composure. There were no dramatic collapses, no panic under pressure, and no sense of being overwhelmed by the occasion. Match after match, they accumulated points, navigated difficult away fixtures, and demonstrated a maturity that belied their lack of World Cup experience. What stood out was not a single famous victory but the consistency of the campaign. Champions are often defined by spectacular moments. Qualifiers are often defined by avoiding bad ones. Curacao mastered the art of doing the basics exceptionally well. Also Read: Meet top 5 most successful teams in FIFA World Cup history More than just a football team As the qualification moved closer, excitement swept across the island. In a nation of 156,000 people, footballers are not distant celebrities hidden behind layers of security. They are members of the community. Their families live on the island. Their stories are familiar. Every victory felt personal. Every step towards qualification carried the hopes of an entire nation. When the final whistle confirmed Curacao's place at the World Cup, celebrations erupted across the island. What had once seemed impossible was suddenly reality. The country was going to football's greatest stage. The ultimate underdog story The beauty of the World Cup lies in its ability to produce stories that transcend football. Curacao's qualification is not simply about tactics, coaching, or recruitment. It is about possibility. It is a reminder that football's biggest dreams are not reserved for the biggest countries. In a tournament that will feature global superpowers and squads worth hundreds of millions of dollars, Curacao will arrive with something many others cannot claim: the knowledge that simply reaching the World Cup is already one of the greatest achievements in the nation's sporting history. And yet, no one on the island will be satisfied with merely showing up. The team that defied the odds to get there now has a chance to inspire the world. For a nation of just 156,000 people, the journey itself has already become a miracle. The next chapter will unfold on football's grandest stage.

Curacao, home to just 156,000 people, has become the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup

A miracle in the Caribbean: How a country of just 156,000 people qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026

Discover the 5 most successful teams in FIFA World Cup history, from Brazil and Germany to Argentina and France, and explore their title-winning legacy

From Brazil's samba dominance to Argentina's magic, meet the five most successful teams that have shaped FIFA World Cup history

Meet top 5 most successful teams in FIFA World Cup history

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce a new generation of stars. Discover why Michael Olise, Morgan Rogers, Fermín López, Nico Paz, Aleksandar Pavlović and Ibrahim Mbaye are tipped for breakout tournaments

From Michael Olise to Nico Paz, meet six young stars poised to make their mark and become breakout sensations at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup

Meet the breakout players who could define the 2026 FIFA World Cup

One of the most iconic pieces of football history is set to go under the hammer later this month as the jersey worn by Pele during the 1958 FIFA World Cup final is expected to sell for more than $6 million at a Sotheby’s auction. Bidding for the legendary shirt will start on June 29 and end on July 16, just three days before this summer’s World Cup final. The sale is expected to establish a new record for Pele memorabilia and could challenge the all-time record for the most expensive football jersey ever sold. That record currently belongs to Diego Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ shirt, which fetched $9.28 million in 2022.&nbsp;Pele, just 17 years old at the time, scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over Sweden in the 1958 World Cup final. He remains the youngest player ever to both appear in and score during a World Cup final. The win marked Brazil’s first World Cup title and the beginning of a football dynasty that would eventually earn five championships. Following the historic victory, Pele gifted his No. 10 jersey to teammate and roommate Dida (Edvaldo Alves Santa Rosa).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/norway-chess-2026-praggnanandhaa-beats-magnus-carlsen-again-firouzja-defeats-gukesh-as-title-race-heats-up-1780458834361">Norway Chess 2026: Praggnanandhaa beats Magnus Carlsen again! Firouzja defeats Gukesh as title race heats up</a>&nbsp;The shirt stayed with Dida’s family in Maceio, Brazil, before being donated in 1993 to the Museu dos Esportes Edvaldo Alves Santa Rosa. The museum later sold the jersey at auction in September 2004, where it was purchased for approximately $105,000. More than two decades later, the owner has decided to put the treasured item back on the market.&nbsp;“This is not merely a shirt, it is the garment worn by one of the greatest footballers in history on the night his reign began, passed by his own hand to a friend and preserved with care for more than six decades,” head of Sotheby’s modern collectables Brahm Wachter said in a statement. “Its historical importance is without parallel in the football memorabilia market and is inseparable from the legacy of the sport’s first true global icon.”&nbsp;The growing value of Pele collectibles extends beyond jerseys. In February 2022, a 1958 Alifabolaget Pele card graded PSA 9 sold privately for $1.33 million, becoming the first soccer trading card to surpass the seven-figure mark. Since then, a Lionel Messi rookie card has sold for $1.5 million, while a Cristiano Ronaldo card recently reached $1.35 million.&nbsp;The remarkable estimate for the 1958 World Cup jersey also highlights the rapid growth of the sports memorabilia market. In 2016, a three-day auction featuring more than 2,000 Pele items, including his World Cup medals, trophies, and commemorative crown from his 1,000th match, fetnearly $4.2 million in total sales. The current valuation of the single 1958 final jersey exceeds that figure by almost $2 million.

Pelé’s iconic 1958 FIFA World Cup final jersey is expected to sell for over $6 million at Sotheby’s. Discover the history, auction details, and memorabilia market impact

One of the most iconic pieces of football history is set to go under the hammer later this month as the jersey worn by Pele during the 1958 FIFA World Cup final is expected to sell for more than $6 million at a Sotheby’s auction. Bidding for the legendary shirt will start on June 29 and end on July 16, just three days before this summer’s World Cup final. The sale is expected to establish a new record for Pele memorabilia and could challenge the all-time record for the most expensive football jersey ever sold. That record currently belongs to Diego Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ shirt, which fetched $9.28 million in 2022. Pele, just 17 years old at the time, scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over Sweden in the 1958 World Cup final. He remains the youngest player ever to both appear in and score during a World Cup final. The win marked Brazil’s first World Cup title and the beginning of a football dynasty that would eventually earn five championships. Following the historic victory, Pele gifted his No. 10 jersey to teammate and roommate Dida (Edvaldo Alves Santa Rosa). Also Read: Norway Chess 2026: Praggnanandhaa beats Magnus Carlsen again! Firouzja defeats Gukesh as title race heats up The shirt stayed with Dida’s family in Maceio, Brazil, before being donated in 1993 to the Museu dos Esportes Edvaldo Alves Santa Rosa. The museum later sold the jersey at auction in September 2004, where it was purchased for approximately $105,000. More than two decades later, the owner has decided to put the treasured item back on the market. “This is not merely a shirt, it is the garment worn by one of the greatest footballers in history on the night his reign began, passed by his own hand to a friend and preserved with care for more than six decades,” head of Sotheby’s modern collectables Brahm Wachter said in a statement. “Its historical importance is without parallel in the football memorabilia market and is inseparable from the legacy of the sport’s first true global icon.” The growing value of Pele collectibles extends beyond jerseys. In February 2022, a 1958 Alifabolaget Pele card graded PSA 9 sold privately for $1.33 million, becoming the first soccer trading card to surpass the seven-figure mark. Since then, a Lionel Messi rookie card has sold for $1.5 million, while a Cristiano Ronaldo card recently reached $1.35 million. The remarkable estimate for the 1958 World Cup jersey also highlights the rapid growth of the sports memorabilia market. In 2016, a three-day auction featuring more than 2,000 Pele items, including his World Cup medals, trophies, and commemorative crown from his 1,000th match, fetnearly $4.2 million in total sales. The current valuation of the single 1958 final jersey exceeds that figure by almost $2 million.

Pele's 1958 World Cup final jersey heads to Sotheby’s with a $6 million+ estimate, potentially becoming one of football’s most valuable items

Pele's historic 1958 World Cup final jersey heads to auction with record-breaking estimate. Here's how much it is valued at

South Africa’s national football team has finally resolved its visa-related issues ahead of the FIFA World Cup, clearing the way for their departure later today. The delay had raised concerns over preparation and travel logistics, but officials confirmed that all documentation hurdles have now been addressed.


South Africa Clears Visa Hurdles Just in Time for FIFA World Cup Departure

FIFA has reportedly approved Iran’s request to relocate its training camp outside the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The decision comes amid logistical and political considerations surrounding team preparations and international participation arrangements. The move highlights ongoing adjustments by FIFA to accommodate participating nations’ concerns as preparations for the global tournament continue.


FIFA World Cup 2026: FIFA Approves Iran's Request To Move Training Camp Out of US

The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has forced the country's football federation to cancel their preparatory camp and a farewell to fans ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The three-day camp and the farewell was planned in capital city of Kinshasa, which has now been shifted to elsewhere. The development comes after outbreak of Ebola's Bundibugyo, which, according to the media report, has killed over 100 people and affected nearly 600 people in the east of the country. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts June 11 and runs until Jul 19 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/last-dance-at-41-cristiano-ronaldo-leads-portugal-fifa-world-cup-2026-squad-see-full-team-list-1779195346677">Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal’s World Cup 2026 squad; see full team list</a><h2>Ebola outbreak in DRC</h2>According to the DRC team spokesman Jerry Kalemo, the football team had three stages of preparation which also involved two practice matches - against Denmark in &nbsp;Liège, Belgium on Jun 3 and against Chile in southern Spain on Jun 9. The practice matches, ahead of DRC's opening Football World Cup 2026 match against Portugal on Jun 17 in Houstan, Texas (US), are on as planned."There were three stages of preparation: in Kinshasa to say goodbye to the public, Belgium and Spain with two friendly matches … and the third stage from 11 June in Houston. Only one stage was cancelled – the one in Kinshasa,” Kalemo said<h2>DRC in Football World Cup 2026</h2>DRC are playing in their first World Cup finals since 1974 after beating Jamaica in playoff. They are in Group K with Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan. DRC's football World Cup schedule involves playing Portugal on Jun 17 in Houstan (US), Colombia on Jun 23 in Guadalajara (Mexico), and Uzbekistan on Jun 27 in Atlanta (US).<h2>Does Ebola outbreak affects their travel plans?</h2>The US has issued an advisory against travellers from DRC. As per the USA's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all people who have been in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the last three weeks of their travel to US, are banned from entering the country. The ban lasts 30 days as a precaution.All of the DRC's players and coach Sébastien Desabre are based out of the country and hence the ban doesn't affect them. The players who are in DRC "are leaving in the next hours", Kalemo said as reported by the Associated Press.FIFA has also issued a statement and said it "is aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and is in close communication with the DRC football association [Fecofa] to ensure that the team are made aware of all medical and security guidance."

The Ebola outbreak has forced DR Congo to cancel their three-day preparatory camp leading to FIFA World Cup 2026 in capital Kinshasa. The team, however, has been expemted from US' ban on travel because of it.

The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has forced the country's football federation to cancel their preparatory camp and a farewell to fans ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The three-day camp and the farewell was planned in capital city of Kinshasa, which has now been shifted to elsewhere. The development comes after outbreak of Ebola's Bundibugyo, which, according to the media report, has killed over 100 people and affected nearly 600 people in the east of the country. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts June 11 and runs until Jul 19 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Also Read - Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal’s World Cup 2026 squad; see full team list Ebola outbreak in DRC According to the DRC team spokesman Jerry Kalemo, the football team had three stages of preparation which also involved two practice matches - against Denmark in Liège, Belgium on Jun 3 and against Chile in southern Spain on Jun 9. The practice matches, ahead of DRC's opening Football World Cup 2026 match against Portugal on Jun 17 in Houstan, Texas (US), are on as planned. "There were three stages of preparation: in Kinshasa to say goodbye to the public, Belgium and Spain with two friendly matches … and the third stage from 11 June in Houston. Only one stage was cancelled – the one in Kinshasa,” Kalemo said DRC in Football World Cup 2026 DRC are playing in their first World Cup finals since 1974 after beating Jamaica in playoff. They are in Group K with Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan. DRC's football World Cup schedule involves playing Portugal on Jun 17 in Houstan (US), Colombia on Jun 23 in Guadalajara (Mexico), and Uzbekistan on Jun 27 in Atlanta (US). Does Ebola outbreak affects their travel plans? The US has issued an advisory against travellers from DRC. As per the USA's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all people who have been in DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the last three weeks of their travel to US, are banned from entering the country. The ban lasts 30 days as a precaution. All of the DRC's players and coach Sébastien Desabre are based out of the country and hence the ban doesn't affect them. The players who are in DRC "are leaving in the next hours", Kalemo said as reported by the Associated Press. FIFA has also issued a statement and said it "is aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and is in close communication with the DRC football association [Fecofa] to ensure that the team are made aware of all medical and security guidance."

The Ebola outbreak has forced DR Congo to cancel their three-day preparatory camp leading to FIFA World Cup 2026 in capital Kinshasa. The team, however, has been expemted from US' ban on travel because of it.

DR Congo cancels FIFA World Cup 2026 preparation camp because of Ebola. Will it affect their plans to enter US?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just over a month away, the streets of Brazil's Rio de Janeiro has turned into an open-air mural museum. Locals have kept alive the tradition of decorating the city for the World Cup.


FIFA World Cup: Rio de Janeiro Streets Turn Into an Open-Air Mural Show 

Uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified following remarks by Donald Trump and Marco Rubio, who flagged potential security and entry concerns. Earlier, US special envoy Paolo Zampolli had suggested the idea of Italy stepping in as a replacement for Iran. Responding to the suggestion at the White House, Trump said he had not given it much thought but might consider it later.&nbsp;"I don't think about it too much... Let me gie that a little thought," Trump told the media at the White House.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rubio, however, addressed the issue more directly and stated that the United States has not officially blocked Iran’s team from attending the tournament. According to him, the issue is less about the players and more about additional personnel, some of whom may have links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, potentially complicating entry approvals.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nothing from the US has told them that they can't come. The problem with Iran would not be the athletes but some other people they would want to bring, some of whom have ties to the IRGC. We may not be able to let them in... They decide not to come on their own because they decided not to come, but they can't bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers," he said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-we-should-have-batted-better-mi-skipper-hardik-pandya-on-103-run-loss-to-csk-1777003667033">IPL 2026 | ‘We should have batted better’: MI skipper Hardik Pandya on 103-run loss to CSK</a>&nbsp;These remarks add to growing doubts over Iran’s participation in the expanded 48-team tournament.&nbsp;The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will be the largest in the competition’s history, featuring 104 matches. The opening game is planned for Mexico City, with the final scheduled in New Jersey.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/get-serious-about-tests-bcci-tells-team-india-indian-cricket-board-asks-bumrah-to-play-all-wtc-games-report-1776955485833">BCCI tells India to get serious about Tests; asks Bumrah to play all WTC games</a>&nbsp;Iran has already secured qualification and is currently placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with matches expected to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle.&nbsp;Despite the uncertainty, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran remains part of the tournament lineup for now.

Iran have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and are placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. Their group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified following remarks by Donald Trump and Marco Rubio, who flagged potential security and entry concerns. Earlier, US special envoy Paolo Zampolli had suggested the idea of Italy stepping in as a replacement for Iran. Responding to the suggestion at the White House, Trump said he had not given it much thought but might consider it later. "I don't think about it too much... Let me gie that a little thought," Trump told the media at the White House. Rubio, however, addressed the issue more directly and stated that the United States has not officially blocked Iran’s team from attending the tournament. According to him, the issue is less about the players and more about additional personnel, some of whom may have links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, potentially complicating entry approvals. "Nothing from the US has told them that they can't come. The problem with Iran would not be the athletes but some other people they would want to bring, some of whom have ties to the IRGC. We may not be able to let them in... They decide not to come on their own because they decided not to come, but they can't bring a bunch of IRGC terrorists into our country and pretend that they are journalists and athletic trainers," he said. Also Read - IPL 2026 | ‘We should have batted better’: MI skipper Hardik Pandya on 103-run loss to CSK These remarks add to growing doubts over Iran’s participation in the expanded 48-team tournament. The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will be the largest in the competition’s history, featuring 104 matches. The opening game is planned for Mexico City, with the final scheduled in New Jersey. Also Read - BCCI tells India to get serious about Tests; asks Bumrah to play all WTC games Iran has already secured qualification and is currently placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with matches expected to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle. Despite the uncertainty, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran remains part of the tournament lineup for now.

Iran have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and are placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. Their group-stage matches are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles and Seattle.

'I don't think about it too much': Donald Trump on Iran's FIFA World Cup participation

With the FIFA World Cup just over two months away, uncertainty surrounds whether football legend Lionel Messi will feature in Argentina’s title defence, with the manager Lionel Scaloni stating that the decision will depend on the veteran’s attitude and physical condition heading into the tournament. Messi participated in Argentina’s home pre-World Cup friendly against Mauritania but failed to score after coming off the bench, though his team still secured a 2-1 victory. Argentina will be competing in the FIFA World Cup from Jun 11 to Jul 19, but Messi’s participation remains the biggest uncertainty for the squad.&nbsp;&nbsp;On being asked about Messi's participation in the WC, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said during a presser, as quoted by Goal.com, "That is more of a question for him". The 47-year-old also said that he would be doing everything possible to "make sure he is there."&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-major-setback-for-chennai-super-kings-as-ms-dhoni-set-to-miss-early-matches-deets-inside-1774673346260">IPL 2026: Major setback for Chennai Super Kings as MS Dhoni set to miss early matches, deets inside</a> "I believe, for the sake of football, he must be there. It is not for me to decide. It is up to him, his attitude and his physical condition," he added. The manager continued that not only the Argentina fans, but the entire football world wants to see him play the tournament. However, Messi has "earned the right to make his decision in peace." "We are in no hurry. We know that whatever he decides, it will be the best for the team and for him," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;Lionel Messi is Argentina’s most successful footballer in terms of records, with 115 goals in 196 matches. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he finally won the trophy after losing the 2014 final to Germany.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-aims-to-help-dc-win-their-maiden-ipl-title-auqib-nabi-dar-on-ipl-2026-goals-1774624021612">‘Aim is to help DC win their maiden IPL title’: Auqib Nabi Dar on IPL 2026 goals</a>&nbsp;In the upcoming tournament, Argentina have been drawn in Group J alongside Austria, Jordan and Algeria and will begin their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on Jun 16.&nbsp;Ahead of the competition, Argentina have scheduled two friendly matches, one against Mauritania, which has already been played and another against Zambia on Apr 1. The match against Zambia may mark Messi’s final appearance for Argentina on home ground.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Argentina have scheduled two friendly matches, one against Mauritania, which has already been played and another against Zambia on Apr 1.

With the FIFA World Cup just over two months away, uncertainty surrounds whether football legend Lionel Messi will feature in Argentina’s title defence, with the manager Lionel Scaloni stating that the decision will depend on the veteran’s attitude and physical condition heading into the tournament. Messi participated in Argentina’s home pre-World Cup friendly against Mauritania but failed to score after coming off the bench, though his team still secured a 2-1 victory. Argentina will be competing in the FIFA World Cup from Jun 11 to Jul 19, but Messi’s participation remains the biggest uncertainty for the squad. On being asked about Messi's participation in the WC, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said during a presser, as quoted by Goal.com, "That is more of a question for him". The 47-year-old also said that he would be doing everything possible to "make sure he is there." Also Read - IPL 2026: Major setback for Chennai Super Kings as MS Dhoni set to miss early matches, deets inside "I believe, for the sake of football, he must be there. It is not for me to decide. It is up to him, his attitude and his physical condition," he added. The manager continued that not only the Argentina fans, but the entire football world wants to see him play the tournament. However, Messi has "earned the right to make his decision in peace." "We are in no hurry. We know that whatever he decides, it will be the best for the team and for him," he said. Lionel Messi is Argentina’s most successful footballer in terms of records, with 115 goals in 196 matches. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he finally won the trophy after losing the 2014 final to Germany. Also Read - ‘Aim is to help DC win their maiden IPL title’: Auqib Nabi Dar on IPL 2026 goals In the upcoming tournament, Argentina have been drawn in Group J alongside Austria, Jordan and Algeria and will begin their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on Jun 16. Ahead of the competition, Argentina have scheduled two friendly matches, one against Mauritania, which has already been played and another against Zambia on Apr 1. The match against Zambia may mark Messi’s final appearance for Argentina on home ground. With inputs from agencies

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Argentina have scheduled two friendly matches, one against Mauritania, which has already been played and another against Zambia on Apr 1.

'It is not for me to decide': Argentina manager Scaloni on Messi’s availability for FIFA World Cup

Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of equalling France's all-time scoring record with the opener in a 2-1 win over Brazil as two of the leading World Cup contenders faced off in a glamour friendly in the United States on Thursday. Mbappe ran through to beat goalkeeper Ederson with a delightful chipped finish to give France the lead just after the half-hour mark at the Gillette Stadium near Boston, home of NFL side the New England Patriots. France, World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, had defender Dayot Upamecano sent off early in the second half but shrugged that off to double their lead courtesy of Hugo Ekitike on 65 minutes.Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil did pull one back 12 minutes from time via a close-range finish by Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, but Les Bleus held on for a victory that will boost confidence two and a half months before the World Cup begins. They play Senegal, Norway and a play-off winner in the group stage."I said beforehand that we couldn't take too much away from this game. It wasn't the World Cup final, but it showed we are in a good dynamic," Mbappe told broadcaster TF1."We are creating lots of chances and we are looking a bit more solid even if we let in a goal at the end. We are moving forward and this will help us prepare for the World Cup."The sight of captain Mbappe scoring in trademark lethal fashion is especially good news for coach Didier Deschamps, after the Real Madrid superstar recently returned from three weeks out with a knee injury.The 27-year-old has now scored 56 goals in 95 appearances for his country, leaving him just one goal away from equalling the France record of 57 goals held by the recently-retired Olivier Giroud.Mbappe will have the chance to match, and perhaps surpass, that record when France play Colombia in the second friendly of this American tour, at the Northwest Stadium near Washington DC on Sunday.There have been four encounters between these powerhouse nations at past World Cups, including the 1998 final won by France and the 2006 quarter-final in which Les Bleus also triumphed.However, this was their first meeting of any sort since a friendly in Paris exactly 11 years ago, won 3-1 by Brazil.The Brazilians go into this year's World Cup -- in which they will face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage -- hoping the recent appointment as coach of the revered Ancelotti can make them serious contenders to claim a record-extending sixth title.<h2>Brazilian absences</h2>But this match will have reminded them of the standards required against the very best sides in the international game.Brazil were admittedly missing several key players here, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defensive duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Eder Militao, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and forwards Rodrygo and Estevao among those absent.France, meanwhile, were without Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, but a fearsome attack included Mbappe, Bayern Munich's Michael Olise and Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or.Dembele released Mbappe for the opener, and that separated the teams at the break.Upamecano was sent off on 55 minutes after American referee Guido Gonzales upgraded a yellow card to red following a VAR review, ruling that the defender had denied Wesley a clear goal-scoring opportunity as he took down the full-back on the edge of the area.Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, a late call-up to replace the injured Saliba, came on for Dembele to make his debut and bolster the French back line after that.They then increased their lead as Olise supplied Ekitike in the area and the Liverpool striker clipped the ball beyond Ederson for his second international goal.Mbappe and Ekitike were promptly removed, and Brazil were left with too much to do, even if Bremer converted from close range from Luiz Henrique's assist to make it 2-1.Ancelotti will now hope his team can bounce back when they take on Croatia in Orlando, Florida next Tuesday.

The 27-year-old has now scored 56 goals in 95 appearances for his country, leaving him just one goal away from equalling the France record of 57 goals held by the recently-retired Olivier Giroud.

Kylian Mbappe moved to within one goal of equalling France's all-time scoring record with the opener in a 2-1 win over Brazil as two of the leading World Cup contenders faced off in a glamour friendly in the United States on Thursday. Mbappe ran through to beat goalkeeper Ederson with a delightful chipped finish to give France the lead just after the half-hour mark at the Gillette Stadium near Boston, home of NFL side the New England Patriots. France, World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, had defender Dayot Upamecano sent off early in the second half but shrugged that off to double their lead courtesy of Hugo Ekitike on 65 minutes. Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil did pull one back 12 minutes from time via a close-range finish by Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, but Les Bleus held on for a victory that will boost confidence two and a half months before the World Cup begins. They play Senegal, Norway and a play-off winner in the group stage. "I said beforehand that we couldn't take too much away from this game. It wasn't the World Cup final, but it showed we are in a good dynamic," Mbappe told broadcaster TF1. "We are creating lots of chances and we are looking a bit more solid even if we let in a goal at the end. We are moving forward and this will help us prepare for the World Cup." The sight of captain Mbappe scoring in trademark lethal fashion is especially good news for coach Didier Deschamps, after the Real Madrid superstar recently returned from three weeks out with a knee injury. The 27-year-old has now scored 56 goals in 95 appearances for his country, leaving him just one goal away from equalling the France record of 57 goals held by the recently-retired Olivier Giroud. Mbappe will have the chance to match, and perhaps surpass, that record when France play Colombia in the second friendly of this American tour, at the Northwest Stadium near Washington DC on Sunday. There have been four encounters between these powerhouse nations at past World Cups, including the 1998 final won by France and the 2006 quarter-final in which Les Bleus also triumphed. However, this was their first meeting of any sort since a friendly in Paris exactly 11 years ago, won 3-1 by Brazil. The Brazilians go into this year's World Cup -- in which they will face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage -- hoping the recent appointment as coach of the revered Ancelotti can make them serious contenders to claim a record-extending sixth title. Brazilian absences But this match will have reminded them of the standards required against the very best sides in the international game. Brazil were admittedly missing several key players here, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defensive duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Eder Militao, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and forwards Rodrygo and Estevao among those absent. France, meanwhile, were without Arsenal centre-back William Saliba, but a fearsome attack included Mbappe, Bayern Munich's Michael Olise and Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or. Dembele released Mbappe for the opener, and that separated the teams at the break. Upamecano was sent off on 55 minutes after American referee Guido Gonzales upgraded a yellow card to red following a VAR review, ruling that the defender had denied Wesley a clear goal-scoring opportunity as he took down the full-back on the edge of the area. Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, a late call-up to replace the injured Saliba, came on for Dembele to make his debut and bolster the French back line after that. They then increased their lead as Olise supplied Ekitike in the area and the Liverpool striker clipped the ball beyond Ederson for his second international goal. Mbappe and Ekitike were promptly removed, and Brazil were left with too much to do, even if Bremer converted from close range from Luiz Henrique's assist to make it 2-1. Ancelotti will now hope his team can bounce back when they take on Croatia in Orlando, Florida next Tuesday.

The 27-year-old has now scored 56 goals in 95 appearances for his country, leaving him just one goal away from equalling the France record of 57 goals held by the recently-retired Olivier Giroud.

Football World Cup 2026 | Unforgiving Mbappe shows glimpses of what may come as France beat Brazil in friendly

The Italian National football team will have a decisive Thursday (Mar 26) evening as they face Northern Ireland in a key clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Having missed out on the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup, Italy will have a major task in hand if they are to play in the upcoming edition, which starts in less than three months. So ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifier, here is all you need to know, including live streaming, squads and other key details.<h2>What happens if Italy lose?</h2>The FIFA World Cup 2026 playoff qualifiers in Europe are played over a single leg, meaning the tie will be decided on Thursday, even if it ends in a draw. So in case Italy lose, there will be no way back for the four-time FIFA World Cup winners and they will miss out on the prestigious tournament for the third straight occasion.&nbsp;However, a win will only see them advance to the playoff final, which takes place on Sunday evening.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a><h2>How to watch?</h2>The match will be shown live on BBC Three in the UK, Paramount in the U.S., SonyLIV in India and Stan Sport in Australia. The match will be live on Sony Sports Network on India&nbsp;<h2>Key Details</h2>Kick-off time: Thursday, March 26 at 7:45 p.m. GMT (2:45 p.m. ET; 1:15 a.m. IST, Friday and 5:45 a.m. AEST, Friday).Venue: Stadio di Bergamo, ItalyReferee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)VAR: Pol van Boekel (Netherlands)&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a><h2>Injury and Team News</h2><h3>Italy</h3>Federico Chiesa, F: OUT, discomfortGianluca Scamacca, F: OUT, muscleGianluca Mancini, D: DOUBTSandro Tonali, M: DOUBT<h3>Northern Ireland</h3>Alistair McCann, M: OUT, ankleDan Ballard, D: OUT, hamstringConor Bradley, D: OUT, knee

Having missed out on the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup, Italy will have a major task in hand if they are to play in the upcoming edition, which starts in less than three months.

The Italian National football team will have a decisive Thursday (Mar 26) evening as they face Northern Ireland in a key clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Having missed out on the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup, Italy will have a major task in hand if they are to play in the upcoming edition, which starts in less than three months. So ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifier, here is all you need to know, including live streaming, squads and other key details. What happens if Italy lose? The FIFA World Cup 2026 playoff qualifiers in Europe are played over a single leg, meaning the tie will be decided on Thursday, even if it ends in a draw. So in case Italy lose, there will be no way back for the four-time FIFA World Cup winners and they will miss out on the prestigious tournament for the third straight occasion. However, a win will only see them advance to the playoff final, which takes place on Sunday evening. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions How to watch? The match will be shown live on BBC Three in the UK, Paramount in the U.S., SonyLIV in India and Stan Sport in Australia. The match will be live on Sony Sports Network on India Key Details Kick-off time: Thursday, March 26 at 7:45 p.m. GMT (2:45 p.m. ET; 1:15 a.m. IST, Friday and 5:45 a.m. AEST, Friday). Venue: Stadio di Bergamo, Italy Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands) VAR: Pol van Boekel (Netherlands) ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL Injury and Team News Italy Federico Chiesa, F: OUT, discomfort Gianluca Scamacca, F: OUT, muscle Gianluca Mancini, D: DOUBT Sandro Tonali, M: DOUBT Northern Ireland Alistair McCann, M: OUT, ankle Dan Ballard, D: OUT, hamstring Conor Bradley, D: OUT, knee

Having missed out on the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup, Italy will have a major task in hand if they are to play in the upcoming edition, which starts in less than three months.

FIFA World Cup qualifiers: Italy vs Northern Ireland TV channel, kick-off time, live stream, injury, team news

The uncertainty over Iran's participation in upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 continues amid the ongoing conflict between US-Israel-Iran. on Wednesday (Mar 18), Iran's football federation chief Mehadi Taj, while receving the women footballers returning from Asian Cup in Australia, reaffirmed that the country will not boycott the quadrennial event. Taj, however, did say that Iran will 'boycott America' but did not elaborate what it meant. FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played from Jun 11 to Jul 12 and is being co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico. The ongoing conflict between Iran and US-Israel, however, has made it doubtful for the Middle Eastern country to participate in the FIFA tournament.<h2>Will Iran play in FIFA World Cup 2026?</h2>"The national team is holding a training camp in Turkey, and we will also play two friendly matches there," FFIRI (Iranian football federation) president Taj was quoted as saying by the Fars News ‌Agency as reported by several news outlets. "We will boycott America, but we will not boycott ​the World Cup."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iranian-women-s-team-players-including-those-who-were-granted-assylum-in-australia-return-home-1773898903204">Iranian women's football team players return hom after Austalian asylum episode</a>The statement comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-world-cup-2026-fifa-not-moving-iran-s-matches-outside-usa-and-expect-teams-to-as-announced-schedule-1773827419514">FIFA hinted at not giving importance to Iran's demand</a> of moving group stage matches outside USA for which the Middle Eastern country said it was 'negotiating with FIFA.'<h2>What next for Iran?</h2>Earlier, Iran was hinting at not attending the FIFA World Cup, citing the conflict which started with US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb 28, killing the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenie. Trump, meanwhile, replied back by saying he 'doesn't care' if Iran plays in the World Cup.FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, meanwhile, said that he had spoken to the US president and Trump had assured him of 'welcoming' Iran. The US, notably, had banned the Iran nationals from coming in to the country with an exception for FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA 28 athletes.

FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played from Jun 11 to Jul 12 and is being co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico. The ongoing conflict between Iran and US-Israel, however, has made it doubtful for the Middle Eastern country to participate in the FIFA tournament.

The uncertainty over Iran's participation in upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 continues amid the ongoing conflict between US-Israel-Iran. on Wednesday (Mar 18), Iran's football federation chief Mehadi Taj, while receving the women footballers returning from Asian Cup in Australia, reaffirmed that the country will not boycott the quadrennial event. Taj, however, did say that Iran will 'boycott America' but did not elaborate what it meant. FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played from Jun 11 to Jul 12 and is being co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico. The ongoing conflict between Iran and US-Israel, however, has made it doubtful for the Middle Eastern country to participate in the FIFA tournament. Will Iran play in FIFA World Cup 2026? "The national team is holding a training camp in Turkey, and we will also play two friendly matches there," FFIRI (Iranian football federation) president Taj was quoted as saying by the Fars News ‌Agency as reported by several news outlets. "We will boycott America, but we will not boycott the World Cup." Also Read - Iranian women's football team players return hom after Austalian asylum episode The statement comes after FIFA hinted at not giving importance to Iran's demand of moving group stage matches outside USA for which the Middle Eastern country said it was 'negotiating with FIFA.' What next for Iran? Earlier, Iran was hinting at not attending the FIFA World Cup, citing the conflict which started with US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb 28, killing the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenie. Trump, meanwhile, replied back by saying he 'doesn't care' if Iran plays in the World Cup. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, meanwhile, said that he had spoken to the US president and Trump had assured him of 'welcoming' Iran. The US, notably, had banned the Iran nationals from coming in to the country with an exception for FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA 28 athletes.

FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played from Jun 11 to Jul 12 and is being co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico. The ongoing conflict between Iran and US-Israel, however, has made it doubtful for the Middle Eastern country to participate in the FIFA tournament.

'We'll boycott America, but...': Iran clears stance on FIFA World Cup 2026 participation

Iran's participation in upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 has been further jeopardized after five of country's women footballers took asylum in Australia during the ongoing Asia Cup. The Middle Eastern country's plans to play in the FIFA tournament became unclear after US and Israel's joint strike on Iran last month on Feb 28. The attack saw Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenie dead, further escalating the tensions between the two sides. As for women footballers, there were branded "wartime traitors" for not singing the national athem and not slauting during Iran's opening match against South Korea. Iran's football federation chief Mehedi Taj, however, has blamed the USA for coercing its women footballers into becoming refugees.<h2>Why Iran women footballers took asylum in Australia?</h2>After the Iranian state media branded some women footballers as "wartime traitors" on the national television, five of them slipped away from the team hotel to claim asylum in Australia - host of ongoing women's Asia Cup. The development was confirmed by the Australian government that five Iranian women footballers asked for sanctuary on Tuesday (Mar 10). Later on, two more of the team member asked for the asylum on the same as well, reported AFP citing the local news.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-fund-refunds-and-disciplinary-measures-what-happens-if-iran-pulls-out-of-fifa-world-cup-2026-1773118066659">What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026</a>The Aussie government gave the asylum to five Iranian players including captain Zahra Ghanbari. Taj, blaming the US government for incident, targetted US president Trump."Our women’s national team sang the national anthem and gave the military salute,” he said on Iranian media as reported by AFP. "The US president himself… tweeted two tweets about a women’s team [saying] &nbsp;‘we welcome them and that they should become refugees.'""He threatened Australia that ‘if you don’t grant them asylum, I will give them asylum in the US,'" Taj added.<h2>Will Iran travel to the US for FIFA World Cup 2026?</h2>Speaking on the matter of Iran travelling to the US, which is hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 from Jun 11 to Jul 19 along with Canada and Mexico, Taj seemed unsure and again blamed the US for the situation."If the World Cup is like this, who in their right mind would send their national team to a place like this?" the country's football defedration chief said. "How could one be optimistic about the World Cup that is supposed to be held in America?"

The Aussie government gave the asylum to five Iranian players including captain Zahra Ghanbari. Iran football federation chief Mehedi Taj, blaming the US government for incident, targetted US president Trump.

Iran's participation in upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 has been further jeopardized after five of country's women footballers took asylum in Australia during the ongoing Asia Cup. The Middle Eastern country's plans to play in the FIFA tournament became unclear after US and Israel's joint strike on Iran last month on Feb 28. The attack saw Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenie dead, further escalating the tensions between the two sides. As for women footballers, there were branded "wartime traitors" for not singing the national athem and not slauting during Iran's opening match against South Korea. Iran's football federation chief Mehedi Taj, however, has blamed the USA for coercing its women footballers into becoming refugees. Why Iran women footballers took asylum in Australia? After the Iranian state media branded some women footballers as "wartime traitors" on the national television, five of them slipped away from the team hotel to claim asylum in Australia - host of ongoing women's Asia Cup. The development was confirmed by the Australian government that five Iranian women footballers asked for sanctuary on Tuesday (Mar 10). Later on, two more of the team member asked for the asylum on the same as well, reported AFP citing the local news. Also Read - What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026 The Aussie government gave the asylum to five Iranian players including captain Zahra Ghanbari. Taj, blaming the US government for incident, targetted US president Trump. "Our women’s national team sang the national anthem and gave the military salute,” he said on Iranian media as reported by AFP. "The US president himself… tweeted two tweets about a women’s team [saying] ‘we welcome them and that they should become refugees.'" "He threatened Australia that ‘if you don’t grant them asylum, I will give them asylum in the US,'" Taj added. Will Iran travel to the US for FIFA World Cup 2026? Speaking on the matter of Iran travelling to the US, which is hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 from Jun 11 to Jul 19 along with Canada and Mexico, Taj seemed unsure and again blamed the US for the situation. "If the World Cup is like this, who in their right mind would send their national team to a place like this?" the country's football defedration chief said. "How could one be optimistic about the World Cup that is supposed to be held in America?"

The Aussie government gave the asylum to five Iranian players including captain Zahra Ghanbari. Iran football federation chief Mehedi Taj, blaming the US government for incident, targetted US president Trump.

Iran blames US for coercing women footballers for Australia asylum, says 'who would send team for FIFA WC'

The US-Israel-Iran war has already put the Middle Eastern country's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in doubt and now Iran could face disciplinary action from the sport's governing body as well. The FIFA World Cup is scheduled to played from Jun 11 to Jul 19 and is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The war, which started Saturday (Feb 28), has jeopardized the participation of Iran which was also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-isreal-iran-war-iran-s-participation-in-fifa-world-cup-2026-unlikely-amid-ongoing-attacks-1772420510367">confirmed by the country's football fedration head Mehdi Taj</a> last week. Iran, shall they decide to pull out of the tournament, however, would not be able to breath easy and as they can get banned from paticipating in the future tournaments along with a hefty fine.<h2>What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026?</h2>As per the FIFA rules and regulations, no member country is allowed to withdraw from the tournament after the draw and doing so can attract not only monetary penalty but other repurcussions as well. A withdrawl by a member country prompt a fine between $319,000 and $644,000 along with a slew of other form of punishment as well.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-s-atlanta-hawks-wanted-to-celebrate-a-strip-club-here-s-what-league-said-about-it-1773111456250">NBA's Atlanta Hawks wanted to celebrate a STRIP CLUB. Here's what league said about it</a>"Participating associations that withdraw at any stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 shall be required to reimburse all funds received from FIFA for the preparation of their national team, as well as any competition-related contributions received from FIFA,” the regulations state."The FIFA disciplinary committee may impose additional disciplinary measures, taking into account in particular the timing of the withdrawal or exclusion, the seriousness of the infringement that led to the inadmission or exclusion, possible mitigating factors and any other relevant circumstances."These disciplinary sanctions may include the exclusion of the association concerned from a future FIFA competition or the replacement of that association by another."<h2>Has any country every withdrawn from FIFA World Cup?</h2>The last instance of a country withdrawing from FIFA World Cup after the draw happened in 1950 when France and India decided not to take part in the tournament, citing travel costs.Iran, which has played six FIFA World Cups including past three, are place with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G for the upcoming edition. They may end up facing United States in the knockout stage if both the teams manage to advance from their respective groups.Iranian nationals, as of now, are barred from entering the US under a ban imposed by president Donald Trump in June last year. The athletets who are expected to take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA28 Olympics are, however, expempted from the ban.

As per the FIFA rules and regulations, no member country is allowed to withdraw from the tournament after the draw and doing so can attract not only monetary penalty but other repurcussions too. A withdrawl by a member country prompt a fine between $319,000 and $644,000 along with other punishments.

The US-Israel-Iran war has already put the Middle Eastern country's participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in doubt and now Iran could face disciplinary action from the sport's governing body as well. The FIFA World Cup is scheduled to played from Jun 11 to Jul 19 and is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The war, which started Saturday (Feb 28), has jeopardized the participation of Iran which was also confirmed by the country's football fedration head Mehdi Taj last week. Iran, shall they decide to pull out of the tournament, however, would not be able to breath easy and as they can get banned from paticipating in the future tournaments along with a hefty fine. What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026? As per the FIFA rules and regulations, no member country is allowed to withdraw from the tournament after the draw and doing so can attract not only monetary penalty but other repurcussions as well. A withdrawl by a member country prompt a fine between $319,000 and $644,000 along with a slew of other form of punishment as well. Also Read - NBA's Atlanta Hawks wanted to celebrate a STRIP CLUB. Here's what league said about it "Participating associations that withdraw at any stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 shall be required to reimburse all funds received from FIFA for the preparation of their national team, as well as any competition-related contributions received from FIFA,” the regulations state. "The FIFA disciplinary committee may impose additional disciplinary measures, taking into account in particular the timing of the withdrawal or exclusion, the seriousness of the infringement that led to the inadmission or exclusion, possible mitigating factors and any other relevant circumstances. "These disciplinary sanctions may include the exclusion of the association concerned from a future FIFA competition or the replacement of that association by another." Has any country every withdrawn from FIFA World Cup? The last instance of a country withdrawing from FIFA World Cup after the draw happened in 1950 when France and India decided not to take part in the tournament, citing travel costs. Iran, which has played six FIFA World Cups including past three, are place with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G for the upcoming edition. They may end up facing United States in the knockout stage if both the teams manage to advance from their respective groups. Iranian nationals, as of now, are barred from entering the US under a ban imposed by president Donald Trump in June last year. The athletets who are expected to take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA28 Olympics are, however, expempted from the ban.

Iran's participatin in doubt amid ongoing US-Israel-Iran war.FIFA WC 2026, from Jun 11 to Jul 19, co-hosted by USA along with Canada and Mexico.Iran faces fine between $319,000 and $644,000 and a ban from future tournament if they pull out.

'Fund payback and disciplinary measures': What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026

The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11, 2026, with matches taking place across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will conclude on July 19, with the final scheduled at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, the highest number in the tournament’s history.<h3>When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 start?</h3>The FIFA World Cup 2026 will start on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico.<h3>How long will the 2026 FIFA World Cup last?</h3>The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run for 39 days, from June 11 to July 19.<h3>How many matches are in the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule?</h3>There will be 104 matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a record 48 teams competing for the title.&nbsp;Also Read -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/india-wins-t20-world-cup-2026-congratulatory-messages-pour-in-from-celebs-including-shah-rukh-khan-anushka-sharma-1773034786044"> India wins T20 World Cup 2026: Congratulatory messages pour in from celebs</a><h3>When do the group stage matches start and end?</h3>The group stage matches will begin on June 11 and finish on June 27.<h3>When is the Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?</h3>The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 will take place from June 29 to July 3.<h3>When are the quarterfinals and semifinals scheduled?</h3>The quarterfinal matches are planned from July 4 to July 6, while the semifinal games will be held on July 9 and July 11.<h3>When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup final?</h3>The final match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.<h3>Which stadium will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final?</h3>The final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.<h3>Full schedule of FIFA World Cup 2026:</h3>

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Date</td><td>Match</td><td>Kick-Off Time</td><td>Kick-Off Time in IST</td><td>Venue</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 11, 2026</td><td>Mexico v/s South Africa</td><td>1:00 p.m. UTC-6</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 12, 2026)</td><td>Estadio Azteca, Mexico City</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 11, 2026</td><td>South Korea v/s UEFA Path D Winner</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC-6</td><td>7:30 a.m. (June 12, 2026)</td><td>Estadio Akron, Guadalajara</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 12, 2026</td><td>Canada v/s UEFA Path A Winner</td><td>3:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 13, 2026)</td><td>BMO Field, Toronto</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 12, 2026</td><td>USA v/s Paraguay</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC-7</td><td>6:30 a.m. (JJune 14, 2026)</td><td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 13, 2026</td><td>Qatar v/s Switzerland</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC-7</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 14, 2026)</td><td>Levi's Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 13, 2026</td><td>Brazil v/s Morocco</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>3:30 a.m. (June 14, 2026)</td><td>MetLife Stadium, New Jersey</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 13, 2026</td><td>Haiti v/s Scotland</td><td>9:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>6:30 a.m. (June 14, 2026)</td><td>Gillette Stadium, Boston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 13, 2026</td><td>Australia v/s UEFA Path C Winner</td><td>9:00 p.m. UTC-7</td><td>9:30 a.m. (June 14, 2026)</td><td>BC Place, Vancouver</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 14, 2026</td><td>Germany v/s Curacao</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC-5</td><td>10:30 p.m. (June 14, 2026)</td><td>NRG Stadium, Houston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 14, 2026</td><td>Netherlands v/s Japan</td><td>3:00 p.m. UTC-5</td><td>1:30 a.m. (June 15, 2026)</td><td>AT&amp;T Stadium, Dallas</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 14, 2026</td><td>Ivory Coast v/s Ecuador</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>4:30 a.m. (June 15, 2026)</td><td>Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 14, 2026</td><td>UEFA Path B Winner v/s Tunisia</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC-6</td><td>7:30 a.m. (June 15, 2026)</td><td>Estadio BBVA, Monterrey</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 15, 2026</td><td>Spain v/s Cape Verde</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>9:30 p.m. (June 15, 2026)</td><td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 15, 2026</td><td>Belgium v/s Egypt</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC-7</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 16, 2026)</td><td>Lumen Field, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 15, 2026</td><td>Saudi Arabia v/s Uruguay</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>3:30 a.m. (June 16, 2026)</td><td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 15, 2026</td><td>Iran v/s New Zealand</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC-7</td><td>6:30 a.m. (June 16, 2026)</td><td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 16, 2026</td><td>France v/s Senegal</td><td>3:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 17, 2026)</td><td>MetLife Stadium, New Jersey</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 16, 2026</td><td>IC Path 2 Winner v/s Norway</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>3:30 a.m. (1June 17, 2026)</td><td>Gillette Stadium, Boston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 16, 2026</td><td>Argentina v/s Algeria</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC-5</td><td>6:30 a.m. (June 17, 2026)</td><td>Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 16, 2026</td><td>Austria v/s Jordan</td><td>9:00 p.m. UTC-7</td><td>9:30 a.m. (June 17, 2026)</td><td>Levi's Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 17, 2026</td><td>Portugal v/s IC Path 1 Winner</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC-5</td><td>10:30 p.m. (June 17, 2026)</td><td>NRG Stadium, Houston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 17, 2026</td><td>England v/s Croatia</td><td>3:00 p.m. UTC-5</td><td>1:30 a.m. (June 18, 2026</td><td>AT&amp;T Stadium, Dallas</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 17, 2026</td><td>Ghana v/s Panama</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>4:30 a.m. (June 18, 2026)</td><td>BMO Field, Toronto</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 17, 2026</td><td>Uzbekistan v/s Colombia</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC-6</td><td>7:30 a.m. (June 18, 2026)</td><td>Estadio Azteca, Mexico City</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 18, 2026</td><td>UEFA Path D Winner v/s South Africa</td><td>12:00pm UTC-4</td><td>9:30 p.m. (June 18, 2026)</td><td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 18, 2026</td><td>Switzerland v/s UEFA Path A Winner</td><td>12:00p.m. UTC-7</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 19, 2026)</td><td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 18, 2026</td><td>Canada v/s Qatar</td><td>3:00 p.m. UTC-7</td><td>3:30 a.m. (June 19, 2026)</td><td>BC Place, Vancouver</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 18, 2026</td><td>Mexico v/s South Korea</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC-6</td><td>6:30 a.m. (June 19, 2026)</td><td>Estadio Akron, Guadalajara</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 19, 2026</td><td>USA v/s Australia</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC-7</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 20, 2026)</td><td>Lumen Field, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 19, 2026</td><td>Scotland v/s Morocco</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>3:30 a.m. (June 20, 2026)</td><td>Gillette Stadium, Boston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 19, 2026</td><td>Brazil v/s Haiti</td><td>9:00 p.m UTC-4</td><td>6:30 a.m. (June 20, 2026)</td><td>Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 19, 2026</td><td>UEFA Patch C Winner v/s Paraguay</td><td>9:00 p.m. UTC-7</td><td>9:30 a.m. (June 20, 2026)</td><td>Levi's Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 20, 2026</td><td>Netherlands v/s UEFA Path B Winner</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC-5</td><td>10:30 p.m. (June 20, 2026)</td><td>NRG Stadium, Houston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 20, 2026</td><td>Germany v/s Ivory Coast</td><td>4:00 p.m. UTC-4</td><td>1:30 a.m. (June 21, 2026)</td><td>BMO Field, Toronto</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 20, 2026</td><td>Ecuador v/s Curacao</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>5:30 a.m. (June 21, 2026)</td><td>Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 20, 2026</td><td>Tunisia v/s Japan</td><td>10:00 p.m. UTC−6</td><td>9:30 a.m. (June 21, 2026)</td><td>Estadio BBVA, Monterrey</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 21, 2026</td><td>Spain v/s Saudi Arabia</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>9:30 p.m. (June 21, 2026)</td><td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 21, 2026</td><td>Belgium v/s Iran</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 22, 2026)</td><td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 21, 2026</td><td>Uruguay v/.s Cape Verde</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>3:30 a.m. (June 22, 2026)</td><td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 21, 2026</td><td>New Zealand v/s Egypt</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>6:30 a.m. (June 22, 2026)</td><td>BC Place, Vancouver</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 22, 2026</td><td>Argentina v/s Austria</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>10:30 p.m. (June 22, 2026)</td><td>AT&amp;T Stadium, Dallas</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 22, 2026</td><td>France v/s IC Path 2 Winner</td><td>5:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>2:30 a.m. (June 23, 2026)</td><td>Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 22, 2026</td><td>Norway v/s Senegal</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>5:30 a.m. (June 23, 2026)</td><td>MetLife Stadium, New Jersey</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 22, 2026</td><td>Jordan v/s Algeria</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>8:30 a.m. (June 23, 2026)</td><td>Levi's Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 23, 2026</td><td>Portugal v/s Uzbekistan</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>10:30 p.m (June 23, 2026)</td><td>NRG Stadium, Houston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 23, 2026</td><td>England v/s Ghana</td><td>4:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>1:30 a.m. (June 24, 2026)</td><td>Gillette Stadium, Boston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 23, 2026</td><td>Panama v/s Croatia</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>4:30 a.m. (June 24, 2026)</td><td>BMO Field, Toronto</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 23, 2026</td><td>Colombia v/s IC Path 1 Winner</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC−6</td><td>7: 30 a.m. (June 24, 2026)</td><td>Estadio Akron, Guadalajara</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 24, 2026</td><td>Switzerland v/s Canada</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 25, 2026)</td><td>BC Place, Vancouver</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 24, 2026</td><td>UEFA Path A Winner v/s Qatar</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 25, 2026)</td><td>Lumen Field, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 24, 2026</td><td>Morocco v/s Haiti</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>3:30 a.m. (June 25, 2026)</td><td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 24, 2026</td><td>Scotland v/s Brazil</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>3:30 a.m. (June 25, 2026)</td><td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 24, 2026</td><td>South Afrcia v/s South Korea</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC−6</td><td>6:30 a.m. (June 25, 2026)</td><td>Estadio BBVA, Monterrey</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 24, 2026</td><td>UEFA Path D Winner v/s Mexico</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC−6</td><td>6:30 a.m. (June 25, 2026)</td><td>Estadio Azteca, Mexico City</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 25, 2026</td><td>Cuaraco v/s Ivory Coast</td><td>4:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>1:30 a.m. (June 26, 2026)</td><td>Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 25, 2026</td><td>Ecuador v/s Germany</td><td>4:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>1:30 a.m. (June 26, 2026)</td><td>MetLife Stadium, New Jersey</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 25, 2026</td><td>Tunisia v/s Netherlands</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>4:30 a.m. (June 26, 2026)</td><td>Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 25, 2026</td><td>Japan v/s UEFA Path B Winner</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>4:30 a.m. (June 26, 2026)</td><td>AT&amp;T Stadium, Dallas</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 25, 2026</td><td>UEFA Path C Winner v/s USA</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>7:30 a.m. (June 26, 2026)</td><td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 25, 2026</td><td>Paraguay v/s Australia</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>7:30 a.m. (June 26, 2026)</td><td>Levi's Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 26, 2026</td><td>Norway v/s France</td><td>3:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 27, 2026)</td><td>Gillette Stadium, Boston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 26, 2026</td><td>Senegal v/s IC Path 2 Winner</td><td>3:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 27, 2026)</td><td>BMO Field, Toronto</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 26, 2026</td><td>Cape Verde v/s Saudi Arabia</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>5:30 a.m. (June 27, 2026)</td><td>NRG Stadium, Houston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 26, 2026</td><td>Uruguay v/s Spain</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC−6</td><td>5:30 a.m. (June 27, 2026)</td><td>Estadio Akron, Guadalajara</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 26, 2026</td><td>New Zealand v/s Belgium</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>8:30 a.m. (June 27, 2026)</td><td>BC Place, Vancouver</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 26, 2026</td><td>Egypt v/s Iran</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>8:30 a.m. (June 27, 2026)</td><td>Lumen Field, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 27, 2026</td><td>Panama v/s England</td><td>5:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>2:30 a.m. (June 28, 2026)</td><td>MetLife Stadium, New Jersey</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 27, 2026</td><td>Croatia v/s Ghana</td><td>5:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>2:30 a.m. (June 28, 2026)</td><td>Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 27, 2026</td><td>Colombia v/s Portugal</td><td>7:30 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>5:00 a.m. (June 28, 2026)</td><td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 27, 2026</td><td>IC Path 1 Winner v/s Uzbekistan</td><td>7:30 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>5:00 a.m. (June 28, 2026)</td><td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 27, 2026</td><td>Algeria v/s Austria</td><td>9:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>7:30 a.m. (June 28, 2026)</td><td>Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 27, 2026</td><td>Jordan v/s Argentina</td><td>9:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>7:30 a.m. (June 28, 2026)</td><td>AT&amp;T Stadium, Dallas</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 28, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 1</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>12:30 a.m. (June 29, 2026)</td><td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 29, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 2</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>10:30 p.m. (June 29, 2026)</td><td>NRG Stadium, Houston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 29, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 3</td><td>4:30 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>2:00 a.m. (June 30, 2026)</td><td>Gillette Stadium, Boston</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 29, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 4</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC−6</td><td>6:30 a.m. (June 30, 2026)</td><td>Estadio BBVA, Monterrey</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 30, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 5</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>10:30 p.m. (June 30, 2026)</td><td>AT&amp;T Stadium, Dallas</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 30, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 6</td><td>5:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>2:30 a.m. (July 1, 2026)</td><td>MetLife Stadium, New Jersey</td></tr><tr><td>Jun 30, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 7</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC−6</td><td>6:30 a.m. (July 1, 2026)</td><td>Estadio Azteca, Mexico City</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 1, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 8</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>9:30 p.m. (July 1, 2026)</td><td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 1, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 9</td><td>1:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>1:30 a.m. (July 2, 2026)</td><td>Lumen Field, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 1, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 10</td><td>5:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>5:30 a.m. (July 2, 2026)</td><td>Levi's Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 2, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 11</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>12:30 a.m. (July 3, 2026)</td><td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 2, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 12</td><td>7:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>4:30 a.m. (July 3, 2026)</td><td>BMO Field, Toronto</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 2, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 13</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>8:30 a.m. (July 3, 2026)</td><td>BC Place, Vancouver</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 3, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 14</td><td>1:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>11:30 p.m. (July 3, 2026)</td><td>AT&amp;T Stadium, Dallas</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 3, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 15</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>3:30 a.m. (July 4, 2026)</td><td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 3, 2026</td><td>Round of 32 - 16</td><td>8:30 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>7:00 a.m. (July 4, 2026)</td><td>Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 4, 2026</td><td>Round of 16 - 1</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>10:30 a.m. (July 4, 2026)</td><td>NRG Stadium, Houston</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 4, 2026</td><td>Round of 16 - 2</td><td>5:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>2:30 a.m. (July 5, 2026)</td><td>Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 5, 2026</td><td>Round of 16 - 3</td><td>4:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>1:30 a.m. (July 6, 2026)</td><td>MetLife Stadium, New Jersey</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 5, 2026</td><td>Round of 16 - 4</td><td>6:00 p.m. UTC−6</td><td>5:30 a.m. (July 6, 2026)</td><td>Estadio Azteca, Mexico City</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 6, 2026</td><td>Round of 16 - 5</td><td>2:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>12:30 a.m. (July 7, 2026)</td><td>AT&amp;T Stadium, Dallas</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 6, 2026</td><td>Round of 16 - 6</td><td>5:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>5:30 a.m. (July 7, 2026)</td><td>Lumen Field, Seattle</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 7, 2026</td><td>Round of 16 - 7</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>9:30 p.m. (July 7, 2026)</td><td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 7, 2026</td><td>Round of 16 - 8</td><td>1:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>1:30 a.m. (July 8, 2026)</td><td>BC Place, Vancouver</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 9, 2026</td><td>Quarterfinal - 1</td><td>4:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>1:30 a.m. (July 10, 2026)</td><td>Gillette Stadium, Boston</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 10, 2026</td><td>Quarterfinal - 2</td><td>12:00 p.m. UTC−7</td><td>12:30 a.m. (July 11, 2026)</td><td>SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 11, 2026</td><td>Quarterfinal - 3</td><td>5:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>2:30 a.m. (July 12, 2026)</td><td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 11, 2026</td><td>Quarterfinal - 4</td><td>8:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>6:30 a.m. (July 12, 2026)</td><td>Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 14, 2026</td><td>Semifinal - 1</td><td>2:00 p.m. UTC−5</td><td>12:30 a.m. (July 15, 2026)</td><td>AT&amp;T Stadium, Dallas</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 15, 2026</td><td>Semifinal - 2</td><td>3:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>12:30 a.m. (July 16, 2026)</td><td>Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 18, 2026</td><td>Third-place play-off</td><td>5:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>2:30 a.m. (July 19, 2026)</td><td>Hard Rock Stadium, Miami</td></tr><tr><td>Jul 19, 2026</td><td>Final</td><td>3:00 p.m. UTC−4</td><td>12:30 a.m. (July 20, 2026)</td><td>MetLife Stadium, New Jersey</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, the highest number in the tournament’s history.

The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11, 2026, with matches taking place across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will conclude on July 19, with the final scheduled at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, the highest number in the tournament’s history. When does the FIFA World Cup 2026 start? The FIFA World Cup 2026 will start on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico. How long will the 2026 FIFA World Cup last? The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run for 39 days, from June 11 to July 19. How many matches are in the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule? There will be 104 matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a record 48 teams competing for the title. Also Read - India wins T20 World Cup 2026: Congratulatory messages pour in from celebs When do the group stage matches start and end? The group stage matches will begin on June 11 and finish on June 27. When is the Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup? The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 will take place from June 29 to July 3. When are the quarterfinals and semifinals scheduled? The quarterfinal matches are planned from July 4 to July 6, while the semifinal games will be held on July 9 and July 11. When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup final? The final match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA. Which stadium will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final? The final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Full schedule of FIFA World Cup 2026:

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, the highest number in the tournament’s history.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Check complete match schedules, timings and venues

It will be a day of destiny for minnows Kosovo as they could book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday (Nov 18). 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. The evening will also see the likes of Scotland and Turkey square off in their respective qualifiers to gain a place in football’s greatest show.&nbsp;<h2>What are the current standings?</h2>In Group B, Switzerland lead the way as group leaders with 13 points in five matches and a goal difference of +12, while Kosovo sit second with 10 points and a goal difference of +1. On the other hand, Scotland will enter the last qualifier with 10 points and sitting second in Group C. Denmark currently lead the group with 11 points in five matches. On the other hand, Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina are also in frame to qualify as group winners and therefore a direct place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;<h2>Kosovo, Switzerland’s equation for World Cup qualification</h2>Switzerland and Kosovo will go head-to-head in the final qualifier, with a win or a draw enough for the former to reach the World Cup. For Kosovo, they need to win by 6-0 or a better margin, which will see them gain a goal difference of +7, while Switzerland will drop down to +6. This will see Kosovo qualify for the World Cup, while Switzerland will play in the Playoffs. Any other set of results will see Switzerland reach the World Cup and Kosovo in the Playoffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>Scotland, Denmark’s equation for World Cup qualification</h2>Scotland could end their 28-year wait to qualify for a FIFA World Cup as they face Denmark in the final qualifier. A win for Scotland will see them officially seal a place in the North American showpiece as they will leapfrog Denmark. However, any other result will see Scotland settle for a second-place finish and therefore a place in the Playoffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Spain, Turkey’s equation for World Cup qualification</h2>Spain will enter the final qualifier with 15 points in five matches, but Turkey sit hot on their shoulders as they have 12 points. However, Turkey need a goal swing of 15 if they are reach the World Cup. Turkey can qualify for the World Cup with a 7-0 or a better win margin. However, a smaller win margin could see them miss out on the World Cup finals with Spain going through. The 2010 champions can also qualify for the World Cup with a draw.

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.

It will be a day of destiny for minnows Kosovo as they could book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday (Nov 18). 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. The evening will also see the likes of Scotland and Turkey square off in their respective qualifiers to gain a place in football’s greatest show. What are the current standings? In Group B, Switzerland lead the way as group leaders with 13 points in five matches and a goal difference of +12, while Kosovo sit second with 10 points and a goal difference of +1. On the other hand, Scotland will enter the last qualifier with 10 points and sitting second in Group C. Denmark currently lead the group with 11 points in five matches. On the other hand, Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina are also in frame to qualify as group winners and therefore a direct place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kosovo, Switzerland’s equation for World Cup qualification Switzerland and Kosovo will go head-to-head in the final qualifier, with a win or a draw enough for the former to reach the World Cup. For Kosovo, they need to win by 6-0 or a better margin, which will see them gain a goal difference of +7, while Switzerland will drop down to +6. This will see Kosovo qualify for the World Cup, while Switzerland will play in the Playoffs. Any other set of results will see Switzerland reach the World Cup and Kosovo in the Playoffs. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Scotland, Denmark’s equation for World Cup qualification Scotland could end their 28-year wait to qualify for a FIFA World Cup as they face Denmark in the final qualifier. A win for Scotland will see them officially seal a place in the North American showpiece as they will leapfrog Denmark. However, any other result will see Scotland settle for a second-place finish and therefore a place in the Playoffs. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Spain, Turkey’s equation for World Cup qualification Spain will enter the final qualifier with 15 points in five matches, but Turkey sit hot on their shoulders as they have 12 points. However, Turkey need a goal swing of 15 if they are reach the World Cup. Turkey can qualify for the World Cup with a 7-0 or a better win margin. However, a smaller win margin could see them miss out on the World Cup finals with Spain going through. The 2010 champions can also qualify for the World Cup with a draw.

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

Croatia booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in North America with an unconvincing 3-1 win over the in-form Faroe Islands on Friday as the Netherlands all but booked their spot in the finals too.&nbsp;Germany's qualification hopes still rest on their final Group A match on Monday at home to Slovakia despite a Nick Woltemade brace giving them a laboured 2-0 win at Luxembourg.&nbsp;After Geza David Turi had given the Faroes a shock lead, strikes from Josko Gvardiol, Petar Musa and Nikola Vlasic in Rijeka handed 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia their ticket to the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.&nbsp;Victory gave Croatia a six point lead over the Czech Republic at the top of Group L with just a single game left to play.&nbsp;"For Croatia, for the fans!" a jubilant Gvardiol posted on his X account.&nbsp;But it was a night when the underdogs struck fear into more illustrious opponents, although without managing to strike a telling blow.&nbsp;The Faroes, who were on a three-match winning run and still harboured faint hopes of qualification, had the audacity to take the lead against opponents who only needed a draw to progress.&nbsp;Turi picked up the ball just inside the Croatia half and strode forwards unmolested before trying his luck from outside the box and benefiting from a heavy deflection to beat Dominik Livakovic in the Croatia goal on 16 minutes.&nbsp;The lead lasted only seven minutes before Manchester City defender Gvardiol lashed in an equaliser after some hesitant Faroes defending.&nbsp;With the evergreen Luka Modric still pulling the strings in Croatia's midfield at 40 on the occasion of his 193rd cap, the hosts gradually took control.&nbsp;And 12 minutes into the second half, Musa fired in at the near post to settle Croatian nerves.&nbsp;With the Faroes' hopes of becoming the smallest ever nation to reach a World Cup fading fast, Vlasic drove the knife in deeper still 20 minutes from time with a cushioned volley to beat goalkeeper Mathias Lamhauge, who had strayed into no-man's land.<h2>Depay maintains Dutch lead</h2>Memphis Depay's Dutch record-extending 55th international goal helped push the Netherlands to the brink of qualification with a 1-1 draw in Poland.&nbsp;Jakub Kaminski had given Poland hope of pipping Netherlands to top spot in Group G two minutes before the break in Warsaw, latching onto Robert Lewandowski's through ball to slot past Bart Verbruggen in the Dutch goal.&nbsp;But two minutes after the restart, Depay struck to maintain the Netherlands' three-point lead at the top of the group, and a massive goal difference advantage of 13 that makes qualification at home to Lithuania on Monday a formality.&nbsp;In Group A, plucky Luxembourg gave Germany plenty of scares in a goalless first half before Newcastle forward Woltemade bagged a second-half brace to keep Germany top of the pool.&nbsp;"I know it wasn't a pretty game but we gave our all, pushed hard and got the three points," Woltemade told Germany's RTL network.&nbsp;The four-time world champions need only a point at home to Slovakia on Monday to book their ticket to the World Cup.&nbsp;Their nearest rivals, Slovakia, had two goals chalked off by VAR but Tomas Bobcek struck in injury time in Kosice to snatch a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland.&nbsp;Slovakia, though, must win in Germany on Monday to top the group and avoid the play-offs.&nbsp;Elsewhere, Liam Jessop's 20th-minute strike threatened to give Gibraltar a first ever victory -- or even draw -- in a major tournament qualification match, but Vasilije Adzic and Nikola Krstovic ensured Montenegro avoided a shock defeat to triumph 2-1 in Group L.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Germany's qualification hopes still rest on their final Group A match on Monday at home to Slovakia despite a Nick Woltemade brace giving them a laboured 2-0 win at Luxembourg.

Croatia booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in North America with an unconvincing 3-1 win over the in-form Faroe Islands on Friday as the Netherlands all but booked their spot in the finals too. Germany's qualification hopes still rest on their final Group A match on Monday at home to Slovakia despite a Nick Woltemade brace giving them a laboured 2-0 win at Luxembourg. After Geza David Turi had given the Faroes a shock lead, strikes from Josko Gvardiol, Petar Musa and Nikola Vlasic in Rijeka handed 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia their ticket to the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Victory gave Croatia a six point lead over the Czech Republic at the top of Group L with just a single game left to play. "For Croatia, for the fans!" a jubilant Gvardiol posted on his X account. But it was a night when the underdogs struck fear into more illustrious opponents, although without managing to strike a telling blow. The Faroes, who were on a three-match winning run and still harboured faint hopes of qualification, had the audacity to take the lead against opponents who only needed a draw to progress. Turi picked up the ball just inside the Croatia half and strode forwards unmolested before trying his luck from outside the box and benefiting from a heavy deflection to beat Dominik Livakovic in the Croatia goal on 16 minutes. The lead lasted only seven minutes before Manchester City defender Gvardiol lashed in an equaliser after some hesitant Faroes defending. With the evergreen Luka Modric still pulling the strings in Croatia's midfield at 40 on the occasion of his 193rd cap, the hosts gradually took control. And 12 minutes into the second half, Musa fired in at the near post to settle Croatian nerves. With the Faroes' hopes of becoming the smallest ever nation to reach a World Cup fading fast, Vlasic drove the knife in deeper still 20 minutes from time with a cushioned volley to beat goalkeeper Mathias Lamhauge, who had strayed into no-man's land. Depay maintains Dutch lead Memphis Depay's Dutch record-extending 55th international goal helped push the Netherlands to the brink of qualification with a 1-1 draw in Poland. Jakub Kaminski had given Poland hope of pipping Netherlands to top spot in Group G two minutes before the break in Warsaw, latching onto Robert Lewandowski's through ball to slot past Bart Verbruggen in the Dutch goal. But two minutes after the restart, Depay struck to maintain the Netherlands' three-point lead at the top of the group, and a massive goal difference advantage of 13 that makes qualification at home to Lithuania on Monday a formality. In Group A, plucky Luxembourg gave Germany plenty of scares in a goalless first half before Newcastle forward Woltemade bagged a second-half brace to keep Germany top of the pool. "I know it wasn't a pretty game but we gave our all, pushed hard and got the three points," Woltemade told Germany's RTL network. The four-time world champions need only a point at home to Slovakia on Monday to book their ticket to the World Cup. Their nearest rivals, Slovakia, had two goals chalked off by VAR but Tomas Bobcek struck in injury time in Kosice to snatch a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland. Slovakia, though, must win in Germany on Monday to top the group and avoid the play-offs. Elsewhere, Liam Jessop's 20th-minute strike threatened to give Gibraltar a first ever victory -- or even draw -- in a major tournament qualification match, but Vasilije Adzic and Nikola Krstovic ensured Montenegro avoided a shock defeat to triumph 2-1 in Group L. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Germany's qualification hopes still rest on their final Group A match on Monday at home to Slovakia despite a Nick Woltemade brace giving them a laboured 2-0 win at Luxembourg.

FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers: Croatia qualify with ease; Netherlands close in, Germany in limbo

With less than eight months to go for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the race for a spot in the 48-team tournament is heating up as some of the top high-profile teams look to put their name in the hat. While England remain the only European side to seal qualification so far, they could soon be joined by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Germany and other teams. So who can seal qualification and who will punch their tickets to North America for football’s biggest carnival?<h2>Who can qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup?</h2>As things stand, England could soon be joined by Portugal, Germany, Croatia and others. Germany can guarantee at least a Playoff spot if they beat Luxembourg and Northern Ireland fail to defeat Slovakia in the latest qualifiers. They can seal qualification if they win their two qualifiers and Slovakia and Northern Ireland drop points.&nbsp;If Switzerland beat Sweden and Kosovo drop points against Slovenia, the former will seal a World Cup spot. In a similar run-in, if France beat Ukraine, they will officially qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Similarly, Spain and Portugal are also a win away from punching their tickets for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Interestingly, Italy will have to enter the Playoffs for the third consecutive time if they fail to beat Moldova and Norway beat Estonia, as the latter sits in pole position. Croatia, runners-up in 2018 and third-place finishers in 2022, need a solitary point against the Faroe Islands.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Key fixtures during latest international break</h2>Thursday (Nov 13)Norway vs EstoniaFrance vs UkraineMoldova vs Italy&nbsp;Friday (Nov 14)Luxembourg vs GermanyCroatia vs Faroe Islands&nbsp;Saturday (Nov 15)Georgia vs SpainSlovenia vs KosovoSwitzerland vs Sweden

As things stand, England could soon be joined by Portugal, Germany, Croatia and others. Germany can guarantee at least a Playoff spot if they beat Luxembourg and Northern Ireland fail to defeat Slovakia in the latest qualifiers. 

With less than eight months to go for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the race for a spot in the 48-team tournament is heating up as some of the top high-profile teams look to put their name in the hat. While England remain the only European side to seal qualification so far, they could soon be joined by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Germany and other teams. So who can seal qualification and who will punch their tickets to North America for football’s biggest carnival? Who can qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup? As things stand, England could soon be joined by Portugal, Germany, Croatia and others. Germany can guarantee at least a Playoff spot if they beat Luxembourg and Northern Ireland fail to defeat Slovakia in the latest qualifiers. They can seal qualification if they win their two qualifiers and Slovakia and Northern Ireland drop points. If Switzerland beat Sweden and Kosovo drop points against Slovenia, the former will seal a World Cup spot. In a similar run-in, if France beat Ukraine, they will officially qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Similarly, Spain and Portugal are also a win away from punching their tickets for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Interestingly, Italy will have to enter the Playoffs for the third consecutive time if they fail to beat Moldova and Norway beat Estonia, as the latter sits in pole position. Croatia, runners-up in 2018 and third-place finishers in 2022, need a solitary point against the Faroe Islands. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Key fixtures during latest international break Thursday (Nov 13) Norway vs Estonia France vs Ukraine Moldova vs Italy Friday (Nov 14) Luxembourg vs Germany Croatia vs Faroe Islands Saturday (Nov 15) Georgia vs Spain Slovenia vs Kosovo Switzerland vs Sweden

As things stand, England could soon be joined by Portugal, Germany, Croatia and others. Germany can guarantee at least a Playoff spot if they beat Luxembourg and Northern Ireland fail to defeat Slovakia in the latest qualifiers.&nbsp;

FIFA World Cup qualifiers: Ronaldo's Portugal a step away from qualification, but who else can join them? Know More

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