world-cup
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bbc.co.ukScotland Squad Prepares for World Cup Opener Against Haiti
Analysts and former players discussed defensive options and formation choices ahead of the match. The conversation focused on centre-half pairings and the effectiveness of a 4-4-2 system. Questions were also raised about player commitment and the manager's approach entering the t…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewSouth Korea Completes Standard Closed Training Session in Mexico Ahead of World Cup Opener vs Czechia
The team trained behind closed doors at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan on June 9. Head coach Hong Myung-bo led a 90-minute session focused on set pieces and tactics.
winnipegfreepress.comToronto and Vancouver Resell FIFA Ticket Packages at Profit to Offset World Cup Hosting Costs
The city is selling its share of FIFA packages purchased last year to generate revenue and avoid using property tax dollars for a tournament now projected to cost $380 million.
deadline.comCBS News Poll: Soccer Fans Positive on U.S. World Cup Hosting, But Non-Fans Show Little Increased Interest
A CBS News/YouGov survey of 2,023 adults finds most soccer fans excited about the U.S. hosting the tournament, with younger adults and soccer parents showing the strongest interest.
Usa TodayMexican-American Midfielder Brian Gutierrez, Recently Transferred to Chivas, Named to Mexico World Cup Squad
The 22-year-old midfielder from Illinois spoke at Mexico's training center on June 9 ahead of the team's World Cup opener against South Africa.
The GuardianIran, Iraq, Senegal and Uzbekistan teams face U.S. entry restrictions ahead of World Cup
Several national teams and officials preparing for the upcoming World Cup reported delays, searches and entry denials at U.S. airports. FIFA stated it does not control visa decisions, which remain with host governments.
api.foxsports.comWorld Cup Opens Thursday as FIFA Seeks to Overcome Ticket and Political Concerns
The tournament begins on Thursday with matches across multiple venues. FIFA has stated it expects fan interest to outweigh reported objections over pricing and external conditions.
The GuardianUS Denies Entry to Somali Referee Omari Artan at Miami Airport Despite Valid Visa
U.S. authorities turned away referee Omari Artan at Miami International Airport despite a valid visa. Fifa said it does not control host-country immigration decisions.
Hwang Hee-chan, Coming Off Relegation with Wolves, Hopes to Recreate 2022 Heroics at 2026 World Cup
The South Korean forward spoke ahead of his team's opening match against Czechia on June 11. He recalled the 2022 goal that sent his country into the knockout stage.
nypost.comChris Richards Returns to Full USMNT Training but Fitness Remains Uncertain Ahead of World Cup Opener
Defender Chris Richards rejoined the U.S. Men’s National Team at Great Park in Irvine on Monday after missing pre-tournament matches with an ankle injury.
Abc NewsU.S. Denies Entry to Somali World Cup Referee Citing Vetting Concerns
Omar Abdulkadir Artan was turned away at Miami International Airport on Saturday. FIFA confirmed he will not officiate at the tournament that opens Thursday.
Los Angeles TimesU.S. Men's National Team Trains at Irvine's Championship Soccer Stadium After Temporary Eviction of Local Club
The team opened its World Cup base at Orange County Great Park on Monday, four days before its opener against Paraguay. A crowd of 5,500 watched the first public session after 32,000 applied for passes.
CBS SportsU.S. men's national team defender trains fully four days before World Cup opener
A defender returned to full training with the squad on Monday in Irvine, California. The session occurred four days before the team's opening match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.
winnipegfreepress.com2026 World Cup Ticket Prices for Toronto Matches Drop Sharply as Tournament Nears
Resale prices for Canada’s opening match have fallen sharply in recent days, yet many local fans remain unable to purchase seats.
api.foxsports.comNetherlands Replace Injured Jurrien Timber with Lutsharel Geertruida in 2026 World Cup Squad
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to recover from a groin injury sustained in mid-March. Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up as his replacement.
deadline.comIran National Soccer Team Arrives in Tijuana Ahead of World Cup Matches in the U.S.
The team landed ahead of three FIFA World Cup matches on U.S. soil. The arrival marks the first time a host nation will receive a country with which it is at war.
thesouthafrican.comSouth Africa Coach Says Team Ready for 2026 World Cup Opener Against Mexico
South Africa coach Hugo Broos stated the national team will face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He described Mexico as a strong side and emphasized the need to follow the game plan.
The GuardianCroatia Coach Says World Cup Opener Against England Is Pivotal
Croatia's head coach stated that the June 17 match against England will shape the team's tournament prospects. The squad enters the game with several players returning from injury and limited recent match time.
jpost.comOver 200 Iranian Diaspora Members Protest Outside LA Stadium Ahead of World Cup Opener
More than 200 people gathered Sunday waving pre-revolutionary flags to highlight political concerns in Iran days before the national team's opening fixture.
Al JazeeraInjured Spain Trio Yamal, Williams and Munoz Stay Behind for Rehab Ahead of World Cup Opener
Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Victor Munoz stayed in Chattanooga for rehabilitation while the rest of the squad traveled to Puebla for a warm-up against Peru. Coach Luis de la Fuente said the three remain within expected recovery timelines ahead of the match against Cape Verde.
Los Angeles TimesUS, Canada, Mexico Launch Massive Security Operation for 48-Team 2026 World Cup
Federal, state and local agencies begin coordinated security operations this week for the 104-match event. The effort includes $875 million in federal funding and new drone countermeasures.
bbc.co.ukDR Congo vs Chile World Cup Warm-Up Relocated to Orleans Behind Closed Doors After Spanish Mayor Blocks Match
The Democratic Republic of Congo's final pre-tournament friendly against Chile will be played without spectators in France after a Spanish venue was blocked over Ebola concerns.
bbc.co.ukWaterloo Bridge Closed to Traffic and Covered With Grass for Women's T20 World Cup Launch Event
London's Waterloo Bridge was closed to traffic and turned into a cricket pitch for captains of all 12 teams competing in the Women's ICC T20 World Cup.
gamereactor.euU.S. Denies Visas to Iranian Federation Officials Over IRGC Ties, Requires Same-Day Travel for Iran’s 2026 World Cup Matches
FIFA rejected Iran's request to relocate group-stage games after the U.S. government barred overnight stays. Iranian players must fly in from Mexico, play, and return the same day.
riotimesonline.comScotland Defeats Bolivia 4-0 in World Cup Warm-Up Match
Scotland scored four first-half goals in a 4-0 win over Bolivia at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey. Head coach Steve Clarke said the result leaves him with selection decisions ahead of the opener against Haiti.
U.S. Draws 2-2 With Germany in World Cup Tuneup
The United States men's national team tied Germany 2-2 in its final match before the World Cup opener. Antonee Robinson scored the equalizer and led the team in defensive actions.
winnipegfreepress.comFIFA Introduces Three-Minute Hydration Breaks in Each Half of World Cup Matches
FIFA introduced three-minute hydration breaks in each half to address heat risks. An NPR study found more than a third of matches face high heat and humidity hazards.
ukdefencejournal.org.ukUK Government Directs Councils to Fast-Track Outdoor World Cup Events and Consider Longer Pavement Licences
Ministers are asking local authorities to speed up approvals for outdoor screenings and later pub hours ahead of the men's football tournament. The government also plans to lengthen the maximum term for pavement licences.
The GuardianGermany Beats United States 2-1 in Chicago World Cup Warm-Up
Germany scored twice to beat the United States 2-1 at Soldier Field. Both teams used the June 6 match as their final warm-up before the 2026 World Cup.
Australia's Socceroos Play Switzerland in Final World Cup Warm-Up Friendly in San Diego
Australia meets Switzerland on Sunday in the last pre-tournament friendly before the FIFA World Cup begins. Cristian Volpato is set to make his debut for coach Tony Popovic after switching from Italy.
The IndependentEngland to Face New Zealand in Tampa World Cup Warm-Up Match
England plays New Zealand at 9pm BST on 6 June at Raymond James Stadium. The match is the first of two warm-ups before the team moves to its Kansas base.
deadline.comWorld Cup stadiums in U.S. and Canada will allow sealed disposable water bottles
Organizers reversed an earlier ban on reusable bottles after receiving criticism. Fans may now bring sealed disposable water bottles into venues in the U.S. and Canada.
BBC NewsU.S. issues visas to Iranian World Cup players but blocks some staff
U.S. officials approved entry for Iranian players and some support staff for the 2026 World Cup. Iranian officials said additional technical and managerial staff were denied visas hours later.
The GuardianFIFA Expands VAR to Include Corners and Second Yellow Cards but Faces Resistance Ahead of 2026 World Cup
New protocols will require VAR review of every corner and second-yellow decisions, while players face red cards for leaving the field in protest or covering their mouths.
ESPNFIFA Updates 2026 World Cup Bottle Policy: One Sealed 590ml Plastic Bottle Allowed, Hard-Sided Containers Banned
FIFA reversed an earlier ban and will now let fans bring one sealed disposable water bottle into 2026 World Cup venues in the United States and Canada. The change follows criticism of the prior policy.
Al JazeeraFIFA World Cup 2026 Adds Sensor Balls, AI Avatars, Robot Dogs
The tournament will feature new technology including sensor-equipped match balls, AI-generated player models, and robot security units across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA also introduced updated offside detection and fixed hydration breaks.
news.sky.comHMS Prince of Wales Suffers Propeller Shaft Issue, Expected Back at Sea in Days After Norway Stop
Britain's £3bn aircraft carrier has been forced into port in Norway. The breakdown comes ahead of the expected publication of the Defence Investment Plan.
forbes.comState Department discusses safety plans ahead of World Cup
The 2026 World Cup begins next week with the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as hosts. Millions of international visitors are expected to attend matches across the three countries.
The Boston GlobeIran World Cup team receives U.S. visas for matches near Los Angeles
U.S. officials said Friday that visas have been approved for Iran's national soccer team and support staff. The approvals allow the squad to travel from its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, for games in Inglewood and Seattle.
nypost.comU.S. soccer team faces uncertainty over defender's availability ahead of World Cup
Chris Richards remains sidelined by an ankle injury and will miss Saturday's match against Germany. The team opens World Cup play on June 12 against Paraguay.
Al JazeeraFIFA Cancels ~60 Free Tickets Issued in Website Error, Offers Fans Chance to Pay Correct Price
The organization said a website error during checkout on May 21 allowed the tickets to be issued at zero cost. It has invited the fans to pay the correct price while keeping the seats reserved.
Al JazeeraIran Submits Passports to U.S. Embassy for World Cup Visas, Expects Approval
Iran’s squad submitted passports for U.S. visas ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while relocating its base camp to Tijuana, Mexico. All three group matches will be played on U.S. soil.
NewsweekFIFA Introduces Crossed-Arms 'X' Gesture That Immediately Halts Play to Trigger Anti-Discrimination Protocol at 2026 World Cup
Players, referees and officials at the 2026 World Cup will use a crossed-arms signal to report racist abuse and activate FIFA's three-step anti-discrimination process.
The IndependentFIFA to Include All Matchday Squad Players in World Cup 2026 Anthem Ceremonies
FIFA will expand the pre-match national anthem ceremony at the 2026 World Cup to involve every player in the matchday squad. The change adds a redesigned 360-degree format with new visual elements for all stadium seats.
winnipegfreepress.comScotland Trains at Inter Miami Facility as It Acclimatises for World Cup Opener Against Haiti
Scotland prepared for humid conditions in Miami with ice barrels and cold tubs. Players face Haiti on 14 June before matches in Boston and Miami.
Abc NewsLatin America Sees Protests, Presidential Elections, and World Cup Preparations
Demonstrations over femicide, pensions, wages, and education funding took place across the region as Colombia held a presidential vote and Mexico readied for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nbc NewsFIFA Allocates $60 Upper-Deck Tickets to U.S. Loyal Fans for World Cup Group Matches
@NBCNews reported that American Outlaws members received $60 tickets in upper-level sections for the U.S. team’s three group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
France 24U.S. Restricts Visas for Senegalese Nationals in Late 2025 Over Compliance Issues
Senegalese nationals face broad visa restrictions after the country was added to the U.S. immigration blacklist. The measures have already blocked entry for members of the national football federation.
winnipegfreepress.comOver 400 Agencies Coordinate Security for Record 48-Team World Cup Across 11 U.S. Cities
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, said the tournament presents an unprecedented security challenge. More than 400 law enforcement agencies are coordinating with federal officials and private firms.
nypost.comFIFA Standardizes Ban on Refillable Plastic Bottles at 2026 World Cup Stadiums While Adding Heat-Mitigation Measures
The prohibition takes effect one week before the June 11 opening match. FIFA cited safety concerns for players and attendees.
winnipegfreepress.comFIFA Extends Safety Ban on Outside Bottles, Cans and Cups to All 2026 World Cup Venues
FIFA will require fans and volunteers to buy drinking water inside all 2026 World Cup stadiums after prohibiting outside bottles, cans and cups. The rule change was announced one week before the tournament opens across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
winnipegfreepress.comBank of America and Vet Tix give 4,547 World Cup tickets to veterans
Bank of America and Vet Tix will distribute 4,547 tickets for the 2026 World Cup to U.S. veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families. The tickets cover matches including those featuring the U.S. men's national team.
Al JazeeraFIFA Standardizes Bottle Ban at 2026 World Cup Venues for Safety, Adds Hydration Stations
FIFA updated its stadium code of conduct on Tuesday to bar fans from bringing refillable water bottles, cups, jars and cans into venues. The 48-team tournament runs June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
espn.co.ukIFAB Approves Expanded VAR Powers, New Red Card for Mouth Covering, and Rules to Speed Up Play
The International Football Association Board approved rule changes that expand VAR reviews and introduce penalties for time-wasting and mouth-covering during confrontations. The changes will apply at the 2026 World Cup and in leagues worldwide next season.
Nbc NewsIran to Play Final World Cup Warm-Up Behind Closed Doors in Turkey
Iran will hold its final pre-tournament friendly against Mali behind closed doors in Antalya on Thursday. The team departs for its new base in Tijuana, Mexico, on Saturday.
nypost.comRobinson Included in USMNT World Cup Roster After Injury-Hit Year
Left back Antonee Robinson received roster confirmation via text two Fridays ago. He started in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Senegal in Fayetteville, Ga.
Al JazeeraMessi Joins Argentina World Cup Camp in Kansas City, Expected to Be Ready for Opener
Lionel Messi worked on specific exercises during Argentina’s first pretournament session while recovering from left hamstring fatigue. The defending champions open against Algeria on June 16.
espn.co.ukJapan Defeats Iceland 1-0 in Friendly After New Substitution Rule Reduces Iceland to 10 Men
Koki Ogawa scored in the 87th minute after Iceland failed to complete a substitution in time under the new rule. Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu discussed the rule ahead of the team's World Cup opener.
uctoday.comU.S. Blocks Iran Delegation Members With IRGC Ties, Forcing Team to Shift Training Camp to Mexico
The team secured Mexican visas but was blocked from entering the United States. Matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt remain scheduled on U.S. soil.
bbc.co.ukScotland Women to Face Israel in Closed-Door World Cup Qualifiers in Hungary After UEFA Security Ruling
Scotland's players have not discussed boycotting World Cup qualifying matches against Israel. Both games will be played at a neutral venue in Hungary after UEFA ruled no matches can be held in Israel.