A FIFA spokesperson said Artan would not be able to train and officiate at the World Cup – the latest edition of which kicks off on Thursday – after he was not allowed to enter the United States over the weekend.

Somalia’s government said it had unsuccessfully tried to negotiate with the U.S. and FIFA so that Artan could enter the country and it was saddened by what had happened.

“His international achievements are a source of honour and pride for the Somali people,” Somalia’s sports ministry said in a statement.

FIFA says not involved in immigration policies

A senior Somali official told Reuters that diplomatic efforts were continuing to try to get Artan into the U.S. for the tournament, but declined to share further details.

Iran says ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn days before tournament

A FIFA spokesperson said the organisation “is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present,”. Its website does not show what match Artan was due to officiate.

Artan said in a statement that despite the circumstances he was in a positive mood and focused on the next challenges of his refereeing career.

“I would like to thank FIFA and CAF (Confederation of African Football) for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future,” he said.

US policies raise concerns ahead of world cup

Without naming him, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday and was deemed inadmissible due to vetting concerns.

The agency did not elaborate on those concerns, but said the referee underwent routine additional inspection before being denied entry.

“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection,” the CBP said.

The Trump administration’s strict immigration policies have been a point of concern ahead of the World Cup. Last year, Washington imposed a sweeping travel ban on citizens of 12 countries, including Somalia.

Artan, who was named CAF’s Best Male Referee for 2025, had a valid visa, according to media reports.

The World Cup begins on Thursday, with Iran playing their first two Group G games in Los Angeles, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, and then facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

In a statement, the Iranian federation said it had already begun the ticket sales process for the matches but could no longer provide them to fans.

“This is despite the fact that many Iranian football fans, relying on the officially announced process, had already made the necessary plans to attend the matches,” the FFIRI added in a statement.

“Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries.”

Iran beats Mali in last World Cup warm-up before heading to Tijuana

“This development raises serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations in the organization of the world’s biggest football event.”

Each participating federation at the World Cup receives 8% of the tickets for each of their matches to be allocated to fans according to their own criteria.

‘Principles of neutrality’

The FFIRI did not say who had made the decision to withhold the tickets but urged FIFA, soccer’s governing body, to adhere to “the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations” and called on it to prevent off-field issues from casting a shadow over the tournament.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been clouded by uncertainty since the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on the Islamic Republic in late February, triggering a regional conflict.

The FFIRI negotiated to move the team’s base camp from Arizona to Mexico, due to uncertainty over whether they would be granted U.S. visas and a growing feeling in Iran that the squad’s presence in the U.S. should be kept to a minimum.

After weeks of uncertainty, the U.S. awarded visas to all the players last week – 10 days before their first match – but several members of staff did not receive them.

A U.S. official told Reuters on Friday that the administration had issued “the visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup”.

FIFA said earlier on Tuesday that Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom had held a “positive discussion” with FFIRI President Mehdi Taj after the team arrived at their tournament base.

“With the team now in Mexico, FIFA will continue dialogue and collaboration with the FFIRI to ensure the team and the delegation’s experience is a positive one,“ Grafstrom said in a statement.

The 79-year-old Perez, president for 23 years across two spells, took 65 percent of the votes to vanquish his 37-year-old challenger, Enrique Riquelme, the club announced late Sunday.

“We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles,” Perez said in his victory speech.

The result means Mourinho will be announced as Real Madrid’s new manager as early as Monday.

The 63-year-old will return after last being in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu 13 years ago, with Madrid paying Mourinho’s current club Benfica a reported 15 million euro ($17.25 million) release fee.

“We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the best stadium in the world,” Perez said.

“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho.”

Mourinho first joined Real Madrid in 2010, spending three seasons at the club.

Jose Mourinho gets strong winning start at Benfica

During his tenure he won one La Liga championship, one Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during a period of fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.

Appointing the divisive Mourinho will be a gamble on the part of president Perez after Los Blancos finished without a major trophy in 2025/26 – a second consecutive barren season.

“We will continue working so that Real Madrid keeps winning titles,” said Perez.

“And we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup.”

In a brief video shared on the official Instagram account of Perez’s campaign last week, the Portuguese coach had appeared wearing a Real Madrid shirt and saying: “Yes.”

Beaten candidate Riquelme for his part had pledged to sign Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland if he won.

Real Madrid is owned entirely by members who elect the president.

“Rest assured,” said Perez. “With me as president, Real Madrid has been, is, and will always remain owned by its members.”

Kai Havertz headed in Joshua Kimmich’s free kick to give four-times world champions ​Germany a second-minute lead, but World Cup co-hosts United ​States snatched a stunning equaliser through Antonee Robinson.

Leroy ⁠Sane then scored in the 57th minute to seal ​Germany’s victory at Soldier Field in Chicago.

“Overall, I think it ​was a good performance. I am happy with the performance of everyone. We play one of the most important teams in the ​world,” Pochettino told reporters.

Argentina’s Balerdi out of World Cup with calf injury

“I think we need to be ​happy with that. We compete, (we were) unlucky, I think it was as ‌an ⁠even game… It was an amazing challenge for us to see how we react, how we show character, how we show togetherness, how we start to play under pressure.”

The ​US open ​their Group D ⁠campaign against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles.

“We were demanding ​a lot to the player(s) in the ​last two ⁠weeks. I’ve seen (us) overload the player(s) and the team,” the Argentine manager said.

“Now (we have) to assess the load and be ⁠intelligent ​in the way that we are ​going to arrive to the Paraguay (game), in the best condition, fresh with ​energy.”

The game was halted in the ​21st minute as thunderstorms and lightning forced players ⁠off the pitch and spectators to seek ​shelter, in accordance with U.S. safety protocols that suspend ​play when storms are detected within an 8-mile radius.

Repeated lightning strikes led to multiple resets of the mandatory 30-minute ​delay before play eventually resumed.

Saudi Arabia took ​the lead just before halftime when Sultan Mandash capitalised on a ‌defensive ⁠lapse inside the penalty area, before Abdullah Al Hamdan doubled the advantage in the 50th minute with a composed finish over the advancing goalkeeper ​after winning possession ​high up ⁠the pitch.

Argentina’s Balerdi out of World Cup with calf injury

Captain Salem Al Dawsari wrapped up the scoring in the 88th ​minute with a fine solo run, giving ​Saudi ⁠Arabia a confidence-boosting win after their 2-1 loss to Ecuador. They will face Senegal on June 9 ⁠in ​their final warm-up before opening ​their World Cup campaign in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay and ​Cape Verde.

Balerdi was named in Argentina’s 26-man ​squad last week after consistent ​performances with Olympique de Marseille, with ⁠whom he made 36 appearances across ​all competitions.

“Defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a ​muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg and will not be able ​to be part of the squad ​that will play the World Cup,” Argentina said ‌in ⁠a statement.

“Hang in there, stay strong, and get well soon.”

Messi leads Argentina squad for sixth World Cup

Argentina have not announced a replacement yet ​for the ​27-year-old centre ⁠back who has 11 caps. They play Honduras in ​a friendly match later on ​Saturday.

⁠The defending champions will open their Group J campaign against Algeria on ⁠June ​16 before facing ​Austria and Jordan.

The game was halted in the 21st minute as thunderstorms and lightning forced players off the pitch and spectators to seek shelter, in accordance with U.S. safety protocols that suspend play when storms are detected within an 8-mile radius.

Repeated lightning strikes led to multiple resets of the mandatory 30-minute delay before play eventually resumed.

Passport theft delays Abdulhamid as Saudis head to US

Saudi Arabia took the lead just before halftime when Sultan Mandash capitalised on a defensive lapse inside the penalty area, before Abdullah Al Hamdan doubled the advantage in the 50th minute with a composed finish over the advancing goalkeeper after winning possession high up the pitch.

Captain Salem Al Dawsari wrapped up the scoring in the 88th minute with a fine solo run, giving Saudi Arabia a confidence-boosting win after their 2-1 loss to Ecuador.

They will face Senegal on June 9 in their final warm-up before opening their World Cup campaign in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde.

The 32-year-old left Liverpool after a nine-year stint where he won the Premier League twice, the FA Cup and two League Cups and reached the Champions League final three times, winning the trophy in 2019. Robertson had announced he would leave Liverpool in April and Spurs were looking to add an experienced player to the squad after avoiding relegation on the final day of the season.

“Andy is someone I’ve admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team,” Spurs coach Roberto De Zerbi said in a statement.

Rio Ngumoha makes Anfield history, Mohamed Salah seals Liverpool win over Fulham

“He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch. I can’t wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him.”

Renowned for his energy and his ability to make an impact in the final third, Robertson redefined the role of the attacking full back under Juergen Klopp.

He left Liverpool after scoring 14 goals and providing 69 assists.

“He is an outstanding left back - one of the best of all time in the Premier League - and someone who will improve our squad,” Spurs sporting director Johan Lange said.

“In addition, his quality, character and leadership have been evident throughout a career in which he has regularly competed for - and won - major honours.

“Andy’s professionalism and commitment will also be invaluable to the development of our squad.”

Robertson will join the squad after leading Scotland at the World Cup starting next week in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

De la Fuente left out Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, David Raya, ​Victor Munoz, Marc Cucurella, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, ​Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal because of fitness concerns, leaving ⁠Spain with a heavily rotated starting line-up.

The result was a ​subdued send-off for Spain on home soil before they travel to ​North America on Friday. They will begin their World Cup campaign in Group H against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Spain struggled to break ​down an organised Iraq side whose compact low block denied ​the hosts the rhythm that carried them to the 2024 European Championship title ‌in ⁠Germany.

The hosts took the lead in the 16th minute in a quick counter attack, with Ferran Torres bursting through the middle from midfield into the box before firing past the goalkeeper.

France brush off Ivory Coast loss, call it timely World Cup reminder

Iraq ​equalised through Merchas ​Doski in the ⁠27th minute with a superb left-footed strike from a difficult angle on the left edge of ​the box, the ball arcing over Barcelona goalkeeper ​Joan ⁠Garcia, who was slightly off his line, and dropping into the net.

Torres struck the crossbar in the 40th minute, but Spain found ⁠clear ​openings hard to come by against disciplined ​opponents who will play only their second World Cup in Group I with ​France, Senegal and Norway.

Didier Deschamps’ side led through a superb first-half goal from Rayan Cherki but were overrun after the break as Guela Doue and Amad Diallo turned the game around for the Elephants in ​Nantes.

With France opening their World Cup campaign against Senegal in New York on ​June 16, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni said the result should be viewed in ⁠the context of preparations rather than as a warning sign.

“It’s a pity to lose ​but we’re in a preparation phase, we stay confident,” Tchouameni said.

“There is no conclusion to ​draw from this game, even if we had won it. We will be ready.”

France fielded an experimental side, with several Paris St Germain players rested after last weekend’s Champions League final triumph, and ​made numerous changes after halftime.

Mexico thump Serbia 5-1 to complete World Cup preparations

Defender Lucas Hernandez also played down the significance of the ​defeat.

“We always want to win but we’re in a phase of preparation and there were a lot ‌of ⁠substitutions,” Hernandez said.

“We’re in good spirits.”

Deschamps, however, admitted his side had lost control of the contest after an encouraging opening 45 minutes and warned that France would face opponents with similar qualities in the United States.

“A defeat is never pleasant, even if we did ​some good things in ​the first half,” ⁠Deschamps said.

“In the second half we made a lot of changes but that’s no excuse. We were not as good after the ​break and they brought a lot of pace.

“We will face the ​same type ⁠of team on June 16.”

The France coach said the result could prove useful if it prevented his players from becoming complacent before the tournament.

“It’s a reminder, if we needed one, ⁠not to ​think we’re better than we are,” he said, with ​Cherki adding: “It’s a little warning, and I can tell you we’re not going to the World Cup thinking ​we’re favourites but we’re going to crush everyone.”

Serbia struck first in the 19th minute when Petar Stanic capitalised on a defensive lapse and a fortunate deflection ​before firing a low shot past goalkeeper Raul Rangel.

Mexico ​levelled in the 34th minute through defender Johan ⁠Vasquez, who headed home from Brian Gutierrez’s delivery after ​the visitors had withstood sustained pressure.

Javier Aguirre’s side completed the ​turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time when Serbia gifted Mexico the lead with an own goal, as a misplaced back pass from Stefan ​Bukinac rolled beyond goalkeeper Filip Stankovic and into the ​net.

Mexico increased their advantage 12 minutes after the break when Raul Jimenez ‌scored ⁠from close range after Julian Quinones’ effort struck the post and rebounded off the Fulham striker into the net.

FIFA bans vuvuzelas from World Cup stadiums

The hosts made it 4-1 in the 72nd minute when Adem ​Avdic turned Alexis ​Vega’s corner ⁠into his own net, before Luis Chavez completed the rout with a superb long-range strike ​just before the 90-minute mark.

Fireworks lit up the ​Nemesio ⁠Diez stadium at the final whistle as Mexico signed off their World Cup preparations in style ahead of next Thursday’s ⁠opener ​against South Africa, the first match ​of the tournament they are co-hosting with the United States and Canada.

Vuvuzelas, a horn made with a long plastic shell, ​are a staple of South African soccer matches ​and took the world by storm at the ⁠2010 World Cup in South Africa. But they have ​drawn criticism over their monotonous droning sound, often likened ​to a swarm of bees.

Along with vuvuzelas, whistles, air horns and other excessively loud noise-making devices are prohibited from all 16 World ​Cup venues, according to FIFA’s stadium code of ​conduct.

Instruments that emit laser beams, laser pointers or similar emissions are ‌also ⁠banned.

The list of prohibited items and behaviors goes on to state that body paint and body tattoos do not constitute as clothing. Streaking, flashing or removing clothing to ​reveal intimate ​body parts is ⁠also prohibited.

FIFA has also banned spectators from bringing reusable water bottles into venues, citing ​safety concerns.

Iran beats Mali in last World Cup warm-up before heading to Tijuana

Attendees who violate the rules can be ​refused ⁠entry or removed from the stadium, the code says.

The expanded 48-team World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada and ⁠Mexico, ​runs from June 11 to ​July 19. Mexico will open the tournament against South Africa on June ​11.

Goals from midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi and right back Ramin Rezaeian either side of halftime gave Team Melli a record of three wins and a single loss in their four friendlies this year in the Turkish resort city of Antalya.

The friendlies are the only competitive football the Iran-based players have played since the domestic league was suspended in the wake of US and Israel air strikes on the Islamic Republic in late February that triggered a regional war.

The squad have received visas for Mexico, officials confirmed this week, and will leave Turkey on Saturday for their tournament base in the border city of Tijuana.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to host the squad after being told that the US authorities did not want Iran staying in their original base in Arizona throughout the June 11 to July 19 tournament.

Algeria score late to upset Dutch with surprise away win

The squad have not yet received the visas they will need to get into the US to play their group games against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle, however.

Iranian FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj told Iranian media this week that the US visas were the main concern for the federation as Iran’s tournament opener against New Zealand on June 15 approaches.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday there was “no problem” with the Iran squad entering the country, but Washington would not let officials or staff with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accompany them.

Both the US and Canada, who are co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, classify the IRGC as a “terrorist entity.” Taj was refused entry into Canada for the FIFA Congress in late April because of his links to the elite military force.

In a wide-ranging interview with City’s in-house media, Al Mubarak said Guardiola repeatedly half-heartedly flirted with leaving over the years, only to be persuaded to continue – until the moment he knew the decision was final.

“Inevitably over these last 10 years we’ve had a lot of ups and some downs. And in the downs, he must have quit 100 times,” Al Mubarak said.

“There’s the story as you all know, ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf.’ In the case of Pep, when he says I quit, it doesn’t mean he’s quitting. You don’t take it that seriously, you have to manage him.

“I always had a very clear understanding with Pep, because of that analogy of the ‘Boy Who Cried Wolf’: whenever he quits I will always convince him to come back until the time where I know it’s actually the real moment Pep decides actually it’s time.

Guardiola to end decade-long Man City reign at end of season

“There’s the moments that are not real and he actually needs someone to bring him back. And there was always going to be one moment where it was going to be real.”

Al Mubarak said that as well as becoming close friends with Guardiola he was also the Spaniard’s pseudo “psychiatrist”, pulling him back from the brink in the down times.

Guardiola’s threats to quit finally became real this season, Al Mubarak said, bringing to a close a 10-year tenure he described as “exceptional.”

“We reached that, and I knew it and that’s why I didn’t fight it,” he said. “In this particular (moment), I think he knew, and I knew that he knew … I did not fight this at all because I knew this was the time he actually meant it.”

The 55-year-old Guardiola claimed 20 trophies with City including six Premier League titles and the Champions League before closing his career at the end of a season that saw his side finish league runners-up and win the FA Cup and League Cup.

His departure followed a spell in which City established themselves as the dominant force in English football, reshaping the tactical landscape in the process.

“He changed English football,” Al Mubarak said.

“You look at the way the league has evolved … the way football is played in this league from 10 years ago to today. In my view it’s unquestionable, his influence over the game. He has left his thumbprint over this league.

“Very few managers in football will come in and change not just the team but an entire league. And Pep has done that here.”

Despite Guardiola’s exit, Al Mubarak insisted City’s trajectory would continue upward, and they will appoint the “right manager” for a seamless transition.

“We are far from peaked,” he said. “We are used to, because it’s in our DNA, winning. This is a club that is designed, built to win. What Pep has given us has taken us to the next level.

“We’ve gone through a very thoughtful and structured process and the team is convinced – and I am convinced, rest assured – that we will bring in the right manager for this Club.

“Very soon we’ll announce it and you will be very comfortable that we have selected and brought in the best manager possible for this club.”

Guardiola’s former assistant Enzo Maresca is his expected successor.

Hadj Moussa, ‌who plays for Dutch club Feyenoord, cut in off the right wing and struck a powerful shot into the far corner four minutes from time to hand the ​North Africans a morale-boosting win at De Kuip, where he plays ​his club football.

It was as much as Algeria deserved after ⁠a strong second-half performance, roared on by a large number of noisy ​travelling fans.

Hadj Moussa’s effort was his first international goal and spoilt the ​home team’s send-off before they depart for New York on Thursday.

“This is not what you want in your farewell match,” Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk told Dutch NOS television.

“If ​you look at the game, we should have been at least 2–0 ​up. Hopefully, our sharpness will return quickly and we’ll finish our chances properly from ‌now ⁠on. It’s positive that most of the players got some playing time, but of course we don’t play to lose,” he said.

Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, sporting a mask after facial injuries suffered in April, made several good stops ​throughout the game to ​alleviate concerns over ⁠the keeper’s position in the side, which has been the subject of speculation in recent months.

FIFA bans reusable bottles at World Cup venues citing safety concerns

The Dutch will ​play Uzbekistan in a friendly in New York on ​Monday before ⁠moving on to their base in Kansas City. Their opening Group F game is against Japan in Dallas on June 14.

Algeria face World Cup holders Argentina ⁠in ​their opening game in Group J in Kansas ​City on June 16. Algeria take on Bolivia in Kansas City next Wednesday in their ​last warm-up game.

Portugal forward Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash last July, while Konate’s father, Hamady, passed away in January after a long illness.

“There are low points, there’s depression. You can suffer from depression in football too; there’s no need to be ashamed to say so,” Konate told France Inter radio.

“It’s true that I’ve often heard players say they were suffering from depression and that fans or people on the outside didn’t understand because they were earning a lot of money. But that’s rubbish and you shouldn’t say that.”

The 27-year-old, who confirmed earlier this week he will leave Liverpool this summer, said Jota’s death had taken a heavy toll on him. “It devastated me. I didn’t have any interest in anything else at that point,” he said.

“You go back to football because you have no choice. We’re employees at a club that pays us every month, so we have duties. “We had no choice but to go back on the field and play for him and his family – as well as ourselves.

There’s no way of getting over it, but you learn to live with it.“ At the same time, Konate was coping with his father’s illness, leaving him unsure how to balance personal grief with professional commitments.

Lukaku returns in style with 90th goal for Belgium

“I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know whether I should go home and stop playing, because the team needed me too,” he said.

“I didn’t know who to talk to about it, so I kept it all to myself.” He lost his father in January and returned early from compassionate leave to help Liverpool through an injury crisis but admitted he did not feel fully recovered.

“There was never a moment when I felt like I was on the mend. All of these tragic events happened so quickly and as soon as I felt like I was getting my head above water, something else happened,” he said. Konate, who has 27 caps for France, is a part of Didier Deschamps’ 26-man squad for the World Cup.

The governing body, which had earlier permitted empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles inside stadiums, said the updated code - effective from Tuesday - now prohibits them.

Other items like bottles, cups, jars and cans are also banned to prevent the risk of injury if thrown.

“FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff,” it told Reuters in a statement. “FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.”

“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.”

The move has raised concerns among supporters about coping with heat, with temperatures at a few venues expected to range between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius, as well as access to drinking water inside stadiums.

FIFA said measures would be in place to deal with the conditions.

“FIFA works closely with each Host City Committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans traveling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint,” the statement said.

FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings over Islamophobic chants in Spain-Egypt match

“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19.

The tournament will feature 104 matches, up from 64 previously, including an additional knockout round.

Brazil, who are looking ‌to win a record-extending sixth World Cup title, find themselves trailing European champions Spain, 2018 World Cup winners France and England in the bookmakers’ ​odds for the June 11 to July 19 tournament in ​North America.

“We aren’t the big favourites,” Casemiro told FIFA’s ⁠media channel after Brazil arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday. “Of ​course, we’re in good shape; we’ve got a strong squad, ​with a mix of experience and young talent.”

“Perhaps this time we’re a step behind, but we’re on our toes and that’s always a good thing. ​We want to go there in good shape and have ​a great World Cup.”

The 34-year-old said Brazil had had a “difficult cycle” in the ‌build-up ⁠to the World Cup, with the Brazilian Football Confederation appointing Carlo Ancelotti as coach and naming a new president last year.

“It has been a difficult cycle with a change of manager, a ​change of president ​and a ⁠lot of turmoil,“ he added.

Lukaku returns in style with 90th goal for Belgium

“We have only had one year working with the manager, who has ​excellent experience in football, but in reality we ​have only ⁠worked together for 40 days. I think we will go into the tournament in strong form.

“We have quality players, experienced players, energetic ⁠players ​and young players. I think we ​have a good mix for this competition.”

Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in ​Group C.

Captain Youri Tielemans took advantage of a defensive slip to score the opening goal while Belgium’s all-time top scorer Lukaku struck with the last effort ​of the match in his first game for the national ​side in 12 months.

The 33-year-old Lukaku broke away and ⁠slammed home a powerful strike to set about expunging a dismal ​campaign at club level with Napoli where he failed to start ​a single match all season and struggled with a hamstring injury.

Tielemans swept home the ball from close range in the 38th minute after the Croatia defence ​failed to clear a square pass following Jeremy Doku’s marauding ​run.

The clash provided both teams’ coaches with an opportunity to field a large number ‌of ⁠their World Cup-bound squads, as Croatia used 10 substitutes and Belgium brought on Lukaku for a cameo appearance in the last 18 minutes.

Hans Vanaken, another of the eight subs that Belgium used, headed ​Tielemans’ 74th-minute corner ​against the ⁠crossbar.

Haiti rout New Zealand 4-0 in World Cup warmup

Croatia’s Ante Budimir also struck the crossbar in the second half, while Luka Modric was denied before ​halftime by Thibaut Courtois’ sharp save.

Croatia will have another ​warm-up ⁠game against neighbours Slovenia in Varazdin on Sunday, while Belgium host Tunisia in Brussels on Saturday.

At the World Cup, Belgium begin their Group ⁠G campaign ​against Egypt in Seattle on June ​15, while Croatia’s first match in Group L is against England in Dallas on ​June 17.

Ruben Providence struck in the 12th minute at Inter Miami CF Stadium and substitute Lenny Joseph doubled the lead for the 82nd-ranked Caribbeans six minutes after the restart.

Frantzdy Pierrot grabbed a third with a header after the hour-mark before Markhus Lacroix finished the demolition job with a long-range rocket as the counter-punching Grenadiers dismantled the World Cup’s lowest-ranked nation.

Haiti’s buildup was overshadowed by visa trouble for midfielder Woodensky Pierre, the squad’s only player based in the Caribbean nation.

Pierre was unable to play against the New Zealanders because his visa was not approved by US authorities until too late.

Ronaldo heads for sixth World Cup with unfinished business

He landed at Miami airport around half-time with Haitian soccer officials and hoped to catch the last part of the game, a team spokesperson told Reuters.

New Zealand skipper Wood became his nation’s most-capped player with 89 appearances, moving one past Ivan Vicelich, but there was little to celebrate for the Nottingham Forest striker.

Wood conjured one of his side’s few chances early in the first half with a bicycle kick, saved on the line by goalkeeper Jhony Placide.

New Zealand’s Alex Paulsen had a poor audition to be his team’s starting goalkeeper, while centre back Finn Surman also had a first half to forget.

Both were culpable in Providence’s goal as the Netherlands-based forward wriggled by Surman in the area and chipped Paulsen from a tight angle.

Tim Payne, New Zealand’s suddenly famous full back, went to ground in the area after contact with Placide in the 17th minute but no penalty was given and no VAR was available. New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley put Max Crocombe in goal for the second half amid a slew of substitutions but three goals sailed by the hapless keeper as the All Whites’ defence collapsed.

Joseph took a through-ball between defenders Michael Boxall and Francis De Vries and tucked a left-footed shot into the corner before an unmarked Pierrot headed in a cross from five metres on 62 minutes.

Lacroix completed New Zealand’s embarrassment on 87 minutes when he turned on the edge of the area and blasted into the right corner of the net, sending blue and red-clad fans into a frenzy.

The 2026 tournament is set to add another stop to Ronaldo’s long and often bruising World Cup journey, one that began in Germany in 2006 and has wound through South Africa, Brazil, Russia and Qatar without delivering the prize he has chased.

Only Lionel Messi is poised to match him for appearances at six World Cups, another twist in a rivalry that has stretched from Real Madrid v Barcelona to Ballon d’Or ceremonies and now into football’s deepest archive.

Messi has eight Ballon d’Or awards, Ronaldo five. Both are still making room for new chapters in their amazing stories.

For Ronaldo, the World Cup has been the one stage that has never fully bent to his will.

His best run came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals before losing to France. Since then there have been two round-of-16 exits, a quarter-final defeat and a grim group-stage departure in Brazil in 2014.

This time they face Democratic Republic of Congo, debutants Uzbekistan plus Colombia in Group K.

Across five tournaments, Ronaldo has played 22 matches and scored eight goals — fine numbers for most mortals but modest for the standards set by a forward who made remarkable achievements look normal at club level.

Qatar 2022 looked like the end of his World Cup journey. Ronaldo arrived amid the noise of his Manchester United exit, scored and was dropped by then-coach Fernando Santos for the knockout win over Switzerland after a 2-1 loss to South Korea.

Instead, he has returned under former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez with the persistence of a man who treats Father Time as just another marker to shrug off.

Portugal now have a glittering supporting cast, including Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes, but Ronaldo remains the headline act.

After their disappointing quarter-final exit at Euro 2024, Portugal roared back to beat European champions Spain in the Nations League final last year and arrive in excellent form in North America with Ronaldo as their leader.

Martinez says the evidence still shows Ronaldo’s importance: 25 goals in 30 games under his management – more goals per game than under any of his previous national managers –  and plenty of work that does not fit neatly into a scoring column.

“He is fantastic at those movements, those runs, opening spaces, splitting centre halves,” Martinez told Reuters in May.

“Somebody that has won everything has the hunger of somebody that hasn’t won a trophy yet,” he added.

For Ronaldo, 2026 may be his last dance on the world stage. Then again, that has been said before.

Argentine social media giant Valen Scarsini, known as “El Scarso”, last week called for his fans to boost unheralded Payne’s following, kicking off an online explosion of interest.

But New Zealand’s coach said the unexpected fame – Payne had just 4,000 Instagram followers a week ago – won’t go to the head of the Wellington Phoenix right-back.

“At the moment I do feel like he’s dealing with it really well, probably better than maybe some others would have,” Darren Bazeley.

Payne, 32, who described the attention as “pretty crazy”, could now be set to meet Scarsini.

Senegal drop defenders Mbow, Camara to finalise World Cup squad

The Argentine said he would travel to Florida to watch New Zealand’s warm-up match against Haiti in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday.

“Guys tomorrow is the day,” Scarsini posted.

“Let’s go watch Tim’s game v Haiti and then we’re going to meet him! Thanks to all who made it possible.”

Payne’s new celebrity status means he now has a million more followers than the rugby-obsessed country’s All Blacks.

It has been the talk of the New Zealand squad’s World Cup training camp in Florida.

“The players talk about it. I can hear the banter they’re having with Tim, and I think it’s amazing,” said Bazeley.

“Putting Tim up on a pedestal like that was really cool and probably not something that he, or anyone, expected,” he added.

“I don’t know where it ends or where it leads to – or what that world really involves. I try to stay off that, as most coaches do.”

Another million or so would see Payne have as many followers as the population of New Zealand, which is around 5.3 million.

New Zealand are the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup, which begins in Mexico, the United States and Canada next week.

Tongue-in-cheek online comments have been comparing Payne to the greatest players from three-time World Cup champions Argentina.

“Messi, Maradona, Tim,” said one of more than 66,000 comments on Payne’s latest post, many of them in Spanish, which also received 2.1 million likes.

Paris FC centre half Mbow and Belgian-born Anderlecht fullback Camara, who has won three caps, were named in Thiaw’s 28-man wider squad on May 21.

Mbow won his first cap when he played the second half off the bench in the 3-2 friendly loss to the United States in Charlotte on Sunday, while Camara was an unused substitute.

Sadio Mane, who scored both of Senegal’s goals against the US, remains a leading player for a star-studded Senegal squad that looks to be the most potent of the 10 African qualifiers for the finals.

The 34-year-old Al-Nassr player will lead the line but also selected are Bayern Munich forward Nicolas Jackson plus Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr.

Bayern’s 18-year-old midfielder Bara Ndiaye also made his international debut on Sunday, playing the entire 90 minutes and doing enough to retain his place in the squad.

Senegal open their World Cup campaign against France on June 16 in New Jersey in a repeat of their 2002 World Cup meeting in which the African side came out on top against the then-holders.

They also take on Norway at the same venue (June 22) and Iraq in Toronto (June 26) in Group I matches.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Mory Diaw, Yehvann Diouf

Defenders: Krepin Diatta, Antoine Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mamadou Sarr, Moussa Niakhate, Abdoulaye Seck, Ismail Jakobs

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, Pathe Ciss, Pape Matar Sarr, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye

Forwards: Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye, Nicolas Jackson, Bamba Dieng, Cherif Ndiaye

According to a report from The Athletic on Monday, Pochettino and any other technologically inclined coaches will be permitted to use laptops at all times during World Cup matches.

The laws of the game already allowed coaches full in-game use of electronic devices, with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) permitting “small, mobile, handheld equipment (e.g. microphone, headphone, earpiece, mobile phone/smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, laptop).”

Per The Athletic, coaches and their staff will be allowed to present tactics on a laptop during water breaks provided the players do not cross the white line to leave the pitch.

Hydration breaks for all games are a new wrinkle for the 2026.

In the past, in-game breaks were utilized only in games featuring extreme weather, to give the players some respite.

This year, every World Cup game will include a three-minute break at a time designated by the referee around the midpoint of each half.

Pochettino and other coaches undoubtedly will use the stoppage as a time to review or revise game strategy.

The US won the Sunday friendly against Senegal 3-2 in Charlotte.

Hydraulic cranes and ropes were used to dismantle the 21-metre (70-foot) sculpture in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, before it was taken away on an open-top flatbed truck, AFP journalists saw.

“The statue was removed on Monday afternoon after locals complained it was swaying in the wind,” state lawmaker Sharadwat Mukherjee told AFP.

Mukherjee said the statue would be kept in a government warehouse while authorities decide on a new location.

The gold-coloured statue, depicting the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami star lifting the World Cup trophy, was unveiled in December during Messi’s much-publicised GOAT tour of India.

Messi will captain Argentina at the upcoming World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The statue drew scrutiny as political power shifted in West Bengal, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party swept into office last month after defeating the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The statue was reportedly designed under the patronage of former chief minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee, and was criticised by the new BJP sports minister Nisith Pramanik as “unsightly”.

India, a nation of 1.4 billion people, is a cricket powerhouse but has long struggled on the international football stage, and is 142nd in the FIFA rankings.

Football, however, is the country’s second-favourite sport, according to recent research by data company Nielsen.

Now 34, Brazil’s all-time top scorer has been recalled by Carlo Ancelotti after almost three years away from the national side, though his participation was already hanging in the balance at the team’s first training session last week, which he missed for scans that showed a calf injury.

He last played for Brazil in 2023 when he suffered a devastating knee injury against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier.

Since that October night, Neymar has been sidelined for more than 600 days with a string of injuries between his time playing in Saudi Arabia and Brazil, where he returned to his boyhood club Santos last year in an attempt to revive his career.

Instead, more injuries and fresh controversies have accompanied a struggle for rhythm and sharpness.

Neymar out of Brazil friendlies and set to miss World Cup opener

This year he has six goals and four assists in 15 matches, carefully managed and never playing more than four consecutive games since returning from more knee surgery in February.

His inclusion in Ancelotti’s squad has sparked fierce debate in Brazil. When the Italian stepped up at Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Tomorrow on May 18 to announce his squad, the tension hung heavily in the air until Neymar’s name was called and the crowd exploded as though a last-gasp goal had been scored.

Ancelotti, who said on Saturday he believed Neymar could be ready in time for Brazil’s first game on June 13, has opted for romance as much as reason by calling up the country’s long-time talisman as he shapes a high-intensity side for the five-times world champions.

Team mates have publicly supported Neymar’s return, yet supporters remain divided between loyalty and concern over whether his body can still match his imagination.

It would be his fourth World Cup — a tournament that has defined his turbulent journey.

In 2014, on home soil, he scored four goals in five matches before a back injury after a clash with a Colombian opponent ruled him out of the 7-1 semi-final defeat by Germany.

In 2018, arriving with fitness doubts after a foot injury at Paris Saint Germain, he could not stop Brazil falling to Belgium in the quarter-finals.

In 2022, buoyed up by strong club form at PSG, hopes were high again, only for an ankle injury against Serbia to disrupt his campaign before a penalty loss to Croatia ended Brazil’s run again in the quarters.

Now, Neymar is far from his peak and facing a tactical dilemma. Ancelotti told Reuters in early May that his side must press high and run relentlessly - a demanding brief for a player rebuilding his body and confidence.

Whether Neymar plays a central role or serves as an emotional lightning rod, his presence alone alters the mood. For better or worse, Brazil’s story in 2026 will carry his name once more.

The deal comes after prolonged negotiations that had left the tournament’s telecast in limbo, with concerns that fans in India could miss out on the global competition.

Broadcasters in India and across Asia had been cautious about bidding for the rights, citing worries that late-night kickoff times in the region would hurt viewership and advertising revenues.

The World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off on June 11.

“We are excited to bring one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles to Indian audiences,” said Zee chief executive Punit Goenka.

“Our partnership with FIFA will enable us to unlock the true value of the sport… while amplifying the excitement of the game for every fan,” he added.

Zee did not disclose the value of the deal, which also includes rights to broadcast 38 other FIFA events in India between 2026 and 2034.

FIFA had reportedly sought around $100 million for the rights to the 2026 and 2030 tournaments, a valuation that drew few bidders in the Indian market, according to local media.

FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai said India remained a key growth market for the sport.

“The FIFA World Cup is the greatest show on earth, and we are glad to partner with ‘Z’ for the first time to bring this global spectacle to India,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.

India, the world’s most populous nation with 1.4 billion people, are not playing at the World Cup.

Experienced forward Aymen Hussein is set to spearhead the Iraqi attack in North America. The veteran striker, a talismanic figure for the national team, leads a potent frontline that also features Ipswich Town’s Ali Al-Hamadi and talented youngsters Ali Jassim and Youssef Amyn.

A notable omission from Arnold’s selection was Dundee defender Dario Naamo. The full-back was excluded after recently changing his sporting nationality, having represented Finland at youth international level.

Arnold’s midfield selections boast considerable European experience, headlined by Utrecht’s Zidane Iqbal and Heerenveen’s Aimar Sher. Arnold has also decided to keep goalkeeper Kamil Saadi with the squad during the training camp as a precaution against potential injuries.

Iraq are returning to the global showpiece event for the first time in 40 years after beating Bolivia 2-1 in April to secure the final World Cup spot. They have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.

Goalkeepers: Fahad Talib, Jalal Hassan, Ahmed Basil

Defenders: Hussein Ali, Manaf Younis, Zaid Tahseen, Rebin Sulaka, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski, Ahmed Yahya, Zaid Ismail, Frans Putros, Mustafa Saadoon

Midfielders: Amir Al Ammari, Kevin Yakob, Zidane Iqbal, Aimar Sher, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ahmed Qasim, Youssef Amyn, Marko Farji

Forwards: Ali Jassim, Ali Al Hamadi, Ali Yousef, Aymen Hussein, Mohanad Ali

“We’ve had more than 890 arrests. In total, that’s 45 percent more than last year,” Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told broadcaster France Inter, adding that nearly 180 law enforcement officers had been injured.

Celebrations were blighted by clashes between youths and police in Paris and other cities, cars set on fire and shops looted.

On Sunday evening, President Emmanuel Macron received the team at the Elysee Palace. While he said PSG were an “immense pride” for France, he denounced the “unspeakable” violence.

“Enough. We are fed up,” he said.

“This is not football, this is not sport, this is not what we love,” he added.

One man died riding his motorbike around the Paris ring road in celebration while authorities reported stabbings and other attacks.

The players celebrated in an open-top bus along with the gleaming ‌Premier League trophy that the club had finally got their hands on after Arsene Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ last won it in the 2003-04 season.

Arsenal had clinched the Premier League title prior to the final game of the season when they had an ​unassailable lead over second-placed Manchester City, who eventually finished seven points behind Mikel Arteta’s side.

It ​was Arsenal’s first trophy since Arteta won the FA Cup in his debut season ⁠as manager in 2020 as a dream was finally fulfilled for the club after finishing second ​three years in a row prior to this season.

Even Saturday’s Champions League final loss to Paris St Germain on ​penalties in Budapest could not dampen the enthusiasm of the fans, with fireworks and vuvuzelas adding to the noise.

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“We’re not European champions but we are champions of England, which is what matters. So we’re happy to celebrate with everyone,” ​said Julien Guillenenat, a French Arsenal fan.

“I feel that we’re going to be fine next season. I ​feel like a weight has been lifted off the shoulders and this season was like on a knife edge,” ‌Mathieu Garnier, ⁠a 44-year-old Arsenal fan, told Reuters.

“Three years in a row second and finally this pressure is behind us and these boys are going to be flying. I believe that.”

The Arsenal women’s team joined in the celebrations following their FIFA Champions Cup triumph this season.

‘They’re not laughing anymore’

Declan Rice, who was signed for a ​club-record fee of 105 million ​pounds ($141.32 million) in 2023, ⁠said the men’s side had sent a message to those who mocked Arsenal in the past.

“They’re pointing and they’re laughing. And what happened? They’re not laughing ​anymore. I love this team. I love this manager,” Rice told Sky Sports.

“To ​see the ⁠joy we can give people is crazy. Next year, we’re coming back for more.”

Theo Grant, a 22-year-old Arsenal fan was confident the club would return to the Champions League final again next season.

“Honestly, it’s going to ⁠give the ​players more motivation for next year. It’s going to be ​the best part,” Grant said.

“We’re going to be in the final in Madrid next year. I’m going to get my tickets!”