Mar 30, 2026; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Oliviyah Edwards hangs upside down from the rim as she celebrates after dunking the ball during the McDonalds All American Jam Fest at Millennium High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Five-star forward Oliviyah Edwards of Washington committed to South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class on Thursday.
The 6-foot-3 Edwards reopened her recruitment earlier this month after originally signing with Tennessee in November.
The No. 5-ranked prospect by the 247Sports composite joins Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley’s No. 2-ranked incoming class.
“I chose South Carolina because it felt like home,” Edwards told ESPN. “Coach Staley, the staff and the team showed me a level of love and belief that stood out. I know I’ll be pushed every single day, and being surrounded by that kind of energy and support means everything to me.”
The McDonald’s All-American also considered Southern California, LSU, Florida and Washington.
Edwards averaged 30 points, 22 rebounds, five blocks and four assists per game last season at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Wash.
“You can see how emotionally connected (Lampard) is with the city, you can see what it meant to him to get promotion, and then the title and I think he’s found a happy place at the moment,” King told the BBC in an interview published on Thursday.
“It doesn’t mean there’s not going to be some staggering bid for him in the summer, and he’ll have to make his choices, because he’s shown his credentials as a high-quality head coach, but I’m not going to comment on that, I can’t control it. I just think he’s happy, I’m happy, everybody’s happy, we’ve just got smiles on our faces, and we don’t worry about what may or may not happen for the head coach,” he added.
Lampard’s contract with Coventry runs until June 2027.
Chelsea sacked manager Liam Rosenior on Wednesday amid a five-match Premier League losing streak in which the eighth-placed club failed to score a single goal.
Manager Andoni Iraola, who will leave Bournemouth in the summer, has also been linked with Chelsea in British media reports.
The London-based club will head to Wembley on Sunday to take on Leeds United in the FA Cup semifinals.
“You can see how emotionally connected (Lampard) is with the city, you can see what it meant to him to get promotion, and then the title and I think he’s found a happy place at the moment,” King told the BBC in an interview published on Thursday.
“It doesn’t mean there’s not going to be some staggering bid for him in the summer, and he’ll have to make his choices, because he’s shown his credentials as a high-quality head coach, but I’m not going to comment on that, I can’t control it. I just think he’s happy, I’m happy, everybody’s happy, we’ve just got smiles on our faces, and we don’t worry about what may or may not happen for the head coach,” he added.
Lampard’s contract with Coventry runs until June 2027.
Chelsea sacked manager Liam Rosenior on Wednesday amid a five-match Premier League losing streak in which the eighth-placed club failed to score a single goal.
Manager Andoni Iraola, who will leave Bournemouth in the summer, has also been linked with Chelsea in British media reports.
The London-based club will head to Wembley on Sunday to take on Leeds United in the FA Cup semifinals.
Published on Apr 23, 2026
#Coventry #City #chairman #shrugs #reports #linking #Lampard #Chelsea #return">Coventry City chairman shrugs off reports linking Lampard with Chelsea return
Coventry City chairman Doug King is unconcerned about the prospect that Frank Lampard, the manager who led the club back to the Premier League after 25 years, may leave in the close season, with reports linking the coach with a return to Chelsea.
Lampard spent 13 years at Chelsea as a player and was twice appointed as the club’s coach, including a short stint as caretaker manager in 2023.
The former England midfielder, who won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and one Champions League title with Chelsea during his playing career, led the club to the FA Cup final as manager in 2020.
King said Lampard was in a “happy place” after winning his first trophy as a manager when Coventry secured the Championship title this week.
“You can see how emotionally connected (Lampard) is with the city, you can see what it meant to him to get promotion, and then the title and I think he’s found a happy place at the moment,” King told the BBC in an interview published on Thursday.
“It doesn’t mean there’s not going to be some staggering bid for him in the summer, and he’ll have to make his choices, because he’s shown his credentials as a high-quality head coach, but I’m not going to comment on that, I can’t control it. I just think he’s happy, I’m happy, everybody’s happy, we’ve just got smiles on our faces, and we don’t worry about what may or may not happen for the head coach,” he added.
Lampard’s contract with Coventry runs until June 2027.
Chelsea sacked manager Liam Rosenior on Wednesday amid a five-match Premier League losing streak in which the eighth-placed club failed to score a single goal.
Manager Andoni Iraola, who will leave Bournemouth in the summer, has also been linked with Chelsea in British media reports.
The London-based club will head to Wembley on Sunday to take on Leeds United in the FA Cup semifinals.
#Deadspin #Rafael #Jodar #continues #ATP #poll #climb #win #Madrid #debut">Deadspin | Rafael Jodar continues ATP poll climb with win in Madrid debut
Aug 3, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; ATP Tour marking on the net at centre court during practice at IGA Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Building on his recent ATP poll ascent, Madrid native Rafael Jodar battled back from one set down to knock out Jesper De Jong of the Netherlands 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 on Wednesday in a 2-hour, 32-minute first-round clash at the Mutua Madrid Open.
The 19-year-old began the year ranked 168th, but has skyrocketed all the way to No. 42 as of Monday. Jodar returned to his hometown after claiming his first singles title April 5 at the Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakesh, Morocco, then narrowly losing in the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell semifinals last week.
On Wednesday, Jodar limped out the gates as De Jong broke each one of Jodar’s serves in the first set. From there Jodar hunkered down, saving three of the four break points he faced the rest of the match, and winning 14 of 19 first service points (74 percent) in the decisive final set.
Jodar, who grew up just 12 kilometers from the stadium, joined Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz as the only Spaniards to record a main-draw win in Madrid before turning 20. Jodar will face fifth-seeded Alex de Minaur of Australia in the round of 64.
“I try to handle the pressure as I have done since I was little,” Jodar said Monday before the tournament. “I’ve always been a very calm person both on and off the court. I know there’ll be moments when things don’t go as well as they have in recent tournaments. In those moments, you prove whether you’re mentally strong. Those moments will also make me stronger.”
A quartet of Italians lost in straight sets in the opening round — highlighted by former top 10 player Matteo Berrettini falling to Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic 6-3, 6-4. Prizmic will face fourth-seeded Ben Shelton in the next round.
Lorenzo Sonego, a former top 25 player, lost to qualifier Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 6-3, 7-6 (1), while Mattia Bellucci fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Damir Dzumhur 6-2, 6-4. Federico Cina lost to qualifier Elmer Moller from Denmark 6-4, 7-6 (4).
French qualifier Benjamin Bonzi took down fellow French qualifier Titouan Droguet by a 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 6-4 count. Bonzi wasn’t broken once, but Droguet staved off Bonzi’s first eight break points before Bonzi finally cashed in to take a 5-4 lead in the final set. Bonzi’s reward? He’ll take on World No. 1 Italian Jannik Sinner in the next round.
Sinner has won all three times the two have faced off and the Italian will be looking for his fifth straight Masters 1000 title, which he has accomplished while dropping just one set.
In other three-set matches, Croatia’s Marin Cilic defeated Belgian Zizou Bergs 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, and Tomas Machac of Czechia came back to beat Francisco Comesana of Argentina 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3.
In two-set territory, Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo took down France’s Valentin Royer 6-2, 6-4 to set up a Round of 64 meeting with 11th-seeded Jiri Lehecka of Czechia. Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante beat Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-4 to advance to face 15th-seeded Tommy Paul.
Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff bested France’s Alexandre Muller 7-6 (3), 6-0, Emilio Nava topped Jenson Brooksby 6-3, 7-5, Austria’s Sebastian Ofner beat Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-6 (5), 7-6 (0), Vit Kopriva of Czechia took down China’s Zhizhen Zhang 6-2, 6-0, Peru’s Ignacio Buse got past France’s Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 6-2 and Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz beat qualifier Jaime Faria of Portugal 6-3, 6-3.
“Words can’t truly express my gratitude to all my teammates and coaches along the way.
“I have one final mission: to head to the UK – a place that holds so many special memories for me – and win another World Cup.”
A right-handed opening batter from Dunedin, Bates made her domestic debut as a 15-year-old in 2003 and her international debut in 2006 .
A talented sportswoman, Bates also represented New Zealand on the global stage in basketball, appearing for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The all-time leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals (4717*) and fourth in Women’s ODIs (5964*), Bates was also the first female cricketer to appear in 350 international matches and score 25,000 career runs (international and domestic).
Suzie Bates has seen the tides change around the White Ferns since 2006, helping them reach the T20 World Cup final twice, in 2009 and 2010. She was part of the team that finally won the crown in 2024.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
Suzie Bates has seen the tides change around the White Ferns since 2006, helping them reach the T20 World Cup final twice, in 2009 and 2010. She was part of the team that finally won the crown in 2024.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
She was appointed captain in July 2011 and led the side for almost seven years, guiding New Zealand to multiple ICC tournament finals and cementing herself as one of the most respected leaders in the world game.
Bates was named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2013 and then swept both the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Year awards in 2016.
“To my day ones, my family, thank you for always being there. And to my partner, Scotty, and his boys: you’ve shared in all the highs and the lows that this great game has brought into my life.
“I would also like to pay special tribute to the staff and coaches who have given so much to women’s cricket over many years, often with little recognition or reward.
New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
“I’m going to give every ounce of my energy to this final quest, dedicating every minute to helping this team play the kind of cricket we, and our country, can be proud of.”
New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.
“Suzie really is one of the greatest cricketers of all time,” Kerr said.
“Growing up Suzie was my role model, and I was fortunate enough to make the team when she was captain.
“If you’ve ever been lucky enough to play alongside her you’ll know that she’s one of the most selfless cricketers in the world and one of the greatest teammates.
“Her record speaks for itself, she’s paved the way for a long time in women’s cricket, and what she’s done for cricket, the women’s game, and sport in New Zealand, she should be very proud of.
“She’ll be hugely missed in the WHITE FERNS whānau, but I know she’s still got a bit more left in the tank.”
Suzie Bates career – At A Glance
Captained the WHITE FERNS in 151 matches (79 ODIs, 72 T20Is)
First woman to play 350 international matches
First woman to score 25,000 career runs (international and domestic)
The all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is (4717*)
WHITE FERNS all-time leading run scorer in ODIs and fourth in women’s One Day International cricket (5964*)
145 international wickets (83 ODI, 62 T20I)
The most catches in women’s ODIs (93) and T20Is (96)
Player of the Tournament at the 2013 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
The first cricketer to win the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Year Awards in the same year (2016)
“Words can’t truly express my gratitude to all my teammates and coaches along the way.
“I have one final mission: to head to the UK – a place that holds so many special memories for me – and win another World Cup.”
A right-handed opening batter from Dunedin, Bates made her domestic debut as a 15-year-old in 2003 and her international debut in 2006 .
A talented sportswoman, Bates also represented New Zealand on the global stage in basketball, appearing for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The all-time leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals (4717*) and fourth in Women’s ODIs (5964*), Bates was also the first female cricketer to appear in 350 international matches and score 25,000 career runs (international and domestic).
Suzie Bates has seen the tides change around the White Ferns since 2006, helping them reach the T20 World Cup final twice, in 2009 and 2010. She was part of the team that finally won the crown in 2024.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
Suzie Bates has seen the tides change around the White Ferns since 2006, helping them reach the T20 World Cup final twice, in 2009 and 2010. She was part of the team that finally won the crown in 2024.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
She was appointed captain in July 2011 and led the side for almost seven years, guiding New Zealand to multiple ICC tournament finals and cementing herself as one of the most respected leaders in the world game.
Bates was named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2013 and then swept both the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Year awards in 2016.
“To my day ones, my family, thank you for always being there. And to my partner, Scotty, and his boys: you’ve shared in all the highs and the lows that this great game has brought into my life.
“I would also like to pay special tribute to the staff and coaches who have given so much to women’s cricket over many years, often with little recognition or reward.
New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
“I’m going to give every ounce of my energy to this final quest, dedicating every minute to helping this team play the kind of cricket we, and our country, can be proud of.”
New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.
“Suzie really is one of the greatest cricketers of all time,” Kerr said.
“Growing up Suzie was my role model, and I was fortunate enough to make the team when she was captain.
“If you’ve ever been lucky enough to play alongside her you’ll know that she’s one of the most selfless cricketers in the world and one of the greatest teammates.
“Her record speaks for itself, she’s paved the way for a long time in women’s cricket, and what she’s done for cricket, the women’s game, and sport in New Zealand, she should be very proud of.
“She’ll be hugely missed in the WHITE FERNS whānau, but I know she’s still got a bit more left in the tank.”
Suzie Bates career – At A Glance
Captained the WHITE FERNS in 151 matches (79 ODIs, 72 T20Is)
First woman to play 350 international matches
First woman to score 25,000 career runs (international and domestic)
The all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is (4717*)
WHITE FERNS all-time leading run scorer in ODIs and fourth in women’s One Day International cricket (5964*)
145 international wickets (83 ODI, 62 T20I)
The most catches in women’s ODIs (93) and T20Is (96)
Player of the Tournament at the 2013 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
The first cricketer to win the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Year Awards in the same year (2016)
Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist (2022)
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winner (2024)
Featured in 14* ICC World Cups (9* T20I, 5 ODI)
Published on Apr 23, 2026
#great #Suzie #Bates #retire #T20 #World #Cup">NZ great Suzie Bates to retire after 2026 T20 World Cup
New Zealand legend Suzie Bates will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England, a statement from New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday.
The announcement will bring the curtain down on an incredible 20-year international career that has seen the 38-year-old rewrite national and world records, captain the national side on 151 occasions – all while being at the forefront of the evolution of women’s cricket from amateur to professional.
Bates will be named as part of the 15-player World Cup squad at an announcement event at her former school, Otago Girls’ High School next Wednesday and will depart with the squad for the ODI and T20I bilateral tour of England in early May.
“When I look back on the past twenty-plus years, I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone,” she said.
“I’m immensely proud to have worn the fern so many times, and I’ve been filled with enormous purpose and joy in striving each day to be a better person, teammate, cricketer, and athlete for this team.
“Words can’t truly express my gratitude to all my teammates and coaches along the way.
“I have one final mission: to head to the UK – a place that holds so many special memories for me – and win another World Cup.”
A right-handed opening batter from Dunedin, Bates made her domestic debut as a 15-year-old in 2003 and her international debut in 2006 .
A talented sportswoman, Bates also represented New Zealand on the global stage in basketball, appearing for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The all-time leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals (4717*) and fourth in Women’s ODIs (5964*), Bates was also the first female cricketer to appear in 350 international matches and score 25,000 career runs (international and domestic).
Suzie Bates has seen the tides change around the White Ferns since 2006, helping them reach the T20 World Cup final twice, in 2009 and 2010. She was part of the team that finally won the crown in 2024.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
Suzie Bates has seen the tides change around the White Ferns since 2006, helping them reach the T20 World Cup final twice, in 2009 and 2010. She was part of the team that finally won the crown in 2024.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
She was appointed captain in July 2011 and led the side for almost seven years, guiding New Zealand to multiple ICC tournament finals and cementing herself as one of the most respected leaders in the world game.
Bates was named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2013 and then swept both the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Year awards in 2016.
“To my day ones, my family, thank you for always being there. And to my partner, Scotty, and his boys: you’ve shared in all the highs and the lows that this great game has brought into my life.
“I would also like to pay special tribute to the staff and coaches who have given so much to women’s cricket over many years, often with little recognition or reward.
New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
“I’m going to give every ounce of my energy to this final quest, dedicating every minute to helping this team play the kind of cricket we, and our country, can be proud of.”
New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.
“Suzie really is one of the greatest cricketers of all time,” Kerr said.
“Growing up Suzie was my role model, and I was fortunate enough to make the team when she was captain.
“If you’ve ever been lucky enough to play alongside her you’ll know that she’s one of the most selfless cricketers in the world and one of the greatest teammates.
“Her record speaks for itself, she’s paved the way for a long time in women’s cricket, and what she’s done for cricket, the women’s game, and sport in New Zealand, she should be very proud of.
“She’ll be hugely missed in the WHITE FERNS whānau, but I know she’s still got a bit more left in the tank.”
Suzie Bates career – At A Glance
Captained the WHITE FERNS in 151 matches (79 ODIs, 72 T20Is)
First woman to play 350 international matches
First woman to score 25,000 career runs (international and domestic)
The all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is (4717*)
WHITE FERNS all-time leading run scorer in ODIs and fourth in women’s One Day International cricket (5964*)
145 international wickets (83 ODI, 62 T20I)
The most catches in women’s ODIs (93) and T20Is (96)
Player of the Tournament at the 2013 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
The first cricketer to win the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Year Awards in the same year (2016)
Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist (2022)
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup winner (2024)
Featured in 14* ICC World Cups (9* T20I, 5 ODI)
Published on Apr 23, 2026
#great #Suzie #Bates #retire #T20 #World #Cup
New Zealand legend Suzie Bates will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the…
#Deadspin #Mets #Francisco #Lindor #calf #exits #Twins">Deadspin | Mets’ Francisco Lindor (calf) exits vs. Twins
Apr 22, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts after his RBI infield single against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor exited Wednesday night’s game against the visiting Minnesota Twins after the fourth inning due to left calf tightness
Lindor, who was on first base following a single, did not appear to be running at full speed as he circled the diamond and scored on Francisco Alvarez’s double.
The 32-year-old grimaced while rounding third and remained on the ground for a few seconds after sliding in ahead of Victor Caratini’s tag to give the Mets — who have lost 12 straight — a 2-1 lead.
Lindor was injured the same day Juan Soto returned from a 15-game absence due to a strained right calf. The Mets won their first three games after Soto was injured Apr. 3 before beginning their losing streak.
Lindor has missed just 15 games since his most recent IL stint in 2021, when he missed more than five weeks due to a right oblique strain.
The advisory also said visitors potentially faced “suppression of speech and protest and increased surveillance; cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment – and even death” while detained by US Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The majority of matches at the World Cup, 78 out of 104, are scheduled to take place in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Four qualified nations, Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, may find themselves without their supporters due to travel bans imposed by the US government, as Donald Trump has made anti-immigration policy the centrepiece of his second term.
Washington has assured that the administration’s immigration crackdown measures do not affect tourist visas, and, by extension, fans holding tickets for the World Cup.
FIFA has also established an expedited consular appointment process for visa applications, though without guaranteeing that a visa will be granted.
Concerns among supporters have intensified amid ongoing ICE operations targeting undocumented migrants.
In January, two US citizens protesting the immigration crackdown were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, prompting widespread outrage.
The advisory also said visitors potentially faced “suppression of speech and protest and increased surveillance; cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment – and even death” while detained by US Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The majority of matches at the World Cup, 78 out of 104, are scheduled to take place in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Four qualified nations, Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, may find themselves without their supporters due to travel bans imposed by the US government, as Donald Trump has made anti-immigration policy the centrepiece of his second term.
Washington has assured that the administration’s immigration crackdown measures do not affect tourist visas, and, by extension, fans holding tickets for the World Cup.
FIFA has also established an expedited consular appointment process for visa applications, though without guaranteeing that a visa will be granted.
Concerns among supporters have intensified amid ongoing ICE operations targeting undocumented migrants.
In January, two US citizens protesting the immigration crackdown were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, prompting widespread outrage.
Published on Apr 23, 2026
#Rights #groups #warn #FIFA #World #Cup #visitors #travel">Rights groups warn FIFA World Cup 2026 visitors over US travel
More than 120 rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors to the FIFA World Cup 2026 could face “serious rights violations” due to the US government’s immigration policies.
The coalition said fans, players, journalists and other travellers to World Cup games in the United States risked being affected by what it described as the Trump administration’s “draconian immigration and anti-human rights agenda.”
The grouping called on football’s world governing body FIFA – whose president, Gianni Infantino, has close ties to Donald Trump – to lobby the US government to ensure the safety of all travellers to the tournament.
“FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cosying up with the Trump administration, putting millions of people at risk of being harmed and their basic rights violated,” said Jamil Dakwar, ACLU human rights program director.
“It’s past time that FIFA use its leverage to push for meaningful policy changes and binding assurances that will make people feel safe to travel and enjoy the games,” he added.
The coalition advisory warned that foreigners visiting the United States for the World Cup face specific risks, including “arbitrary denial of entry and risk of arrest, detention or deportation; invasive social media screening and searches of electronic devices; violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement and racial profiling.”
The advisory also said visitors potentially faced “suppression of speech and protest and increased surveillance; cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment – and even death” while detained by US Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The majority of matches at the World Cup, 78 out of 104, are scheduled to take place in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Four qualified nations, Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, may find themselves without their supporters due to travel bans imposed by the US government, as Donald Trump has made anti-immigration policy the centrepiece of his second term.
Washington has assured that the administration’s immigration crackdown measures do not affect tourist visas, and, by extension, fans holding tickets for the World Cup.
FIFA has also established an expedited consular appointment process for visa applications, though without guaranteeing that a visa will be granted.
Concerns among supporters have intensified amid ongoing ICE operations targeting undocumented migrants.
In January, two US citizens protesting the immigration crackdown were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, prompting widespread outrage.
Mar 30, 2026; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Oliviyah Edwards hangs upside down from the rim as she celebrates after dunking the ball during the McDonalds All American Jam Fest at Millennium High School. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images 
