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Rory McIlroy repeats as Masters Champion, officially greatest European player ever <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Rory McIlroy stands alone. And then some.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">A year ago the anointed one from Northern Ireland conquered Augusta National at long last. As his playoff-clinching putt sank on 18 it forever altered the history of professional golf. McIlroy joined the ranks of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods as the only players to complete the Career Grand Slam.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">On Sunday some more gates of history unlocked for Rory. By defending his title as Masters Champion with a victory, one that came with a few less dramatic twists than 2025, he joined Jack, Tiger, and Nick Faldo. Rory is amassing entry keys to the most exclusive clubs that the world of golf has to offer.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Rory was already the lone European to complete the Career Grand Slam and he now joins Faldo as the other to defend at Augusta National of all places. He is more than just the greatest golfer of his generation. He is unquestionably the greatest European player of all time.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Many posited that Rory’s first Masters win was poetic with regards to the overall path that he took to the iconic green jacket. It was chaotic. Emotional. Devastating. Enthralling. Captivating. A similar argument can be made that Rory’s defense of it was also true to his career form.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Consider that Rory held at least a share of the lead after each and every round of this year’s Masters. He has quite literally never finished a competitive Masters round as a Masters Champion without at least being tied for the lead.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This speaks to how his breakthrough empowered him. Winning at Augusta at long last very clearly unleashed Rory in a way that made him untouchable relative to his peers. This April Sunday at Augusta National did not feature the drama that last year did as it was the field who bowed to the mounting pressure… not Rory.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It was a matter of chasing down Rory for everyone else. Someone was going to have to rip that green jacket off of his shoulders and the fight to even get their hands around his shoulders proved too much for everyone. Tyrrell Hatton made a noble race of it all, Collin Morikawa had an incredible surge, but just when someone like Justin Rose or Cameron Young reached equal footing with Rory the intensity of it all proved too much and their games faded. Even the great Scottie Scheffler, who became the first player in Masters record books that date all the way back to 1942 to go bogey-free in the third and fourth round of the tournament, was no match.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Time has shown us that only one man is fit to carry the burden that making this kind of history demands. Only one player of this generation, only one European across the history of the world, has proven capable of living up the legend that so many were imploring them to be.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Rory McIlroy, this and last year’s Masters Champion, is that player. He is the greatest European player of all time beyond any doubt at this point and his super strength was just amplified. He has all of the individual accomplishments, all of the bells and whistles, leads his generation with individual major titles won at six now, and officially has multiple green jackets in his locker at Augusta National Golf Club. There is nothing that anyone has that he needs. He has it all.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Congratulations to Rory. Who knows what he will do next?</p></div> #Rory #McIlroy #repeats #Masters #Champion #officially #greatest #European #player

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Sunday NBA Betting Guide: Top Picks for Bucks, Lakers, Timberwolves | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776021330426" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776021330426" alt="Apr 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) walks off the court after the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 10, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Terrence Shannon Jr. (1) walks off the court after the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Sunday NBA card features 15 games heading into the final day of the regular season. The Raptors (45-36) look to wrap up the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a victory over the Nets (20-61). Toronto can slip to the seventh seed with a loss and an Orlando win at Boston.</p><p>We’ll break down three plays for the Sunday action. Remember to monitor the odds throughout the day, as the sides and totals market is constantly changing.</p><p>Here are the free NBA picks for Sunday, April 12. Odds Courtesy of DraftKings.</p><h2 id="best-nba-plays-today" class=" uppercase break-words">Best NBA plays today</h2><p>Bucks (+15.5) at 76ers</p><p>Jazz (+14.5) at Lakers</p><p>Timberwolves (-6.5) vs. Pelicans</p><h2 id="bucks-155-at-76ers---600-pm-et" class=" uppercase break-words">Bucks (+15.5) at 76ers – 6:00 p.m. ET</h2><p>It’s been a <a href="https://deadspin.com/how-the-milwaukee-bucks-ruined-the-nba-trade-deadline-by-keeping-giannis/" target="_blank">disappointing season for Milwaukee</a> (32-49), who looks to avoid the four-game sweep by Philadelphia. The 76ers (44-37) need a victory plus losses by Toronto and Orlando to avoid the play-in tournament and vault to the sixth position in the East.</p><p>Philadelphia has struggled offensively the last five games, tied for last in the league in 3-point shooting (29.3%). The Sixers continue to play without center Joel Embiid, who had surgery for appendicitis earlier this week.</p><p>The Bucks lost the last matchup at Philadelphia, 139-122 as 10.5-point underdogs in late January. This line has jumped six points as Embiid scored 29 points in the last meeting. Let’s grab Milwaukee here with this amount of points to cover the finale.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div><br/><section id="section-3"> <h2 id="jazz-145-at-lakers---830-pm-et" class=" uppercase break-words">Jazz (+14.5) at Lakers – 8:30 p.m. ET</h2><p>The Lakers (52-29) have already wrapped up the Pacific Division title, but need a win and a Denver loss to San Antonio to move to the third seed in the West.</p><p>L.A. is playing <a href="https://deadspin.com/how-los-angeles-lakers-might-need-bronny-james-in-nba-playoffs/" target="_blank">without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves</a>, who are both sidelined due to injury. The Lakers are off a pair of underdog blowouts over the Warriors and Suns, but are laying a ton on Sunday to the Jazz.</p><p>Utah (22-59) has lost all three matchups with Los Angeles this season, as these teams are meeting for the first time since December. The Jazz have been lit up defensively in their last four road losses, but this is a huge number for the short-handed Lakers to cover.</p> </section> <p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div><section id="section-5"> <h2 id="timberwolves--65-vs-pelicans---830-pm-et" class=" uppercase break-words">Timberwolves (-6.5) vs. Pelicans – 8:30 p.m. ET</h2><p>There will be plenty of unmotivated teams heading into Sunday, including ones that have sewed up their playoff spot. Minnesota (48-33) is <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/timberwolves/onsi/minnesota-timberwolves-news/playoff-seeding-scenarios-become-clearer-after-wolves-win-over-rockets" target="_blank">set with the sixth seed</a> in the West, hosting a New Orleans (26-55) squad that has lost nine of the past 10 games.</p><p>The Wolves return home after surprising the Rockets as 10-point road underdogs on Friday, 136-132. Minnesota has failed to cover the spread in three games against New Orleans this season, including losing to the Pelicans, 119-115 in early February.</p><p>New Orleans went on a great against the spread run in March until failing to cover in six of the past eight games. Look for Minnesota to end on a winning note before heading to the playoffs.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white border border-gray-400 p-2 relative"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-16 w-16 rounded-full mt-5" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div> </div> #Sunday #NBA #Betting #Guide #Top #Picks #Bucks #Lakers #Timberwolves #Deadspin.com

FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.

Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.

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Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.

“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.

“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.

FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.

The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.

Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.

A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.

Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.

Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).

Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.

“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.

Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.

“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.

“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.

Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.

“When Trump has ⁠explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to ⁠America,” Taj said in response to Trump.

Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.

#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada">Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President SheinbaumMexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listSheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.“When Trump has ⁠explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to ⁠America,” Taj said in response to Trump.Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada

FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.

Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.

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list of 4 itemsend of list

Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.

“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.

“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.

FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.

The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.

Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.

A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.

Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.

Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).

Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.

“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.

Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.

“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.

“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.

Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.

“When Trump has ⁠explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to ⁠America,” Taj said in response to Trump.

Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.

#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada">Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President Sheinbaum

Mexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.

FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.

Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.

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Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.

“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.

“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.

FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.

The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.

Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.

A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.

Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.

Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).

Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.

“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.

Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.

“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.

“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.

Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.

“When Trump has ⁠explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to ⁠America,” Taj said in response to Trump.

Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.

#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada

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