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New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 New Zealand will play at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after beating Papua New Guinea 1-0 Wednesday in the final of the Oceania Confederation Qualifying Series.Sunderland midfielder Katie Kitching scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute, sending New Zealand to a World Cup for the seventh time.Papua New Guinea still has a chance to qualify through an inter-continental playoff during the international window in November or December.New Zealand was denied twice by VAR, four times by the woodwork and repeatedly by Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Betty Sam who was outstanding in a hard-working defence.Deven Jackson appeared to have scored from Rebecca Stott’s through ball in the 32nd minute but the VAR showed Jackson had been caught by PNG’s offside trap.New Zealand was awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Maya Hahn was brought down in the box but the decision was overturned after the officials considered replays for more than five minutes. Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal. | Photo Credit: Getty Images New Zealand’s finishing let it down on numerous occasions, notably when Jackson missed an open goal in the 51st minute.“It’s amazing. We had a job that we had to get done tonight and we did what we needed to do to get the result,” New Zealand coach Michael Mayne said. “We’re over the moon with going to the World Cup and now we can plan and see what we have to do this year to get ready for the World Cup.“At halftime we spoke about our finishing. Frustration had to be tempered. We were creating, we felt a goal was going to come and it was one of those games in which we had opportunities but weren’t clinical when we needed to be.”Papua New Guinea didn’t have a shot on goal but it’s defence was superb. It earned its place in the final with a 1-0 win over giant-killer American Samoa while New Zealand beat Fiji 5-0 in the semifinals.“I’m very proud of the girls,” Papua New Guinea coach Ericson Komeng said. “We weren’t clinical enough tonight to compete with New Zealand but I’m proud of the girls for all the hard work they put in today.“We just have to go back and work on little things and get ready for the playoff.”Published on Apr 15, 2026 #Zealand #qualifies #FIFA #Womens #World #Cup

New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

New Zealand will play at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after beating Papua New Guinea 1-0 Wednesday in the final of the Oceania Confederation Qualifying Series.

Sunderland midfielder Katie Kitching scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute, sending New Zealand to a World Cup for the seventh time.

Papua New Guinea still has a chance to qualify through an inter-continental playoff during the international window in November or December.

New Zealand was denied twice by VAR, four times by the woodwork and repeatedly by Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Betty Sam who was outstanding in a hard-working defence.

Deven Jackson appeared to have scored from Rebecca Stott’s through ball in the 32nd minute but the VAR showed Jackson had been caught by PNG’s offside trap.

New Zealand was awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Maya Hahn was brought down in the box but the decision was overturned after the officials considered replays for more than five minutes.

New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 New Zealand will play at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after beating Papua New Guinea 1-0 Wednesday in the final of the Oceania Confederation Qualifying Series.Sunderland midfielder Katie Kitching scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute, sending New Zealand to a World Cup for the seventh time.Papua New Guinea still has a chance to qualify through an inter-continental playoff during the international window in November or December.New Zealand was denied twice by VAR, four times by the woodwork and repeatedly by Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Betty Sam who was outstanding in a hard-working defence.Deven Jackson appeared to have scored from Rebecca Stott’s through ball in the 32nd minute but the VAR showed Jackson had been caught by PNG’s offside trap.New Zealand was awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Maya Hahn was brought down in the box but the decision was overturned after the officials considered replays for more than five minutes. Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal. | Photo Credit: Getty Images New Zealand’s finishing let it down on numerous occasions, notably when Jackson missed an open goal in the 51st minute.“It’s amazing. We had a job that we had to get done tonight and we did what we needed to do to get the result,” New Zealand coach Michael Mayne said. “We’re over the moon with going to the World Cup and now we can plan and see what we have to do this year to get ready for the World Cup.“At halftime we spoke about our finishing. Frustration had to be tempered. We were creating, we felt a goal was going to come and it was one of those games in which we had opportunities but weren’t clinical when we needed to be.”Papua New Guinea didn’t have a shot on goal but it’s defence was superb. It earned its place in the final with a 1-0 win over giant-killer American Samoa while New Zealand beat Fiji 5-0 in the semifinals.“I’m very proud of the girls,” Papua New Guinea coach Ericson Komeng said. “We weren’t clinical enough tonight to compete with New Zealand but I’m proud of the girls for all the hard work they put in today.“We just have to go back and work on little things and get ready for the playoff.”Published on Apr 15, 2026 #Zealand #qualifies #FIFA #Womens #World #Cup

Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

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Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Zealand’s finishing let it down on numerous occasions, notably when Jackson missed an open goal in the 51st minute.

“It’s amazing. We had a job that we had to get done tonight and we did what we needed to do to get the result,” New Zealand coach Michael Mayne said. “We’re over the moon with going to the World Cup and now we can plan and see what we have to do this year to get ready for the World Cup.

“At halftime we spoke about our finishing. Frustration had to be tempered. We were creating, we felt a goal was going to come and it was one of those games in which we had opportunities but weren’t clinical when we needed to be.”

Papua New Guinea didn’t have a shot on goal but it’s defence was superb. It earned its place in the final with a 1-0 win over giant-killer American Samoa while New Zealand beat Fiji 5-0 in the semifinals.

“I’m very proud of the girls,” Papua New Guinea coach Ericson Komeng said. “We weren’t clinical enough tonight to compete with New Zealand but I’m proud of the girls for all the hard work they put in today.

“We just have to go back and work on little things and get ready for the playoff.”

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#Zealand #qualifies #FIFA #Womens #World #Cup

Sports news , , , , ,

New Zealand will play at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after beating Papua New Guinea 1-0 Wednesday in the final of the Oceania Confederation Qualifying Series.

Sunderland midfielder Katie Kitching scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute, sending New Zealand to a World Cup for the seventh time.

Papua New Guinea still has a chance to qualify through an inter-continental playoff during the international window in November or December.

New Zealand was denied twice by VAR, four times by the woodwork and repeatedly by Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Betty Sam who was outstanding in a hard-working defence.

Deven Jackson appeared to have scored from Rebecca Stott’s through ball in the 32nd minute but the VAR showed Jackson had been caught by PNG’s offside trap.

New Zealand was awarded a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Maya Hahn was brought down in the box but the decision was overturned after the officials considered replays for more than five minutes.

Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

lightbox-info

Katie Kitching of the Football Ferns celebrates her goal.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

New Zealand’s finishing let it down on numerous occasions, notably when Jackson missed an open goal in the 51st minute.

“It’s amazing. We had a job that we had to get done tonight and we did what we needed to do to get the result,” New Zealand coach Michael Mayne said. “We’re over the moon with going to the World Cup and now we can plan and see what we have to do this year to get ready for the World Cup.

“At halftime we spoke about our finishing. Frustration had to be tempered. We were creating, we felt a goal was going to come and it was one of those games in which we had opportunities but weren’t clinical when we needed to be.”

Papua New Guinea didn’t have a shot on goal but it’s defence was superb. It earned its place in the final with a 1-0 win over giant-killer American Samoa while New Zealand beat Fiji 5-0 in the semifinals.

“I’m very proud of the girls,” Papua New Guinea coach Ericson Komeng said. “We weren’t clinical enough tonight to compete with New Zealand but I’m proud of the girls for all the hard work they put in today.

“We just have to go back and work on little things and get ready for the playoff.”

Published on Apr 15, 2026

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Deadspin | Japan ends USWNT’s 10-match winning streak <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730595.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730595.jpg" alt="Soccer: International Womens Friendly-Japan at USA" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 14, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; United States defender Emily Sonnett (14) heads the ball over Japan forward Maika Hamano (17) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Maika Hamano scored just after the halfway point of the first half and Japan defeated the United States 1-0 on Tuesday night to snap the Americans’ 10-match winning streak in a friendly played in Seattle.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Akane Okuma made five saves to become the first goalkeeper to hold the U.S. scoreless since the Americans’ 0-0 friendly draw at England on Nov. 30, 2024.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>In the second of three friendlies in seven days against the four-time World Cup champions, Japan, the 2011 World Cup winners, became the first side to beat the USWNT since Portugal prevailed 2-1 in a friendly last October.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Americans held 66.5% of the possession and led 12-9 in overall shots, although efforts on target finished level at five each.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The sides will meet for a third time on Friday in Commerce City, Colo.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>USA manager Emma Hayes named an entirely new starting lineup from the one that earned a 2-1 friendly victory on Saturday in San Jose, Calif., and swapped a 4-4-2 from the first match for a 4-2-3-1.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Michihisa Kano, Hayes’ Japanese counterpart, also made nine alterations and opted for a 4-4-2 after playing a 4-3-3 on Sunday.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Hamano put Japan in front in the 27th minute.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Fuka Nagano began the attack through the middle with a throughball to striker Maya Hijikata, who then turned and spotted Hamano entering the right corner of the penalty area.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>With Lilly Reale closing, Hamano cut back onto her right foot, then unleashed a high shot that got just beyond the dive of goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Hayes made a quadruple substitution in the 65th minute — sending on Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, Tierna Davidson and Gisele Thompson — and the result was the Americans creating the majority of the late chances.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Wilson forced Okuma into a save from a tight angle in the 71st minute.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Three minutes later, the Americans had a flurry of close-range chances blocked, two from Ally Sentnor and a third from Jaedyn Shaw.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>And in second-half stoppage time, Okuma appeared to save a dangerous volley from Lindsey Heaps at the near post, though Heaps was ultimately ruled offside on the play.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Japan #ends #USWNTs #10match #winning #streak

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Deadspin | Padres cool off Mariners, stretch win streak to 6 <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730804.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730804.jpg" alt="MLB: Seattle Mariners at San Diego Padres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 14, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12) tags out San Diego Padres designated hitter Gavin Sheets (30) to turn a double play during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Xander Bogaerts went 3-for-4 with three RBIs Tuesday night and Michael King fired six strong innings for his second straight win as the San Diego Padres stopped the visiting Seattle Mariners 4-1.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>King (2-1) allowed four hits and a run, walking two and fanning five in San Diego’s sixth straight win. Its high-leverage bullpen arms took care of matters from there with Mason Miller pitching the ninth for his fifth save in as many chances. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Bryan Woo (0-2) took the loss for Seattle, permitting eight hits and three runs over seven innings with a walk and three strikeouts. The result ended the Mariners’ four-game winning streak. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Padres rapped out 11 hits and continued their recent offensive surge. They have outscored opponents 40-15 during their streak, winning every game by at least three runs.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>Seattle initiated scoring in the second. Randy Arozarena and Luke Raley singled before J.P. Crawford was plunked to fill the bases. Dominic Canzone cashed in Arozarena with a sacrifice fly to center. </p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>That lead lasted until the third, when San Diego touched Woo for three runs. Ramon Laureano tripled with one out and rode home on a single by Fernando Tatis Jr. Jackson Merrill singled Tatis Jr. to third, then stole second before Bogaerts’ single plated both runners. </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Padres capped the scoring in the eighth when Merrill doubled, advanced to third on Manny Machado’s fly ball to deep left and trotted home on Bogaerts’ third hit of the game. </p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Merrill also collected three hits for San Diego and Laureano finished with two. Arozarena was the only Mariner with two hits.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The result was just the Padres’ fifth win in their last 19 matchups with the Mariners. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Padres #cool #Mariners #stretch #win #streak

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The Diamond League on Wednesday announced it will increase top-level ​individual prize money in select events in ‌2026, expanding the number of disciplines ​offering enhanced payouts while ⁠maintaining the overall prize pool at USD 9.24 million.

Under the new structure, each meeting will feature eight ‘Diamond+’ ‌disciplines – selected events that offer enhanced prize money – increasing the ‌number of events in which athletes ‌can ⁠compete for the highest payouts.

The ⁠number of Diamond+ disciplines will double from four to eight at all meetings.

The eight disciplines at ​each meeting will ‌include two sprint or hurdles events, two long- or middle-distance races, two field events, and two other disciplines, ‌all equally distributed between male and ​female athletes.

ALSO READ | Doha Diamond League postponed until June because of West Asia tensions

“This new structure allows athletes from a wider range ⁠of disciplines to increase their earnings in 2026, while also guaranteeing gender equality,” ‌organisers said in a statement.

Athletes will be able to earn up to USD 20,000 at Diamond League meetings and up to USD 60,000 in the Final, the highest individual rewards in the series’ 17-year ‌history.

The basic level of individual prize money will ​remain unchanged, with competitors able to earn up to USD 10,000 at series ⁠meetings and up to USD 30,000 at the Final.

The ⁠2026 Diamond League season will begin on May 16 in ‌Shanghai/Keqiao and culminate with a two-day Final in Brussels on September 4-5.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#Diamond #League #raise #prize #money #select #events">Diamond League to raise prize money in select events in 2026 The Diamond League on Wednesday announced it will increase top-level ​individual prize money in select events in ‌2026, expanding the number of disciplines ​offering enhanced payouts while ⁠maintaining the overall prize pool at USD 9.24 million.Under the new structure, each meeting will feature eight ‘Diamond+’ ‌disciplines – selected events that offer enhanced prize money – increasing the ‌number of events in which athletes ‌can ⁠compete for the highest payouts.The ⁠number of Diamond+ disciplines will double from four to eight at all meetings.The eight disciplines at ​each meeting will ‌include two sprint or hurdles events, two long- or middle-distance races, two field events, and two other disciplines, ‌all equally distributed between male and ​female athletes.ALSO READ | Doha Diamond League postponed until June because of West Asia tensions“This new structure allows athletes from a wider range ⁠of disciplines to increase their earnings in 2026, while also guaranteeing gender equality,” ‌organisers said in a statement.Athletes will be able to earn up to USD 20,000 at Diamond League meetings and up to USD 60,000 in the Final, the highest individual rewards in the series’ 17-year ‌history.The basic level of individual prize money will ​remain unchanged, with competitors able to earn up to USD 10,000 at series ⁠meetings and up to USD 30,000 at the Final.The ⁠2026 Diamond League season will begin on May 16 in ‌Shanghai/Keqiao and culminate with a two-day Final in Brussels on September 4-5.Published on Apr 15, 2026 #Diamond #League #raise #prize #money #select #events

Doha Diamond League postponed until June because of West Asia tensions

“This new structure allows athletes from a wider range ⁠of disciplines to increase their earnings in 2026, while also guaranteeing gender equality,” ‌organisers said in a statement.

Athletes will be able to earn up to USD 20,000 at Diamond League meetings and up to USD 60,000 in the Final, the highest individual rewards in the series’ 17-year ‌history.

The basic level of individual prize money will ​remain unchanged, with competitors able to earn up to USD 10,000 at series ⁠meetings and up to USD 30,000 at the Final.

The ⁠2026 Diamond League season will begin on May 16 in ‌Shanghai/Keqiao and culminate with a two-day Final in Brussels on September 4-5.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#Diamond #League #raise #prize #money #select #events">Diamond League to raise prize money in select events in 2026

The Diamond League on Wednesday announced it will increase top-level ​individual prize money in select events in ‌2026, expanding the number of disciplines ​offering enhanced payouts while ⁠maintaining the overall prize pool at USD 9.24 million.

Under the new structure, each meeting will feature eight ‘Diamond+’ ‌disciplines – selected events that offer enhanced prize money – increasing the ‌number of events in which athletes ‌can ⁠compete for the highest payouts.

The ⁠number of Diamond+ disciplines will double from four to eight at all meetings.

The eight disciplines at ​each meeting will ‌include two sprint or hurdles events, two long- or middle-distance races, two field events, and two other disciplines, ‌all equally distributed between male and ​female athletes.

ALSO READ | Doha Diamond League postponed until June because of West Asia tensions

“This new structure allows athletes from a wider range ⁠of disciplines to increase their earnings in 2026, while also guaranteeing gender equality,” ‌organisers said in a statement.

Athletes will be able to earn up to USD 20,000 at Diamond League meetings and up to USD 60,000 in the Final, the highest individual rewards in the series’ 17-year ‌history.

The basic level of individual prize money will ​remain unchanged, with competitors able to earn up to USD 10,000 at series ⁠meetings and up to USD 30,000 at the Final.

The ⁠2026 Diamond League season will begin on May 16 in ‌Shanghai/Keqiao and culminate with a two-day Final in Brussels on September 4-5.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#Diamond #League #raise #prize #money #select #events
Deadspin | FIFA president Gianni Infantino: Iran ‘for sure’ playing in World Cup FIFA President Gianni Infantino holds the FIFA World Cup trophy at the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 22, 2026. Despite Iran’s sports minister stating that the country cannot participate amid the war with the United States, along with President Donald Trump voicing concerns for the players’ “life and safety,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino is confident Iran will play in the FIFA World Cup this summer in North America. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help,” Infantino told CNBC on Tuesday. “But Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.” Infantino said he was recently in Antalya, Turkey, to visit with the Iranian team at its training camp and said the team wants to participate in the World Cup. “They should play — sports should be outside of politics,” Infantino said. “Now, OK — we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth, but if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them intact and together, well we are doing that.” Iran, one of the first teams to qualify for the World Cup — which is projected to generate more than billion in revenue — is scheduled to play all three of its group stages in the U.S. Iran is slated to open against New Zealand on June 15 then face Belgium on June 21, with both matches in Los Angeles. On June 26, Iran is scheduled to oppose Egypt in Seattle. Should Iran advance, the rest of its games would also be held in the U.S. Iran requested FIFA move its games to Mexico, which is hosting games along with the U.S. and Canada, but was denied. A national team has not withdrawn from a FIFA World Cup since 1950, the first tournament held after World War II. The cost of tickets and the safety of the millions of fans traveling from all over the world have also been significant concerns for organizers. Amid “an unprecedented demand for tickets,” Infantino said there were more than 500 million ticket requests. “Security is obviously key, it’s crucial, it’s important,” he said. “You can, of course, always hear and read there are bans or this and that, but the fact is, we received ticket requests from all 211 countries. Everybody’s coming and everybody wants to come.” So for Infantino, what would qualify as a successful World Cup? “A win would be that we have a successful World Cup from a security point of view, so no incidents,” he said. “And from a football point of view, great matches, great games, excitement for the people.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #FIFA #president #Gianni #Infantino #Iran #playing #World #CupFIFA President Gianni Infantino holds the FIFA World Cup trophy at the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 22, 2026.

Despite Iran’s sports minister stating that the country cannot participate amid the war with the United States, along with President Donald Trump voicing concerns for the players’ “life and safety,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino is confident Iran will play in the FIFA World Cup this summer in North America.

“We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help,” Infantino told CNBC on Tuesday. “But Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”

Infantino said he was recently in Antalya, Turkey, to visit with the Iranian team at its training camp and said the team wants to participate in the World Cup.

“They should play — sports should be outside of politics,” Infantino said. “Now, OK — we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth, but if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them intact and together, well we are doing that.”

Iran, one of the first teams to qualify for the World Cup — which is projected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue — is scheduled to play all three of its group stages in the U.S.

Iran is slated to open against New Zealand on June 15 then face Belgium on June 21, with both matches in Los Angeles. On June 26, Iran is scheduled to oppose Egypt in Seattle. Should Iran advance, the rest of its games would also be held in the U.S.


Iran requested FIFA move its games to Mexico, which is hosting games along with the U.S. and Canada, but was denied.

A national team has not withdrawn from a FIFA World Cup since 1950, the first tournament held after World War II.

The cost of tickets and the safety of the millions of fans traveling from all over the world have also been significant concerns for organizers.

Amid “an unprecedented demand for tickets,” Infantino said there were more than 500 million ticket requests.

“Security is obviously key, it’s crucial, it’s important,” he said. “You can, of course, always hear and read there are bans or this and that, but the fact is, we received ticket requests from all 211 countries. Everybody’s coming and everybody wants to come.”

So for Infantino, what would qualify as a successful World Cup?

“A win would be that we have a successful World Cup from a security point of view, so no incidents,” he said. “And from a football point of view, great matches, great games, excitement for the people.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #FIFA #president #Gianni #Infantino #Iran #playing #World #Cup">Deadspin | FIFA president Gianni Infantino: Iran ‘for sure’ playing in World Cup FIFA President Gianni Infantino holds the FIFA World Cup trophy at the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 22, 2026. Despite Iran’s sports minister stating that the country cannot participate amid the war with the United States, along with President Donald Trump voicing concerns for the players’ “life and safety,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino is confident Iran will play in the FIFA World Cup this summer in North America. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help,” Infantino told CNBC on Tuesday. “But Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.” Infantino said he was recently in Antalya, Turkey, to visit with the Iranian team at its training camp and said the team wants to participate in the World Cup. “They should play — sports should be outside of politics,” Infantino said. “Now, OK — we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth, but if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them intact and together, well we are doing that.” Iran, one of the first teams to qualify for the World Cup — which is projected to generate more than billion in revenue — is scheduled to play all three of its group stages in the U.S. Iran is slated to open against New Zealand on June 15 then face Belgium on June 21, with both matches in Los Angeles. On June 26, Iran is scheduled to oppose Egypt in Seattle. Should Iran advance, the rest of its games would also be held in the U.S. Iran requested FIFA move its games to Mexico, which is hosting games along with the U.S. and Canada, but was denied. A national team has not withdrawn from a FIFA World Cup since 1950, the first tournament held after World War II. The cost of tickets and the safety of the millions of fans traveling from all over the world have also been significant concerns for organizers. Amid “an unprecedented demand for tickets,” Infantino said there were more than 500 million ticket requests. “Security is obviously key, it’s crucial, it’s important,” he said. “You can, of course, always hear and read there are bans or this and that, but the fact is, we received ticket requests from all 211 countries. Everybody’s coming and everybody wants to come.” So for Infantino, what would qualify as a successful World Cup? “A win would be that we have a successful World Cup from a security point of view, so no incidents,” he said. “And from a football point of view, great matches, great games, excitement for the people.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #FIFA #president #Gianni #Infantino #Iran #playing #World #Cup

American second seed Ben Shelton is through to the quarter-finals of the ATP event in Munich after beating Belgian Alexander Blockx 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old Belgian wildcard, ranked 72nd in the world, pushed the world number six deep into a second-set tie-break but Shelton dug in to hold him at bay and secure victory in just over one hour and 45 minutes.

Shelton, who blasted four aces and saved three of three break points across the match, will face Brazilian rising star Joao Fonseca in the last eight.

The American is still chasing a first clay court title, having lost the final in Munich last year to Alexander Zverev.

Three-time champion Zverev, who is again the top seed on home soil, faces Canadian Gabriel Diallo in their last-16 clash.

Earlier on Wednesday, French world number 26 and seventh seed Arthur Rinderknech was eliminated by Fonseca 6-3, 6-2.

The 19-year-old Brazilian, who also beat Rinderknech in Monte Carlo earlier in April, prevailed in one hour and 21 minutes.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#ATP #Ben #Shelton #sinks #Blockx #reach #Munich #quarters">ATP: Ben Shelton sinks Blockx to reach Munich quarters American second seed Ben Shelton is through to the quarter-finals of the ATP event in Munich after beating Belgian Alexander Blockx 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) on Wednesday.The 21-year-old Belgian wildcard, ranked 72nd in the world, pushed the world number six deep into a second-set tie-break but Shelton dug in to hold him at bay and secure victory in just over one hour and 45 minutes.Shelton, who blasted four aces and saved three of three break points across the match, will face Brazilian rising star Joao Fonseca in the last eight.The American is still chasing a first clay court title, having lost the final in Munich last year to Alexander Zverev.Three-time champion Zverev, who is again the top seed on home soil, faces Canadian Gabriel Diallo in their last-16 clash.Earlier on Wednesday, French world number 26 and seventh seed Arthur Rinderknech was eliminated by Fonseca 6-3, 6-2.The 19-year-old Brazilian, who also beat Rinderknech in Monte Carlo earlier in April, prevailed in one hour and 21 minutes.Published on Apr 15, 2026 #ATP #Ben #Shelton #sinks #Blockx #reach #Munich #quarters

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