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फीफा विश्वकप 2026 में 12वां दिन फुटबॉल फैंस के लिए यादगार रहा। एक ओर अर्जेंटीना…
फीफा विश्वकप 2026 में 12वां दिन फुटबॉल फैंस के लिए यादगार रहा। एक ओर अर्जेंटीना…
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112 जूनशुक्रवाररात 12:30 बजेमैक्सिको बनाम साउथ अफ्रीकामैक्सिको सिटी212 जूनशुक्रवारसुबह 07:30 बजेसाउथ कोरिया बनाम चेकियाजापोपान313 जूनशनिवाररात…
Iran’s national football team was headed to Turkey on Monday to play a final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, the country’s media reported.
“The Iranian national football team… departed this morning for Antalya, Turkey, to play its final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup,” the Tasnim news agency reported.
It said the squad consisted of 22 domestic-based players alongside their coaching staff.
On Saturday, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said they would also be completing visa applications for the US while in Turkey.
The team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US which paused 40 days of war that began on February 28.
The US cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the American embassy.
Iran hopes to play two friendlies in Antalya.
The side has already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.
READ: Preliminary Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Sardar Azmoun left out
“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iran football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.
Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 380 kilometres from Antalya to Ankara.
On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the Iranian federation, describing it as excellent and constructive.
Taj also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without going into details.
When the squad reaches the United States, Iran will set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.
The team, which is in Group G, is due to kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.
Published on May 18, 2026
Iran’s national football team was headed to Turkey on Monday to play a final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, the country’s media reported.
“The Iranian national football team… departed this morning for Antalya, Turkey, to play its final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup,” the Tasnim news agency reported.
It said the squad consisted of 22 domestic-based players alongside their coaching staff.
On Saturday, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said they would also be completing visa applications for the US while in Turkey.
The team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US which paused 40 days of war that began on February 28.
The US cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the American embassy.
Iran hopes to play two friendlies in Antalya.
The side has already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.
READ: Preliminary Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Sardar Azmoun left out
“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iran football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.
Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 380 kilometres from Antalya to Ankara.
On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the Iranian federation, describing it as excellent and constructive.
Taj also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without going into details.
When the squad reaches the United States, Iran will set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.
The team, which is in Group G, is due to kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.
Published on May 18, 2026
Iran’s national football team was headed to Turkey on Monday to play a final friendly…
Iran’s football team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), not the people of Iran, and FIFA should ban the team from participating in the upcoming World Cup, protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver said on Thursday.
“This is not Iran, this is the Islamic Republic’s team. This is IRGC’s team,” said Pouria Mahmoudi, an organiser with Mission for My Homeland, which brought together about 30 protesters draped in Iranian flags and holding signs supporting Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi.
“They’re here not to represent Iran. They’re here to normalise what’s happening in Iran, the massacre in Iran. So, no, they should not be in the World Cup,” he told Reuters.
Iran has qualified for the June 11-July 19 tournament but its participation has been fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil amid the nation’s two-month old conflict with the United States and Israel.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated on Thursday that he expected Iran to participate and play matches in the U.S., and U.S. President Donald Trump later in the day said he agreed with Infantino’s position.
ALSO READ | Gianni Infantino to seek fourth term as FIFA president
Anti-government protests in Iran in January were met with a brutal crackdown by the state in which thousands died. Mahmoudi said the carnage outweighed the desire of the players on the team to compete at the tournament.
“How about those are killed, the Iranian footballers, who are killed also? FIFA shouldn’t be quiet about them,” he said.
“People should speak up about the athletes who have been killed, especially the footballers. Russia was banned from the World Cup… so we expect FIFA to do the same.”
Iranian football federation officials, including president Mehdi Taj, were due to attend the gathering in Vancouver but turned back at Toronto airport after what Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid visas.
Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the IRGC, which Ottawa designates as a terrorist organisation, were inadmissible.
Taj is a former member of the IRGC.
“The moment we heard that he was coming to Canada, we tried our best to deport him, and we’re happy that it happened,” Mahmoudi said. “This is really great success for us. It shows that Iranian people, when they’re united, can do big things.”
Published on May 01, 2026
Iran’s football team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), not the people of Iran, and FIFA should ban the team from participating in the upcoming World Cup, protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver said on Thursday.
“This is not Iran, this is the Islamic Republic’s team. This is IRGC’s team,” said Pouria Mahmoudi, an organiser with Mission for My Homeland, which brought together about 30 protesters draped in Iranian flags and holding signs supporting Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi.
“They’re here not to represent Iran. They’re here to normalise what’s happening in Iran, the massacre in Iran. So, no, they should not be in the World Cup,” he told Reuters.
Iran has qualified for the June 11-July 19 tournament but its participation has been fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil amid the nation’s two-month old conflict with the United States and Israel.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated on Thursday that he expected Iran to participate and play matches in the U.S., and U.S. President Donald Trump later in the day said he agreed with Infantino’s position.
ALSO READ | Gianni Infantino to seek fourth term as FIFA president
Anti-government protests in Iran in January were met with a brutal crackdown by the state in which thousands died. Mahmoudi said the carnage outweighed the desire of the players on the team to compete at the tournament.
“How about those are killed, the Iranian footballers, who are killed also? FIFA shouldn’t be quiet about them,” he said.
“People should speak up about the athletes who have been killed, especially the footballers. Russia was banned from the World Cup… so we expect FIFA to do the same.”
Iranian football federation officials, including president Mehdi Taj, were due to attend the gathering in Vancouver but turned back at Toronto airport after what Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid visas.
Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the IRGC, which Ottawa designates as a terrorist organisation, were inadmissible.
Taj is a former member of the IRGC.
“The moment we heard that he was coming to Canada, we tried our best to deport him, and we’re happy that it happened,” Mahmoudi said. “This is really great success for us. It shows that Iranian people, when they’re united, can do big things.”
Published on May 01, 2026
Iran’s football team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), not the people of Iran,…
The Canadian government will allocate up to $145 million for security during the upcoming World Cup, Canada’s public safety minister announced on Wednesday.
Thirteen matches are set to take place in Toronto and Vancouver during the June 11-July 19 tournament, which Canada is hosting alongside the U.S. and Mexico.
“This funding will support provinces and municipalities in their efforts to ensure people remain safe while enjoying the tournament, and ensure law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to deliver a safe and well-managed event,” Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said at a news conference in Toronto.
Toronto will see about $45 million of the money, while $100 million will be set aside for Vancouver.
The investment builds on the $220 million the federal government has already allocated to the Canadian host cities.
Ottawa previously allocated up to $320 million for hosting the tournament. (
Published on Apr 30, 2026
The Canadian government will allocate up to $145 million for security during the upcoming World Cup, Canada’s public safety minister announced on Wednesday.
Thirteen matches are set to take place in Toronto and Vancouver during the June 11-July 19 tournament, which Canada is hosting alongside the U.S. and Mexico.
“This funding will support provinces and municipalities in their efforts to ensure people remain safe while enjoying the tournament, and ensure law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to deliver a safe and well-managed event,” Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said at a news conference in Toronto.
Toronto will see about $45 million of the money, while $100 million will be set aside for Vancouver.
The investment builds on the $220 million the federal government has already allocated to the Canadian host cities.
Ottawa previously allocated up to $320 million for hosting the tournament. (
Published on Apr 30, 2026
The Canadian government will allocate up to $145 million for security during the upcoming World…
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes expressed hope that he and his teammates can help crown Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career by winning the 2026 World Cup.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo is set to appear in a record sixth World Cup in June, a tournament expected to be the final major chapter of the forward’s career.
“Wrapping up all this last World Cup with Cristiano (Ronaldo) winning it would be something amazing,” Fernandes told Wayne Rooney in a BBC report published on Friday.
“I really hope we can make it happen, not just for Portugal, but for everything Cristiano gave to football and the world,” the Portuguese midfielder and Manchester United captain said.
READ | Georgios Donis replaces Hervé Renard as head coach of Saudi Arabia
Ronaldo, considered one of the greatest players ever to have not won a World Cup, is the record scorer in international football with 143 goals.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was part of Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning team and has lifted the Nations League twice.
Portugal’s opening Group K game is on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of Congo, followed by Uzbekistan on June 23, with both games in Houston. It plays Colombia on June 27 in Miami in its final group game.
The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Published on Apr 25, 2026
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes expressed hope that he and his teammates can help crown Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career by winning the 2026 World Cup.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo is set to appear in a record sixth World Cup in June, a tournament expected to be the final major chapter of the forward’s career.
“Wrapping up all this last World Cup with Cristiano (Ronaldo) winning it would be something amazing,” Fernandes told Wayne Rooney in a BBC report published on Friday.
“I really hope we can make it happen, not just for Portugal, but for everything Cristiano gave to football and the world,” the Portuguese midfielder and Manchester United captain said.
READ | Georgios Donis replaces Hervé Renard as head coach of Saudi Arabia
Ronaldo, considered one of the greatest players ever to have not won a World Cup, is the record scorer in international football with 143 goals.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was part of Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning team and has lifted the Nations League twice.
Portugal’s opening Group K game is on June 17 against the Democratic Republic of Congo, followed by Uzbekistan on June 23, with both games in Houston. It plays Colombia on June 27 in Miami in its final group game.
The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Published on Apr 25, 2026
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes expressed hope that he and his teammates can help crown Cristiano…
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Sunday threw his support behind Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry, who could miss the World Cup with injury.
Late on Saturday, Bayern announced Gnabry would be out for an “extended period” with an adductor strain.
The Bundesliga champion in waiting did not indicate how long Gnabry could be out for.
Several German media sources reported Sunday the one-time Arsenal forward would be out for two to three months which would mean missing the World Cup which starts on June 11.
“I feel very sorry for Serge. This is particularly bitter news at the end of the season, with so many big and important matches coming up,” Nagelsmann said in a statement to AFP subsidiary SID.
The coach, who also managed Gnabry while in charge of Bayern, said he spoke with the 30-year-old on Saturday once the diagnosis was clear.
“I told him that we in the national team are all behind him. We will all support him in the best way possible so that he can get back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
Gnabry has returned to form this season in a firing Bayern front line alongside Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz. Bayern are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League and German Cup and can win the Bundesliga as early as Sunday.
In 21 league games this season, he has eight goals and seven assists and was considered a certainty to make Nagelsmann’s World Cup squad if fit.
Published on Apr 19, 2026
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Sunday threw his support behind Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry, who could miss the World Cup with injury.
Late on Saturday, Bayern announced Gnabry would be out for an “extended period” with an adductor strain.
The Bundesliga champion in waiting did not indicate how long Gnabry could be out for.
Several German media sources reported Sunday the one-time Arsenal forward would be out for two to three months which would mean missing the World Cup which starts on June 11.
“I feel very sorry for Serge. This is particularly bitter news at the end of the season, with so many big and important matches coming up,” Nagelsmann said in a statement to AFP subsidiary SID.
The coach, who also managed Gnabry while in charge of Bayern, said he spoke with the 30-year-old on Saturday once the diagnosis was clear.
“I told him that we in the national team are all behind him. We will all support him in the best way possible so that he can get back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
Gnabry has returned to form this season in a firing Bayern front line alongside Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz. Bayern are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League and German Cup and can win the Bundesliga as early as Sunday.
In 21 league games this season, he has eight goals and seven assists and was considered a certainty to make Nagelsmann’s World Cup squad if fit.
Published on Apr 19, 2026
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Sunday threw his support behind Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry,…