Germany injury blow, Iran cleared for US entry
Guide to FIFA World Cup Fantasy boosters: optimal timings for Wildcard, Maximum Captain, 12th Man, Qualification Booster and a mooted Clean Sheet Shield from the round of 32.
FIFA set a record $355m Club Benefits Programme for World Cup 2026 player releases, but NPFL clubs are set to miss out as Nigeria failed to qualify and export most talent abroad.
All-star XI of absentees from World Cup 2026, including Donnarumma, Tapsoba, Szoboszlai, Lookman and Osimhen, highlights big names missing after Italy, Nigeria, Hungary and others failed to qualify.
Roma’s Wesley is set to share Brazil’s right-back role with Roger Ibañez, with Danilo as cover. Carlo Ancelotti may alternate to balance attack and defence as Brazil chase a sixth title.
Chelsea, led by Xabi Alonso, will track World Cup targets such as Marcus Rashford, Ibrahima Konate, Ferran Torres, Rafael Leao and Florian Wirtz alongside 11 Blues in action.
Gary McAllister recalls missing France 98 with a cruciate injury and empathises with Billy Gilmour. He backs Scotland’s midfield and says Group C order against Haiti, Morocco, Brazil could aid progress.
Canada 1-1 Ireland in Montreal: an O’Brien own goal put Canada ahead, Chiedozie Ogbene equalised after Troy Parrott’s saved penalty. Maxime Crepeau denied Mason Melia late on.
Iran’s players receive US visas 10 days before their opener in Los Angeles, though some staff approvals are pending. The team will base in Tijuana and face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G.
Mexico, Gold Cup holders, are Group A favourites and unbeaten in eight. Aguirre leans towards a 4-3-3, with Jimenez and Quiñones key and Vázquez a set-piece threat. Favourable fixtures against South Africa, South Korea and Czechia.
Itumeleng Khune tells Bafana to control emotions and be ready physically, emotionally and mentally for the Mexico opener, then Czechia and Korea Republic. Travel delays are criticised as disruptive.
England base in Kansas City for World Cup 2026, with upgraded airport, fan festival and transport plans lauded. The city will also host camps and matches for Argentina and the Netherlands.
Mexico boost police around the Zocalo Fan Fest as protests persist. The government insist the event stays open, with up to 100,000 expected for Mexico vs South Africa opener at the Azteca, despite teachers demanding suspension.
Opta simulations put Spain top to win World Cup 2026, ahead of France, England and Argentina. Betting markets echo that picture, with Lamine Yamal’s fitness cited as a factor. Portugal, Brazil and Norway are touted as threats.
Germany lose 18-year-old Lennart Karl to a torn muscle in training, with Assan Ouedraogo called up. Manuel Neuer will miss the USA friendly but Nagelsmann hopes he is fit for Curacao on 06/14.
Scotland face Bolivia in New Jersey in a World Cup warm-up. Live on BBC Two at 8.30pm BST, kick-off 9pm, with streaming on BBC iPlayer. Group C games: Haiti, Morocco, then Brazil.
Lionel Scaloni says Lionel Messi has rejoined partial training after a muscle strain and may get minutes in Argentina’s final warm-ups against Honduras and Iceland. Holders open against Algeria on 06/16.
Nick Woltemade eyes a Germany role after a mixed Newcastle season, competing with Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav. He says the Premier League tested him and that “if we start well, we can go far”.
Julio Enciso suffers a side and lower-back blow affecting his quadriceps in a 4-0 win over Nicaragua. Coach Gustavo Alfaro hopes it is not serious, leaving Paraguay’s World Cup plans uncertain.
Man United plan scouting at World Cup 2026 under Michael Carrick, eyeing names including Rafael Leao, Aurelien Tchouameni, Alexis Mac Allister, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyler Adams.
