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Just days before Brazil unveils its World Cup 2026 squad, Neymar erupted on the pitch after a bizarre referee error, casting fresh doubt over his spot at the tournament. The 34-year-old Santos star insists he has done everything to prove his fitness, while coach Carlo Ancelotti says the decision will be purely professional.
Eight years after their World Cup debut, Panama is back on football's biggest stage, determined to assert itself as a Central American powerhouse rather than just score a consolation goal. Head coach Thomas Christiansen, the longest-serving manager in Panama’s history, has led them through a tough qualifying campaign and into a challenging group with England, Croatia, and Ghana.
Iran's Football Federation announced a 30-player preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, notably omitting veteran striker Sardar Azmoun after his alleged 'disloyalty' to the government. The team will train in Turkey and face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom confirmed a 'constructive and positive' meeting with Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, addressing 10 issues raised by Iran regarding security, visas, and logistics for the 2026 World Cup. The meeting comes after an Iranian delegation was denied entry into Canada, sparking concerns about travel to the U.S., which co-hosts the tournament.
Mexican teachers are threatening protests and disruptions to the 2026 World Cup unless the government meets demands for higher wages and better working conditions. Union leaders say they will use the global media attention to pressure authorities. Negotiations are expected in the coming weeks to avoid disruption.
Kansas City, Missouri, once dismissed as 'flyover country,' has secured a spot among 11 US cities hosting the 2026 World Cup, despite being the 37th most populous city. Through a bold bidding strategy that included staging impromptu soccer games and highlighting its lack of traffic, the Midwestern city outmaneuvered larger rivals like Chicago and Detroit. Now, it will host six matches at Arrowhead Stadium and serve as a base for Argentina, England, and the Netherlands.
With the 2026 World Cup opener weeks away, all 48 teams have selected official base camps—training and accommodation hubs—across the three host nations. Each squad chose from FIFA-approved facilities, including sports complexes, university campuses, and luxury hotels. The full list details every team's camp, training site, accommodation, and group‑stage match venues.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez says Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, is judged by current form, not age or past achievements, as he eyes a sixth World Cup in 2026. Martinez stresses Ronaldo’s versatile role and hunger, noting he scores at a higher rate under his management. External pressure remains, but selection is merit-based.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has named Romelu Lukaku in his 26-man World Cup squad despite the striker's injury-hit season, having played just an hour of professional football this campaign. Lukaku, the nation's all-time scorer with 89 goals, has not started for Napoli this season but remains a strategic pick. Belgium will face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in Group G.
