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Japan's World Cup hopes have been dealt a devastating blow as captain Wataru Endo is ruled out on the opening day due to an injury sustained in training. Teammate Daichi Kamada called it a 'huge shock,' while coach Hajime Moriyasu pledged the team would fight for their leader. Endo, 33, who has 65 caps, missed the previous World Cup in 2022 for similar reasons.
The DR Congo national football team has arrived in the US for the World Cup after a 21-day quarantine in Europe due to Ebola concerns at home. Coach Sebastien Desabre says the team aims to perform well and bring joy to people facing the epidemic. The DRC is making its first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the World Cup squad due to a foot injury, the Japan Football Association confirmed on Thursday. The Liverpool midfielder cannot recover in time for the tournament and will return to his club for treatment. His absence is a significant loss for Japan both as a leader and a defensive anchor.
Japan enters the World Cup with high confidence after friendly wins over Brazil and England. The team blends veterans like Yuya Osako and Keisuke Honda with young talents Takefusa Kubo and Daichi Kamada. Preparation and unity are seen as keys to their success.
Iran has officially rejected any attempts to use the World Cup as a tool for discrimination, emphasizing sportsmanship and international unity. Tehran calls for respect of sporting spirit and warns against turning the pitch into a political platform. The statement comes amid international criticism over human rights issues, which Iran dismisses as politically motivated.
Omar Artan, the first Somali referee selected to officiate at the World Cup, was denied entry to the United States despite holding a valid visa. He was welcomed as a hero upon his return to Mogadishu. The incident has sparked international criticism, with many questioning the fairness of US immigration practices.
Argentina cruised to a 3-0 win over Iceland in their final World Cup warm-up. Lionel Messi came off the bench in the second half and scored a penalty to double the lead.
Didier Deschamps has challenged winger Michael Olise to reproduce his hat-trick form at the World Cup after the Bayern Munich star inspired France to a 3-1 friendly victory over Northern Ireland. Olise scored twice from close range and added a stunning long-range effort after Patrick Kelly had pulled one back for the visitors. Deschamps praised the in-form forward, saying France will need him at that level for the tournament.
A new report from a nonprofit climate research group finds that climate change has increased the likelihood of extreme heat in 97 of 104 World Cup matches, affecting player performance and match tempo. The study warns that rising temperatures could slow play and harm health. Organizers are considering cooling measures and schedule adjustments.
