Iran's Torabi receives new US visa, cleared to rejoin World Cup team

Iran's winger Mehdi Torabi has received a new multiple-entry US visa and is now cleared to rejoin Iran's national team for the remainder of the World Cup, the team's media department announced. Torabi's previous visa was issued for a single entry only.

FIFA clears VAR official of code breach over hand gesture

FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee found no evidence of a breach after VAR official Shaun Evans made an “OK” hand symbol, which has been associated with white supremacy, during a World Cup broadcast. Evans claimed the gesture was an “involuntary, subconscious twitch” and denied malicious intent. He expressed regret for the interpretation.

Iran fight back twice to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in World Cup opener

Iran came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their Group G match at SoFi Stadium. New Zealand took the lead in the 7th minute, but Ramin Rezaeian equalized in the 32nd. The All Whites regained the lead in the 54th, only for Mohammed Mohebbi to level again 10 minutes later. Iran top Group G.

Climate change raises heat risks for 49 World Cup matches, study finds

Climate Central analysis shows that temperatures above the performance-affecting threshold of 28°C are at least 50% likely in 49 of the 104 World Cup matches. Climate change raises the likelihood by at least 10 percentage points in 26 matches. The Uruguay-Spain match in Guadalajara is most affected. Turkish sports physician warns of health and performance risks.

Germany crush debutants Curacao 7-1 in World Cup Group E

Germany opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup account with a comprehensive 7-1 demolition of debutants Curacao at Houston Stadium on Sunday, with Felix Nmecha and Kai Havertz both scoring twice in a ruthless attacking display that sent an early warning to their Group E rivals and established the Europeans at the top of the standings.

13 football associations slam UEFA chief over World Cup remarks

Thirteen football associations issued a sharp rebuke on Sunday of UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin over his alleged remarks dismissing expanded FIFA World Cup matches as uninteresting, stating that every qualifying nation deserves respect and recognition for their historic achievements.

Palestinian FA head criticizes US over delayed World Cup visa

Jibril Rajoub said the United States' failure to grant him entry for FIFA events shows disrespect for the governing body and the unifying role of sport, arguing that host nations are obligated to facilitate participation by accredited officials rather than treat it as a favor.

Mexico beats South Africa 2-0 in World Cup 2026 opener

Mexico secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, with Julian Quinones and veteran striker Raul Jimenez finding the net before both sides were reduced to 10 men following a series of second-half dismissals that included the first opening-match red card in over three decades.

FIFA president defends 2026 World Cup ticket prices

Gianni Infantino cited record demand to justify pricing levels for the 2026 tournament after FIFA sold over six million tickets for the North American competition, with the organization releasing an additional 130,000 seats at $60 to counter criticism that costs have soared beyond ordinary supporters' reach.

Thuram expects strong World Cup run from Türkiye

Former France international Lilian Thuram has predicted that Türkiye will make a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Arda Güler. He noted that Türkiye’s 2002 third‑place finish shows there is “no limit” if players believe.