For Iran's team, the FIFA World Cup has been marred by fraught politics at home, the war with the US, and tensions over whether they would actually be able to set foot on US soil to play their games.
The 34-year-old Neymar faces two to three more weeks on the sidelines.
Indian shooter Sakshi Padekar finished seventh in the 10m Air Rifle women's final at the ISSF World Cup in Munich. Serbia's Andelija Stevanovic won gold, while Japan's Nobata Misaki secured silver.
The smiling axolotl is everywhere at the World Cup in Mexico City. But behind the colorful murals and mascot statues lies a troubling reality: scientists say the critically endangered amphibian is becoming increasingly difficult to find in the wild.
Colombian singer Shakira has released 'Dai Dai', the official song for the 2026 World Cup, featuring Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
Indian cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues discusses the team's motivation and preparation for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, highlighting the importance of consistent training and the emergence of key players like Nandani. The team aims to build on their previous success and overcome challenges, including the absence of injured player Amanjot.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is conducting selection trials in Dehradun from June 6-10 for rifle and pistol shooters. These trials are crucial for selecting the Indian squad for the upcoming ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou and the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, with top shooters vying for limited spots.
Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coach Lionel Scaloni named a 26-man squad featuring 17 players from the 2022 title-winning team.
Smriti Mandhana said India's failure to bowl enough dot balls cost them the T20I series against England and urged the team to learn from the setback ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur's return to form was a major positive.
The challenge for manager Thomas Tuchel has a tough task in a tricky group with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, while ensuring reliance on Harry Kane does not become over-dependence by encouraging tactical flexibility.
With hot weather due and memories fresh of the scorching 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA has for the first time mandated three-minute hydration breaks in each half for all 104 matches of the World Cup starting this week in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
World Cup fever in Argentina, home of the defending champions, has boosted sales of counterfeit jerseys and soccer trading cards, sparking protests from retailers who are already under pressure from President Javier Milei's market-opening policies.
Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes the Indian women's cricket team are favourites for the upcoming T20 World Cup, highlighting their familiarity with English conditions and the return of key players.
From Mexico to Canada, across 16 stadiums in wildly different climates, the continental tournament is putting turf science to its ultimate test. The goal: creating living surfaces that can withstand kicks, studs, tackles and scorching summer heat.
FIFA officials are visiting India this week to try and resolve a deadlock over broadcast rights for next month's World Cup, with millions of Indian soccer fans potentially missing out on the tournament.
Lionel Messi is dealing with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring less than three weeks before the start of the World Cup, Inter Miami said on Monday after the Argentine forward was forced off in his final club match before the tournament.
Mexico defeated Ghana 2-0 in a World Cup warm-up match in Puebla, showcasing their form ahead of the tournament.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has paid its players daily allowances and bonuses in advance for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches and the Hockey World Cup, aiming to boost morale and focus. This move includes clearing PKR 4.5 million in dues and increasing daily allowances to USD 110, following their qualification for the World Cup after an eight-year absence.
A record eight players aged 40 or older have been selected to play at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States - one more than at all the past 22 tournaments combined.
Mexico have failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 for the last 32 years. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, they hope to finally end the 'quinto partido' curse.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the United States, Bay Area soccer clubs and supporters hope the tournament will inspire a new generation of fans and strengthen the region's thriving grassroots football culture.
Brazilian football star Neymar remains optimistic about his participation in the FIFA World Cup despite a recent calf injury. He dismisses concerns about his fitness, even though he has been benched for his club Santos' last three matches. Brazil's medical staff is taking precautions, and it is unlikely that Neymar will be fit to play in the warm-up games against Panama and Egypt.
India's build-up for the Women's T20 World Cup suffered a setback after hosts England came from behind to clinch the three-match T20I series 2-1.
India defeated West Indies by 26 runs in their first Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match. Bharti Fulmali's unbeaten 56 and strong bowling performances from Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav secured the victory, despite a batting collapse by the West Indies.
Luka Modric scored to put Croatia ahead before they edged Slovenia 2-1 in the international friendly before the World Cup.
Indian shooters Manu Bhaker and Samrat Rana won a silver medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup in Munich. The duo scored 483.6 in the final, finishing behind China's Qianxun Yao and Kai Hu.
Toronto is expecting more than 300,000 visitors during the World Cup with six matches to be played in the city.
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom will meet Iranian FA officials in Istanbul to offer reassurance over Iran's participation in the World Cup, amidst concerns raised by recent geopolitical tensions and visa issues.
Ronald Koeman says the Netherlands have the quality to beat any team at the World Cup despite not being favourites, while injury concerns linger over Jurrien Timber and Memphis Depay.
Pat Cummins has hinted at skipping IPL 2027 as Australia's packed schedule, including a Test series in India, the Ashes and the ODI World Cup, takes priority over franchise cricket.
India head into the Women's T20 World Cup with questions over their bowling attack, top-order form and squad balance. Harmanpreet Kaur's side will need key players to deliver if they are to challenge for another ICC title.
With less than a month to go, football fans have all fingers -- and toes -- crossed, notes Kanika Datta.
The Indian women's recurve team, consisting of Deepika Kumari, Ankita Bhakat, and Kumkum Mohod, secured a dramatic shoot-off victory against China to win the gold medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai.
Multi-champions Brazil, Argentina and Germany all won their preparatory games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, although by small margins, with former champion England and hopeful Portugal also securing victories.
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc remains driven by the competitive nature of cricket and hopes to extend his 16-year international career for a few more years, he said on Saturday, keeping the door open for a potential appearance at the 2027 World Cup.
India will field a 22-member shooting squad at the ISSF Rifle/Pistol World Cup in Munich from May 24 to 31, with double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker set to compete in two individual pistol events besides the mixed team competition.
Indian wushu player Aparna won a gold medal in the women's 52kg category at the 11th Sanda World Cup in Macau, defeating Vietnam's Thi Phuong Nga Ngo in the final.
The Trump administration said on Tuesday the United States had denied Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan entry for the World Cup because of his links to "suspected members of terror organizations".
Iran's national soccer team, currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be able to enter the US the day before each of their three World Cup matches, the Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday.
Iran will play their final World Cup warm-up behind closed doors in Turkey on Thursday before departing for their tournament base in Mexico on Saturday.
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