World Cup News

Bruno Fernandes created the only goal for Matheus Cunha as Man Utd moved 10 points clear of Chelsea 2 min “After more than 40 days without internet here in Iran; I finally managed to get online,” writes Karen Asad. “You can’t imagine how difficult that is! anyway I’m looking forward to my first live blog in almost two months. I can testify that football is a great distraction from the raging war surrounding us. Here’s hoping a United win!” 1 min Man Utd kick off from left to right as we watch.

In casa Al-Hilal, oltre alla crisi di risultati che ha messo in discussione la panchina di Simone Inzaghi, è letteralmente deflagrato, come un fulmine a ciel sereno, il caso legato alla cessione della società da parte del fondo PIF. Il Public Investment Fund, il fondo di investimenti direttamente controllato dal governo saudita, ha infatti completato la cessione del 70% delle proprie quote alla Kingdom Holding Company del principe Bin Talal (anche lui membro della famiglia reale ndr.) con una valutazione di 317 milioni di euro. Un segnale importantissimo del disimpegno del fondo (che come riportato da The Athletic sta valutando di ritirare anche altri investimenti legati ad esempio al mondo del golf) e che potrebbe agevolare anche una svolta clamorosa dell'intera società con tanti giocatori che già oggi stanno iniziando a guardarsi attorno. UN CONTESTO COMPLICATO L'Arabia Saudita per molti dei giocatori presenti in rosa è stata soprattutto una scelta economica. Il Fondo Pif nel comunicato di cessione delle quote del club ha ribadito che l'obiettivo era "massimizzare i rendimenti" e poi uscire dal club in un "contesto di sostenibilità", ma quel contesto oggi è estremamente complicato. Nella valutazione finale del club va infatti considerata un'importante situazione debitoria, ma quello che più conta, a livello dei giocatori è il contesto socio-politico che l'area del Medio-Oriente si sta trovando ad affrontare da quando la guerra fra Stati Uniti ed Iran è iniziata. In molti, infatti, stanno guardando al prossimo mercato per trovare una soluzione che li allontani dal contesto della guerra e con questo cambio di proprietà in casa Al-Hilal sono tante le potenziali occasioni di mercato. CANCELO IL PRIMO In Serie A gli occhi sono ampiamente aperti sul contesto di questo club, in cui militano molti giocatori già transitati dall'Italia e che possono rappresentare un'occasione clamorosa in vista della prossima estate. Del resto già a gennaio il primo a fiutare un clima non idilliaco in quel di Riyadh fu Joao Cancelo, trattato dall'Inter, ma approdato al Barcellona in prestito nel corso della sessione invernale. A giugno il suo futuro sarà tutto da scrivere, ma l'unica certezza è che non ha alcuna intenzione di tornare in Arabia. DA THEO HERNANDEZ, A MILINKOVIC-SAVIC E KOULIBALY E fra i giocatori a disposizione di Simone Inzaghi? I nomi di primo piano sono tanti, ma nel corso delle ultime settimane si sono rincorsi diversi rumors sulla voglia di tornare in Italia di talenti del calibro di Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (trattato a lungo da Milan, Napoli, Inter e Juventus), di Theo Hernandez (che sognerebbe un ritorno al Milan) e di Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli e Milan). Il serbo ha da poco rinnovato il suo accordo fino al 30 giugno 2028, il senegalese è in scadenza 30 giugno 2027 e anche il terzino francese ha un contratto fino al 30 giugno 2028. Servirà quindi trattare con il club arabo per una cessione, con la nota stipendi che potrebbe essere la più problematica. DARWIN NUNEZ E MARCOS LEONARDO Fra i talenti un po' più giovani e più abbordabili ci sono invece Darwin Nunez e Marcos Leonardo. L'ex-Liverpool non sta riuscendo a trovare continuità ed è finito praticamente fuori rosa. Sogna l'addio e su di lui han messo gli occhi Napoli e Juventus. Anche il brasiliano ex-Benfica sta vivendo un rapporto conflittuale con il club al punto da aver giocato soltanto 3 partite da titolare da febbraio ad oggi ed è stato a lungo un obiettivo della Roma prima di approdare in Arabia. COSA FARÀ IL NUOVO FONDO PROPRIETARIO? Svendere non è oggi possibile per il club e il segnale di una smobilitazione non sarebbe certo il miglior biglietto da visita per il principe Alwaleed Bin Talal che è subentrato a PIF come proprietario del club. Come detto servirà trattare, coi giocatori che dovranno rinunciare agli ingaggi ultramilionari garantiti in Arabia e con la nuova proprietà. Bin Talal, almeno a parole, ha infatti parlato di "sostenere e rafforzare" il club per "portarlo alla ribalta mondiale". Non tutti, in sostanza, potranno partire.

Around the world, here are the channels you can watch Newcastle United v Bournemouth Live TV. The global TV listings are featured below for local (to you) coverage on Saturday... You can click here to read the full article.

World Cup 2026 qualifiers Iran are in conflict with the co-hosts and Infantino is calling for 'peace'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has spoken out on Iran’s place at this summer’s World Cup over the past few days and one of Donald Trump’s advisors has now offered an update

Concerns over the Iranian players' safety surfaced after several players did not sing the national anthem

Los Angeles Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil has expressed hope that newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will select Ghana’s best players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, Croatia, and England, setting up an exciting but challenging path for the four-time African champions.Speaking to VamosNetwork, Paintsil emphasized his commitment to representing Ghana, saying his focus is always on making his country proud.“I always need to respect the national team call-up. I’m playing for the people of Ghana, not for an individual person,” Paintsil said. “I’m doing it for Ghanaians to know my worth and that I can deliver whenever I get the chance.”The 26-year-old also voiced optimism that Queiroz — who previously managed Colombia, Iran, and Egypt — will make fair and merit-based selections for the tournament.“We are just hoping and praying that the new coach will do the needful — to take the best players to the World Cup, to perform, and to make Ghanaians proud,” he added.Queiroz took over the Black Stars earlier this week following the dismissal...

As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue. The countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues to build momentum, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino stepping forward to address one of the most discussed uncertainties surrounding the tournament. As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue. The tournament itself is shaping up to be historic in every sense. Set to feature 48 teams for the first time, the competition is expected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue, underlining its massive global appeal. With matches spread across multiple host nations, anticipation continues to grow among fans and stakeholders alike. The 2026 edition promises to redefine the scale of international soccer. With 48 teams divided into 12 groups, followed by an expanded knockout phase, the structure introduces a new level of competition and opportunity. This format ensures more nations are involved, increasing both representation and unpredictability. Also, more than 500 million ticket requests have already been recorded, highlighting the event’s reach across all continents. As speculation intensified, FIFA moved to clarify its stance on Iran’s participation. “The Iranian team is coming for sure,” Infantino told CNBC, firmly addressing the uncertainty surrounding the situation. His statement confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, putting an end to weeks of doubt. Infantino emphasized the fundamental principle behind the decision. “They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play,” he explained, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to sporting merit. Keeping the focus on soccer Beyond the confirmation itself, Infantino highlighted a deeper philosophy guiding FIFA’s decisions. “Sports should be outside of politics,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges while maintaining a clear stance. The aim is to preserve the tournament as a platform for unity and competition, regardless of external circumstances. He also acknowledged the realities of the world while defending this approach. “We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said, before adding that FIFA continues to work toward building connections through soccer. These remarks underline the balance between idealism and practicality in organizing a global event. Alireza Jahanbakhsh of Iran celebrates during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers Iran’s road ahead for the tournament Looking ahead, the focus shifts back to the competition itself. Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with games set to take place in major U.S. cities. If successful, further matches would continue within the same host nation as the tournament progresses. The broader objective remains ensuring a successful and secure event. “A win would be that we have a successful World Cup from a security point of view, so no incidents,” Infantino explained. Delivering high-quality matches while maintaining safety standards stands at the core of FIFA’s vision.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino says Iran will come to the World Cup this summer

New Arabian Falcons FC manager Jonjo Shelvey says he feels safer in the UAE – because ‘England is full of scumbags’. After a brief playing stint with the club, he has announced his retirement from professional football and immediately starts a new career on the sidelines. He spoke on taking up the role of the […] The post Jonjo Shelvey says he feels safer in the UAE – because ‘England is full of scumbags’ appeared first on Fan Banter.

Iran are still scheduled to play at this summer’s World Cup and FIFA President Gianni Infantino has offered a fresh update on their place amid the ongoing conflict with the USA and Israel

Iran’s participation had been thrown into doubt by the war with the United States and Israel.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran would "for sure" be at the World Cup this summer, despite the ongoing war with the United States.

FIFA High-Performance Specialist Faisal Chibsah has underlined that Carlos Queiroz’s prospects of success with the Black Stars will depend largely on how quickly he adapts.The Portuguese coach, appointed on a short-term four-month deal, has been tasked with steadying Ghana’s preparations for the World Cup following the dismissal of Otto Addo after a string of four consecutive friendly defeats.With limited time before the expanded tournament begins, attention has turned to whether Queiroz can impose his methods effectively in such a compressed window.Chibsah, while acknowledging the pedigree of the 73-year-old former Real Madrid and Portugal coach, stressed that reputation alone will not guarantee results unless he adjusts to the specific realities of the Black Stars environment.“He will bring a bit of discipline to the team, which for me was lacking a lot. We would see [discipline] and also [Ghana would] definitely get an identity.”“The challenge for Carlos now would be how adaptable he can be taking on Ghana.”“Iran, Oman, Qatar [recent jobs of Queiroz] are not Ghana. Ghana, we expect more.”Ghana are aiming to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time since 2010, with Group L fixtures against England, Croatia and Panama...

FIFA High-Performance Specialist Faisal Chibsah believes Ghana’s decision to appoint Carlos Queiroz could mark a decisive shift in the Black Stars’ direction, particularly in restoring structure and discipline ahead of the World Cup.Otto Addo was dismissed after a difficult run of four consecutive defeats in international friendlies, leaving the federation to act swiftly with just months remaining before the expanded 48-team tournament.The former Portugal and Egypt coach has been handed a short-term four-month contract to stabilise the team and guide them through the global showpiece.Chibsah expressed optimism about the impact the 73-year-old could have on the squad’s mentality and organisation, while also stressing the demands that come with managing Ghana at this level.“He will bring a bit of discipline to the team, which for me was lacking a lot. We would see [discipline] and also [Ghana would] definitely get an identity,” Chibsah told Joy News.“The challenge for Carlos now would be how adaptable he can be taking on Ghana.”“Iran, Oman, Qatar [recent jobs of Queiroz] are not Ghana. Ghana, we expect more.”Ghana head into the World Cup with ambitions of reaching the knockout stages for the first time since 2010, with Group L...

Le parole del ct iraniano che conferma la partecipazione della sua squadra ai prossimi Mondiali.

The league’s emphasis on youth development has seen its place in the careers of US national team players shift dramatically Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter When the United States men’s national team traveled to France for the 1998 World Cup, they did so with 16 Major League Soccer players on their 22-man roster. This was very much by design. MLS had kicked off in 1996 as a fulfilled promise made to Fifa by US Soccer for the right to host the 1994 World Cup. The new league then set about hoarding as many national team players as it could. In a winless and mirthless tournament in 1998, fraught by a fractious camp, the Americans started an MLS player 21 times in their three group-stage matches, for an average of seven per starting lineup. That number has trended down ever since. In the 2002 run to the World Cup quarter-finals, setting the program’s modern high-water mark, an average of 5.4 MLS players made a start in the USA’s five matches. In 2006, it was 3.33. By 2010, that number had sunk to two; and in 2022, it was only one. In Qatar, the USMNT’s final group stage match against Iran was, in fact, the first time the team had started no MLS players at all at a World Cup since the league’s founding.

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Sports Committee, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has expressed strong support for the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars, describing the decision as a step in the right direction.The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician was named Ghana’s new head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo. Queiroz has signed a four-month contract with an option to extend beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Ghana have qualified for the global tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Croatia.Speaking on the appointment, Norgbey praised Queiroz’s wealth of experience and tactical discipline, expressing confidence that the veteran coach will command respect from the players.“He comes to the table with a wealth of experience, and I think his tactical discipline will propel the team. I’m sure even the players will also have the kind of respect for him because this is a coach with international rating,” Norgbey said.He also commended the Ghana Football Association for making what he believes is a beneficial choice for the national team.“For once, the GFA has taken...

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Sports Committee, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has expressed strong confidence in newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz, highlighting the Portuguese tactician’s tactical discipline as a key asset that will drive the team forward at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Queiroz was named Ghana’s head coach following the dismissal of Otto Addo, signing a four-month contract with an option to extend. He will lead the Black Stars in Group L against England, Panama, and Croatia."He comes to the table with a wealth of experience, and I think his tactical discipline will propel the team," Norgbey said."I’m sure even the players will also have the kind of respect for him because this is a coach with international rating."The veteran Portuguese manager, who has previously coached Real Madrid, Iran, and Egypt, faces the immediate challenge of preparing Ghana for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Ghana’s campaign begins on June 17 against Panama in Toronto.

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has expressed strong confidence that the vast experience and international pedigree of newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will naturally compel players to adhere to his instructions on and off the pitch.Norgbey believes the 73-year-old Portuguese tactician’s résumé—which includes managing Real Madrid, leading Iran to two World Cups, and taking Egypt to the global stage—carries a weight that few coaches in African football can match. That authority, he argued, will translate into discipline and compliance from the Black Stars squad.“He comes to the table with a wealth of experience, and I think his tactical discipline will propel the team. I’m sure even the players will also have the kind of respect for him because this is a coach with an international rating," Norgbey said.Queiroz, who has taken four different nations to the FIFA World Cup, was appointed on a four-month contract with an option to extend. He replaces Otto Addo following Ghana’s poor run of friendly results and failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.Norgbey argued that the timing of the appointment, though close to the tournament, is less of...

Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Ernest Henry Norgbey, has praised the Ghana Football Association for appointing Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars.Norgbey described the decision as a positive move that will benefit the national team, highlighting Queiroz’s wealth of experience and tactical discipline as key assets.“For once, the GFA has taken a decision that will inure to the benefit of the Black Stars, and I’m happy for the choice that they have made,” Norgbey said.The 73-year-old Portuguese tactician was appointed on a four-month contract with an option to extend beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He replaces Otto Addo, who was dismissed following a string of poor friendly results.Queiroz, who has previously managed Real Madrid, Iran, and Egypt, will lead Ghana in Group L against England, Croatia, and Panama. The Black Stars open their World Cup campaign on June 17 in Toronto.Norgbey expressed confidence that the players will respect Queiroz due to his international standing and believes his tactical discipline will propel the team forward.

Il 30 aprile si avvicina, la FIFA si pronuncerà sulla questione Iran: vediamo cosa succederà e perché gli Azzurri sperano ancora.

Communications Director of Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has hinted that the FA will review the performance of Carlos Queiroz after the 2026 World Cup. The veteran Portuguese trainer has been appointed on a short-term basis, replacing Otto Addo, who was sacked after the back-to-back defeats against Austria and Germany in a pre-World Cup friendly game.With the former Egypt and Iran head coach set to lead the Black Stars to the Mundial, Asante Twum has revealed that his performance will be reviewed after the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico."Carlos Queiroz to lead the Black Stars until the end of the World Cup. After that, the FA will review how things turn out and decide whether to keep him or part ways," he told Asempa FM.Asante Twum also hinted that the 72-year-old has already started working."Carlos Queiroz has already begun work on the Black Stars and is expected in Ghana in the coming days," Asante Twum added.Queiroz will meet the Black Stars squad next month during their international friendly against Mexico, before concluding preparations with a final tune-up match against Wales on June 2.Ghana, preparing for its fifth World Cup appearance,...

Newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed admiration for Ghana’s rich football heritage and its long-standing tradition of producing top-class talent.The experienced Portuguese tactician was officially unveiled on Monday evening as Ghana’s new head coach, tasked with leading the team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America on a short-term four-month deal.In his first public remarks after signing, Queiroz struck a tone of humility and purpose.“It is with a deep sense of gratitude, responsibility, and humility that I embrace this new chapter with Ghana. This is not just another job; it is a mission.”The former Real Madrid assistant coach and Iran national team manager also praised Ghana’s football identity and potential.“Ghana is a nation of talent, pride, and footballing soul. I arrive with respect for its history and belief in its future.”Queiroz stressed unity and discipline as central pillars of his approach as he begins work with the Black Stars.“Together, with unity, discipline, and ambition, we will work to honour the expectations of a great football nation.”The 71-year-old is expected to begin duties immediately, with initial focus on player assessment, technical staff formation, and tactical preparation ahead...

Ghana have appointed Carlos Queiroz as manager for their 2026 World Cup campaign. The Black Stars will face England, Panama and Croatia in group L at this summer’s tournament. Queiroz has bee…

The Ghana Football Association has appointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars. The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal, and Iran coach will lead Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Queiroz boasts an extensive World Cup pedigree. He [...] The post Carlos Queiroz appointed Black Stars head coach for 2026 FIFA World Cup first appeared on Sahara Football.

The 73-year-old has coached Iran at each of the last three World Cup finals, having taken Portugal to the last-16 stage of the 2010 edition.

The 73-year-old has coached Iran at each of the last three World Cup finals, having taken Portugal to the last-16 stage of the 2010 edition.

NOT content with bombing Iran, the Americans are now hell-bent on blowing football fans’ credit ratings to smithereens. Who knew, after deeply controversial tournaments in Russia and Qatar, it would actually be the 2026 World Cup in North America which would prove to be the most divisive in recent memory. Whether it’s the ongoing political tension, Donald...

Iran wants their World Cup matches moved from the United States to Mexico

A first face-to-face meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino since the U.S. and Israel started a war against Iran on February 28 made genuine progress in soccer diplomacy at the end of a fraught month.

Fresh from defeating one FIFA World Cup-bound team (Iran) and drawing with another (Jordan) in the city of Antalya, Turkey, three-time African champions Nigeria are looking forward to a very exciting summer, as they are set for battles against Poland and FIFA World Cup-bound Portugal during the FIFA window for friendly matches in June. NFF’s […]

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Nicky Bandini as Italy suffer World Cup heartbreak once again and England play out yet another disappointing friendly. Subscribe to The Guardian Football Weekly ► https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 Chapters: 00:00 - Coming up... 00:54 - Italy are NOT on the plane 16:25 - Sweden ARE on the plane 20:00 - Czechia beat Denmark 21:14 - Turkey, are they dark horses? 00:23:13:00 - Ad break 23:15 - Tuchel loses to another good team 33:30 - World Cup round up inc. Iran and Iraq 00:36:42:14 - Ad break 2 36:44 - Spurs appoint De Zerbi Support the Guardian ► https://support.theguardian.com/ Guardian Football Weekly podcast: Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/football-weekly/id188674007 Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/6w8qWe0kjgHEHSWDSDGoLW?si=231c666f7f5a4453 Follow Guardian Football Weekly: Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/guardian_footballweekly/ TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@guardian_footballweekly #italy #england #worldcup

Iran's participation at the men's World Cup has been thrown into doubt due to its ongoing war with co-hosts the United States.

The players lined ⁠up holding pink and purple bags with ribbons on them — a reference to the attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School ​which Tehran says killed ‌more than 175 people including children and teachers on the first day of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes

On Thursday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the Republic of Ireland squad, Champions League and the Europa League. Heimir Hallgrimsson names his Republic of Ireland squad ahead of a crucial World Cup playoff showdown with Czechia in Prague. Squad update from Abbottstown includes returning faces and a potential new addition. Liverpool cruise into the Champions League quarter-finals with a dominant 4-0 win over Galatasaray at Anfield. Goals from Szoboszlai, Ekitike, Gravenberch and Salah highlight one of Liverpool’s standout performances of the season. Barcelona dismantle Newcastle in a dramatic 7-2 win on the night, sealing an 8-3 aggregate victory. Reaction from Hansi Flick and Eddie Howe after a chaotic and high-scoring European clash. Tottenham win under Igor Tudor but still exit the Champions League after a narrow aggregate defeat to Atletico Madrid. Harry Kane hits a historic milestone, becoming the first English player to score 50 Champions League goals as Bayern advance. Quarter-final ties confirmed, including Liverpool vs PSG and Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich. Manchester United talking points: Michael Carrick backs his players for England recalls, while Gary Neville weighs in on the club’s managerial future. Europa League drama as Ferencvaros collapse against Braga, while Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest face decisive second legs. Wider football updates including Troy Parrott’s European hopes, Championship and WSL results, and FIFA discussions over Iran’s World Cup participation. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Former Iran men's national team coach Afshin Ghotbi recently commented on the country's current state in the men and women's game. "Soccer Matters with Glenn Davis" airs Tuesdays 6 p.m. CT on ESPN Houston 97.5 and 92.5 FM. Soccer Matters Linktree: https://linktr.ee/soccermatters Merchandise: https://stores.lamontbrands.com/affiliates/default.aspx?p=viewcat&showpage=1 Follow Soccer Matters on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoccerMatters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soccermattersgd/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soccermatters X: https://www.twitter.com/soccermattersGD Follow Glenn Davis on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenndavissoc/ X: https://www.twitter.com/GlennDavisSoc Subscribe to the Podcast! ESPN Houston: https://www.espn975.com/soccer-matters/ AudioBoom: https://audioboom.com/channels/4554269-soccer-matters-with-glenn-davis Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soccer-matters-with-glenn-davis/id594664700?uo=4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MzjD3583qxnNNVhW8fc00

Kevin and Jose project the bat signal for an emergency show as the Union start 0-4 and find themselves last place in Major League Soccer. rundown: -Ernst Tanner suspension and reaction -what to do with the lineup -developing a new identity in the post-Kai Wagner world -should Cavan Sullivan start? -Milan Iloski at forward or wide midfield -redundancy at the striker position -right-footed left backs -Iran's position in the World Cup

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Champions Cup, and World Cup chat. What a week of highs and lows it's been for the Whitecaps. A heavy defeat at home to Seattle in the CONCACAF Champions Cup leaves them needing to stage an epic comeback in this week's second leg, and it left a wounded Whitecaps side to take their anger out on visiting Minnesota United in a six goal rout on Sunday. We pick over the bones of both matches and the main talking points coming out of them, hear from Minnesota head coach Cameron Knowles, and round-up the weeks action across the Champions Cup and MLS. All of this plus we talk more about Iran's participation at this year's World Cup, the Canadian kits for the tournament, and move onto the letter L in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series. Music-wise, Scottish band Bis continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, Shop Assistants are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month continues in Wavelength and on the pitch in Brazil! Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode: 01.29: Intro chat 07.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - L 21.30: Whitecaps have mountain to climb in Champions Cup 50.10: Whitecaps bounce back to demolish Minnesota 82.00: Minnesota musings with Cameron Knowles 92.06: MLS West round-up 106.14: Dayne vs Max - The battle to be Canadian number one 112.05: Iran's World Cup participation in doubt? 122.15: Canada's World Cup kits and injury updates 126.45: Wavelength - The Business - Boys Are Out Tonight

We’re back with another AFTN Soccer Show packed full of Vancouver Whitecaps, Major League Soccer, Champions Cup, and World Cup chat.What a week of highs and lows it's been for the Whitecaps. A heavy defeat at home to Seattle in the CONCACAF Champions Cup leaves them needing to stage an epic comeback in this week's second leg, and it left a wounded Whitecaps side to take their anger out on visiting Minnesota United in a six goal rout on Sunday. We pick over the bones of both matches and the main talking points coming out of them, hear from Minnesota head coach Cameron Knowles, and round-up the weeks action across the Champions Cup and MLS.All of this plus we talk more about Iran's participation at this year's World Cup, the Canadian kits for the tournament, and move onto the letter L in our Canadian Soccer A to Z series. Music-wise, Scottish band Bis continue their residency as our Artists of the Month, Shop Assistants are the latest band to feature in our 40th anniversary tribute year to the C86 movement, and Football Violence Awareness Month continues in Wavelength and on the pitch in Brazil!Here’s the rundown for the main segments from the episode:01.29: Intro chat07.00: Canadian Soccer A to Z - L21.30: Whitecaps have mountain to climb in Champions Cup50.10: Whitecaps bounce back to demolish Minnesota82.00: Minnesota musings with Cameron Knowles92.06: MLS West round-up106.14: Dayne vs Max - The battle to be Canadian number one112.05: Iran's World Cup participation in doubt?122.15: Canada's World Cup kits and injury updates126.45: Wavelength - The Business - Boys Are Out Tonight

On Monday's Football Daily, David Wilson brings you news from the League of Ireland, Premier League and the international game. Preview of Monday’s League of Ireland Premier Division fixtures as the St. Patrick’s weekend double-header continues. St. Patrick’s Athletic host Derry City at Richmond Park with the hosts chasing a fifth straight win. Pressure mounting on Derry boss Tiernan Lynch after Friday’s 2–1 defeat to Shelbourne. St. Pats head coach Stephen Kenny urges his in-form side to stay grounded despite their winning run. Northside Dublin derby at Tolka Park as Shelbourne face Bohemians, with Bohs looking to hold top spot. Drogheda United attempt to halt a three-game losing streak when Shamrock Rovers visit Sullivan and Lambe Park. Dundalk carry momentum from their 5–0 win over Waterford into a clash with struggling Sligo Rovers. Galway United welcome bottom side Waterford to Eamonn Deacy Park in the night’s late kick-off. Waterford strengthen their defence by signing former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Long. Troy Parrott shines for AZ Alkmaar with a goal and two assists ahead of this week’s Ireland squad announcement. Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3–1, boosting their push for Champions League qualification under Michael Carrick. Tottenham Hotspur grab a late point at Liverpool, with Richarlison cancelling out Dominik Szoboszlai’s opener. Real Madrid welcome back Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City. Plus updates from the Premier League, Scotland, international squads and the latest World Cup controversy involving Iran Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Iran announced it cannot play World Cup matches in Los Angeles and Seattle after the U.S. attacked the country. FIFA will decide who replaces Iran.

Tehran’s decision follows Australia’s move to grant asylum to female players

On Wednesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the Champions League, the international game and why football is so important in modern-day Iran. Champions League fallout as Tottenham lose 5–2 to Atletico Madrid, increasing pressure on manager Igor Tudor. Tudor substitutes goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after just 17 minutes following two costly errors. Tottenham Supporters’ Trust call for Tudor to be sacked after four straight defeats since his appointment. Spurs face another tough test this weekend with a Premier League trip to Liverpool at Anfield. Liverpool suffer a 1–0 defeat to Galatasaray in Istanbul, with Mario Lemina scoring the winner. Arne Slot remains confident despite criticism, pointing to missed chances and a VAR-ruled-out equaliser. Newcastle denied a famous win as Barcelona score a stoppage-time penalty to draw 1–1. Bayern Munich thrash Atalanta 6–1 in Bergamo in the night’s most dominant performance. Preview of tonight’s Champions League ties featuring Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester City vs Real Madrid, and PSG vs Chelsea. Championship round-up as Millwall move close to automatic promotion and Leicester climb out of the relegation zone. FIFA confirms Iran will be allowed compete at the 2026 World Cup in the United States despite recent political tensions. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Dr. Babak Fozooni, tutor at The Open University, joins Eoin to reflect on the power of football as both a distraction and a form of protest for the Iranian people throughout decades of authoritarian rule. With members of the Iranian Women's team currently applying for asylum in Australia, Dr. Fozooni explains how the sport is deeply entrenched in Iranian feminism, as well as looking to a Men's World Cup where it seems increasingly less likely that Iranian players will take to the pitch come June.

Conflict between the U.S. and Iran threatens to put politics at the center of the 2026 World Cup instead of soccer's most prestigious showcase.

After a non-Premier League weekend, inspired by a Discord question we speculate what would happen if every single Premier League manager became a free agent in the summer. Would clubs stick or twist with their current coach? We play The Rondo, it’s another bad week for JJ… We discuss if the notion of The Big 6 clubs is done and dusted if Tottenham Hotspur are relegated. We then speak about how the current war in the Middle East may impact the men’s World Cup and is impacting the Women’s Asia Cup currently. This episode of the Tifo football podcast is hosted by Joe Devine, features Reuben Pinder, JJ Bull & Colin Millar and is produced by Steve Hankey. Join the Tifo Discord Server - https://discord.gg/6nMGtSyyNM Tom Dulat / Stringer / Getty Images Europe via GettyImages Stu Forster / Staff / Getty Images Europe via GettyImages 00:00 - a dripping intro 04:00 - Which PL teams would rehire their current manager if they had a clean slate? 41:58 - a break 42:00 - THE RONDO 49:36 - a refreshed relegation opportunity for Tottenham 55:10 - If Spurs go down, is the big 6 finished? 1:03:05 - The impact of the war in Iran on football 1:12 - Points Are Bad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.