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Iran

Egypt and Iran reveal alternative World Cup participation plan With the final whistle on their group stage fortunes blowing, both Egypt and Iran have unveiled a contingency bluepri

Doubts surround the Iranian national team ahead of the World Cup. As the final whistle approaches for football’s showpiece event, observers in Tehran and beyond sense a palpable unease about the team’s readiness. Concerns range from the squad’s defensive fragility to the lingering effects of domestic political pressures that have shadowed its preparations. Analysts point out that the side has struggled to find consistency in high-profile friendlies, and the coaching staff’s public silence only amplifies the uncertainty. Fans, who have seen their team qualify for a record sixth consecutive tournament, now wonder whether the squad can silence the sceptics when the first match kicks off.

Iran vs NigeriaIran
World Cup missing stars GFX

Biggest stars who failed to qualify for World Cup 2026

We are now just over two months out from the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with all 48 teams now locked in following the culmination of the various play-offs during the March international break. All of the pre-tournament favourites made it safely through qualifying, including Spain, Brazil, England, France and defending champions Argentina.

AnalysisWorld Cup
Gianni Infantino

Infantino insists Iran WILL play at the 2026 World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has doubled down on his commitment to see Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite the escalating military conflict involving the United States. Speaking during a surprise appearance at a friendly match in Turkey, the governing body's chief dismissed suggestions that the team might be relocated or withdrawn from the tournament.

IranWorld Cup
FBL-WC-2026-QUALIFIER-CONCACAF-NCA-CRC

'Responsibility belongs to everyone' - Navas on Herrera critics

Costa Rica’s path to the World Cup has been complicated after beginning the qualifiers with two draws against opponents considered weaker on paper. With Mexico, the United States, and Canada already qualified as hosts, the road seemed far more accessible for Miguel Herrera’s side, a nation that has reached three consecutive World Cups.

K. NavasM. Herrera

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Frequently asked questions

Initially founded as Sunderland and District Teachers A.F.C. in 1879, the club was renamed to Sunderland A.F.C. in October 1880. The club turned professional a decade later, when it joined The Football League ahead of the 1890-91 campaign.

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus (64% stake) and Juan Sartori (36% stake) are the co-owners of Sunderland. The former first acquired shares in February 2021, joining the latter who has been associated with the club since 2018.

Sunderland's home stadium is known as The Stadium of Light, which replaced the iconic Roker Park in 1997. Roker Park served as Sunderland's home ground for almost a century, from 1898 to 1997.

The Stadium of Light has a capacity of 49,000, making it England's ninth-largest football stadium.

Sunderland have won a total of nine trophies, which includes six top-flight titles as well as two FA Cups.

Sunderland have clinched the English top-flight title on six occasions. Their first win came in the 1891-92 season, while they haven't won a single league title since going all the way at the end of the 1935-36 campaign.

Former English goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery holds the record for making the most appearances in Sunderland history. Montgomery made 627 appearances between 1960 and 1977 and was a part of the Sunderland team that won the 1973 FA Cup.

The Sunderland faithful will never forget the contributions of legendary striker Bobby Gurney, who churned out 228 goals in 390 appearances in what is a club record.

Charlie Hurley, Simon Mignolet, John O'Shea, Jordan Pickford, Jermain Defoe, Bobby Kerr, and Jimmy Montgomery are among the most prominent players to have donned the Sunderland shirt.

Bob Kyle, Roy Keane, and Sam Allardyce are among Sunderland's most famous managers.

Previously known as The Rokermen when they played at Roker Park, Sunderland are now officially nicknamed The Black Cats based on 10,000 votes cast by the supporters through the official magazine in 2000. The nickname originates from the names of battery guns which protected the mouth of the River Wear in the 18th century.

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