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World Cup Golden Boot GFX

World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Messi & David lead

The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars

USA WC26 SOCCER D1 BELGIUM RED DEVILS VS EGYPT

Doku ruled out for Belgium with respiratory infection

Belgium’s World Cup preparations have been hit by a significant setback as star winger Jeremy Doku has been ruled out of the upcoming group stage fixture against Iran. The Manchester City attacker is struggling with a recurring respiratory infection that has forced him out of training in Los Angeles.

IR Iran v New Zealand: Group G - FIFA World Cup 2026

Iran complain to FIFA over U.S. travel rules

Iran have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA after being subjected to strict U.S. travel restrictions during the 2026 World Cup. The Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) argues the rules are harming the team's preparation and recovery, while American authorities insist the conditions were agreed in advance.

World Cup Power Rankings GFX

WC26 Power Rankings: Messi powers Argentina to top spot

The first round of 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures is in the books, and the tournament has gotten off to a flyer. Despite a lack of eye-catching fixtures on paper in the new, expanded format, there have been thrills and spills aplenty, with all the big names showing up for their respective countries on football's biggest stage. Well, almost all of them.

IR Iran v New Zealand: Group G - FIFA World Cup 2026

Mohebi explains 'gun' celebration after Iran draw

Mohammad Mohebi's goal celebration during Iran's World Cup opener against New Zealand has sparked widespread debate, with many interpreting the gesture as a political statement. The midfielder's actions, combined with teammate Ramin Rezaeian's post-match comments, have intensified scrutiny amid a tense atmosphere surrounding Team Melli's opening fixture.

IR Iran v New Zealand: Group G - FIFA World Cup 2026

Iran forced to leave U.S. 'immediately' after New Zealand draw

Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei has heavily criticised tournament organisers, labelling his squad the "most repressed team" at the World Cup after they were ordered to leave the United States "immediately" after their opening match. The logistical dispute erupted directly after Iran fought back to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium.

Spain v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

Four nations will make debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan set to grace the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It will be the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and all will have ambitions of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages.

Iran v Gambia - Friendlies ANTALYA, TURKIYE - MAY 29: Players of Iran National Football Team celebrate after their teammate Mehdi Taremi (9) scored a goal during a friendly football match against Gambia at Titanic Mardan Palace Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkiye on May 29, 2026. Orhan Cicek Anadolu Antalya Turkey. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxOrhanxCicekx

Iran forced into match-day only US entry as government makes terrorism claim

The 2026 World Cup has been plunged into fresh diplomatic controversy after it was revealed that Iran's national team will be forced to follow strict same-day entry and exit rules for their matches in the United States. Following a series of security claims and heightened geopolitical tensions, the squad has been told they can only step onto American soil on the actual days they are scheduled to play.

Spain vs Iraq - Friendlies

Explained: Why ALL squad players must join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

World Cup iconic moments GFX

RANKED: 100 most iconic moments in World Cup history

The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.

Claudia Sheinbaum Daily Morning Briefing

President confirms Iran left US for Mexico ahead of World Cup

The landscape of the 2026 World Cup is shifting as geopolitical tensions spill over into the world of sport. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has officially confirmed that Iran’s national team are set to relocate its base of operations from the United States to Mexico ahead of the tournament.

Qatar v IR Iran - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Iran move World Cup base to Mexico

Iran has successfully lobbied FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup training headquarters from the United States to Mexico. The decision comes as regional tensions and security logistics prompted the Iranian federation to seek an alternative to their original plans in Arizona.

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Iran issues 10-point World Cup ultimatum

The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has thrown the 2026 World Cup into the spotlight by issuing a strict 10-point ultimatum to the host nations. Despite qualifying for the tournament, Tehran has warned that their participation depends on specific security and visa guarantees following recent diplomatic friction.

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Infantino 'sure' Iran will compete at World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed any doubts regarding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, insisting the nation will be present despite the escalating war involving co-hosts the United States. Football's world governing body chief has moved to provide clarity on Iran’s status after geopolitical tensions led to suggestions that their involvement could be at risk.