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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

FIFA's 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at a friendly match in Turkey, the governing body's chief dismissed suggestions that the team might be relocated or withdrawn from the tournament.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

Betting spotlight

Arsenal vs Fulham predictions: Gunners to claim low-scoring win
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Frequently asked questions

One of the oldest football clubs in the world, Middlesbrough were formed in 1876 by members of the Middlesbrough Cricket Club at the Albert Park Hotel.

British entrepreneur Steve Gibson is the owner as well as chairman of Middlesbrough, acquiring the reins in 1994.

Middlesbrough play their games at the Riverside Stadium, which replaced Ayresome Park in 1995 as the club's main home venue.

Riverside Stadium's capacity stands at 34,742 and has been the home of Middlesbrough since 1995. From 1879 to 1903, the club played their games at Linthorpe Road, before moving to Ayresome Park in 1903. Middlesbrough played at this venue for 92 years till 1995.

Middlesbrough have won just one honour throughout their history, the League Cup title in the 2003-04 season.

Middlesbrough have not won a single English top flight title yet.

Former English goalkeeper Tim Williamson holds the record of making the most appearances for Middlesbrough, playing 602 games between 1902 and 1923.

George Camsell, a ruthless striker for Middlesbrough between 1925 and 1939, scored a club-record 325 goals in 419 games, which also includes 59 goals in 37 league games in the 1926-27 season.

Brian Clough, Gareth Southgate, Adama Traore, Marcus Tavernier, Alvaro Negredo, Victor Valdes, and Shay Given are some of Middlesbrough's most famous players ever.

Terry Venables, Michael Carrick, and Gareth Southgate are some of the most famous managers to have managed Middlesbrough.

Boro, the shortened version of the club name, is Middlesbrough's nickname. They have also been called The Teessiders and The Smoggies.

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