Costa Rica

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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.

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.

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at a friendly match in Turkey, the governing body's chief dismissed suggestions that the team might be relocated or withdrawn from the tournament.

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'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.

Frequently asked questions

Blackburn Rovers were founded in 1875, following a meeting that took place between two men of the Shrewsbury School. Blackburn Rovers are among the founding members of the Football League, the oldest football league in the world.

Blackburn Rovers are owned by Venky's, an Indian poultry company which is part of the V H Group.

Blackburn Rovers played their games at four grounds – Oozehead Ground, Pleasington Cricket Ground, Alexandra Meadows, Leamington Road – before making a permanent shift to Ewood Park in 1890.

Ewood Park has a capacity of 31,367. In 1913, a double-tiered Riverside Stand saw the capacity exceed the 70,000-mark.

Blackburn Rovers have won 10 trophies in total - three first division titles, six FA Cups, and one League Cup.

Southampton are yet to be crowned the champions of the Premier League. They have never won an English top flight title.

Blackburn Rovers have won three English top-flight titles, with only one league triumph in the Premier League era (1994-95).

Derek Fazackerley is Blackburn Rovers' all-time leading appearance maker in club history, featuring in 671 games in an 18-year span for the club.

Blackburn Rovers' leading goalscorer of all-time is former English striker Simon Garner, who netted 194 goals in a 14-year stint at the club.

David Raya, Bob Crompton, Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Simon Garner, Brad Freidel, Roque Santa Cruz, and David Dunn are some of the most famous players to have represented Blackburn Rovers.

Blackburn Rovers are nicknamed The Riversiders, a reference to one of the stands at Ewood Park, the Riverside Stand, being adjacent to a river.