Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has offered Sardar Azmoun an international reprieve by naming the prolific frontman in his 26-man squad for upcoming friendly fixtures against Uzbekistan and Russia. The Dubai-based forward returns to Team Melli four months after being controversially omitted from the World Cup following friction with national authorities.
World football’s governing body has taken a significant step toward reintegrating Russia into the international fold after including their youth side in a new tournament. The move marks the first major softening of the stance against the nation since the widespread sporting ban was implemented four years ago.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sparked fresh controversy by declaring that Russia’s ban from international football should "definitely" be lifted. In a wide-ranging interview, the Swiss official argued that the exclusion only created frustration. He also doubled down on his decision to award President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.
Cumnock Juniors
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