France passes Spain for No. 1 in FIFA world rankings; US drops
France has overtaken Spain to regain the No. 1 spot in the FIFA world rankings for the first time since September 2018.
Belgium Sport News
Mexico draw 1-1 with Belgium in Chicago ahead of World Cup
March 31 : Mexico and Belgium played out a 1-1 draw in a friendly at Soldier Field on Tuesday, capping off their final warm-up matches before finalising their 26-man World Cup squads.
How USMNT player pool has evolved since 2022 World Cup, and what it means for 2026 - ESPN
As the final whistle blew on its 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup round of 16, the U.S. men's national team faced a particularly strange 3.5 years. As co-host of the expanded 2026 World Cup, the team was already qualified and therefore wouldn't play another truly meaningful match until the World Cup began.
'Iran will be at World Cup' and play in US, says FIFA's Infantino
ANTALYA, Turkey: FIFA president Gianni Infantino told AFP Tuesday (Mar 31) that Iran "will be at the World Cup" and will play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the Middle East war."Iran will be at the World Cup," Infantino said at half-time of Iran's friendly against Costa Rica in Türkiye."That's why we're here. We're delighted because they're a very, very strong team, I'm very happy.""I've seen the team, I've spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine," added Infantino, whose attendance at Tuesday's game was unannounced.Infantino went on to stress that Iran's "matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw".The World Cup, being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, starts on Jun 11.Iran are set to play their first Group G game against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Jun 15. They are then scheduled to play Belgium in Los Angeles on Jun 21 and Egypt in Seattle on Jun 27.Iran's participation had been thrown into doubt by the war with the US and Israel that broke out on Feb 28.The Iranian football federation said earlier this month it was "negotiating" with FIFA to relocate the country's World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also said that her country is prepared to host Iran's first-round matches at the tournament if needed.
Lukaku faces Napoli discipline for training no-show after Belgium withdrawal
March 31 : Romelu Lukaku could be in hot water with Napoli after the Belgium striker failed to turn up for training despite withdrawing from international duty with an injury, the Serie A champions said on Tuesday.
Infantino promises FIFA backing for Iran to play at World Cup
March 31 : FIFA president Gianni Infantino threw his support behind Iran's World Cup preparations on Tuesday, attending their 5-0 friendly win over Costa Rica in Turkey even as their tournament participation is in limbo due to Middle East tensions.
United States considering tactic shift to get Pulisic on track - ESPN
MARIETTA, Georgia — United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said he's considering some tactical tweaks to help get star attacker Christian Pulisic back to his best in front of the goal.
Coach Broos confident South Africa can surprise at World Cup
CAPE TOWN, March 30 : South Africa can create a few surprises at this year's World Cup as they will go into the tournament as an unknown factor, coach Hugo Broos said on Monday.