world cup 2026

The Digest: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup and play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the ongoing Middle East war. Speaking at Iran's friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey, Infantino said the team's...

The Digest: Senegal secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Peru in a friendly match on Saturday, marking their first game since the Confederation of African Football controversially stripped them of their AFCON title and awarded it to Morocco. Jackson opened the scoring in the 41st minute...

The Digest: Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has pleaded with Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti to include Neymar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad after the Santos forward was omitted from the recent international break squad. Ancelotti had insisted that the former Paris Saint-Germain...

The Digest: France and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has addressed the controversy surrounding his knee injury, denying reports that the club's medical staff examined the wrong leg. Speaking at a press conference ahead of France's friendly against Brazil, Mbappe stated, "The information...

The Digest: Football Supporters Europe and Euroconsumers have filed a formal complaint with the European Commission against FIFA, accusing the football governing body of abusing its monopoly to impose "excessive ticket prices" for the 2026 World Cup. The groups allege that ticket costs have...

The Digest: The Nigeria Football Federation has commenced an appeal against FIFA's rejection of its petition challenging DR Congo players' eligibility in the 2026 World Cup playoff. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi confirmed the federation is "dissatisfied" with the ruling and will...

The Digest: FIFA dismissed Nigeria's petition against DR Congo over alleged ineligible players due to procedural failures, according to veteran journalist Kunle Solaja. The NFF submitted the protest nearly two weeks after the November 16, 2025, World Cup playoff, which Nigeria lost 4-3 on...

The Digest: Iran has begun negotiations with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing security concerns. The Iranian Embassy in Mexico confirmed the development, quoting FA president Mehdi Taj, who stated the team "will certainly not travel to...

The Digest: FIFA has approved four new rule changes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico with an expanded 48-team format. The tweaks aim to make matches faster and assist referees in decision-making. The new rules include: Substitutions: Players being...

The Digest: FIFA's prolonged delay in ruling on Nigeria's protest against DR Congo's player eligibility has left the Super Eagles' 2026 World Cup hopes in limbo and sparked mounting frustration within Nigeria's football community. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) alleges that DR Congo...

The Digest: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured football fans of their safety ahead of the 2026 World Cup matches in Guadalajara, offering "full guarantees" and stating there is "no risk" to supporters despite recent cartel violence. Her comments follow the killing of notorious...

The Digest: Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup appear all but over after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the Super Eagles will participate in a Four-Nation Invitational Tournament in Jordan during next month's FIFA window, the same period set aside for...

The Digest: National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko has confirmed that FIFA has yet to communicate a ruling on Nigeria's petition against DR Congo over the alleged fielding of ineligible players during the 2026 World Cup playoffs. Speaking after meeting President Tinubu, Dikko...

The Digest: Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has returned to full training, easing concerns ahead of Saturday's Major League Soccer season opener against LAFC. The defending MLS Cup champions' preparations were clouded after Messi was substituted early in a preseason friendly with a left...

The Digest: The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed circulating reports claiming FIFA has issued a verdict on Nigeria's protest against DR Congo over alleged ineligible players, describing them as "false and misleading." NFF Communications Director Ademola Olajire clarified that...

The Digest: Nigeria's Super Eagles will face Jordan in an international friendly scheduled for the March 23-31 FIFA window in Amman, marking the first-ever senior meeting between both nations. The match forms part of Jordan's preparations for their debut World Cup appearance, where they have...

The Digest: As FIFA prepares to rule Monday on Nigeria's eligibility protest against DR Congo, historical precedents show the governing body has consistently enforced strict sanctions for fielding ineligible players. Notable cases include: Nigeria itself forfeited a 2018 World Cup qualifier to...

The Digest: Nigerians have taken to social media with mixed reactions as FIFA prepares to deliver a crucial ruling Monday on Nigeria's eligibility protest against DR Congo, which could revive the Super Eagles' 2026 World Cup hopes. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a complaint...

The Digest: FIFA will deliver a crucial ruling on Monday, February 16, regarding Nigeria's eligibility protest against DR Congo, with the Super Eagles' 2026 World Cup hopes hanging in the balance. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) filed the complaint on December 15, 2025, alleging six DR...

The Digest: The Nigeria Football Federation's long-standing pursuit of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has suffered a major setback, with Austria launching an aggressive bid to secure the 22-year-old's international allegiance. According to The Athletic, the Austrian Football...