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Iran’s World Cup team arrive in Tijuana with US tensions high

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1 month ago

June 8, 2026

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Iran’s national soccer team arrived in Tijuana early on Sunday ahead of three World Cup matches in the United States, amid tensions that have turned the world’s biggest sporting event into a soft-power contest between the warring countries.

The squad touched down shortly after 5 am (1200 GMT) in the Mexican city, across the border from San Diego, after an overnight flight from Turkey where they have been training for the past three weeks.

As the ‌team’s bus pulled away from Tijuana airport, it paused briefly so members of the federation could wave to about 20 fans holding Iranian flags. A cordon of military and police escorted the team from the airport to their hotel.

Soccer is virtually a religion in Iran, a national pastime beloved by people across the political spectrum. But for Iran’s team, the tournament has been marred by fraught politics at home, the war with the U.S., and tensions over whether they would actually be able to set foot on U.S. soil to play their games.

Even their presence in Tijuana is politically tinged. The Iranian federation negotiated at the last minute to move the team’s base camp from Arizona to Mexico, due to uncertainty over whether they would ⁠be granted visas and a growing feeling in Iran that the squad’s presence in the U.S. should be kept to a minimum, Iran’s ambassador in Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, told Reuters.

Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei told FIFA that the team ideally would have arrived in Tijuana last week in order to adapt to the time difference.

“Normally, in tournaments like this, humanitarian and ethical considerations should come before technical matters, and I believe those considerations were not extended to us,” he said after arriving at Tijuana airport.

Iranian defender Ehsan Hajsafi said the team has suffered “very difficult circumstances” since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February but that the players are in excellent physical condition and “fully ready” for the tournament.

Iran are scheduled to play their first two Group G games near Los Angeles, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, and then face Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iran and the U.S. could meet in the round of 32 if both teams come second in their groups.

PRESSURE ON PLAYERS

This is the first World Cup since its inception in 1930 in which a host nation is set to receive a country it is at war with.

But the U.S. tensions are just one of ‌several factors that ⁠have turned the World Cup into a political battleground for the Iranian team.

Widespread protests that erupted late last year, calling for an end to clerical rule, culminated in a sweeping crackdown that killed more than 2,000 people in the deadliest unrest since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The U.S. and Israel then attacked Iran on February 28, sparking a months-long war that continues.

Iran’s soccer team were under pressure from all sides, said Abbas Milani, director of Iranian studies at Stanford University.

“It has become a lose-lose for the players,” Milani said. “There are pressures on players not to play with the team, pressure to show comity with the people, and the athletes are just ⁠there to play soccer,” he said.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Iran’s team were both cheered and jeered after refusing to sing the national anthem, which was viewed as an act of solidarity with anti-government protesters back home. Since then, the pressures on the team had only increased, Milani said.

VISA DRAMA

After weeks of uncertainty, the U.S. awarded visas to all the players on Friday, just 10 days before their first match.

But several members of the ⁠Iranian squad were not given visas, including “key managerial and administrative members,” according to Iran’s football federation, which accused the U.S. of breaching its host obligations and violating FIFA regulations.

Pasandideh, the Iranian ambassador, said 15 of the 70 members of the party who arrived in Tijuana on Sunday had not been given visas to enter the U.S.

FIFA did not respond to a request for comment about the ⁠dispute.

An official with the U.S. State Department told Reuters on Friday that the administration had issued “the visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff.” The official added: “We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the U.S. under false pretenses.”

Tonatiuh Guillen, who ran Mexico’s national immigration agency between 2018 and 2019, said Mexico’s willingness to host the Iran squad is a message of “solidarity at a moment of emergency.”

Sports

Ashe declares readiness for Commonwealth Games

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2 hours ago

July 15, 2026

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Nigeria’s sprint star, Favour Ashe, says he is mentally and physically prepared for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as Team Nigeria intensifies preparations for the multi-sport event, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 100m and 4x100m relay specialist, popularly known as “The Nigerian Nightmare”, said the national team’s training camp has played a key role in sharpening the athletes’ readiness ahead of the Games.

“Coming into the Commonwealth Games, I would say my mental is in the right spot. I’m ready mentally and physically. This training camp has been a huge boost for the athletes and has put us in a better mental space. So, yes, I would say I’m ready for the Commonwealth Games,” Ashe said.

The sprinter also urged Nigerians to rally behind Team Nigeria throughout the competition.

“I want Nigerians to support us—not just me, but every athlete representing the country. Family and friends should continue to encourage us and support us in every way they can. Thank you so much,” he added.

Ashe’s confidence comes as the Federal Government unveiled a financial reward package for medal winners at the Games.

National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade announced that gold medallists will receive $3,000, silver medallists $2,000 and bronze medallists $1,500, while coaches of medal-winning athletes will earn performance bonuses of $5,000. He also confirmed that the payment of camp allowances has commenced to ensure athletes are fully motivated ahead of the competition.

Nigeria is expected to field a strong contingent in Glasgow, including world record holder Tobi Amusan, sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi, shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, para-powerlifting champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo and several other elite athletes competing across athletics, boxing, cycling, swimming, weightlifting and para sports.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, with about 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in 10 sports.

Sports

FIFA Names Ismail Elfath As Referee To Officiate England Vs Argentina 2026 FIFA World Cup Semi Final

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2 hours ago

July 15, 2026

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FIFA has appointed American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate Wednesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta.

FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that Elfath will oversee the blockbuster showdown at Atlanta Stadium at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, assisted by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins. Italy’s Maurizio Mariani will serve as fourth official, with Daniele Bindoni named reserve assistant referee.

Elfath’s appointment has already drawn attention because of Messi’s remarkable record in matches involving the American. According to reports by Wales Online and NY Sports Day, the Argentina captain has won all five games in which Elfath has officiated or served as an official.

The run includes four Inter Miami victories, the 2023 Leagues Cup final and the 2022 World Cup final, where Elfath was the fourth official as Argentina defeated France on penalties.

The match itself carries decades of history. England are chasing a first World Cup final appearance since lifting the trophy in 1966, while defending champions Argentina hope to reach a second consecutive final after eliminating Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland in the knockout rounds. England booked their place by beating DR Congo, Mexico and Norway.

Security concerns have, however, overshadowed the football. According to the Daily Mirror, the FBI reached its assessment after a security meeting on Monday involving FIFA officials and local law enforcement, identifying the fixture as the competition’s most volatile because of the fierce rivalry between both nations and fears of crowd trouble.

Supporters of England and Argentina will enter the Mercedes-Benz Stadium through separate gates, although officials admitted ticket resale platforms have made it difficult to keep rival fans apart once inside the ground.

The rivalry stretches beyond football and remains influenced by the 1982 Falklands War. Tensions were further heightened this week after Argentina’s foreign minister renewed the country’s claim over the Falkland Islands, a position firmly rejected by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged supporters to keep politics out of the occasion.

“The message to the Argentine people is that this is a soccer match. We’re going to face a great team with a great coach, but it is just a soccer match, nothing more than that,” Scaloni said.

The Atlanta Police Department also announced enhanced security measures across the city ahead of the semi-final.

“As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming FIFA World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture,” the department said in a statement.

“Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

“These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”

The winners of Wednesday’s showdown will progress to Sunday’s World Cup final against either Spain or France, while the losers will head into the third-place play-off.

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Spain thrash France, zoom into World Cup final

Published

6 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Austin Ojomah

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Spain shocked tournament favourites France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final on Tuesday, producing a tactical masterpiece to shatter Les Bleus’ dreams of winning the title for the third time.

A first-half penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a 58th-minute Pedro Porro goal sealed an utterly clinical victory for the European champions at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Spain, World Cup winners in 2010, will now face either Argentina or England in Sunday’s final in New Jersey.

France had entered the showdown as the overwhelming favourites for the tournament after a dazzling, goal-laden run to the semi-finals.

But France’s vaunted front four of captain Kylian Mbappe, Ballon D’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise were snuffed out by a combination of Spanish poise and power.

Spain, who had beaten France in their previous two competitive meetings, had vowed to go on the front foot in the pre-match build-up, and they proved as good as their word.

A superior performance by Spain’s midfield, led by Manchester City star Rodri and assisted by Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, never allowed the French to gain a foothold in the contest.

Spain’s midfield quickly overran the outnumbered French duo of Adrien Rabiot and Aurelien Tchouameni, passing around their opponents with ease to control the early exchanges.

The first signs of French frustration came after just nine minutes when midfielder Rabiot was booked for treading on Olmo’s foot on the edge of the area.

Yet despite the early dominance, it was France who looked the more threatening when venturing into the final third, and it needed a desperate late block by Pau Cubarsi to thwart Mbappe in the 16th minute as the French captain looked to break clear.

Spain’s early dominance got its reward in the 20th minute, though, when a hopeful cross by Marc Cucurella flew across the penalty area.

Lucas Digne didn’t get enough purchase on his attempted headed clearance, and as the Aston Villa player instinctively swung out a leg, he kicked Yamal, sending the Barcelona star crashing to the turf.

El Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton pointed immediately to the spot, and after a brief delay as French players loitered, Oyarzabal stepped up to sweep in a spot-kick that beat the dive of French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

France’s rocky start got worse after 31 minutes when key central defender William Saliba hobbled off with an injury to be replaced by Maxence Lacroix.

Spain almost doubled their lead with a sublime passing move on 38 minutes when wonderful interplay on the edge of the area sliced open France’s defence, with Dayot Upamecano’s block denying Fabian Ruiz.

France enjoyed their best spell in the closing minutes of the first half, and only excellent anticipation from Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón denied Mbappé after Rabiot’s clever through ball.

Spain, though, reasserted themselves at the start of the second half, and Deschamps’ failure to adjust France’s tactics again left the Spanish midfield in charge.

At 58 minutes, Spain struck the hammer blow. Porro and Olmo worked a sensational one-two on the edge of the area that sent Porro through, and the Tottenham defender clipped a fine finish past Maignan.

Only a fractional offside decision denied Spain a third goal in the 61st minute, when Lamal had the ball in the net.

Deschamps made a flurry of substitutions, but France were unable to penetrate Spain’s smothering defence, their best chance coming when Mbappé’s shot was blocked at the near post by Simon.

French frustration was symbolised by Mbappe in the closing minutes, booked for following through on Simon as Spain closed out the victory.

AFP