President Donald Trump speaks at an education event and executive order signing in the East Room of the White House in Washington, March 20, 2025
A WIN against the United Arab Emirates and a draw with Uzbekistan were enough to see Iran become one of the first non-host nations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Their qualification and likely visit to the United States raised familiar problems around the nation that will host the 2026 tournament along with Canada and Mexico.
A New York Times report earlier this month revealed that the Trump administration is proposing a new travel ban on 43 countries. The list is separated into three groups, with countries in one of those groups subjected to a full visa suspension, ie a complete ban. Iran is one of the nations in that group, along with other potential World Cup qualifiers, Sudan and Venezuela.
With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON
Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON
