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The FIFA World Cup 2026 Thread
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Norway book World Cup spot and force Italy into playoffs
MILAN, Italy, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Norway qualified for the 2026 World Cup on Sunday after a 4-1 win away to Italy in their final qualifying match, condemning the hosts, who have missed out on the last two editions of the tournament, to the playoffs.Norway ended the qualifying campaign with a perfect record of eight wins, finishing six points ahead of four-times World Cup winners Italy, who will compete in the playoffs for the third consecutive occasion.
Needing a nine-goal win because of Norway’s superior goal difference, the Italians came out full of aggression and made the early breakthrough just after the 10-minute mark, as Francesco Pio Esposito swept in a close-range finish.
The hosts were dominant until the last minutes of the first half and went close to a second goal several times with Norway having only a half-chance when a shot from Antonio Nusa went over the bar.
However, it was a completely different Norway in the second half and Nusa equalised in the 63rd minute with a left-foot finish from inside the box.
With Norway in control in the closing stages, Italy paid the price for leaving Erling Haaland unmarked in the box in the 78th minute as he met a cross and volleyed home with ease.
Haaland then wrapped up the match with a second goal a minute later, taking his tally for the campaign to 16.
Jorgen Strand Larsen scored the fourth in stoppage time for the visitors, who showed they would be no pushovers at next year's tournament.
Source: REUTERS
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US unveils World Cup visa system but warns fans could still be denied entry
The Trump administration on Monday unveiled a new fast-track visa system for the millions of visitors expected to come to the US for the 2026 World Cup, but said fans could still be denied entry to the country despite holding tickets.
The Fifa prioritized appointment scheduling system, announced at the White House on Monday, will push World Cup ticket-holders to the front of the line for visa interviews. However, secretary of state Marco Rubio made clear that expedited processing does not mean automatic entry.
“Your ticket is not a visa. It doesn’t guarantee admission to the US,” Rubio said. “It guarantees you an expedited appointment. You’re still going to go through the same vetting. We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue.”
The warning suggests non-American citizens within the roughly million people who have already bought tickets could find themselves barred from entering the country despite holding valid match passes and securing faster appointment slots.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said World Cup officials would eventually sell up to 6 to 7 million tickets and told reporters in the Oval Office “we’ll have between five and 10 million people coming to America from all over the world”.
So far, most demand has been domestic: the US, Mexico and Canada will be co-hosting the tournament next June and make up the majority of ticket holders. But Fifa said people from 212 different countries and territories have also already bought their tickets.
To handle the surge in applications, Rubio said the state department has deployed more than 400 additional consular officers worldwide, in some cases doubling embassy staff. The measures have already slashed visa wait times from up to a year to 60 days or less in approximately 80% of countries, according to Rubio.
“In places, for example, like Brazil and Argentina, you would have [had] over a year to get an appointment. Now you can get [one] in less than two months,” Rubio said.
Separately, Trump threatened to relocate matches from host cities he deems problematic, singling out Seattle and its new democratic socialist mayor. The city is scheduled to host six games.
“If we think there’s going to be the sign of any trouble, I would ask [Fifa president] Gianni [Infantino] move that to a different city. We have a lot of cities that would love to have it,” Trump said. “If we think there’s a problem in Seattle where you have a very, very liberal-slash-communist mayor … we’re going to move the event to some place where it’s going to be appreciated and safe.”
The president said he would be willing to deploy the national guard to Los Angeles, another host city, citing concerns with crime and demanding California officials request federal assistance immediately.
“I would love to send in [the] national guard, or whoever’s necessary to help them,” Trump said. “If there’s even a hint of a problem, we want to get in there before the problem. We want to make it totally safe for [Infantino] and Fifa and all the great people that are going to be there.”
Trump called the tournament a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for the country. The US previously hosted the World Cup in 1994. The 2026 edition kicks off in the summer, and will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from the traditional 32.
www.theguardian.com
The Trump administration on Monday unveiled a new fast-track visa system for the millions of visitors expected to come to the US for the 2026 World Cup, but said fans could still be denied entry to the country despite holding tickets.
The Fifa prioritized appointment scheduling system, announced at the White House on Monday, will push World Cup ticket-holders to the front of the line for visa interviews. However, secretary of state Marco Rubio made clear that expedited processing does not mean automatic entry.
“Your ticket is not a visa. It doesn’t guarantee admission to the US,” Rubio said. “It guarantees you an expedited appointment. You’re still going to go through the same vetting. We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue.”
The warning suggests non-American citizens within the roughly million people who have already bought tickets could find themselves barred from entering the country despite holding valid match passes and securing faster appointment slots.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said World Cup officials would eventually sell up to 6 to 7 million tickets and told reporters in the Oval Office “we’ll have between five and 10 million people coming to America from all over the world”.
So far, most demand has been domestic: the US, Mexico and Canada will be co-hosting the tournament next June and make up the majority of ticket holders. But Fifa said people from 212 different countries and territories have also already bought their tickets.
To handle the surge in applications, Rubio said the state department has deployed more than 400 additional consular officers worldwide, in some cases doubling embassy staff. The measures have already slashed visa wait times from up to a year to 60 days or less in approximately 80% of countries, according to Rubio.
“In places, for example, like Brazil and Argentina, you would have [had] over a year to get an appointment. Now you can get [one] in less than two months,” Rubio said.
Separately, Trump threatened to relocate matches from host cities he deems problematic, singling out Seattle and its new democratic socialist mayor. The city is scheduled to host six games.
“If we think there’s going to be the sign of any trouble, I would ask [Fifa president] Gianni [Infantino] move that to a different city. We have a lot of cities that would love to have it,” Trump said. “If we think there’s a problem in Seattle where you have a very, very liberal-slash-communist mayor … we’re going to move the event to some place where it’s going to be appreciated and safe.”
The president said he would be willing to deploy the national guard to Los Angeles, another host city, citing concerns with crime and demanding California officials request federal assistance immediately.
“I would love to send in [the] national guard, or whoever’s necessary to help them,” Trump said. “If there’s even a hint of a problem, we want to get in there before the problem. We want to make it totally safe for [Infantino] and Fifa and all the great people that are going to be there.”
Trump called the tournament a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for the country. The US previously hosted the World Cup in 1994. The 2026 edition kicks off in the summer, and will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from the traditional 32.
US unveils World Cup visa system but warns fans could still be denied entry
Ticket-holders to be fast-tracked for visa screening while Trump again threatens to relocate games from some cities
sweep_shot
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Norway beat Italy 4-1. Norway have qualified for WC.
Italy now need to win in playoff to go through.
Italy now need to win in playoff to go through.
sweep_shot
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Italy didn't make it to last 2 World Cups. Shocking considering they are the 4-time World Champions.
They have to win the playoff if they don't want to miss out again.
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I hope they can qualify this time.
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Qualified teams for the World Cup 2026 so far.
sweep_shot
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Some new countries.
Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan - they are debuting in FIFA WC I believe.
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It was always gonna happen with the 48 team world cup.
sweep_shot
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Yeah.
Anyway, Cameroon was supposed to go through instead of Cape Verde. Looks like Cape Verde upset Cameroon.
Cameroon now may not qualify.
anakwalajinn
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Cameroon are already out. Lost the regional semi finals to DR Congo who also beat Nigeria a few nights ago. So Nigeria also out.
A lot of relu katta teams this world cup
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Curacao become smallest nation to qualify for World Cup
The tiny Caribbean island of Curacao has become the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup after drawing with Steve McClaren's Jamaica.
The record was held by Iceland, who reached the 2018 finals, but their country is far bigger than Curacao, which has a population of just over 150,000 (similar to Cambridge or Huddersfield) and a land area of 171 square miles, smaller than the Isle of Man.
Former England boss McClaren resigned as Jamaica boss after his side, who needed a win in Kingston to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998, were held to a goalless draw, including having an injury-time penalty overruled by VAR.
Curacao boss Dick Advocaat, who was not at the game for personal reasons, will become the oldest coach at a World Cup, aged 78, beating Otto Rehhagel's record when he was in charge of Greece aged 71 in 2010.
Curacao, 37 miles off the Venezuela coast, only became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010, following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.
Ten years ago they were 150th in Fifa's world rankings. Now they are 82nd.
The expanded 2026 World Cup format, which features 48 nations instead of 32, along with the fact hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States all qualify automatically, has given Curacao a much-improved chance as they become the fourth debutant at next summer's tournament - joining Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Jordan.
"It's crazy and would be one of the biggest things that will happen to Curacao," said midfielder Juninho Bacuna, a former Huddersfield, Rangers and Birmingham player before the match.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he added: "It's incredible and amazing. Even a few years ago you would not even think about it.
"To be personally part of it and to make that dream come true would be incredible."
In 10 qualifying matches, they have won seven and finished their campaign unbeaten.
Their fairytale looked shattered in the fourth of the five minutes added on at the end of the game when Curacao substitute Jeremy Antonisse appeared to have brought down Isaac Hayden and the El Salvador referee Ivan Barton immediately pointed to the spot.
But the referee was quickly encouraged by the VAR officials to check the incident on the small touchline screen and reversed his own decision to the consternation of the crowd.
They will be joined at the World Cup by Haiti and Panama from the Conacaf qualifying, with Jamaica having to go into the Intercontinental play-offs.
The Caribbean Island of Haiti sealed their place at a first World Cup since 1974 after defeating Nicaragua 2-0.
Advocaat makes World Cup history
Since January 2024, Dutchman Advocaat, 78, has been in charge of his eighth national side after three spells with the Netherlands, as well as coaching the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Belgium, Russia, Serbia and Iraq.
He helped the Netherlands reach the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup and his South Korean team went out in the group phase in 2006.
His list of clubs managed includes PSV Eindhoven, Rangers, Zenit St Petersburg, Sunderland and Feyenoord.
Advocaat only became Curacao boss after a payment dispute between the players and the country's football association was resolved, and he immediately set his sights on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
"Everyone knows Dick Advocaat is a big name, he is a big coach and everyone respects him in his decisions and the way he works," added Bacuna. "His presence is really important for us as a team and also for the country, and his impact has been really big.
"We started working with him in qualifying for the Nations League and we saw a growth in the team in the way we worked and the way we fought in games."
Dutch talent and some British-born players
As well as having a Dutch manager, the majority of players in the Curacao squad were born in the Netherlands but had family links that enabled them to play for Advocaat's side.
Their squad includes Livingston defender Joshua Brenet, Rotherham midfielder Ar'jany Martha, Middlesbrough forward Sontje Hansen and Sheffield United midfielder Tahith Chong, who was born in Curacao and previously played in the Premier League with Manchester United.
For Bacuna, playing for Curacao was also a chance to play international football with his older brother Leandro, the national side's captain, and that was a key part of his motivation after he had represented the Netherlands at under-21 level.
"I started to play for Curacao in 2019 and it was a big decision for me," said Juninho Bacuna. "At that time I was only 21 and had a lot of years in front of me to see my chances for the Dutch national team.
"But I made a choice early to play for Curacao. One of the reasons was I can play in the same team as my brother and for the family to see us play together.
"The other reason was at the time my chances of playing for the Dutch national team, realistically, was not there. I saw a lot of players from my age already play for the Dutch national team but I didn't have a chance to be called up, so the choice was quick to make to play for Curacao."
But Bacuna felt the country's recent footballing progress would inspire more Dutch-born players to represent the team known as The Blue Family.
"We're seeing more players that are still young and able to play for Holland and they come to play for Curacao - and make the team even stronger," added Bacuna.
BBC
The tiny Caribbean island of Curacao has become the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup after drawing with Steve McClaren's Jamaica.
The record was held by Iceland, who reached the 2018 finals, but their country is far bigger than Curacao, which has a population of just over 150,000 (similar to Cambridge or Huddersfield) and a land area of 171 square miles, smaller than the Isle of Man.
Former England boss McClaren resigned as Jamaica boss after his side, who needed a win in Kingston to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998, were held to a goalless draw, including having an injury-time penalty overruled by VAR.
Curacao boss Dick Advocaat, who was not at the game for personal reasons, will become the oldest coach at a World Cup, aged 78, beating Otto Rehhagel's record when he was in charge of Greece aged 71 in 2010.
Curacao, 37 miles off the Venezuela coast, only became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010, following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.
Ten years ago they were 150th in Fifa's world rankings. Now they are 82nd.
The expanded 2026 World Cup format, which features 48 nations instead of 32, along with the fact hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States all qualify automatically, has given Curacao a much-improved chance as they become the fourth debutant at next summer's tournament - joining Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Jordan.
"It's crazy and would be one of the biggest things that will happen to Curacao," said midfielder Juninho Bacuna, a former Huddersfield, Rangers and Birmingham player before the match.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he added: "It's incredible and amazing. Even a few years ago you would not even think about it.
"To be personally part of it and to make that dream come true would be incredible."
In 10 qualifying matches, they have won seven and finished their campaign unbeaten.
Their fairytale looked shattered in the fourth of the five minutes added on at the end of the game when Curacao substitute Jeremy Antonisse appeared to have brought down Isaac Hayden and the El Salvador referee Ivan Barton immediately pointed to the spot.
But the referee was quickly encouraged by the VAR officials to check the incident on the small touchline screen and reversed his own decision to the consternation of the crowd.
They will be joined at the World Cup by Haiti and Panama from the Conacaf qualifying, with Jamaica having to go into the Intercontinental play-offs.
The Caribbean Island of Haiti sealed their place at a first World Cup since 1974 after defeating Nicaragua 2-0.
Advocaat makes World Cup history
Since January 2024, Dutchman Advocaat, 78, has been in charge of his eighth national side after three spells with the Netherlands, as well as coaching the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Belgium, Russia, Serbia and Iraq.
He helped the Netherlands reach the quarter-finals of the 1994 World Cup and his South Korean team went out in the group phase in 2006.
His list of clubs managed includes PSV Eindhoven, Rangers, Zenit St Petersburg, Sunderland and Feyenoord.
Advocaat only became Curacao boss after a payment dispute between the players and the country's football association was resolved, and he immediately set his sights on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
"Everyone knows Dick Advocaat is a big name, he is a big coach and everyone respects him in his decisions and the way he works," added Bacuna. "His presence is really important for us as a team and also for the country, and his impact has been really big.
"We started working with him in qualifying for the Nations League and we saw a growth in the team in the way we worked and the way we fought in games."
Dutch talent and some British-born players
As well as having a Dutch manager, the majority of players in the Curacao squad were born in the Netherlands but had family links that enabled them to play for Advocaat's side.
Their squad includes Livingston defender Joshua Brenet, Rotherham midfielder Ar'jany Martha, Middlesbrough forward Sontje Hansen and Sheffield United midfielder Tahith Chong, who was born in Curacao and previously played in the Premier League with Manchester United.
For Bacuna, playing for Curacao was also a chance to play international football with his older brother Leandro, the national side's captain, and that was a key part of his motivation after he had represented the Netherlands at under-21 level.
"I started to play for Curacao in 2019 and it was a big decision for me," said Juninho Bacuna. "At that time I was only 21 and had a lot of years in front of me to see my chances for the Dutch national team.
"But I made a choice early to play for Curacao. One of the reasons was I can play in the same team as my brother and for the family to see us play together.
"The other reason was at the time my chances of playing for the Dutch national team, realistically, was not there. I saw a lot of players from my age already play for the Dutch national team but I didn't have a chance to be called up, so the choice was quick to make to play for Curacao."
But Bacuna felt the country's recent footballing progress would inspire more Dutch-born players to represent the team known as The Blue Family.
"We're seeing more players that are still young and able to play for Holland and they come to play for Curacao - and make the team even stronger," added Bacuna.
BBC
sweep_shot
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Cameroon are already out. Lost the regional semi finals to DR Congo who also beat Nigeria a few nights ago. So Nigeria also out.
A lot of relu katta teams this world cup
Wow!
Both Cameroon and Nigeria are out. These are African giants.
Curacao has qualified also (Caribbean country).
This is why I prefer they go back to 32 teams. It felt natural. 48 is too much.
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42 Teams have qualified so far with 4 teams who are making their debut in the FIFA world cup.
sweep_shot
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I support Argentina in football since 1998.
I am rooting for Argentina, Canada, and Morocco in this WC. Maybe Italy too if they make it.
I am rooting for Argentina, Canada, and Morocco in this WC. Maybe Italy too if they make it.
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Iran to attend World Cup draw after boycott threat
A delegation from Iran will attend the 2026 World Cup draw in the US on Friday after threatening to boycott it over a visa row.Iran applied for nine visas but were issued four, with Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's football federation (FFIRI), among those rejected.
Taj said this week that he spoke with Fifa president Gianni Infantino and that no-one from Iran would attend the draw "unless all visas are issued".
However, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoi and Omid Jamali, head of international relations at the FFIRI, have travelled to the US and could be joined by more delegates.
The draw will take place in Washington DC on Friday at 17:00 GMT.
Iran have qualified for their seventh World Cup and fourth in succession.
The US, which is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, has long-standing strict visa restrictions on Iranians for political and security reasons.
In June US President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning nationals from 12 countries from entering the US, citing an effort to manage security threats.
Iran is among the countries affected by the ban, although the executive order is supposed to exempt athletes and coaching staff travelling for the World Cup and 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Source: BBC
Geordie Ahmed
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Draw was the farce I expected it to be
Even when they finally got to the draw itself it doesn't really have the jeopardy of the past due to it being an expanded world cup, there's not many really tough groups and you can even qualify by finishing 3rd
Tournament really starts from the knock out stages
DeadlyVenom
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Scotland got a great draw. Tough but a big game against Brazil.
DeadlyVenom
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Easy group for England
DeadlyVenom
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Not a fan of this 3rd place qualification in general. Weakens the tournament.
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England will begin their World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia, while Scotland have been drawn alongside Brazil at next summer's tournament.
Thomas Tuchel's England will open their tournament in Dallas or Toronto on 17 June, before also facing Ghana and Panama in Group L.
Scotland's first match at the men's World Cup for 28 years will be against Haiti on 13 June, in Boston or New York, followed by matches against Morocco and Brazil in Group C.
Wales or Northern Ireland would join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B, should either come through two rounds of Uefa play-off matches in March.
The Republic of Ireland could meet Mexico, South Africa and South Korea if they qualify.
The first-ever 48-team World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States between 11 June and 19 July 2026.
Source: BBC
Thomas Tuchel's England will open their tournament in Dallas or Toronto on 17 June, before also facing Ghana and Panama in Group L.
Scotland's first match at the men's World Cup for 28 years will be against Haiti on 13 June, in Boston or New York, followed by matches against Morocco and Brazil in Group C.
Wales or Northern Ireland would join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B, should either come through two rounds of Uefa play-off matches in March.
The Republic of Ireland could meet Mexico, South Africa and South Korea if they qualify.
The first-ever 48-team World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States between 11 June and 19 July 2026.
Source: BBC
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Fifa 2026 Fixtures
sweep_shot
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England and Croatia in same groupFrance and Senegal are in same group.
2002 WC rematch.
2018 Semi rematch
DeadlyVenom
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Lol FIFA gave Trump a peace prize.
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England and Croatia in same group
2018 Semi rematch
Indeed.
That was a classic match. Croatia vs England 2018 semi-final.
Anyway, current Croatian team seem weaker than their 2018 team. Their main striker retired.
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I am supporting these teams:
Argentina (I support Argentina in football since 1998)
Canada (my adopted country)
Morocco (I love their spirited football and they are also a Muslim country)
I may support Italy too if they qualify. Italy is my favorite European team.
Argentina (I support Argentina in football since 1998)
Canada (my adopted country)
Morocco (I love their spirited football and they are also a Muslim country)
I may support Italy too if they qualify. Italy is my favorite European team.
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FA urged to press Fifa over World Cup ticket prices
The Football Association has been asked to lobby Fifa to lower the price of World Cup tickets by a leading supporters' group.
The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) says the pricing structure for next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico is "scandalous".
It has joined Football Supporters Europe (FSE) in demanding that the sales process is stopped so fans' groups can hold talks with world governing body Fifa over its pricing policy.
"We back Football Supporters Europe in calling for a halt in ticket sales and we are calling on the Football Association to work with fellow FAs to directly challenge these disgraceful prices," the FSA said in a statement.
"We call on all national associations to stand up for your supporters, without whom there would be no professional game."
BBC Sport has contacted Fifa, the FA and the Scottish FA, all of which are yet to comment.
The huge increase in the price of tickets was revealed on Thursday when Fifa released allocation details for the official supporters' groups of each country.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, group stage fixtures all had set prices of £68.50, £164.50 or £219.
But for England v Croatia and Scotland v Brazil next year, tickets cost around £198, £373 or £523.
The cost ramps up considerably in the latter stages.
Quarter-finals for all teams are £507, £757 and £1,073, with the semi-finals £686, £1,819 and £2,363.
The cheapest tickets for the final are £3,119, seven times more expensive than in Qatar.
There are no concessions across any of its tickets for children or other groups.
www.bbc.com
The Football Association has been asked to lobby Fifa to lower the price of World Cup tickets by a leading supporters' group.
The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) says the pricing structure for next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico is "scandalous".
It has joined Football Supporters Europe (FSE) in demanding that the sales process is stopped so fans' groups can hold talks with world governing body Fifa over its pricing policy.
"We back Football Supporters Europe in calling for a halt in ticket sales and we are calling on the Football Association to work with fellow FAs to directly challenge these disgraceful prices," the FSA said in a statement.
"We call on all national associations to stand up for your supporters, without whom there would be no professional game."
BBC Sport has contacted Fifa, the FA and the Scottish FA, all of which are yet to comment.
The huge increase in the price of tickets was revealed on Thursday when Fifa released allocation details for the official supporters' groups of each country.
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, group stage fixtures all had set prices of £68.50, £164.50 or £219.
But for England v Croatia and Scotland v Brazil next year, tickets cost around £198, £373 or £523.
The cost ramps up considerably in the latter stages.
Quarter-finals for all teams are £507, £757 and £1,073, with the semi-finals £686, £1,819 and £2,363.
The cheapest tickets for the final are £3,119, seven times more expensive than in Qatar.
There are no concessions across any of its tickets for children or other groups.
FA urged to press Fifa on 'scandalous' World Cup ticket prices by supporters' group
Fifa is coming under increasing pressure from supporters' groups to revisit its "scandalous" pricing structure for the World Cup.
www.bbc.com
sweep_shot
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Not sure why Vaughan is upset.
It is supply and demand.
Football is the greatest sport in the world. It is natural for a FIFA WC to have this type of pricing.
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Fifa brings in new £45 ticket for 2026 World Cup
Fifa has introduced a small number of "more affordable" $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup following criticism of its pricing structure for the tournament.
World football's governing body says the new ticket price will be available to a certain number of "loyal fans" of the countries that have qualified for the World Cup.
A Fifa official close to discussions said: "We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do" - adding the decision was unanimous.
Under the previous pricing structure, which the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) call "scandalous", it would have cost a fan more than £5,000 to follow England at every match to the final.
The £45 ticket falls in the 'supporter entry tier', the lowest priced category, and will make up 10% of the allocation for each football association whose team is taking part in a competition being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
For England and Scotland, this will mean about 400 tickets will be available for £45 for their group matches.
Tom Greatrex, chair of the FSA, called Tuesday's announcement a "hollow gesture" adding: "What sounds like a climbdown is a cynical attempt to deflect attention while continuing to rip fans off."
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) said that while it welcomed "Fifa's seeming recognition of the damage its original plans were to cause, the revisions do not go far enough to reconcile".
Meetings took place over the weekend and early this week with senior officials in Doha, Qatar, where initial feedback on pricing was discussed.
Having raised fans' concerns over the cost of tickets with Fifa's hierarchy before the meeting in Doha, English Football Association insiders privately see the announcement as a step in the right direction.
"The entry tier tickets will be allocated specifically to supporters of qualified teams, with the selection and distribution process managed individually by the participating member associations (PMAs)," said a Fifa statement.
"Each PMA will define its own eligibility criteria and application process. They are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams.
"In total, 50% of each PMA allocation will fall within the most affordable range, namely supporter value tier (40%) and the supporter entry tier (10%). The remaining allocation is split evenly between the supporter standard tier and the supporter premier tier."
Fifa has introduced a small number of "more affordable" $60 (£45) tickets for all 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup following criticism of its pricing structure for the tournament.
World football's governing body says the new ticket price will be available to a certain number of "loyal fans" of the countries that have qualified for the World Cup.
A Fifa official close to discussions said: "We have listened to feedback and this new category is the right thing to do" - adding the decision was unanimous.
Under the previous pricing structure, which the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) call "scandalous", it would have cost a fan more than £5,000 to follow England at every match to the final.
The £45 ticket falls in the 'supporter entry tier', the lowest priced category, and will make up 10% of the allocation for each football association whose team is taking part in a competition being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
For England and Scotland, this will mean about 400 tickets will be available for £45 for their group matches.
Tom Greatrex, chair of the FSA, called Tuesday's announcement a "hollow gesture" adding: "What sounds like a climbdown is a cynical attempt to deflect attention while continuing to rip fans off."
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) said that while it welcomed "Fifa's seeming recognition of the damage its original plans were to cause, the revisions do not go far enough to reconcile".
Meetings took place over the weekend and early this week with senior officials in Doha, Qatar, where initial feedback on pricing was discussed.
Having raised fans' concerns over the cost of tickets with Fifa's hierarchy before the meeting in Doha, English Football Association insiders privately see the announcement as a step in the right direction.
"The entry tier tickets will be allocated specifically to supporters of qualified teams, with the selection and distribution process managed individually by the participating member associations (PMAs)," said a Fifa statement.
"Each PMA will define its own eligibility criteria and application process. They are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams.
"In total, 50% of each PMA allocation will fall within the most affordable range, namely supporter value tier (40%) and the supporter entry tier (10%). The remaining allocation is split evenly between the supporter standard tier and the supporter premier tier."
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Winners of 2026 World Cup to pocket $50m in prize money
The winners of the 2026 World Cup will receive $50 million in prize money as part of a record financial contribution for the tournament from FIFA, world football’s governing body announced on Wednesday.
The total World Cup prize fund of $655 million (558.5 million euros) represents an increase of almost 50 percent from the $440 million distributed to teams taking part in the last tournament in Qatar in 2022.
www.arabnews.pk
The winners of the 2026 World Cup will receive $50 million in prize money as part of a record financial contribution for the tournament from FIFA, world football’s governing body announced on Wednesday.
The total World Cup prize fund of $655 million (558.5 million euros) represents an increase of almost 50 percent from the $440 million distributed to teams taking part in the last tournament in Qatar in 2022.
Winners of 2026 World Cup to pocket $50 million in prize money
PARIS: The winners of the 2026 World Cup will receive $50 million in prize money as part of a record financial contribution for the tournament from FIFA, world football’s governing body announced on Wednesday. The total World Cup prize fund of $655 million (558.5 million euros) represents an...
www.arabnews.pk
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Fifa owes fans thousands for resold World Cup tickets
World Cup 2026 ticket holders are owed thousands of pounds by Fifa for tickets they resold on the tournament's official marketplace, BBC Sport has found.
Fifa's terms indicate payment should be made within 60 calendar days of a transaction,, external but some people who sold tickets on the website in early October have still not received their money.
Fifa, which has come under criticism for its World Cup ticket pricing, declined to provide a statement explaining the delays.
BBC Sport understands the issues stem from Fifa needing to obtain additional bank details from those affected before payments can be processed.
The tickets in question were part of the pre-sale draw which ran for 10 days in September, when one million tickets were made available.
Only Visa cardholders were eligible to apply. It is not known how many fans in total have been affected by the issue.
England supporter Iain is owed nearly £650 for a ticket he sold 65 days ago for Canada's opening game in Toronto, money he had hoped to put towards England seats now the fixtures have been confirmed.
www.bbc.com
World Cup 2026 ticket holders are owed thousands of pounds by Fifa for tickets they resold on the tournament's official marketplace, BBC Sport has found.
Fifa's terms indicate payment should be made within 60 calendar days of a transaction,, external but some people who sold tickets on the website in early October have still not received their money.
Fifa, which has come under criticism for its World Cup ticket pricing, declined to provide a statement explaining the delays.
BBC Sport understands the issues stem from Fifa needing to obtain additional bank details from those affected before payments can be processed.
The tickets in question were part of the pre-sale draw which ran for 10 days in September, when one million tickets were made available.
Only Visa cardholders were eligible to apply. It is not known how many fans in total have been affected by the issue.
England supporter Iain is owed nearly £650 for a ticket he sold 65 days ago for Canada's opening game in Toronto, money he had hoped to put towards England seats now the fixtures have been confirmed.
World Cup tickets: Fifa owes fans thousands of pounds
Customers who resold World Cup tickets on Fifa’s official platform say they are still waiting for thousands of pounds in payments.
www.bbc.com
sweep_shot
Hall of Famer
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Waiting for a proper world class World Cup.
Cricket World Cups have become ghetto thanks to BCCICC. Football World Cups are much better.
Cricket World Cups have become ghetto thanks to BCCICC. Football World Cups are much better.
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FIFA received 150 million World Cup ticket requests, Infantino says
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the ticket prices for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, citing heavy demand for them and the revenue generated for the sport around the world.
This month fan groups criticised the cost of tickets , which were several times more expensive than those for similar matches at the 2022 tournament. FIFA then launched a $60 ticket tier to make the games more affordable for fans of qualified teams.
"We have six-seven million tickets on sale ... in 15 days, we received 150 million ticket requests. So, 10 million ticket requests every single day. It shows how powerful the World Cup is," Infantino said on Monday at the World Sports Summit in Dubai.
"In the almost 100 years of history of the World Cup, FIFA has sold 44 million tickets in total. So, in two weeks... we could've filled 300 years of World Cups. Imagine that. This is absolutely crazy."
Fans from the U.S. have made the highest number of ticket requests, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom, the FIFA president said.
"What's crucial is that the revenues that are generated from this are going back to the game all over the world," he added.
"Without FIFA there'd be no football in 150 countries in the world. There is football because, and thanks to, these revenues we generate with, and from, the World Cup which we reinvest all over the world."
DUBAI TO HOST FIFA BEST AWARDS NEXT YEAR
Dubai will host the global governing body's Best Awards ceremony next year.
The FIFA Best Awards honour the top men's and women's players, as well as coaches and teams, as voted for by fans, media representatives, captains and national team coaches.
"I can announce here a new partnership we have closed together to honour the best players, coaches and teams, here in Dubai," Infantino said.
"We have enjoyed the sport, and now we will enjoy even more the unity the sport brings to the entire world."
France forward Ousmane Dembele was named men's player of the year and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the women's award in 2025.
www.reuters.com
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the ticket prices for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, citing heavy demand for them and the revenue generated for the sport around the world.
This month fan groups criticised the cost of tickets , which were several times more expensive than those for similar matches at the 2022 tournament. FIFA then launched a $60 ticket tier to make the games more affordable for fans of qualified teams.
"We have six-seven million tickets on sale ... in 15 days, we received 150 million ticket requests. So, 10 million ticket requests every single day. It shows how powerful the World Cup is," Infantino said on Monday at the World Sports Summit in Dubai.
"In the almost 100 years of history of the World Cup, FIFA has sold 44 million tickets in total. So, in two weeks... we could've filled 300 years of World Cups. Imagine that. This is absolutely crazy."
Fans from the U.S. have made the highest number of ticket requests, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom, the FIFA president said.
"What's crucial is that the revenues that are generated from this are going back to the game all over the world," he added.
"Without FIFA there'd be no football in 150 countries in the world. There is football because, and thanks to, these revenues we generate with, and from, the World Cup which we reinvest all over the world."
DUBAI TO HOST FIFA BEST AWARDS NEXT YEAR
Dubai will host the global governing body's Best Awards ceremony next year.
The FIFA Best Awards honour the top men's and women's players, as well as coaches and teams, as voted for by fans, media representatives, captains and national team coaches.
"I can announce here a new partnership we have closed together to honour the best players, coaches and teams, here in Dubai," Infantino said.
"We have enjoyed the sport, and now we will enjoy even more the unity the sport brings to the entire world."
France forward Ousmane Dembele was named men's player of the year and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the women's award in 2025.
FIFA received 150 million World Cup ticket requests, Infantino says
Fans from the U.S. have made the highest number of ticket requests, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom, the FIFA president said.
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Iran football federation gives dim World Cup outlook after US-assisted strikes on country
Iran’s football federation isn’t looking at the World Cup in a positive fashion after the United States-assisted strikes conducted by Israel against Iran.
Iran qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the U.S., Mexico and Canada this summer. Iran is currently set to face New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to start their Group G play on June 15.
However, Iranian football federation’s president, Mehdi Taj, gave a dim outlook on the tournament for his country.
"What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope," Taj told sports portal Varzesh3 on Sunday.
"The US regime has attacked our homeland, and this is an incident that will not go unanswered."
Andrew Guiliani, the director of the White House World Cup task force, had this to say about the situation on Saturday.
"We’ll deal with soccer games tomorrow—tonight, we celebrate their opportunity for freedom," he wrote on X.
FIFA also noted it will be monitoring the situation with Iran.
Iran’s national team also won’t be preparing for the World Cup, as a 40-day mourning period following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is in effect.
If Iran does participate in the World Cup, athletes, officials and family members will be considered an exception to enter the U.S., which President Donald Trump has previously mentioned. Iran is among countries whose citizens cannot enter the U.S.
www.foxnews.com
Iran’s football federation isn’t looking at the World Cup in a positive fashion after the United States-assisted strikes conducted by Israel against Iran.
Iran qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the U.S., Mexico and Canada this summer. Iran is currently set to face New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to start their Group G play on June 15.
However, Iranian football federation’s president, Mehdi Taj, gave a dim outlook on the tournament for his country.
"What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope," Taj told sports portal Varzesh3 on Sunday.
"The US regime has attacked our homeland, and this is an incident that will not go unanswered."
Andrew Guiliani, the director of the White House World Cup task force, had this to say about the situation on Saturday.
"We’ll deal with soccer games tomorrow—tonight, we celebrate their opportunity for freedom," he wrote on X.
FIFA also noted it will be monitoring the situation with Iran.
Iran’s national team also won’t be preparing for the World Cup, as a 40-day mourning period following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is in effect.
If Iran does participate in the World Cup, athletes, officials and family members will be considered an exception to enter the U.S., which President Donald Trump has previously mentioned. Iran is among countries whose citizens cannot enter the U.S.
Iran football federation gives dim World Cup outlook after US-assisted strikes on country
Iran's football federation expressed a dim World Cup outlook after the U.S.-Israel strikes, with federation president saying the team cannot look forward with hope.
They should not mix politics with sports. Dont be like BCCICCIran football federation gives dim World Cup outlook after US-assisted strikes on country
Iran’s football federation isn’t looking at the World Cup in a positive fashion after the United States-assisted strikes conducted by Israel against Iran.
Iran qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the U.S., Mexico and Canada this summer. Iran is currently set to face New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to start their Group G play on June 15.
However, Iranian football federation’s president, Mehdi Taj, gave a dim outlook on the tournament for his country.
"What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope," Taj told sports portal Varzesh3 on Sunday.
"The US regime has attacked our homeland, and this is an incident that will not go unanswered."
Andrew Guiliani, the director of the White House World Cup task force, had this to say about the situation on Saturday.
"We’ll deal with soccer games tomorrow—tonight, we celebrate their opportunity for freedom," he wrote on X.
FIFA also noted it will be monitoring the situation with Iran.
Iran’s national team also won’t be preparing for the World Cup, as a 40-day mourning period following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is in effect.
If Iran does participate in the World Cup, athletes, officials and family members will be considered an exception to enter the U.S., which President Donald Trump has previously mentioned. Iran is among countries whose citizens cannot enter the U.S.
Iran football federation gives dim World Cup outlook after US-assisted strikes on country
Iran's football federation expressed a dim World Cup outlook after the U.S.-Israel strikes, with federation president saying the team cannot look forward with hope.
anakwalajinn
ODI Debutant
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- Jun 8, 2008
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They should not mix politics with sports. Dont be like BCCICC
Well as shameless as you guys are if Pakistan killed Modi you would still play us in a world cup
Again all talk and bluster. Ifs and buts. Pak could have refused but they caved in and played. The allure of the green dollar overrules everything. Aam pak public wont understand because it all goes to the Pak leaders.Well as shameless as you guys are if Pakistan killed Modi you would still play us in a world cup
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Mexico to deploy 100,000 security personnel for World Cup
World Cup co-hosts Mexico have announced plans to deploy nearly 100,000 security personnel to protect fans at this summer's tournament, amid ongoing drug cartel violence in the country.
Mexico, hosts alongside the United States and Canada, will stage World Cup fixtures across three cities - including Guadalajara, the capital city of Jalisco where the violence began last month and more than 12,000 people are reported missing.
Mexico will also host matches in Mexico City and Monterrey, both spared by the violence, when the World Cup is held between 11 June and 19 July.
The Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel, one of the country's most feared criminal organisations, has engaged in gun shootouts with the Mexican military, blocked roads and burned vehicles in response to the killing of its leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes - known as 'El Mencho' - in an army operation.
El Mencho was Mexico's most wanted man and was also sought by the United States, which had placed a $15m bounty on him.
He was buried on Monday in a cemetery near the military base in Zapopan. On Friday, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum presented her plan to ensure the safe staging of the World Cup.
Fifa and Sheinbaum have insisted that the violence will have no impact on the World Cup, when millions of visitors are expected.
Mexico's 'Plan Kukulkan', named after the serpent deity of the Mayan civilisation, covers the host cities and their nearby tourist destinations and will oversee a security deployment of "just over 99,000 personnel", according to the head of Mexico's World Cup co-ordination centre, Roman Villalvazo Barrios.
That figure includes 20,000 military personnel and 55,000 police officers, as well as members of private security companies, and involves around 2,500 military and civilian vehicles, 24 aircraft, anti-drone systems, and dogs trained to detect explosives and other substances.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has said he feels "very reassured" that Mexico can still successfully stage World Cup games.
The opening match of the tournament between Mexico and South Africa will be in Mexico City.
If the Republic of Ireland come through the World Cup play-offs later this month, they would face South Korea in their first match in Guadalajara and hosts Mexico in Mexico City in another group game.
European champions Spain face Uruguay in another group match in Guadalajara, while Mexico will also host two last-32 matches and a last-16 tie.
World Cup co-hosts Mexico have announced plans to deploy nearly 100,000 security personnel to protect fans at this summer's tournament, amid ongoing drug cartel violence in the country.
Mexico, hosts alongside the United States and Canada, will stage World Cup fixtures across three cities - including Guadalajara, the capital city of Jalisco where the violence began last month and more than 12,000 people are reported missing.
Mexico will also host matches in Mexico City and Monterrey, both spared by the violence, when the World Cup is held between 11 June and 19 July.
The Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel, one of the country's most feared criminal organisations, has engaged in gun shootouts with the Mexican military, blocked roads and burned vehicles in response to the killing of its leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes - known as 'El Mencho' - in an army operation.
El Mencho was Mexico's most wanted man and was also sought by the United States, which had placed a $15m bounty on him.
He was buried on Monday in a cemetery near the military base in Zapopan. On Friday, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum presented her plan to ensure the safe staging of the World Cup.
Fifa and Sheinbaum have insisted that the violence will have no impact on the World Cup, when millions of visitors are expected.
Mexico's 'Plan Kukulkan', named after the serpent deity of the Mayan civilisation, covers the host cities and their nearby tourist destinations and will oversee a security deployment of "just over 99,000 personnel", according to the head of Mexico's World Cup co-ordination centre, Roman Villalvazo Barrios.
That figure includes 20,000 military personnel and 55,000 police officers, as well as members of private security companies, and involves around 2,500 military and civilian vehicles, 24 aircraft, anti-drone systems, and dogs trained to detect explosives and other substances.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has said he feels "very reassured" that Mexico can still successfully stage World Cup games.
The opening match of the tournament between Mexico and South Africa will be in Mexico City.
If the Republic of Ireland come through the World Cup play-offs later this month, they would face South Korea in their first match in Guadalajara and hosts Mexico in Mexico City in another group game.
European champions Spain face Uruguay in another group match in Guadalajara, while Mexico will also host two last-32 matches and a last-16 tie.
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Iranian minister says country will not play in World Cup
Iran are not in a position to participate in the 2026 World Cup, says the country's Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali.
The team are scheduled to play three group matches in the tournament, which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico and gets under way on 11 June.
Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
But their participation has been in doubt since the US and Israel launched strikes on the country, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones towards Israel and other nations which host US military bases.
Earlier on Wednesday, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said US President Donald Trump had told him Iran are "welcome to compete" at this summer's finals.
But in an interview with the IRIB Sports Network on Tuesday, Donyamali said: "Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup.
"Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist."
He added that "over the past eight or nine months, two wars have been imposed on us and several thousand of our people have been killed and martyred. Therefore, we definitely do not have the possibility for participation."
www.bbc.com
Iran are not in a position to participate in the 2026 World Cup, says the country's Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali.
The team are scheduled to play three group matches in the tournament, which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico and gets under way on 11 June.
Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
But their participation has been in doubt since the US and Israel launched strikes on the country, killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones towards Israel and other nations which host US military bases.
Earlier on Wednesday, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said US President Donald Trump had told him Iran are "welcome to compete" at this summer's finals.
But in an interview with the IRIB Sports Network on Tuesday, Donyamali said: "Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup.
"Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist."
He added that "over the past eight or nine months, two wars have been imposed on us and several thousand of our people have been killed and martyred. Therefore, we definitely do not have the possibility for participation."
World Cup 2026: Iranian sports minister says country will not play in tournament
Iran is not in a position to participate in the 2026 World Cup, says the country's Minister of Sports and Youth.
www.bbc.com
Yeah and Pak or Iran should host the WC lol !
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JaDed
T20I Captain
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We were told Fifa was so much better.. lol so Russia remains suspended and Iran will not play and Trump tells don’t come to play..
shah9425
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Behaving like ICC
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