FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted that Iran “will be participating” in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, dismissing calls for Italy to replace them. Iran is currently embroiled in a war with the USA and Israel, raising doubts about their participation. Infantino said, “The reason is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.” Iran’s group matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.

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Iran was the only country not represented at Thursday’s FIFA congress in Vancouver.
Trump’s special envoy had pushed for Italy to replace Iran, claiming a “more than 50 per cent chance.”
Italian football officials have insisted they would not want to be added to the tournament this way.
Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.

Infantino’s statement rules out the possibility of an Italy recall.

Sources: Complete Sports

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has praised the late Nigerian football legend Stephen Keshi as the nation’s “first genuine superstar.” Speaking on the Global Football Insights podcast, Oliseh said:

“We never questioned his quality as a player because you could see how he performed. This man was the first superstar of Nigerian football.” He highlighted Keshi’s leadership, professionalism, and impact both on and off the field.

Key Points:..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.

Keshi became the first Nigerian to play in a major UEFA club competition final.
He was a member of the victorious 1994 Super Eagles AFCON-winning team.
Oliseh noted Keshi would fly from Belgium to play at AFCON and return to his club.
He described Keshi as disciplined and a winner who “led by example.”
Keshi’s playing career included stints in Belgium, France, and the Ivory Coast.

Oliseh emphasised that Keshi’s performances were self-evident and propelled him to legendary status.

Sources: Complete Sports

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe remains the top scorer in the Champions League following this week’s semi-final first leg fixtures, with 15 goals. Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane is second with 13 goals after scoring in Bayern’s 5-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG) are tied for third with 10 goals each.

Key Points:

Kane has another opportunity to close in on Mbappe in next week’s second leg.
The semi-final second legs will determine who advances to the final.
Mbappe’s Real Madrid face Arsenal after a 1-1 first-leg draw.
Kane’s Bayern trail PSG after a high-scoring first leg.
The top scorers list features players from five different clubs...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.

The race for the Golden Boot remains tight heading into the second legs.

Sources: Goal, Soccernet