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Fifa President Gianni Infantino speaks to reporters in Mexico City on the eve of the 2026 World Cup. Reuters

Fifa boss says fans 'should chill' over Somali referee's denied entry to US

Gianni Infantino speaks on Iran, visas and ticket prices on eve of 2026 World Cup

As World Cup 2026 begins, politics looms as large as the football

World Cup 2026 analysis: Who are the favourites and why?

Is World Cup 2026 the most political tournament in football history?

UAE qualify for Women’s Asia Cup after Theertha Satish and Esha Oza heroics

Video

Omar Artan was named Africa's best referee in 2025. AFP

Somali referee Omar Artan refuses to give up on dream: 'I will be at the next World Cup'

Official who was denied entry to the US arrives back in Mogadishu to hero's welcome

Is bigger better? 48-team World Cup can be transformative for small countries

Fares Ghedjemis: From the French fourth tier to World Cup 2026 with Algeria

World Cup 2026: Five young Arab talents who could light up the tournament

Somali referee refused entry by US says World Cup dream has been shattered

Iran says ticket allocation for World Cup pulled days before tournament starts

Oza hits 92 then takes hat-trick as UAE eye Asia Cup qualification

Spotlight

The 2026 Fifa World Cup features 48 teams competing across three countries - the US, Canada and Mexico. Getty Images

As World Cup 2026 begins, politics looms as large as the football

Iran war and visa restrictions cloud Fifa's biggest tournament as pressure builds on co-hosts US to perform

Fifa boss says fans 'should chill' over Somali referee's denied entry to US

Omar Artan was named Africa's best referee in 2025. AFP

Somali referee Omar Artan refuses to give up on dream: 'I will be at the next World Cup'

Fares Ghedjemis: From the French fourth tier to World Cup 2026 with Algeria

Is bigger better? 48-team World Cup can be transformative for small countries

Is World Cup 2026 the most political tournament in football history?

Alex Eala of the Philippines with the Birmingham Open trophy after her win over Nikola Bartunkova in the final. Getty Images

Filipina star Eala celebrates 'incredible' maiden grass court title

Eala rises to No 33 in the world after battling win over Nikola Bartunkova

French Open chaos: Zverev and Andreeva prevail at wildest Grand Slam in years

Mirra Andreeva of Russia celebrates with her Suzanne Lenglen trophy after winning her Women's final match against Maja Chwalinska of Poland at the French Open Grand Slam tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 06 June 2026. EPA / TERESA SUAREZ

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Andreeva ends Chwalinska's dream run to clinch French Open title

French Open: Sabalenka crashes out after spectacular collapse against Shnaider

Zverev ends Jodar's run as Kostyuk sets up emotional semi-final

Aryna Sabalenka dances her way into French Open quarter-finals

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UAE celebrate qualification for the Women's Asia Cup. Courtesy ACC

UAE qualify for Women’s Asia Cup after Theertha Satish and Esha Oza heroics

Oza hits 92 then takes hat-trick as UAE eye Asia Cup qualification

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Kimi Antonelli clinches Monaco GP pole after 'magic lap'

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Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix. Reuters

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Magomed Ankalaev is the top-ranked light heavyweight in the UFC. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Ankalaev v Rountree to headline UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi

Former light heavyweight champ Ankalaev returns to the octagon for the first time since dropping his title to Alex Pereira at UFC 320

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