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ROME (AP) — The first time seemed like a fluke. The second time was treated as a crisis. Now, Italy fails to qualify for third consecutive World Cuphas become almost expected. Once a proud soccer powerhouse.4 time champion The Azzurri lost in a penalty shootout to 66th-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying playoffs and were eliminated at the same stage. Sweden Ahead of and leading up to the 2018 World Cup north macedonia In 2022. A front-page editorial in Wednesday’s Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper dubbed the dismissal the “third apocalypse” and said: “There is no longer a feeling of…

WWith 72 days left until the start of the World Cup, FIFA has cleared one of the biggest uncertainties ahead of the tournament with words from President Gianni Infantino. “The Iranian national team will participate.”The President watched the friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica (5-0) in Turkey, and during half-time he made it clear that despite the current socio-political situation, everything will proceed as previously planned. Coach Infantino announces Iran’s participation in tournamentThe president of the International Federation of Football Associations has broken his silence on speculation that the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel could force…

The United States, Canada and Mexico will jointly host this summer’s World Cup, with the full draw to be completed after the latest round of international matches on TuesdayMarch 31, 2026 22:37Updated April 1, 2026, 06:17The World Cup draw is almost complete (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)The final qualifying round was held on Tuesday night, and the World Cup draw has now been completed. During this international break, European teams are competing in play-off matches as their last chance to qualify for this summer’s tournament.The United States will join Canada and Mexico in hosting this summer’s World Cup, and an expanded…

God Save the King was brutally booed by Welsh supporters ahead of Tuesday’s match against Northern Ireland in Cardiff. The two teams, who recently lost in the World Cup playoffs, met in a friendly that resulted in a narrow 1-1 draw.It wasn’t the opportunity Wales fans were expecting, given they went into the international break with dreams of making it to the play-off final for a spot in the World Cup. Instead, Thursday’s semi-final defeat meant Craig Bellamy’s side had to settle for a hastily arranged friendly against Northern Ireland, who lost to Italy in the play-off semi-final.However, pre-match proceedings…

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) – The coach of Spain’s national soccer team has accused fans of “xenophobic or racist attitudes” after they repeated anti-Muslim chants during a game against Egypt.Coach Luis de la Fuente was speaking after fans chanted mocking Muslims during Tuesday’s friendly. This was part of Spain’s preparations. world cup. “I am completely and absolutely disgusted by xenophobic and racist attitudes. They cannot stand,” coach de la Fuente said after the 0-0 draw. Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, and Spain’s star player Lamine Yamal is also Muslim.Spain is scheduled to play Saudi Arabia in the World Cup, and will…

TAs the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws near, expectations and excitement for the opening match continue to rise. There are only a few days left, just under two months until the tournament starts. Mexico’s national soccer team opens its season at home against South Africa on June 11, and every step in the run-up to the tournament is already starting to make sense.The most recent reference point in that preparation was last Saturday, March 28, when Mexico played a goalless draw with Portugal at the Estadio Banorte. Beyond the result, this match left mixed impressions. Although there…

TThe countdown to the biggest sporting event in human history has officially entered its final stages. On June 11, the world’s attention will be on Mexico City as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at the legendary Estadio Azteca. This edition is a big departure from tradition, featuring a field of 48 teams, promising more drama and, inevitably, more goals.The qualification issue has almost been resolved. The UEFA zone also saw Sweden, Turkey and the Czech Republic qualify, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, who were eliminated from Italy for the third straight World Cup.The final two pieces of…

Manchester United are linked with a move for Newcastle and Italy star Sando Tonali as they aim to strengthen their midfield this summer.March 31, 2026 09:59Updated March 31, 2026 10:28Newcastle’s Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali is rumored to be moving to Manchester United (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)Newcastle chief executive David Hopkinson has admitted the club needs to remain open as Sandro Tonali continues his relationship with Manchester United. Several midfielders have been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, with a number of players in those positions expected to leave the M16.The Red Devils will need reinforcements as Casemiro’s…

Introducing Danny Ormerod, a non-league striker who could be the next big thing after Jamie Vardy. (Image: Aidan Wilson)The strike captured the imagination of more than 230,000 viewers on social media. 19-year-old Danny Ormerod collected the ball deep in his own half and cheekily chipped the ball into the net with one touch. The shot was very similar to Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney’s iconic goal against West Ham United.Is the opposing manager watching from the home dugout? The Three Lions legend’s younger brother John played at Moss Rose, the home of Macclesfield. This is where current FA…

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the finals. 2026 world cup They overcame last-minute logistical problems with a 2-1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental play-off on Tuesday, ending a 40-year wait.Ali Al-Mahdi took the lead in the 18th minute, Bolivia’s Moises Paniagua equalized in the 38th minute, and Iraq’s Aymen Hussein scored the winning goal in the 53rd minute. Iraq will be in Group I along with France, Norway and Senegal.Iraq, Australian director graham arnold The Iraq tour begins against Norway in Foxborough on Tuesday, June 16th, followed by games against…