Iran forward Mehdi Taremi says United States visa denials for 14 national team staff members have created “tension” ahead of the World Cup.
The team’s preparations for the tournament, co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, have been heavily disrupted by ongoing geopolitical conflict.
Team Melli were forced to relocate their training base from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana on the advice of world governing body Fifa.
While the playing squad successfully travelled to Mexico, more than a dozen backroom staff have been refused entry into the United States.
Visa issues overshadow tournament build-up
All three of the nation’s group stage fixtures are scheduled to be played on American soil.
The Asian side begin their campaign against New Zealand in Inglewood, California on Monday, before facing Belgium and Egypt.
Taremi, who featured in last season’s Champions League final for Inter Milan, expressed his disappointment at the politically charged atmosphere.
“There’s a lot of tension right now in this World Cup,” said the striker.
“You feel it in the atmosphere and unfortunately, it’s because of actions like visa denials.”
Fifa intervention sought
Iran Football Federation vice-president Mehdi Mohammed Nabi is among the officials currently blocked from entering the host nation.
He confirmed the federation is actively working with Fifa to resolve the diplomatic impasse before their opening match.
“There should be no discrimination in a sport,” Nabi stated.
“Everyone should be treated equally and hopefully this is resolved soon.”
The squad’s build-up has already been severely hampered by a regional war that began in late February.
With the domestic league suspended due to the outbreak of conflict, the national team has faced unprecedented logistical challenges heading into the global showcase.
United States forward Christian Pulisic is preparing to carry the expectations of a host nation as he faces a legacy-defining 2026 World Cup campaign.
The 27-year-old attacker will stride forward as the undisputed face of the team when the hosts open their tournament against Paraguay on 12 June.
Recent television promotions have grouped the Hershey native alongside global superstars such as Argentina’s Lionel Messi, France’s Kylian Mbappe and England’s Jude Bellingham.
While he did not ask for such comparisons, the juxtaposition highlights the immense pressure and unique opportunity awaiting the talented forward this summer.
A proven performer on the biggest stages
The former Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund winger has spent his entire career preparing for this pivotal moment on home soil.
With 33 international goals, he already ranks fifth in the all-time scoring charts for the men’s national programme.
At club level, the AC Milan star recently secured the 2025 Supercoppa by scoring a crucial equaliser in a thrilling 3-2 victory over fierce city rivals Inter Milan.
He also boasts a proven track record at international tournaments, famously scoring the decisive goal against Iran to propel his country into the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup.
Carrying the weight of a nation
Although he will be supported by a talented squad and coaching staff, the heaviest burden of public expectation will inevitably fall on his shoulders.
The host nation is desperate to make a profound impact, targeting a rare quarter-final berth or an even deeper run in the expanded competition.
Despite his reserved off-field demeanour, the Champions League winner insists he is entirely comfortable with the glaring spotlight on the pitch.
“Playing in the last World Cup, you definitely feel the pressure,” Pulisic acknowledged.
Victor Wembanyama inspired the San Antonio Spurs to a crucial NBA Finals victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday night to keep their championship hopes alive.
The 22-year-old superstar celebrated the first Finals win of his blossoming career by walking barefoot through the famed arena corridors.
His agent, Bouna Ndiaye, explained the unusual routine allows the towering Frenchman to connect with his surroundings.
“He always likes to walk barefoot so he can really feel the ground,” Ndiaye said.
Tactical shifts and consistency
This calming approach reflects a broader tranquility within the Texas franchise, who have repeatedly relied on established structures to overturn series deficits during these playoffs.
Head coach Mitch Johnson opted for a pivotal defensive adjustment in game three, switching his star centre away from guarding Karl-Anthony Towns.
This strategic move allowed the 7ft 4in prodigy to conserve vital energy for offensive duties and increase pressure on the Knicks’ interior defence.
Such measured tweaks highlight why the Spurs have avoided losing more than two consecutive matches throughout the entire campaign.
Off-court focus fuels on-court success
Their starting five has remained incredibly consistent during this postseason run, only altering when key players like De’Aaron Fox suffered minor injuries.
Away from the intense spotlight of New York City, the former number one overall draft pick has found unique ways to maintain focus amid overwhelming media attention.
He was spotted sitting quietly in a local park on Sunday afternoon, completely immersed in sketching a nearby sculpture.
This relaxed mentality contrasts sharply with the high-stakes environment awaiting the squad in Wednesday’s pivotal game four.
“What we’ve built with this team is we have an identity that makes everybody dangerous,” the French international explained.
“Sometimes it will pay off over a season, sometimes over a playoff series.”
Carlo Ancelotti has risked Brazil’s World Cup ambitions by relying on an injured Neymar while omitting established centre-forwards for the 2026 tournament.
The South American giants begin their group stage campaign against Morocco on Saturday, but are not considered outright favourites alongside the likes of France, Argentina and Spain.
Their Italian head coach has chosen to gamble on the experience of his all-time leading goalscorer, despite the forward struggling for both form and fitness.
Race against time for Morocco opener
The 34-year-old superstar is currently battling a calf injury to be ready for their opening fixture.
After facing the North African side, the Seleção will also play Haiti and Scotland in the group stages.
Including the former Paris St-Germain attacker represents a massive call given his recent lack of playing time.
Youth preferred to Premier League pedigree
Ancelotti spent considerable time debating whether to include Gabriel Jesus before ultimately leaving the Arsenal striker at home.
The former Manchester City frontman boasts an impressive international record, having scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 64 appearances for his country.
Other experienced goalscorers including Richarlison, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Joao Pedro also failed to make the final squad cut.
Instead, the five-time world champions will support world-class wingers Vinicius Junior and Raphinha with the youthful potential of Endrick, Igor Thiago and Rayan.
No excuses for 24-year trophy drought
The lack of a traditional focal point in attack has long been a structural issue for the national side.
Despite this glaring weakness, expectations back home remain sky-high for a football-obsessed nation that has not lifted the famous trophy since 2002.
Should the squad fail to deliver during the tournament, immense scrutiny will fall directly on the manager’s bold selection choices.
Former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is strongly considering a lucrative £77m move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, but will wait until after the World Cup to finalise his decision.
The Egyptian international is currently a free agent after confirming his departure from Merseyside at the end of the domestic season.
Speculation over his next destination has heavily linked the prolific winger with a high-profile switch to the Super Lig.
Fenerbahce confirm positive negotiations
Newly elected Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim recently revealed the extensive financial demands required to secure the superstar’s signature.
“He would ask for a three-year contract, and the total cost would be €90million (£77m).”
“If he is our urgent need, we will sign him! Our football committee will decide on these matters.”
The club’s outgoing football director, Ertan Torunogullari, also confirmed that initial discussions with the player’s representatives had been highly encouraging.
“The meetings he had with us were extremely positive. We had established common ground with him on many issues, including his salary.”
“If the new administration makes such a request, I believe Salah will wear the Fenerbahce jersey.”
World Cup focus delays final decision
Despite the mutual interest from Turkey, the legendary attacker is currently fully focused on leading his national team at the upcoming tournament in North America.
The three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner has publicly stated that his immediate priority remains international duty over club negotiations.
“I will still see about where to go next.”
“I have time now, I am going to the World Cup, and then everything will be clear, either if there is a good opportunity before it, I will decide, and if it is not there, I will make my decision after the World Cup.”
Yildirim is set to chair his first board meeting today, where the prospect of funding a mega-deal for the highly coveted forward will likely dominate the agenda.
Tottenham Hotspur remain in negotiations with Manchester City over a £60m transfer for winger Savinho as the player seeks regular first-team football.
Spurs have revived their interest in the Brazilian after a proposed switch to north London collapsed last summer.
An agreement could not be reached previously when former head coach Thomas Frank targeted the dynamic attacker.
Search for regular playing time
The South American is prioritising regular minutes as he evaluates his career options ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Competition at the Etihad Stadium has intensified following the January arrival of Antoine Semenyo in a £65m deal from Bournemouth.
Strong second-half performances from Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku further restricted opportunities for the talented forward.
Managerial uncertainty at City
The highly-rated winger spent much of the recent season on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
He started just 14 matches across all competitions, producing six goal contributions in a frustrating domestic campaign.
This lack of involvement ultimately cost the former Bournemouth target his place in Carlo Ancelotti’s 26-man Brazil squad for the World Cup.
Valuation and contract status
The expected arrival of incoming manager Enzo Maresca to replace Guardiola brings additional uncertainty regarding the player’s future pecking order.
Despite signing a new long-term contract in October that runs until 2031, a fee in the region of £60m including add-ons would likely secure his signature.
The reigning English champions previously demanded £70m, a steep valuation that prompted Tottenham to walk away from negotiations twelve months ago.
Rory McIlroy has criticised the slow pace of US Open practice rounds at Shinnecock Hills, while former Ryder Cup winner Thorbjorn Olesen has withdrawn from tournament qualifying in Toronto.
The Northern Irishman is focused on securing his seventh major title when the championship begins on Thursday, 18 June.
Having recently retained the Green Jacket at the Masters, the 37-year-old arrives in confident form after completing the career Grand Slam.
He returned to competitive action at last week’s Memorial Tournament, finishing tied for 12th on four under par.
Practice round frustrations
Despite his strong recent performances, the recent Augusta champion has aired frustrations regarding the tournament build-up.
He experienced similar issues during the PGA Championship last month and predicts preparations will be hindered again at Shinnecock Hills.
“Too many people inside the ropes I think is the big part of it,” McIlroy said.
“I think as well, like, guys are resigned to the fact that they’re going to play nine holes, so it’s okay to be out there for nine holes and in three hours.”
The tournament favourite believes players exploit the lack of full 18-hole practice rounds to play deliberately slowly.
“I guess it gives everyone the ability to play slow and hit as many balls as they like,” he added.
“I think as well there’s, like, just so much hangers on inside the ropes and that sort of seems to slow things down as well.”
Olesen abandons qualifying bid
Meanwhile, Thorbjorn Olesen’s hopes of reaching the upcoming major have ended after abandoning a Canadian qualifying event.
The 2018 Ryder Cup winner was three over par after 14 holes at Lambton Golf and Country Club on Monday.
Finding himself eight strokes off the lead, the 36-year-old opted to walk off before completing his two scheduled rounds.
The Dane will now shift his focus to this week’s Canadian Open, which is also being held in Toronto.
Kai Havertz has firmly dismissed a plea from a supporter to re-join Chelsea this summer, reaffirming his long-term commitment to Arsenal.
The German international was confronted by a young fan while signing autographs at his national team’s training base.
When told to return to his former employers, the forward delivered an unequivocal response.
“You wish, you wish,” he replied.
Finding a home in north London
The versatile attacker crossed the capital in 2023 after a mixed three-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
Despite securing his place in Blues history by scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final, he struggled for consistent form in west London.
Since moving to the Emirates Stadium, the former Parisian conqueror has become a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup.
He recently underlined his value on the European stage once again by heading an early goal against Paris St-Germain in this season’s premier continental competition.
Striker search continues for London rivals
Both Premier League clubs are expected to be highly active in the upcoming transfer window as they seek attacking reinforcements.
The Gunners are actively pursuing a natural centre-forward to bolster their title-chasing squad.
Their west London rivals are facing a similar predicament following an underwhelming debut campaign from Liam Delap.
However, there has been no serious suggestion that a return for their former match-winner is on the cards.
Focused on international glory
Speaking at a press conference earlier this year, the Arsenal number 29 made his intentions crystal clear.
“I feel right at home at Arsenal and I see my future there,” he said.
“Sure, it wasn’t a very easy season, but I definitely see my future at Arsenal, in London.”
Attention now turns to the international stage, where he is expected to play a pivotal role for his country.
The forward recently found the net early in a warm-up victory over the United States.
Germany will begin their upcoming tournament campaign in a group featuring the Ivory Coast and Ecuador on 20 June.