Iran will play World Cup games in US according to FIFA chief Infantino
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted Iran will play World Cup matches in the United States, despite the football governing body’s Congress opening without the country’s delegation, its absence highlighting tensions and challenges surrounding the tournament, Aljazeera reported.
Iran’s absence deprived Thursday’s congress of direct representation from a country whose presence at the 2026 World Cup is already shaping behind-the-scenes discussions, and the issue is particularly acute given the tournament’s cross-border nature.
Clinical Sinner holds off wildcard Jodar to reach Madrid Open semis
World number one Jannik Sinner held off 19-year-old wildcard Rafael Jodar to win 6-2 7-6(0) in the Madrid Open quarter-finals on Wednesday, becoming the sixth player to reach the semi-finals of all nine ATP 1000 Masters tournaments, Reuters reported.
Sinner saved five break points in the second set and won 11 points in a row to secure victory over the Spaniard.
"He pushed me to the limit, he's an incredible player... I'm incredibly happy, it's been a very high quality match," Sinner said in his post-match interview.
Liverpool expect Salah return before end of season
Liverpool expect Mohamed Salah to return from injury before the end of the season after he was forced off against Crystal Palace on Saturday, BBC reported.
There were concerns that the 33-year-old forward may have played his last game for the club when he went off in the second half with a suspected hamstring issue.
It would have been a sad end for Salah, who announced last month that he would leave after a glittering nine-year spell at Anfield, in which he has scored 257 goals in 435 appearances.
Canadian government allocates $145 million for World Cup security
The Canadian government will allocate up to $145 million for security during the upcoming World Cup, Canada's public safety minister announced on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Thirteen matches are set to take place in Toronto and Vancouver during the June 11-July 19 tournament, which Canada is hosting alongside the U.S. and Mexico.
"This funding will support provinces and municipalities in their efforts to ensure people remain safe while enjoying the tournament, and ensure law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to deliver a safe and well-managed event," Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said at a news conference in Toronto.
