Neymar left out of Brazil squad for World Cup warm-ups
Neymar was left out of the latest Brazil squad named by coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday for this month's friendlies, as the five-time world champions continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, Reuters reported .
Brazil are set to play France on March 26 in Boston and Croatia on March 31 in Orlando ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Neymar's absence comes after the 34-year-old missed a recent game for Santos FC due to muscle fatigue, a match which Ancelotti had planned to assess him in person during a scouting trip ahead of the squad announcement, according to Reuters.
New Zealand still preparing to take on Iran at World Cup, says coach
New Zealand are continuing to prepare for a World Cup opener against Iran but will be ready to adjust if the Middle East nation does not take part, coach Darren Bazeley said, Reuters reported.
Iran's first match is against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles. The Iranians are also grouped with Belgium and Egypt at the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Iran's sports minister said last week it was impossiblefor the team to participate after the U.S. launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Reuters.
Iran negotiating with FIFA to move World Cup games to Mexico from US: Iran federation chief
Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian football president Mehdi Taj said on Monday, Reuters reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that Iran were welcome to participate but suggested it might not be appropriate for them to play in the U.S. “for their own life and safety”.
"When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America," said Taj in a post on the Iranian embassy in Mexico's X account, according to Reuters.
Man Utd strengthen top-four bid, Liverpool held by Spurs
Manchester United tightened their grip on a top-four place in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over rivals Aston Villa but Liverpool dropped points in a disappointing home draw with struggling Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Reuters reported.
Goals by Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and substitute Benjamin Sesko took third-placed United to 54 points after 30 games, three more than fourth-placed Villa who suffered a third successive league defeat.
Liverpool looked like they would move above Villa into fourth place as they led with a superb Dominik Szoboszlai free kick but Richarlison's last-minute equaliser gave 16th-placed Tottenham a deserved share of the spoils, according to Reuters.
