Mundial

TeamsMundial 2026

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Korea (Republic of)

Updated at 21:00 ET - Thursday, 12/03/2026

After sustaining a major knee injury in Toluca’s Champions Cup win over San Diego, Marcel Ruiz looks certain to miss the World Cup.

Mexican soccer

Mexico’s injury list is growing: Toluca star to miss 2026 World Cup

Alejandro Reza / William Allen | 14 mar 2026 - 08:07 CET

The iconic stadium in Mexico City will host the opening game of the 2026 World Cup as El Tri face South Africa.

World Cup 2026

Mexican soccer counting down to re-opening of the Estadio Azteca

Paul Reidy | 13 mar 2026 - 19:56 CET

Iran’s withdrawal from the 2026 World Cup revives a little-told story, of how national teams, due to politics, money or conflicts, left their place in a World Cup vacant.

World Cup 2026

Before Iran, which national teams have withdrawn from a FIFA World Cup?

Bryan Arellano / Calum Roche | 13 mar 2026 - 10:13 CET

With fewer than 100 days until kickoff, Iran insists its place at the 2026 World Cup was earned on the field amid a growing political clash.

World Cup 2026

Iran fires back at Trump: “No one can expel the Iranian team from the World Cup”

Eduardo López / Calum Roche | 13 mar 2026 - 09:57 CET

As the World Cup approaches, workplace experts say trying to suppress the excitement may create more problems than a brief dip in productivity.

World Cup 2026

Experts agree: if your boss bans you watching the World Cup during work hours, the company won’t be more productive

David Cuéllar / Calum Roche | 13 mar 2026 - 08:38 CET