Sports
FIFA says World Cup ‘too big’ to derail despite Mideast war cloud
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will move forward as scheduled despite rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with FIFA officials insisting the global tournament is simply too significant to halt.
Speaking Monday at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas, FIFA chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi acknowledged that the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel and the United States has created uncertainty. Still, he stressed that football’s biggest event remains on course.
“At some stage we will have a resolution, and the World Cup will go on,” Schirgi said. “The World Cup is too big, and we hope that everyone who has qualified will be able to participate.”
The tournament, set to begin June 11, will be the largest in World Cup history, expanding from 32 teams to 48 and spanning three host nations: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Matches will be played across 16 cities, including 11 venues in the United States.
FIFA officials say they are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East, particularly the status of Iran, which qualified for the tournament through Asian Football Confederation competition.
Iran is scheduled to compete in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with two matches planned in Los Angeles and another in Seattle.
Schirgi said FIFA remains in regular contact with Iran’s football federation, though he declined to discuss details of those conversations.
“If I had a crystal ball I could tell you what will happen,” Schirgi said. “But the situation is changing day by day. We are working with federal and international partners and evaluating developments continuously.”
Political tensions could also complicate travel logistics. The U.S. administration has imposed restrictions affecting several nations that have already qualified, including Iran, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Senegal.
Officials, however, have indicated that players, team staff and their immediate families will be granted entry for the tournament.
Beyond the geopolitical backdrop, FIFA leaders framed the World Cup as a rare global unifier.
“Given the state of the world today, this will be a great opportunity to bring everyone together,” Schirgi said. “The World Cup is truly global. People from everywhere come together and celebrate the game.”
Dallas itself is preparing for a central role in the event. FIFA officials gathered in the city to unveil plans for a month-long fan festival and to inspect construction of the International Broadcast Centre inside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
The massive media hub is expected to operate around the clock during the tournament and host between 3,000 and 3,500 journalists and broadcasters from around the world. It sits about 20 miles from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, where nine World Cup matches are scheduled.
Ticket sales have also drawn scrutiny. FIFA faced criticism over premium seat prices that reach as high as $8,680 for category-one seats, with early-round tickets exceeding $2,700 in some cases.
Schirgi defended the organization’s recent decision to reopen a 48-hour ticket window, saying it was designed to give fans another chance after initial demand exceeded supply.
“If someone applied for a category-three ticket and we didn’t have enough available, we offered them the opportunity to purchase a higher category,” he explained.
After backlash over prices, FIFA also announced it would allocate a limited number of $60 tickets for each match to the 48 participating national federations, allowing loyal supporters access to more affordable seats.
Trabzonspor surged to a 3-1 away win over Kayserispor in the 25th week of the Süper Lig, with Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu scoring twice to cement his influence on the team’s campaign and etch his name deeper into the club’s history.
Signed permanently this season after a standout loan spell in 2023-24, Onuachu has continued his remarkable scoring form. In his first season, he netted 15 goals in 21 league matches, averaging 0.71 goals per game.
This term, he has already matched and exceeded expectations with 20 goals in 22 appearances, lifting his scoring rate to 0.90 per match.
Closing in on legends
The Nigerian forward is now chasing Trabzonspor icons in the club’s goal-scoring records.
He trails only Alexander Sörloth, who scored 24 goals in 2019-20, and Georgian star Şota Arveladze, the 25-goal king from the 1995-96 season.
With nine matches remaining, four more goals would see him match Sörloth, five would tie Arveladze, and six could make Onuachu the highest-scoring foreign player in a single season for Trabzonspor.
Should he finish as the league’s top scorer, Onuachu would claim Trabzonspor’s sixth Golden Boot.
Previous holders include Necmi Perekli (18), Fatih Tekke (31), Şota Arveladze (25), Burak Yılmaz (33), and Sörloth (24).
Dominating the goal charts
Currently leading the scoring race with 20 goals, Onuachu holds a four-goal advantage over Eldor Shomurodov and seven over Talisca and Mauro Icardi.
His goals account for 39% of Trabzonspor’s league tally, and after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, he has struck nine times in seven consecutive matches.
Onuachu’s impact stretches across the season.
He opened the campaign with the decisive goal against Kocaelispor and added crucial strikes against Samsunspor, Gaziantep FK, Fatih Karagümrük, Kayserispor, Çaykur Rizespor, Alanyaspor, Başakşehir, Konyaspor, Kasımpaşa, Antalyaspor, and more.
Despite missing three games due to suspension and international duty, he quickly resumed his scoring streak upon return.
Trabzonspor sit third with 54 points. In matches where Onuachu scored, the team has won 11, drawn four, and lost just once, collecting 37 points from his contributions alone.
The rivalry that has come to define the modern UEFA Champions League returns to the spotlight Wednesday when Real Madrid host Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of their last-16 showdown.
This will be the 16th meeting between the clubs in Europe’s premier competition and the first time in Champions League history that two teams meet in the knockout rounds in five straight seasons.
The matchup has grown into one of the tournament’s defining rivalries, often shaping the path to the trophy.
Madrid enter the tie chasing a record-extending 16th European title but their road has been far from smooth.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s side finished ninth in the league phase, narrowly missing automatic qualification and forcing them into the knockout playoffs.
A damaging 4-2 defeat at Benfica on the final matchday sealed that fate, but Madrid responded by eliminating the Portuguese club 3-1 on aggregate to reach the round of 16 for a remarkable 23rd consecutive season since the format was introduced in 2003-04.
Domestic form has been uneven. Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Getafe before grinding out a dramatic 2-1 victory away to Celta Vigo last week, when captain Federico Valverde struck in the 95th minute to keep the Spanish giants within four points of leaders Barcelona with 11 La Liga games remaining.
The Bernabeu, however, remains a formidable stage.
Madrid have won four of their five Champions League home matches this season, scoring 12 goals, though the lone defeat came against City in December when goals from Erling Haaland and Nico O’Reilly secured a 2-1 league-phase win.
Despite losing their last four UEFA meetings with English teams, Madrid’s overall home record in Europe remains intimidating.
They have been beaten just three times in their last 25 Champions League matches at the Bernabeu, winning 19.
History also favors them in this round. Madrid have advanced from 13 of their last 15 round-of-16 ties and have won the first leg in 10 of their last 12 at this stage.
City arrive in stronger form after navigating the league phase comfortably with 16 points from eight matches, a sharp improvement from last season when they finished 22nd and were eliminated by Madrid in the playoffs.
Among their five wins in the phase was that 2-1 victory in Madrid, only City’s second success in eight visits to the Bernabeu.
Erling Haaland has been a key figure, continuing his remarkable Champions League scoring pace with 56 goals in 56 appearances. The Norwegian has also thrived against Spanish opposition, netting 10 goals in his last 10 matches against La Liga sides in the competition.
Domestically, Pep Guardiola’s team have gathered momentum. City have gone unbeaten in nine games across competitions since late January, winning seven and drawing two. A frustrating 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest left them seven points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race, but a heavily rotated lineup bounced back with a 3-1 FA Cup victory over Newcastle United on Saturday.
Wednesday’s match will mark Guardiola’s 190th Champions League game as a manager, tying the record held by Alex Ferguson. Yet City’s away record in the competition has been shaky lately, with just two wins from their last eight road matches. Spanish opponents have also proven tricky over two legs, with City losing seven of their last 10 such ties in UEFA competitions.
Even so, their broader record against Spanish teams is strong. City have lost only three of their last 18 European matches against La Liga clubs and have already beaten both Madrid and Villarreal away in this season’s competition.
Madrid face a mounting injury list heading into the clash. Star forward Kylian Mbappe and midfielder Jude Bellingham are expected to miss the match with knee and hamstring injuries respectively. Rodrygo remains sidelined with an ACL injury, while Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos and Alvaro Carreras are also unavailable.
Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba are fitness doubts, though Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono return from domestic suspensions.
If Camavinga proves fit, he is expected to join Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield, while Arda Guler could feature centrally or on the right flank.
Much will depend on Vinicius Junior, though the Brazilian has struggled against City, failing to score in his last six meetings with them. Still, his Champions League scoring pattern offers hope. Twelve of his last 13 goals in the competition have come after halftime. He is expected to start on the left side of the attack, with either Gonzalo Garcia or former City prospect Brahim Diaz leading the line.
City arrive with fewer injury concerns. Only defender Josko Gvardiol and midfielder Mateo Kovacic are ruled out. Guardiola is likely to restore his strongest lineup after making 10 changes in the FA Cup.
Erling Haaland will spearhead the attack after being rested against Newcastle. Behind him, Guardiola faces a selection puzzle with several attackers pushing for starting roles. Omar Marmoush impressed with a brace last weekend, while Savinho also scored. They compete with Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki for places in the front line.
In midfield, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is expected to anchor the side alongside O’Reilly and captain Bernardo Silva, while Matheus Nunes continues his adaptation at right back opposite the dangerous Vinicius.
Graham Arnold has urged FIFA to postpone Iraq’s intercontinental FIFA World Cup playoff in Mexico later this month, citing travel disruption caused by the escalating conflict in neighboring Iran.
The Iraq national football team fear they may struggle to transport players and staff to Monterrey for the March 31 playoff against either the Bolivia national football team or the Suriname national football team because of widespread travel restrictions across the Middle East.
Arnold warned that assembling a squad made up only of players based outside Iraq would significantly weaken the team’s chances of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
“It wouldn’t be our best team and we need our best team available for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” the Australian told Australian Associated Press (AP) from his home in the United Arab Emirates.
“The Iraqi people are so passionate about the game of football that it is insane. The fact that they haven’t qualified for 40 years is probably the main reason I took this job.
“But at this stage, with the airport being shut down, we are working hard to try to find another alternative.”
Iraqi airspace has been closed since the United States and Israel launched air attacks on Iran on Feb. 28 and the Islamic Republic responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, Gulf states and other nearby countries.
Bolivia and Suriname are scheduled to meet in the intercontinental playoff semifinal in Monterrey on March 26 to decide which team will face Iraq in the final five days later.
“In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game, it gives us time to prepare properly,” Arnold added.
“Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup we play the winner in the U.S. The winner of that game stays on and the loser goes home.
“Our federation’s president, Adnan Dirjal, is working around the clock trying to plan and prepare to make everyone in Iraq’s dream come true, so we need this decision made quickly.”
The finals will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
There was no immediate response from FIFA, global football’s governing body, to a request for comment on Arnold’s suggestion.
New Caledonia, Jamaica and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will travel to Guadalajara later this month to compete in the other three-team playoff for a place at the World Cup finals.
Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has launched a fierce attack on club president Joan Laporta, accusing him of dishonesty, mismanagement and deliberately preventing the return of club legend Lionel Messi, intensifying tensions ahead of the club’s presidential elections this spring.
The dispute, rooted in Xavi’s controversial dismissal in May 2024, has resurfaced just weeks before Barcelona members prepare to vote for their next president, with Laporta seeking re-election against challenger Victor Font.
Few figures embody Barcelona’s identity more than Xavi. The midfielder-turned-coach made more than 700 appearances for the club, winning eight La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies before moving into coaching.
After gaining experience with Qatari side Al-Sadd, Xavi returned to Barcelona in November 2021 to stabilize the team following the financial chaos that followed Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain.
Appointed by Laporta during his second presidential spell, Xavi helped deliver the 2022–23 La Liga title and a Spanish Super Cup, restoring some pride after years of turmoil. But inconsistent European results and a trophyless 2023–24 campaign strained the relationship between coach and president.
Iconic “sushi night”
The turning point arrived in early 2024.
After a painful 5-3 home defeat to Villarreal CF, Xavi announced he would step down at the end of the season, citing financial limits that left Barcelona struggling to compete with Europe’s wealthiest clubs.
Yet weeks later, during a private meeting at Laporta’s home that became widely known as “sushi night,” the president persuaded him to reconsider.
According to Xavi, Laporta pleaded with him to stay.
“He told me he couldn’t imagine the team, the new Camp Nou, or the club’s anniversary without me as coach,” Xavi said in an interview with Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia.
But the reconciliation proved short-lived. Just weeks after publicly backing his coach, Laporta dismissed Xavi and replaced him with former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick.
The abrupt reversal left deep resentment.
Laporta later argued that Xavi’s public comments suggesting Barcelona needed two years to become competitive again showed a lack of confidence in the squad.
Messi’s blocked return
The most explosive claim in Xavi’s interview concerned Messi’s failed return to Barcelona in 2023.
Messi had left Camp Nou in 2021 amid the club’s financial collapse and joined Paris Saint-Germain before later signing with Inter Miami CF.
According to Xavi, the Argentine icon was eager to return after winning the 2022 World Cup.
“We had the green light from La Liga financially,” Xavi said. “Leo wanted to come back and everything was ready.”
But he claimed Laporta blocked the move for political reasons.
“He told me word for word that if Messi returned, he would wage war against him,” Xavi said. “It wasn’t La Liga or money. The president simply didn’t want it.”
Xavi said the plan had been to give Messi a farewell season similar to Michael Jordan’s famous “last dance” with the Chicago Bulls.
Laporta rejected the claim.
At a recent presidential debate, he insisted Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, ultimately decided the move would bring too much pressure.
“I understand Xavi is hurt,” Laporta said. “But with the same players, Flick wins.”
Election battle intensifies
The feud arrives at a delicate moment for Barcelona.
Laporta is campaigning for another term after leading the club through major financial restructuring, including the 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion) Espai Barça stadium renovation project.
Despite progress, the club still faces heavy debt and ongoing salary cap restrictions imposed by La Liga.
Font has positioned himself as the reform candidate, promising transparency, member involvement and technological modernization.
Xavi’s appearance at Font’s campaign launch last year signaled where the former coach’s loyalties lie.
Barcelona paradox
Ironically, Barcelona have found stability under Flick. The team currently sit atop La Liga and remain alive in the Champions League, boasting one of the league’s best defensive records.
Laporta even revealed the club rejected a reported 250 million euro offer from Paris Saint-Germain for teenage star Lamine Yamal in 2024.
The UEFA Champions League round of 16 begins with a heavyweight meeting on Tuesday as Galatasaray host Liverpool in a high-pressure first leg at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi (RAMS Park) in Istanbul.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. local time.
The winner across two legs will advance to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea in the quarterfinals.
For Galatasaray, the setting could hardly be more fitting. RAMS Park, a 52,000-seat fortress often labeled “Hell” by visiting clubs, has long been one of European football’s most intimidating venues.
Liverpool now return to that cauldron seeking redemption after suffering defeat in the same stadium earlier this season.
Rivalry that rarely disappoints
While these clubs do not meet often, their European encounters have consistently delivered drama.
Across five official meetings, Galatasaray hold a narrow edge with two wins and two draws, while Liverpool have claimed one victory. The Turkish side also lead the goal tally 7-6.
Their most recent meeting came in September 2025 during the Champions League’s league phase when Galatasaray edged Liverpool 1-0 in Istanbul. That victory reinforced the club’s reputation for upsetting European giants at home.
Earlier clashes stretch back to the early 2000s. The teams shared two draws in the 2001-02 group stage, including a tense stalemate at Anfield. In the 2006-07 campaign, both sides traded thrilling 3-2 wins at home.
Throughout those meetings, Galatasaray have scored in every match.
Liverpool carry their own attacking pedigree through talisman Mohamed Salah, one of the competition’s most prolific modern forwards.
Galatasaray’s momentum
Galatasaray enter the knockout stage riding strong domestic form.
Under manager Okan Buruk, the Istanbul club sit top of the Turkish Süper Lig and have won 21 of their last 25 matches in all competitions.
Their most recent result was a gritty 1-0 derby victory over Beşiktaş, secured by a first-half goal from Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Even more impressive was the manner in which they closed out the match after winger Leroy Sane was sent off late, a performance that highlighted the team’s defensive discipline and resilience.
Galatasaray reached the round of 16 through a dramatic knockout phase playoff victory over Juventus, prevailing 7-5 on aggregate after a chaotic two-leg battle that included extra time.
Buruk has built his team around aggressive pressing and rapid transitions in a 4-2-3-1 system. Midfield control is typically provided by Lucas Torreira and İlkay Gündoğan, while Osimhen’s pace and physicality give the Turkish champions a lethal outlet in attack.
The biggest concern ahead of Tuesday’s clash is squad availability. Sane’s suspension could limit attacking width, placing more responsibility on forwards Barış Alper Yılmaz and Noa Lang.
Balanced Liverpool
Liverpool arrive in Istanbul still navigating a period of transition under manager Arne Slot.
The Reds currently sit sixth in the Premier League, with inconsistency marking much of their domestic campaign. Yet their European performances have been more convincing.
Liverpool secured a direct place in the round of 16 by finishing third in the Champions League league phase, demonstrating solid organization and attacking efficiency against some of Europe’s strongest teams.
They travel to Istanbul fresh off a 3-1 FA Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with goals from Andrew Robertson, Salah and Curtis Jones sealing the result.
Slot’s Liverpool emphasize possession and fluid attacking movement, often deploying a 4-3-3 formation. Salah remains the central attacking threat.
At the back, captain Virgil van Dijk anchors a defense that includes Ibrahima Konate and attacking full-backs Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai.
New signings such as Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have injected pace along the flanks, helping the team maintain its trademark attacking width.
However, Liverpool’s defensive stability has shown cracks in recent weeks, conceding five goals in their last three matches.
Tactical battle
Tuesday’s match is likely to hinge on two of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.
For Galatasaray, Osimhen represents the primary attacking weapon. His explosive pace and physical presence make him a nightmare for defenders, particularly in transition.
Liverpool, meanwhile, rely heavily on Salah’s experience and finishing ability. The Egyptian star continues to deliver on the biggest stage, maintaining his reputation as one of the Champions League’s most decisive attackers.
Another key tactical factor could be set pieces. Liverpool have shown vulnerability defending dead-ball situations this season, an area Galatasaray may look to exploit through their aerial threats.
Istanbul atmosphere
European nights in Istanbul have a reputation all their own, and Rams Park will likely play a decisive role in the first leg.
Galatasaray have scored at least three goals in eight of their last 13 European home matches, underlining their attacking confidence in front of their fans.
The club is also chasing a major milestone, aiming to reach its first Champions League quarterfinal since the 2012-13 campaign.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are pursuing a record-extending seventh Champions League title and know the importance of securing a favorable result before the return leg at Anfield on March 18.
Lamine Yamal scored the only goal as Barcelona restored their four-point lead over Real Madrid with a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
Athletic were good value for a first-half stalemate at San Mames, but Barca’s quality finally told in the 68th minute when their 18-year-old focal point picked out the top corner after a helping hand from Pedri.
That was Yamal’s 19th goal in all competitions and his 13th in La Liga, keeping Real at arm’s length following their win over Celta Vigo on Friday.
Atletico Madrid’s Nicolas Gonzalez came off the bench to score twice in a battling 3-2 win over Real Sociedad at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Alexander Sorloth and Carlos Soler swapped early goals before Gonzalez and Mikel Oyarzabal netted within a minute of each other in the second half. Gonzalez won it with nine minutes remaining with a clinical headed effort.
Second-bottom Levante came within seconds of a crucial 10-man win over Girona, pegged back 1-1 in the fourth minute of added time. Joel Roca netted at the death after Carlos Espi’s opener.
There were two more red cards at El Sadar, where Osasuna scored two last-gasp goals to snatch a 2-2 draw against Mallorca.
Vedat Muriqi netted twice for the visitors, with Ante Budimir completing the late comeback.
In Serie A, Juventus swept aside bottom side Pisa 4-0. Andrea Cambiasso, Kephren Thuram, Kenan Yıldız and Jeremie Boga all scored in a one-sided second half.
Como were 2-1 winners at Cagliari and Lucas de Cunha scored the goal that kept them in the Europa League spot for fifth place.
Gianluca Scamacca scored twice in four minutes to claim a 2-2 draw for Atalanta against visiting Udinese.
Marseille moved ahead of Ligue 1 rivals Lyon, going third as Mason Greenwood’s finish was enough for a 1-0 success at Toulouse.
Angers beat relegation-threatened Nantes 1-0, with Strasbourg goalless against Auxerre.
Drone images revealed the truth! No one supported İmamoğlu: Silivri surroundings remained empty
Iran escalation delivers yet another shock to global economy
Special session with war agenda in the Turkish Grand National Assembly! Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Numan Kurtulmuş: Developments cannot be considered as a temporary crisis
Drone images revealed the truth! No one supported İmamoğlu: Silivri surroundings remained empty
Iran escalation delivers yet another shock to global economy
Special session with war agenda in the Turkish Grand National Assembly! Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Numan Kurtulmuş: Developments cannot be considered as a temporary crisis
-
Daily Agenda3 days agoDirector of Communications Duran announced: Access to 41 social media accounts targeting the domestic front has been blocked
-
Daily Agenda14 hours ago‘Play’ warning to children from Minister Göktaş
-
Sports2 days agoRussell, Mercedes dominate down under to win F1 season opener
-
Politics1 day agoOpposition to US-Israel-Iran war unites Spaniards, Turks
-
Politics1 day ago14 migrants die after smuggling boat sinks off southern Türkiye
-
Daily Agenda1 day agoMinistry of National Defense: The missile fired from Iran was destroyed! Ammunition pieces fell on empty lands in Gaziantep
-
Politics2 days agoTürkiye rejects report MIT asked MI6 to protect Syria’s president
-
Sports1 day agoGalatasaray set to turn up Champions League heat against Liverpool