Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has criticised FIFA and US authorities over the treatment of his team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling Iran “the most oppressed” side at the tournament. The comments came after Iran’s 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi said the team was ordered to leave the United States immediately after the match and return to its base in Tijuana, Mexico, limiting recovery time. Iran has also faced visa issues affecting staff members and logistical disruptions linked to political tensions, prompting players to voice concerns directly to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. (PC: The Guardian)

India vice-captain and star batter Smriti Mandhana has been named in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026. Mandhana is the only Indian sportsperson to feature in the prestigious global ranking, highlighting her growing impact on world cricket and women’s sports. The recognition comes after a remarkable period in her career, marked by consistent performances and leadership on the international stage. TIME praised Mandhana’s influence beyond the boundary, noting her role in inspiring a new generation of athletes. The honour further cements her status as one of the biggest figures in women’s cricket globally.  

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has become one of the biggest stories of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after his heroic performance against Spain. The 40-year-old shot-stopper made seven crucial saves to help tournament debutants Cape Verde secure a memorable 0-0 draw against the European giants. Spain fired 27 shots and dominated possession, but Vozinha stood firm throughout the match. His remarkable display earned worldwide praise and sparked a massive social media surge, with his Instagram following jumping from around 50,000 to nearly five million within hours. The emotional veteran was named Player of the Match and became an overnight global football sensation. (PC: NDTV)

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has criticised authorities after claiming his team was told to “leave the US immediately” following a 2-2 draw against New Zealand at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The squad had expected to stay overnight in Los Angeles for recovery before returning to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico. “They didn’t even give us time to recover,” Ghalenoei said, adding that players were struggling with fatigue and cramps. Captain Mehdi Taremi also questioned the decision, calling the situation “very strange”. Iran next faces Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles. (PC: HT)

Iran midfielder Mohammad Mohebi has sparked controversy after celebrating his goal with a gun-firing gesture during Iran’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match against New Zealand. Mohebi scored Iran’s second goal in the 2-2 draw at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, helping his side earn a point in their tournament opener. The celebration quickly drew criticism on social media, with some fans calling for disciplinary action from FIFA. The match also saw political tensions in the stands, as supporters displayed pre-revolutionary Iranian flags despite restrictions and staged protests against the Iranian government.  

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a remarkable performance against Spain. The 40-year-old veteran made seven crucial saves to help tournament debutants Cape Verde secure a historic 0-0 draw against the European champions. His heroics earned widespread praise and sparked an extraordinary surge in popularity, with his social media following reportedly jumping from around 50,000 to nearly five million. Vozinha's inspiring display not only secured Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup point but also turned the experienced shot-stopper into an unlikely global football sensation. (PC: Reuters)

Cape Verde Defender Roberto Lopes Nearly Ignored National Team Call-Up After Receiving Invitation on LinkedIn   Cape Verde defender Roberto Lopes has emerged as one of the most remarkable stories of the FIFA World Cup. The 33-year-old, who was born and raised in Ireland and worked as a mortgage advisor while playing part-time football, nearly missed his chance to represent Cape Verde after mistaking the national team's LinkedIn message for a scam. Lopes, who did not speak Portuguese when contacted, eventually accepted the invitation and has since become a key player for the island nation. He recently helped Cape Verde secure a memorable clean sheet against European champions Spain at the World Cup. (PC: AP)

Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal entered the FIFA World Cup record books for an unusual reason after failing to touch the ball during the opening 30 minutes of Spain’s tournament opener. According to BBC Sport, no player since records began in 1966 had gone that long in a World Cup match without registering a single touch. The statistic highlighted Spain’s frustrating first half and the difficulties faced by the European champions in breaking down their opponents. Despite Oyarzabal’s lack of involvement, the remarkable record quickly became a major talking point among football fans on social media. (PC: Instagram)

Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their FIFA World Cup Group G encounter, with the Asian side showing resilience to avoid defeat. New Zealand twice took the lead, but Iran responded on both occasions to earn a valuable point. The match featured end-to-end action and kept both teams firmly in contention for qualification from a highly competitive group. While New Zealand impressed with their attacking display, Iran’s determination and ability to respond under pressure proved crucial. The result leaves Group G finely balanced ahead of the next round of fixtures. (PC: X)

A Mexican football fan lost his job after a video showing him making a racist gesture toward a South Korean influencer during a FIFA World Cup match went viral. The incident sparked widespread outrage on social media, leading his employer to investigate the matter. The company subsequently terminated the employee, stating that his conduct violated its values and commitment to respect and inclusion. The episode has renewed concerns about racism and discriminatory behaviour at major sporting events, with fans and anti-discrimination groups calling for stronger measures to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for supporters from all backgrounds. (PC: X)