Jordan make their first World Cup appearance after recently making the finals at the 2023 Asian Cup and 2025 Arab Cup.
!['Trionda' - translated from Spanish as "three waves" is the official match ball for the World Cup 2026 set to be hosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The ball has a sensor chip inside it to track movement. [Daniel Cole/Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-05-12T171750Z_1958047099_UP1EM5C1C1O5K_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-WORLDCUP-LOS-ANGELES-1780378175.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
High visa application fees, equally high rejection rates, an unwelcoming America, and the war combine to deter fans.
Al Jazeera breaks down the key talking points ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 which kicks off next week.
Iran beat Mali in their final competitive match before departing for their Mexico base for the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Graham Arnold and two key players speak to Al Jazeera ahead of Iraq’s first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Ivory Coast defeats France 2-1 in friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as Manchester United’s Amad Diallo seals win.
The World Cup is set to be the swansong for some big names, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, but who else?
Iran national players Saeid Ezatolahi and Mohammad Ghorbani talk about how war is overshadowing a World Cup dream.
Shark predicts winning start for Brazil at FIFA World Cup.
There are a host of top players who could claim the coveted title of top goal scorer, including two from the same team.
Iranian footballer Mehdi Taremi talks to Al Jazeera ahead of one of the most politically charged World Cups in history.
