From obscure, veteran goalkeeper to global fame and an extra 6 million social media followers in 90 minutes, Vozinha’s story is the sort that has made the World Cup so special across the globe.
The Cape Verde stopper excelled as his side drew 0-0 with European champions Spain on Monday. But the tears he shed after the game were not only joyful.
“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately they were not here; they died a few years ago,” he told reporters.
“They were everything for me, for my life. I also cried because my mum didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money we had to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage to [complete it] on time. I would like her to be here, but I’m also very happy.”
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Visa issues have been a running theme of the World Cup, mostly in the United States. Cape Verde was added earlier this year to the list of countries whose citizens have to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 (€12,931) before travelling to the country.
Somali referee denied US entry before World Cup debut
No further detail on these concerns has been forthcoming but US President Donald Trump described Somalis as “garbage” in December, telling immigrants from the African country to “go back to where they came from” and that “their country is no good for a reason.”
This is all despite the promise of FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, who awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize last year, that “fans from all over the world will be welcome” at the tournament. In the same August 2025 statement, Infantino added that the visa process would be “smooth, it will ensure that those that qualify will be able to come with their fans.”
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Iran a team apart at World Cup
That has not been the case for many fans. But it has also caused problems for teams and their support staff, most notably Iran. While the framework of a deal in the US-Israel war with Iran has been agreed, the conflict has meant the Iranian team is operating under different circumstances to the other 47 teams in the tournament.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his side were being “oppressed” after late changes to their travel plans following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday. Ghalenoei’s side moved base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, shortly before the tournament and must leave the United States after each match to return. Ghalenoei said he thought the team would stay overnight after the match in Los Angeles but they were forced to leave.
Iranian team sets up FIFA base camp in Tijuana
“We’re supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime, but they haven’t permitted us,” Ghalenoei said. “To be honest, I have no idea why. I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.”
It was not immediately clear who Ghalenoei feels imposed the departure. But forward Mehdi Taremi said the restrictions on the Iran team put them at a competitive disadvantage.
Infantino visits Iran team despite discontent
“It’s not good for us. I think it’s not good for football,” he said. “I think FIFA have to help us more than this,” said Taremi, who feels the team’s preparations have been rushed. He added that Infantino had visited the Iran dressing room prematch.
“He wants to try to help us, but it’s about other things too,” Taremi said.
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The FIFA president later posted about the match on social media, using the FIFA tagline “FIFA Unites the World” as part of his text.
Iran are also competing without several officials and media operatives. They are unable to travel due to visa restrictions, leaving coaches to take on additional responsibilities on the bench.
“The federation is absent here. Our media isn’t here. Our management team, many of them aren’t here. We used to have a part of a coaching team to help with substitutions but we didn’t have that. Those in the technical area had to deal with that,” Ghalenoei said.
France have named a strong and attacking starting XI for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Senegal, with Kylian Mbappé captaining a side packed with pace, creativity and technical quality in the final third.
France XI: Mike Maignan; Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Lucas Hernández; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise; Kylian Mbappé.
The lineup is set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Tchouaméni and Rabiot providing structure and defensive protection in midfield. Ahead of them, a highly technical attacking trio of Dembélé, Doué and Olise will support Mbappé, who leads the line as the central striker.
France’s approach blends balance and control with serious attacking threat, relying on speed in wide areas and Mbappé’s movement to stretch Senegal’s defence. With a back four of Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba and Hernández, France look well set to play on the front foot from the opening whistle.
France will kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Senegal today, with Didier Deschamps’ side aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
Having reached the final in each of the last two editions, Les Bleus arrive among the favourites once again, but they face a Senegal side eager to make a statement in what is expected to be one of the toughest tests in Group I.
France boosted by return of Saliba
France head into the opener with an almost fully fit squad after William Saliba returned to full training following a recent back problem. Jules Kounde has also overcome a minor knock, leaving Deschamps with plenty of options.
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Kylian Mbappe will lead an attack that is expected to feature Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot are set to anchor the midfield. Les Bleus have won four of their last five matches, including victories over Brazil and Colombia, and wrapped up their preparations with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland.
Senegal ready to challenge favourites
Senegal enter the tournament with most of their key players available, with Sadio Mane set to feature in a World Cup for the first time since missing the 2022 edition through injury. Veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye has also recovered from a minor concern, while Nicolas Jackson is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Mane and Iliman Ndiaye.
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Coach Pape Thiaw is likely to opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with Kalidou Koulibaly leading the defence in front of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The Lions of Teranga recorded victories over Peru and Gambia during their preparations, although they finished their warm-up schedule with a defeat to the United States and a draw against Saudi Arabia. Despite France entering as favourites, Senegal will believe they have the quality to spring an upset.
FIFA World Cup 2026 France vs Senegal: Starting 11
France starting 11: Mike Maignan (GK), Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe (C), Michael Olise, Desire Doue
Senegal starting 11: Edouard Mendy (GK), Kalidou Koulibaly (C), Krepin Diatta, Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Diouf, Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye, Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr
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FIFA World Cup 2026 France vs Senegal live telecast:
The live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between France and Senegal will be available on the Unite8 Sports Network.
FIFA World Cup 2026 France vs Senegal live streaming:
The live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between France and Senegal will be available on the ZEE5 app and website.
Check all the live updates of the France vs Senegal match in FIFA World Cup 2026 here
A five-time major champion will indeed tee it up at the U.S. Open.
Brooks Koepka told Golfweek Tuesday that he plans to play the major at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club despite withdrawing from the final round of the RBC Canadian Open due to a hand injury.
Koepka won the U.S. Open the last time it was contested at Shinnecock in 2018.
“I’m gonna go this week,” he told Golfweek when asked about the possibility of withdrawing.
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Koepka began experiencing pain in his left pinky and ring finger on Friday night, and the issue arose again ahead of his Saturday round at TPC Toronto, he told Golfweek. The 36-year-old co-led the event after a six-under 64 on Thursday but struggled to a two-over 72 on Saturday.
He said two possible causes of the pain are an ulnar nerve flare-up and thoracic outlet syndrome.
Koepka also had scans of his neck vertebrae, which came back clear.
He tied for 12th at The Masters and tied for 55th at the PGA Championship in the first two majors this year.
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He’s set to play alongside fellow Americans Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup for the first two rounds of the U.S. Open, with a Thursday tee time at 7:30 a.m. ET.
The Canucks have signed defenceman Cole Clayton to a one-year, two-way contract, the team announced Tuesday.
The financial terms of the deal were not initially announced.
Clayton, 26, spent the 2025-26 season with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, tallying six assists in 32 games with Vancouver’s affiliate.
Since being signed by the Cleveland Monsters — the Columbus Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate — for the 2021-22 season, the Strathmore, Alta., native has tallied 72 points (14 goals, 58 assists) across five seasons split between the Canucks, Monsters and San Jose Barracuda.
Doubts over Neymar’s debut at the World Cup continued Monday after the Brazil forward underwent new tests on his injured right leg. There had been hope that Neymar could return to training on Monday, but the Santos player did not join his teammates and instead went to a clinic for the tests on his right calf. The Brazilian soccer confederation did not immediately reveal the results of the tests. The 34-year-old Neymar, in his fourth World Cup, has been sidelined since getting injured with Santos in Brazil on May 17.
Brazil plays Haiti on Friday at Philadelphia. Neymar has yet to participate in any full training session since the five-time world champions began their World Cup preparations in Morristown, New Jersey.
Brazilian media said Brazil’s medical staff was hoping to have him back fully fit for the knockout stages.
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Neymar’s potential return gained more significance after Brazil’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco in the teams’ World Cup opener on Saturday.
Neymar still brought some star power to the game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. He was seen on the sidelines before kickoff saluting celebrities such as rapper Travis Scott and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.
Brazil’s struggles in attack against Morocco immediately prompted calls for a more experienced playmaker like Neymar on the field.
There was widespread debate in Brazil over whether Neymar, whose first World Cup was in 2014 on home soil, should have been called up for the World Cup by new coach Carlo Ancelotti. Some believe the veteran could still help Brazil, but others say Neymar is past his prime and took a spot away from a younger player.
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Three other players did not join the group and trained separately Monday to improve their fitness: Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães and Raphinha.
Neymar and his partner, Bruna Biancardi, on Monday announced on social media that she is pregnant with their third daughter. The player has a teenage son from a previous relationship.
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AP World Cup:
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Audrey Werro missed out on her pursuit of the long-standing women’s 800m record as two-time 400m hurdles world champion Femke Broeders-Bol impressed in her first outdoor race at the distance.
Swiss athlete Werro stunned Keely Hodgkinson two weeks ago in Stockholm by winning in a time of one minute and 53.98 seconds – the third fastest women’s 800m time ever and fastest in the world this year.
The 22-year-old was looking to break the record of 1:53.28 set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983 at the Ostrava Golden Spike in Czechia.
She was in contention at 600m but faded slightly to win in a time of 1:54.55 – still the eighth-fastest in history.
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Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles closed the night by setting a world’s best of 14.67 over the unofficial distance of 150m.
The previous fastest time over the distance on a curved track was 14.92 by Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson., external
Werro shone in the 800m as eight women finished inside two minutes in a stacked field.
Dutch superstar Bol, 25, who married Belgian pole vaulter Ben Broeders earlier this year, finished second in 1:57.13 to become the third fastest Dutch woman over two laps.
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She announced last year that she was changing events.
She has also been a world indoor champion in the flat 400m and is a renowned relay athlete, a gold medallist anchor leg runner with the Netherlands’ 4x400m team at Paris 2024.
Jun 24, 2019; Reims, FRANCE; Spain midfielder Patricia Guijarro (12) and defender Leila Ouahabi (3) celebrate a goal by forward Jennifer Hermoso (not pictured) against the United States during the first half in a round of 16 match in the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 at Stade Auguste-Delaune. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Imagn Images
Chicago Stars FC signed Spain national team defender Leila Ouahabi to a three-year contract on Tuesday.
The deal runs through the 2028 NWSL season. Ouahabi, 33, will occupy an international roster spot.
Ouahabi was a free agent after playing the past four seasons at England’s Manchester City. She appeared in 106 matches across all competitions from 2022-26 and helped the club win the Women’s Super League and the Women’s FA Cup in 2026
“I’m very excited to join the Chicago Stars,” Ouahabi said. “This is a new challenge in my career, and I can’t wait to meet my teammates and start playing. I look forward to bringing my soccer knowledge and experience to the team, and I want to give the best version of me and help my team do the same. Chicago is building a great project, and I think this is the right place to be to compete at my best.”
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Ouahabi previously played for Barcelona (2011-13, 2016-22) and Valencia (2013-16) in Spain. She helped Barcelona win the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2020-21.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Leila to the Chicago Stars and are excited to add her experience and international pedigree to our roster,” said Stars president Karen Leetzow. “Leila is a proven winner and has excelled at some of the biggest clubs and competitions in the world, as well as on the international stage with Spain, and we look forward to her bolstering our back line following a historic season with Manchester City.”
She has earned 66 caps with Spain, appearing in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the UEFA Euro tournaments in 2022 and 2025.
Albert Ghim from No Ceilings joins KOC for an in-depth NBA Draft breakdown just one week before the big night. The pair shares their predictions for the 2026 Draft including which players might fall and which teams may trade up.
(0:36) NBA Draft predictions (27:16) Player comparisons for top prospects
AJ Dybantsa of the BYU Cougars goes up for a dunks against the Houston Cougars in the first half during the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament at T-Mobile Center on March 12, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Canelo Alvarez is set to soon return to the 168lbs scene and there are a host of new players at the weight hoping to get the chance to face him. One of those men is a newly crowned world champion, and Canelo has now responded to his call-out.
Canelo lost all four recognised super-middleweight world titles to Terence Crawford in September and they have since been picked up by Hamzah Sheeraz (WBO), Jaime Munguia (WBA), Osleys Iglesias (IBF) and Christian Mbilli (WBC), whom he will face in September.
However, if successful in regaining the 168lb throne against Mbilli, Sheeraz and Iglesias have made it clear that they would like to pursue a potential unification against the Mexican superstar.
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Although, in a recent interview, Iglesias insinuated that Canelo ‘would not want’ to face him, believing that he would not be granted with a unification opportunity, despite his position as the reigning IBF world champion.
“It’s complicated. It’s complicated with Canelo. Canelo would not want to fight me. I would hope that he would give me the fight and allow me to demonstrate that Cuban fighters and more specifically, Osleys Iglesias, is a different breed.
“We will leave it up to God and God willing, he will give me the opportunity to fight him.”
In response, Canelo has now told DAZN Boxing that Iglesias and Sheeraz could earn that opportunity by facing one another.
“I never checked that [potential fights with Hamzah Sheeraz or Osleys Iglesias]. I think that they need to fight each other and then I find out the winner. That is the most smart thing that they can do.
“We all, at some point, we need to earn what we deserve, right? They need to earn it [a fight with me], why not? That is why I say that they need to [fight each other] and I don’t say that they don’t deserve it.
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“They deserve it, that is why they are there as champions or number ones or whatever.
“But, they need to fight each other and then, after my fight, we will see.”
Iglesias, who has 14 knockouts from his 15 victories, is believed to be in talks for a difficult first defence against reigning WBC middleweight world champion Carlos Adames, who is expected to soon vacate his belt ahead of a move up to the super-middleweight division.
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