The 2026 FIFA World Cup was always expected to be remembered for its unprecedented scale. Expanded to 48 teams and spread across three host nations, it promised to redefine football’s biggest tournament.

Instead, as the group stage nears its conclusion, conversations have increasingly drifted away from the football itself.

Travel fatigue, cross-border logistics, visa complications, scheduling concerns and the challenges of staging a tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada have all emerged as recurring talking points.

Now, Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has added another chapter to that growing list of concerns.

“A disaster World Cup”

Following Iran’s 1-1 draw against Egypt that left the Asian side waiting anxiously to discover whether they would progress as one of the best third-placed teams, Taremi launched a scathing attack on FIFA and president Gianni Infantino.

“It is a disaster World Cup; a disaster,” the striker said.

His criticism was not directed at footballing matters but at the logistical hurdles Iran believes it has faced throughout the competition.

According to Taremi, promises made by FIFA after Iran’s opening match never materialised, while the squad spent much of the tournament battling travel schedules rather than preparing for opponents.

A tournament built on movement

Unlike previous editions hosted within one nation, the 2026 World Cup requires teams to constantly navigate one of the world’s largest sporting footprints.

For Iran, those challenges became even more complicated.

Originally planning to establish their base camp in Tucson, Arizona, the team instead relocated to Tijuana in Mexico following heightened political tensions between Iran and the United States.

That decision meant every group-stage fixture required cross-border travel into the United States before immediately returning to Mexico after matches.

Missing staff, missing recovery

Travel was only part of the problem.

Several members of Iran’s logistical and recovery staff reportedly failed to obtain U.S. visas, leaving the squad without key personnel responsible for player welfare throughout the tournament.

“We don’t have our logistic people here,” Taremi said.

“We love Mexico and the people in Tijuana, but as professional players in a professional competition, it isn’t right.”

Modern international tournaments increasingly rely on extensive backroom teams handling everything from recovery sessions to nutrition and tactical analysis.

Operating without those resources, Iran believe, affected their ability to compete on equal terms.

Coach joins the criticism

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei echoed his captain’s frustration, accusing tournament co-host the United States of placing unnecessary obstacles in front of his team.

According to Ghalenoei, Iran were denied the opportunity to arrive in the U.S. well before the tournament began, limiting both physical preparation and acclimatisation.

“The host country treated us very unfairly,” he said.

He urged FIFA to ensure future World Cup hosts prevent similar situations, arguing no team should face logistical disadvantages before a ball has even been kicked.

Another debate for FIFA

Iran’s complaints arrive at a time when FIFA is already facing questions about the operational complexity of the expanded World Cup.

The introduction of 48 teams has increased the number of matches, expanded travel requirements and stretched organisational resources across multiple countries and time zones.

While supporters have praised the atmosphere and competitive balance, coaches and players have repeatedly highlighted concerns over recovery periods, long-distance travel and scheduling.

Iran’s experience has become the latest example cited by critics who believe football risks becoming secondary to logistical planning.

Football heartbreak follows logistical frustration

  Iran’s campaign ended with even more disappointment. Shoja Khalilzadeh thought he had scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Egypt that would have secured automatic qualification.

VAR ruled the goal out for offside. Instead of celebrating progression, Iran were left waiting on results elsewhere while reflecting on what they considered an uphill battle throughout the tournament.

“We have to fight against everything here,” Taremi remarked.

Whether or not Iran ultimately reaches the knockout rounds, the episode has added fresh scrutiny to an already evolving debate.

The expanded World Cup has delivered more nations, more matches and more stories than ever before.

But alongside the football, it has also exposed the enormous logistical challenge of staging a tournament across three countries—raising questions FIFA may have to answer long after the final whistle of the 2026 World Cup.

Eight teams that end up in third place will play the round of 32 of the World Cup

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Jun 27, 2026

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Who is DR Congo’s head coach?

This is Frenchman Sebastien Desabre’s 11th coaching role in Africa.

The 49-year-old has qualified DR Congo for successive Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the semi-finals in 2023, as well as the World Cup. He had previous success with Uganda.

How did DR Congo get to the last 32?

They earned the first World Cup point in their history by holding strongly-fancied Portugal to a 1-1 draw but then lost 1-0 to Colombia. That left DR Congo needing to beat Uzbekistan, which they duly did 3-1 to progress to the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Where can I watch DR Congo?

Their last-32 tie against England will be live on BBC One on Wednesday 1 July, with build-up from 16:00 BST.

The match will also be covered live on BBC Radio 5 Live, the BBC Sport website and app.

Give me a fact to impress my friends

Superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, who went viral at the Africa Cup of Nations for his eye-catching patriotism during games, has been included in DR Congo’s official World Cup delegation at the request of the players.

Since 2013, Mboladinga has worn colourful suits and silently imitated a statue of revered revolutionary leader Patrice Lumumba, with one arm raised, for entire matches.

Now give me some proper detail

The Congolese proverb little by little, grow the bananas emphasises the virtues of patience and steady progress. But during the national football team’s 52-year gap between World Cups – the joint-fourth longest of any nation – patience has been exhausted and progress stalled. Until now.

There has been a determination to change the country’s World Cup narrative after a 1974 debut that left them ripe for ridicule. Zaire, as DR Congo was then known, lost all three games – including 9-0 against Yugoslavia.

Then came the infamous moment when right-back Mwepu Ilunga charged out of a defensive wall to boot the ball away as Brazil lined up a free-kick.

Bemused onlookers were unaware it was an act of political protest. The players had learned their expected wages and bonuses wouldn’t be paid – and Zaire President Mobutu then threatened them with exile if they lost by more than three goals against Brazil.

By kicking the ball away, Ilunga had hoped to waste time and get sent off. He was only booked and Zaire lost 3-0; they were allowed home but President Mobutu cut their funding.

Ever since, the 1968 and 1974 African champions have been kept on the game’s periphery by a combination of conflict, corruption, poor football governance and a lack of facilities.

Current head coach Desabre has brought in fresh talent from the vast Congolese diaspora – all but six of the World Cup squad were born in Europe – and the nation is now seeing the fruits of his endlessly patient nurturing.

How have DR Congo done at previous World Cups?

The central African nation has only played in the World Cup once before – in 1974, when the country was named Zaire. They lost all three group games without scoring, including 9-0 against Yugoslavia.

DR Congo created history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure a place in the Round of 32 for the first time in the country’s history.

The Leopards showed remarkable character to overturn a first-half deficit and become the eighth African nation to reach the knockout stages of the tournament, setting up a mouth-watering clash against England in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Uzbekistan had taken the lead after capitalising on a defensive mix-up involving Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Eldor Shomurodov reacted quickest to the loose ball and delicately lifted his effort over the goalkeeper to put the Asian side ahead.

Uzbekistan dominated much of the opening half and looked the more dangerous side going forward. However, DR Congo remained a threat and even had a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances before Nathanael Mbuku forced a save with a powerful effort.

With their World Cup dream hanging in the balance, DR Congo returned after the break with renewed determination and intensity.

Their equaliser came when Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa was brought down inside the penalty area by Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov. Wissa calmly converted the resulting penalty to bring the African side level.

The momentum had shifted, and DR Congo soon took the lead. Fiston Mayele reacted quickest after Meschack Elia’s deflected effort fell kindly to him, with the striker finishing from close range to complete the turnaround.

Wissa then sealed a famous victory in stoppage time with a superb finish from the edge of the penalty area, sending DR Congo’s supporters into wild celebrations.

The victory ensured DR Congo finished third in Group K with four points, enough to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

Their qualification means that eight African nations have now reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Algeria will make it nine if they avoid defeat vs Austria:

South Africa

Cape Verde

Ivory Coast

Morocco

Senegal

Ghana

Egypt

DR Congo

DR Congo will now face England in Atlanta in what promises to be one of the most fascinating ties of the Round of 32, as the Leopards look to continue their historic World Cup journey.

A well-executed long-range plan by trainer Grahame Begg saw his mare Splash Back capture the Group 1 Tatts Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Following a disappointing Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) run at Flemington in the Spring, Begg turned his attention to Queensland. With Fangirl and Spicy Martini absent from the field, Splash Back carried the favoured number one saddlecloth.

Jordan Childs adopted a similar strategy to Splash Back’s prior victory in the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m), saving ground near the inside. The $8.50 chance accelerated impressively, crossing the line 1-1/4 lengths ahead of Savagery Vibe ($21), with Gerringong ($5) a further length back in third.

Begg, a dual winner of the Tatts Tiara with Bonanova when it was a Group 3 race in 1999 and 2000, noted the mare’s strong lead-up performances in the Kingsford Smith Cup and Stradbroke Handicap.

“It’s always been a race that I really love,” Begg commented. “She’s been a beauty, this horse. Since we got her to train, she’s been outstanding. She’s all heart, she just goes out and goes to war for you.”

This marked the 16th Group One win for Begg. It was also only the second time Childs had ridden Splash Back, despite Childs having significantly more rides for Begg than any other jockey.

“I gave him (Childs) licence and said, ‘If you’ve got to go back to the inside because there’s nothing wrong with it today’,” Begg continued. “The track’s played beautifully… they’ve done an amazing job and they’ve absolutely looked after us a treat. We’ve had a good number of horses here and it’s just great.”

Childs expressed his satisfaction with the win, his second Group One aboard a Begg-trained horse, following his success on Written By in the 2018 Blue Diamond Stakes and his recent win in the Robert Sangster Stakes.

“I was able to sneak runs up the inside and coming to the corner, I knew I just needed to unfold the way I needed it to and a few runs to appear,” Childs said. “Once she did, she really burst through. Great to get another Group One winner for Grahame and especially this horse, she’s been fantastic.”

For those looking to place a wager, check out the available online bookmakers for the upcoming races.

Two of boxing’s brightest unbeaten stars collide tonight as unified WBA and WBO super-welterweight champion Xander Zayas defends his titles against former unified welterweight ruler Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

Zayas, still just 23, puts his unified crown on the line against Ennis, who moved up from welterweight after establishing himself as one of boxing’s elite talents. With both men yet to taste defeat, tonight’s winner will take a huge step towards pound-for-pound recognition.

‘Boots’ steps through the ropes as the favourite and regarded as one of the sport’s most gifted fighters. The switch-hitter from Philadelphia carries true knockout power, and believes the fight will play out ‘whichever way he wants’. As boxing’s youngest male unified champion, Zayas has momentum in the division and is confident of claiming by far the biggest scalp of his campaign so far.

Follow Boxing News’ live scorecard below followed by the official result as it happens.

Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis live scorecard

This is a Boxing News live scorecard and not the official score from the judges.

Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis fight result

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PHILADELPHIA – Death, Taxes, and an aging Croatia overperforming at World Cups. There are a few certainties in life, but after defeating Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia on Saturday, Croatia are off to Toronto after coming in second place in Group L, where they’ll face the second-placed team of Group K, Portugal.

While it’s not a surprise that Croatia was survived the group, they still pushed to win it all despite an opening game loss to England, making the Three Lions have to win on their final day to take top spot. While the attack revolved around the ageless midfielder Luka Modric, who took 102 touches and was everywhere for the squad, it’s clear that he also has support in the younger members of the Vatereni, such as Petar Sucic, who opened the scoring with a stunner from outside the box.

The Inter man has gained the habit of scoring from distance, and he has quite a good teacher for that at Inter in Hakan Calhanoglu, a noted specialist from distance and Turkiye international. One of the youngest players in the squad, he’s growing in confidence to pick his spots and do what is needed to push his team to victories in the biggest moments. These two goals were the first ones that Ghana allowed during the tournament, as this team can score.

“Yeah, for me it doesn’t mean [anything] that I’m the youngest because I came outside to play like everyone,” Sucic said. “And for me, it doesn’t matter how much age you have; you need to do your best job on the pitch. And of course, I like to score good goals, and of course, after training we practice a lot… Hakan is one of the best in that.”

When players like that are put around Modric, who has unbelievable vision to be their general from deep, it’s a recipe for success. Modric created four chances and nabbed an assist on Croaita’s second goal as well. A national hero, there’s nothing that Modric can’t do, and it’s clear what he means to the team.

“I tell him after the game, you play like you are 20 years old. He he he was incredible today,” Sucic said with a smile. “He runs a lot, he goes in every duel. He was so good with the ball. Yeah, he is our leader, our best player, and we are so happy that he can lead us also in this World Cup, and he can play until he wants. He’s so good, and yeah, we are happy with him.”

Having a generation of Croatian players who have gone on runs for the national team in Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, and Dominik Livakovic means it’s so much easier for young players to come into the national team setup and know exactly what they need to do. And even at 40, when you think you’ve seen it all, Modric can still impress his teammates.

“Luka was unbelievable today, I swear it seems like he tuned the time 10 years before and really one of the best performances that I’ve seen him do in a Croatia shirt,” Vlasic said.

Depending on who they land in the next round, it could be a tough road for Croatia, but they aren’t going to worry much about that, especially after ensuring that they won a game where technically a draw would’ve been enough to get them through to the next round. Pride for the shirt is always important, especially when it’s one as iconic as the checkered pattern that Croaita dons.

“In the end, it’s the World Cup, so you need to do your best, and you play for the national team, you need to go, and every game you want to win,” Sucic said.

We’ve seen squads, even veteran squads, fracture at the World Cup after a disappointing loss to start the campaign, but there’s been no such problem in Zlatko Dalic’s squad. Anyone could be benched and make their way into the lineup and score a goal because it’s about the badge and the team, not the individual.

“Everybody is training well, waiting for the opportunity. I didn’t start the first game. I went in maybe, I don’t know, 12 minutes, 30 minutes. Second game, I didn’t go in,” Vlasic said. “But you always believe, you always wait for your chance, train well, and wait for the coach to call you in. So I’m really happy that the coach, in such an important game, he put me in the game. So it tells you that he really trusts me. So I’m really happy about that.”

That balance and knowing roles is critical, and it offers a view into how Croatia was able to outperform expectations consistently. They’ll need to continue to do it facing tougher opposition, but for now, the job is done and they can rest and recover.

Jordan have already been knocked out of the tournament, while Argentina are safely through to the knockout stage.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had hinted that Messi, who turned 39 three days earlier, could make an appearance from the bench during the match at AT&T Stadium.

Fresh faces get their chance

Nicolás Paz was included in the starting lineup after making his World Cup debut as a substitute for Messi late in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in the opening game.

Overall, Scaloni made nine changes from the side that defeated Austria 2-0 in the previous match.

Messi continues to rewrite World Cup history

Messi has now played 201 international matches for Argentina, including a FIFA-record 28 World Cup appearances.

He has scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, becoming only the third player to achieve the feat after France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil legend Jairzinho.

Heading into the final round of group-stage matches, Messi led the tournament scoring chart with five goals, all of Argentina’s goals so far.

He struck his first-ever World Cup hat-trick against Algeria before adding his fifth goal in injury time against Austria.

Record-breaking goal tally

Messi’s two goals against Austria took his overall World Cup tally to 18, breaking the previous record of 16 that he shared with Germany great Miroslav Klose.

This is Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance. Klose played 214 international matches across four World Cups between 2002 and 2014, with his final World Cup goal coming in Germany’s 1-0 win over Argentina in the 2014 final.

France star Kylian Mbappé equalled Klose’s tally of 16 World Cup goals by scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over Iraq just hours after Messi broke the record.

Mbappé, who is among several players with four goals in this tournament, did not score in France’s 4-1 win over Norway in their final group-stage game.

Argentina set for Cape Verde challenge

As Group J winners, Argentina will now face Cape Verde in the round of 32 on Friday in Miami.

It will be Cape Verde’s first appearance in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, while the game will also be played in the home city of Messi’s MLS club.