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FIFA says held positive talks with Iran ahead of World Cup

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FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran‘s FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj on Saturday, ​he told Reuters, expressing confidence about the country’s participation at this year’s World Cup.

Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group matches in the United States but the team’s participation in the June 11 ​to July 19 ‌tournament has been in question since the US and Israel attacked Iran ⁠in late February.

“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” Grafstrom said during a visit to Istanbul. “We’re working closely ‌together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”

Iran holds farewell ceremony for 2026 World Cup football team

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A member of Iran's national soccer team attends a farewell ceremony ahead of their departure to the 2026 World Cup in Tehran, Iran, May 13, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS.
A member of Iran’s national soccer team attends a farewell ceremony ahead of their departure to the 2026 World Cup in Tehran, Iran, May 13, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS. via REUTERS – Majid Asgaripour

More ⁠questions have arisen after FFIRI’s Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier this month because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

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The US ​and Canada, who are co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, classify the IRGC ‌as a “terrorist entity” and have made it clear they will not admit people with links to the elite military force.

Grafstrom declined to provide details on the visa situation for Iran’s players, but said the two sides had ‌the opportunity to discuss some of the operational matters and had a positive exchange.

Taj told Reuters that FFIRI had a very good meeting with ​Grafstrom and other FIFA officials.

Read moreIran crisis, World Cup tensions overshadow FIFA Congress in Vancouver

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“I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, that our ​national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there,” ​he said.

Asked if FIFA had secured assurances on entry and visa ​arrangements for Iran’s players, Grafstrom declined to elaborate.

“We’ve discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details,” he said. “Overall, ​a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue.”

Iran had asked for their World Cup matches to be switched to Mexico but FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists that all games must be played at the grounds originally scheduled.

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Iran’s squad will leave Tehran for a training camp in Turkey on Monday before ⁠moving on to their US base at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona in early June.

Iran are scheduled to get ⁠their World Cup campaign ​under way against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are also due to play Belgium and Egypt in Group G.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

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Nasarawa Amazons Stay Perfect as Abia Angels Shock Rivers Angels

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Nasarawa Amazons maintained their perfect start to the 2026 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six after coming from behind to beat defending champions Bayelsa Queens 2-1 in Port Harcourt on Monday.

After a goalless first half, Bayelsa Queens took the lead six minutes after the restart through Chiamaka Ezekwugo. However, Nasarawa Amazons fought back strongly in the closing stages of the game.

Farikikyen Moses equalised in the 80th minute before Ayatsea Hembafan scored a stoppage-time winner to hand Christopher Danjuma’s side their second consecutive victory of the competition.

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The win moved Nasarawa Amazons to six points from two matches, while Bayelsa Queens remain on one point.

In another Matchday Two fixture, Abia Angels recorded a surprise 1-0 victory over former champions Rivers Angels at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

Winner David scored the only goal of the match in the 26th minute, heading home what proved to be the winning goal. The result earned Abia Angels their first victory of the playoffs after drawing 1-1 with Bayelsa Queens in their opening game.

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The Umuahia-based side now have four points from two matches and have strengthened their chances of challenging for the title.

Meanwhile, Edo Queens bounced back from their opening-day defeat to Nasarawa Amazons with an impressive 4-1 win over FC Robo Queens.

Chioma Moses was the star of the match, scoring twice in the first half to give Edo Queens a comfortable lead. Substitute Precious Oscar added a third goal shortly after the break before Mary Mamudu made it 4-0 in the 63rd minute.

FC Robo Queens grabbed a late consolation goal through Florence Godwin Freda, but Edo Queens were already firmly in control.

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The defeat was FC Robo Queens’ second in a row after their opening loss to Rivers Angels. The NWFL Super Six playoffs will continue on Wednesday with more crucial matches in the race for the league title.

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UFC Freedom 250

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Former WWE champion makes huge return after 1141 days

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A former WWE champion returned to his old stomping ground tonight. He is currently among the most popular acts on Friday Night SmackDown under Triple H’s creative leadership.

The name being discussed is Kit Wilson. On tonight’s episode of NXT, Wilson returned to the black-and-silver brand for the first time in 1141 days. He was the special guest judge for the inaugural Mr. NXT Pageant.

Before tonight, the former NXT Tag Team Champion’s last appearance for the Shawn Michaels-led brand came on April 25, 2023. Wilson and Elton Prince lost to The D’Angelo Family’s Channing Lorenzo and Tony D’Angelo at Spring Breakin’.

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Following the abovementioned loss, Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) was moved to SmackDown as part of the 2023 Draft. The duo had a stellar run on the blue brand before Prince sustained a severe neck injury in May 2025.

In his tag team partner’s absence, Kit Wilson adopted a new gimmick, aiming to eradicate “toxic masculinity” from WWE. In recent months, the 31-year-old has become immensely popular among fans despite portraying a heel character. He has been working with The Miz to take down their common enemy, Danhausen.

Last month, The A-Lister and Wilson interrupted the legendary John Cena’s segment at WrestleMania 42. Before they could target the 17-time WWE World Champion, Danhausen showed up with Minihausens and humiliated the heels on The Grandest Stage of Them All.

At Backlash 2026, Wilson and Miz combined forces to face Danhausen and a Minihausen in a tag team match. Unfortunately for the heel duo, they lost the bout in Tampa, Florida. Despite their defeat, the former WWE Champion and the British superstar have not abandoned their mission of taking down Mr. Very Nice, Very Evil.

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Danhausen is currently working on a major “science experiment” on SmackDown. Fans have various theories about the ongoing storyline involving the former AEW star. It will be interesting to see how the experiment affects Miz and Wilson.