World Cup
US will welcome international fans for World Cup, says FIFA president
The world will be welcomed to the United States for the 2026 World Cup and this year’s Club World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday, days after a meeting with officials from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
The U.S. will co-host next year’s World Cup with Mexico and Canada, and will also host the Club World Cup from June 14 to July 13, which will take place across 11 cities.
Infantino’s comments come against a backdrop of Trump’s immigration stance that has raised questions about potential challenges for the numerous international fans expected to travel to the U.S. for both tournaments.
Trump began an aggressive immigration enforcement campaign after taking office in January, declaring illegal immigration an “invasion” in an attempt to ramp up deportations.
“We had a meeting last week of the White House Task Force on FIFA World Cups with the government of the United States (…) And the world is welcome in America. Of course, the players, of course, everyone involved, all of us, but definitely also all the fans,” Infantino said at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.
“And let’s be clear about that. This doesn’t come from me; this comes from the American government. Everyone is welcome, obviously, those who want to come and celebrate football … Those who want to come to create trouble, like in every country in the world, they are not welcome. They are not welcome anywhere in the world.”
Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, will serve as executive director of the presidential task force for the 2026 World Cup.
Trump said last week he wanted people travelling to America to watch the competition to have a seamless experience during every part of their visit.
NO DECISION ON PALESTINIAN CLAIM
“One topic I would like to mention is the item requested by the Palestine Football Association. Let me assure you that the work has obviously started and is moving ahead. Let me assure you also that progress is being made,” Infantino said.
The Palestinian proposal accused the Israel Football Association of complicity in violations of international law by the Israeli government, discrimination against Arab players, and inclusion in its league of clubs located in Palestinian territory. The IFA rejected the accusations.
It asked to expel Israeli clubs located in illegally occupied territories in the West Bank and East Jerusalem with immediate effect.
Later, a Palestine delegate said: “Not having taken a decision is not a neutral act.
“In one month, FIFA should present us with a report to find out what is going on.”
No Israeli representative spoke on the issue.
-Reuters
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Own goals are rapidly becoming one of the defining statistical features of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Australia’s Cameron Burgess becoming the seventh player to inadvertently score against his own team.
Burgess’s unfortunate contribution came during Australia’s 2-0 Group D defeat to the United States, adding his name to a growing list of players who have experienced one of football’s most painful moments on the sport’s biggest stage.
The tally of seven own goals after the opening rounds of matches highlights an unusual trend at the tournament and has sparked debate among analysts over the reasons behind the phenomenon.
Among the possible explanations are the increased pace of modern football, relentless high pressing, defensive fatigue, and the pressure created by technically gifted attacking players.
Before Burgess’s own goal, six other players had already found the wrong net.
The US have twice benefited from own goals at the World Cup 2026
Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla was the first to suffer the misfortune, followed by Egypt defender Mohammed Hany. Iraq captain Aymen Hussein and Jordan’s Yazan Al-Arab also endured similar moments, while Qatar’s Mohamed Al-Mannai and Switzerland’s Miro Muheim completed the unwanted list.
While own goals have always been part of football, their frequency at the 2026 tournament has made them a notable talking point, with several matches significantly influenced by defensive errors and unfortunate deflections.
As the World Cup progresses, teams will be hoping to tighten up at the back and avoid joining a list that no player wishes to be part of.
World Cup 2026 Own Goals So Far
| Player | Country |
| Damian Bobadilla | Paraguay |
| Mohammed Hany | Egypt |
| Aymen Hussein | Iraq |
| Yazan Al-Arab | Jordan |
| Mohamed Al-Mannai | Qatar |
| Miro Muheim | Switzerland |
| Cameron Burgess | Australia |
Quick Facts
- Total own goals: 7
- Latest own goal: Cameron Burgess (Australia vs USA)
- Teams affected: Paraguay, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Switzerland and Australia
- Tournament trend: Own goals have featured prominently during the group stage and have become one of the notable statistical storylines of World Cup 2026.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Norway will look to strengthen their position in Group A when they take on Senegal in a potentially decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter.
Much of the spotlight will once again fall on prolific striker Erling Haaland, who arrives in scintillating form. The Manchester City forward has scored an astonishing 22 goals in his last 11 competitive appearances for Norway and remains the Scandinavians’ biggest attacking threat.
Norway’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage could hinge on Haaland maintaining that remarkable scoring run against a Senegal side renowned for their resilience and tournament experience.
The West Africans have built a reputation as difficult opponents on the global stage and possess an impressive record in second group-stage matches at the World Cup. Senegal have never lost their second fixture in the competition, recording one victory and two draws in their previous appearances.
With both teams eyeing a place in the last 32, the clash promises to be a fascinating battle between Norway’s attacking firepower and Senegal’s disciplined, organised approach.
A victory for either side would provide a significant boost to their qualification ambitions ahead of the final round of group matches.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK.
History could be made when Argentina take on Austria in Group E as Lionel Messi bids to become the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.
Already among the most celebrated players the game has known, Messi has another opportunity to add to his remarkable legacy on football’s biggest stage. The Argentine captain will be the focal point as the South Americans seek to secure another important result in their quest for World Cup glory.
Standing in their way is an Austrian side contesting its 31st World Cup match. Interestingly, Austria have never been involved in a goalless draw at the finals, a statistic that suggests goals could once again be on the agenda.
Meanwhile, Jordan continue their search for a first-ever FIFA World Cup point when they face Algeria in another intriguing contest.
The Jordanians have shown admirable determination on their World Cup debut but now face an Algerian side eager to strengthen its position in the group.
The fixture also carries historical significance for Algeria. It comes exactly 12 years after the Desert Foxes defeated the Republic 4-2 in Brazil, their biggest victory margin in World Cup history and their only previous finals meeting with an Asian Football Confederation opponent.
Algeria will be hoping that the anniversary proves a good omen as they seek another positive result against AFC opposition, while Jordan aim to make history by collecting their first points on the world stage.
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