FIFA World Cup 2026: USA fans expect quarter-final run; Nestory Irankunda explains No. 17 shirt; Neymar injury update and latest news
Australia’s Nestory Irankunda has explained the sentimental reason he chose to wear the No. 17 shirt at the World Cup, revealing it was the same number he wore with Australia’s youth team, the Joeys, and saying he wanted to keep it as a symbol of his journey through the national pathways. The 20-year-old winger, who impressed in Australia’s 1-1 warm-up draw with Switzerland, said the number carried personal meaning and that he hopes to keep it for the rest of his international career. Teammate Tete Yengi praised Irankunda’s talent and explosiveness, saying that when he is in form he is “almost unstoppable.” Yengi, who scored Australia’s only goal against Switzerland, is also pushing for more minutes at the tournament after earning a shock World Cup call-up despite never previously playing at international level. He said his route to this stage, including a strong spell in Japan, has prepared him for the opportunity and he is ready whenever coach Tony Popovic calls on him.
In the United States camp, local fans attending the team’s open training session in California voiced strong belief that the host nation can make a deep run on home soil. Many said a quarter-final place should be the minimum expectation, with some even believing the team can win the tournament. That confidence marks a major shift from earlier eras of U.S. men’s soccer, when expectations were far lower. Captain Tim Ream acknowledged the pressure that comes with hosting a World Cup, while goalkeeper Matt Freese said the team hopes to inspire the next generation of American players.
The U.S. also received a boost with defender Chris Richards returning to full training after an ankle injury, though midfielder Tyler Adams remained limited as a precaution. Coach Mauricio Pochettino said most players were available for selection ahead of the opener against Paraguay.
Brazil’s Neymar is recovering from a calf injury and is still a doubt for the start of the tournament, though team officials said he is making good progress. FIFA also confirmed Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been barred from entering the United States and will not officiate at the World Cup. France enjoyed a confidence-boosting warm-up win over Northern Ireland, led by a hat-trick from Michael Olise, while Morocco are anxiously awaiting tests on winger Abde Ezzalzouli’s knee injury before their opening match against Brazil.
