World Cup 2026 news: Iran ticket row, Platini complaint against Infantino and latest England updates as it happened
The build-up to the 2026 World Cup has been dominated by travel and immigration problems, with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney contacting American officials after several Scotland fans had their ESTA authorisations changed or revoked days before the team’s match against Haiti in Boston. Some supporters reported their travel status moving from approved to pending at the last minute, forcing attempts to secure emergency visa appointments. Swinney said he would do everything possible to help affected fans and asked officials to push for a solution so they do not miss the tournament.
The controversy has widened beyond supporters. Former England midfielder Ian Wright criticised the visa and entry issues on social media, saying fans, players, referees and journalists had all been affected. He described the situation as embarrassing for American fans and called it “the World Cup of chaos.” The problems have also sparked concern over the cost of attending the event, with supporters facing expensive tickets, accommodation and transport.
Meanwhile, the football news around the tournament has continued. England coach Thomas Tuchel worked with 31 players in Florida ahead of the final warm-up friendly against Costa Rica, with Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze among those pushing for playing time. Teenager Rio Ngumoha, fresh from his debut against New Zealand, also trained. In Mexico, 17-year-old attacker Gilberto Mora has signed a new three-year contract with Club Tijuana and is expected to become the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup while wearing the No 10 shirt.
There were also major club developments in Europe. Real Madrid confirmed they had made a €150m offer for Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, but Atlético rejected the bid and pointed to his €500m release clause. In England, Crystal Palace have agreed a deal in principle to appoint Pierre Sage as head coach, while Wolves are close to bringing back Raúl Jiménez on a two-year deal after his spell at Fulham. Stoke City appointed Arsenal Under-21s head coach Max Porter as assistant to Mark Robins, and Rochdale named Ian Watson as their new head coach on a three-year contract.
Away from the transfer and coaching headlines, there was praise for several players. Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon hailed Lawrence Shankland as a more complete forward after his move to Rangers. France coach Didier Deschamps also praised Michael Olise after his hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland, highlighting his confidence, work rate and growing importance to the team.
Elsewhere in the tournament build-up, South Africa coach Hugo Broos reflected on returning to Mexico 40 years after playing at the Azteca, while Australia striker Mo Touré drew increasing attention ahead of his World Cup debut. Iran’s football federation also said its ticket allocation had been revoked on the eve of the competition, adding to the sense of uncertainty surrounding the event.
