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FIFA calls for ‘all teams to participate’ in 2026 World Cup amid US–Iran conflict

The developments come just months before Iran is due to travel to the United States for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

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FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström says the governing body remains committed to having every qualified nation compete at the 2026 World Cup, despite escalating conflict between the United States and Iran.

The U.S. carried out missile attacks on Iran on Saturday and Sunday, with US President Donald Trump describing the operation as a “major combat mission.” Iran responded with strikes on US air bases in the Gulf, including facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.

The developments come just months before Iran is due to travel to the United States for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

Iran was drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. Team Melli is scheduled to play two group-stage matches in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, followed by a third in Seattle on June 26.

Speaking at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting in Cardiff, Wales, Grafström said FIFA is closely monitoring the situation but remains focused on ensuring the tournament proceeds safely and inclusively.

“I read the news this morning the same way you did,” Grafström said. “It is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.

“Our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating. We will continue to communicate with the three host governments as we always do. Everybody will be safe.”

However, questions remain about Iran’s participation due to US travel restrictions. Iran is among 19 countries included in a travel ban announced by the Trump administration in June last year, potentially complicating entry for Iranian citizens.

In December, Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj warned that some national team players and staff could face visa denials because of prior military service. Several players have served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the US government designates as a foreign terrorist organization.

The U.S. State Department has not ruled out the possibility that certain Iranian players could be denied visas, adding further uncertainty to Iran’s path to the 2026 tournament.

International Sports

IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings cruise past Kolkata Knight Riders

Attention now turns to Wednesday’s fixture, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Lucknow Super Giants in Match 23 of the tournament.

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Chennai Super Kings secured a convincing 32-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in Tuesday’s Indian Premier League (IPL) clash, delivering a polished all-round performance at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai.

Batting first, Chennai posted a competitive 192/5 in their 20 overs, with valuable contributions from Sanju Samson (48) and Dewald Brevis (41), setting a challenging target.

In response, Kolkata struggled to build momentum and were restricted to 160/7, falling short despite a late push from the middle order. Spinner Noor Ahmad led the bowling effort with three crucial wickets, earning Player of the Match honours, as Chennai’s disciplined attack ensured the visitors never seriously threatened the total.

The result marks Chennai’s second consecutive win of the season, while Kolkata remain without a victory in the campaign so far.

Attention now turns to Wednesday’s fixture, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Lucknow Super Giants in Match 23 of the tournament.

Bengaluru enter the contest boasting one of the strongest batting line-ups in the competition, having consistently posted totals above 200 this season. Lucknow, meanwhile, will rely on their disciplined bowling unit as they look to bounce back from a recent defeat and climb the standings.

With conditions in Bengaluru traditionally favouring batsmen, the encounter is widely expected to produce another high-scoring contest.

Broadcast details

Fans in Afghanistan will be able to follow the action live on Ariana Television, which is broadcasting IPL matches across the country.

As the tournament gathers pace, both on-field competition and global viewership continue to rise, with key fixtures attracting growing international attention.

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International Sports

RCB, Gujarat Titans secure wins in Sunday IPL double-header

In the first match, Gujarat Titans defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets with eight balls to spare.

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Two contrasting but equally compelling matches marked Sunday’s action in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with Gujarat Titans cruising to victory in the afternoon and Royal Challengers Bengaluru prevailing in a high-scoring evening clash.

In the first match, Gujarat Titans defeated Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets with eight balls to spare. Lucknow posted 164/8 in their 20 overs, but Gujarat chased down the target comfortably, finishing on 165/3 in 18.4 overs.

Pacer Prasidh Krishna delivered a match-winning spell, taking 4/28 and earning Player of the Match honours. With the bat, captain Shubman Gill led from the front with 56 off 40 balls, while Jos Buttler added a quickfire 60, guiding Gujarat to a comfortable win.

The evening encounter at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in a run-fest. Bengaluru posted a formidable 240/4 in their 20 overs, powered by a blistering 78 from Phil Salt and a half-century from captain Rajat Patidar.

Mumbai Indians mounted a strong chase, finishing on 222/5, with Sherfane Rutherford top-scoring with 71 off 31 balls. However, the target proved too steep as Bengaluru held their nerve to secure victory.

The results continue to shape an increasingly competitive early phase of the IPL season, with teams beginning to build momentum in the standings.

Monday’s match

Attention now turns to Monday’s fixture, where Sunrisers Hyderabad face Rajasthan Royals. Both sides will be aiming to strengthen their positions, with key players expected to play decisive roles in what promises to be another closely fought contest.

All IPL matches are being broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television Network (ATN) across Afghanistan.

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International Sports

IPL double-header delivers thrills as teams battle for momentum

In the first match, Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.

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Saturday’s double-header in the Indian Premier League (IPL) saw Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings record important victories as the tournament gathered pace.

In the first match, Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets.

In the second game, Chennai Super Kings overcame Delhi Capitals in a closely contested match, with Chennai holding their nerve in the decisive moments to secure the win.

CSK won by 23 runs.

The results provide both Punjab and Chennai with valuable momentum as teams begin to establish themselves in the early stages of the competition.

Sunday’s Matches

Attention now turns to Sunday’s double-header.

Lucknow Super Giants will face Gujarat Titans in the first match of the day, with both sides aiming to strengthen their position in the standings.

Later, Mumbai Indians take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-profile clash expected to deliver another thrilling contest.

All matches are being broadcast live and exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Television Network.

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