Kane, England play Ghana at the World Cup: Prediction, team news, lineups

19 minutes agoBasillioh RukangaandAlfred LasteckGetty ImagesNo reason was given for blocking Martha Karua's entry to UgandaLeading Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua has been blocked from entering Uganda and ordered to return home, according to the Uganda Law Society.Karua had just arrived at the Entebbe airport to join a team defending her Ugandan lawyer colleague Erias Lukwago, with whom they have been representing detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who is on trial for treason.A statement from Karua's office said she had been detained at the airport, adding that she was expected to return to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Monday but "remains incommunicado"."Her senior team reports that she is unreachable, with her mobile phones switched off and they continue to await direct communication regarding her status and expected return," it said.Ugandan authorities did not give a reason for blocking Karua, although Kenya's Law Society President Charles Kanjama, who had travelled with her, was allowed in.Kanjama said it was "of particular concern" that Karua had been blocked, despite her travelling "for the same matter and in the same professional capacity" as himself."It is difficult to understand why one member of a defence team should be admitted while another is turned away," he said in a post on X, while calling on Ugandan authorities to explain their actions.Uganda's immigration authorities have not responded to the BBC's request for comment.Lukwago appeared in court last Wednesday looking weak days after he had been arrested at his home.He denied charges of failing to report treason relating to Besigye's case and was remanded in prison.Besigye has been jailed on treason charges since being abducted in Kenya and forcibly returned to Uganda in late 2024. His abduction, alongside that of his aide Obeid Lutale, sparked intense regional debate over legal jurisdiction and human rights.The Law Society of Kenya on Monday expressed support for "members of the legal profession across East Africa who continue to uphold the cause of justice under often difficult circumstances".It called on the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the circumstances that Karua had been denied entry to Uganda.The BBC has reached out to the Kenyan government for comment.Karua faced several hurdles before she was eventually cleared to represent Besigye - including her initial application to practise as a lawyer in Uganda being rejected.She was also deported from Tanzania last year to prevent her from attending the court case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who also faces treason charges.You may also be interested in:Getty Images/BBCBBC Africa podcasts

Just nowRoss McKeeandSimon Doyle,BBC News NIGetty ImagesThe England World Cup Squad joined New Order to record a World Cup Song ahead of the finals in Italy in 1990The World Cup is in full swing and, aside from the matches, fans are enjoying an extravaganza of sights, sounds, colours and songs.With catchy hooks and punchy lyrics, the World Cup song has been a popular pre-match aperitif for decades.Official anthems at recent tournaments have been sung by megastars including Pitbull and Shakira.But it is the songs from decades ago, when Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland qualified, that are remembered fondly and belted out by fans today, many not born when those cult classics were first released.Put 'Em Under PressureGetty ImagesAudio of Republic of Ireland manager Jack Charlton featured on the country's 1990 World Cup anthem which was recorded in DublinWhat is it that makes a World Cup song timeless?Fans remember those with nostalgic and blindly optimistic lyrics including World In Motion (England) and Put 'Em Under Pressure (Republic of Ireland), with its famous Olé, olé, olé, olé chorus, both released ahead of Italia '90.The guitar hook of Horslips' song Dearg Doom was a crucial element in the Republic of Ireland's anthem, which featured the production skills of U2 drummer Larry Mullen Junior.For Horslips' bass player Barry Devlin it was a pleasant surprise to learn that the guitar riff had been adapted for the song, alongside audio quotes from 1966 World Cup winner and Ireland manager Jack Charlton.The County Tyrone man described it "as one of the greatest soccer anthems there has ever been"."Certainly here, it ends the night at weddings, it has got a legendary status," he added."I really enjoyed the fact that Jack Charlton came on and said 'we are going to inflict our game on them', he meant impose, but as it turned out, inflict was a more accurate description."It's a really well put together song."Bloomberg via Getty ImagesU2 drummer Larry Mullen Junior co-produced the Republic of Ireland's 1990 World Cup anthemIt prompts happy memories for Devlin, who produced U2's earliest demo recordings, which included a teenage Larry Mullen Junior."I did their first demos, they were kids in 1978, I think Larry was 17," Devlin said."I was recording songs that they had just written, most of which never made it in to the outer world."At about three o'clock in the morning, I was used to working late, Larry's dad showed up and said 'I have to take this lad home, he has got school work in the morning.'"I said rather sheepishly 'but Mr Mullen, I haven't finished with Larry's bass drum yet'. "He then looked at me and said 'ah you have!', so that was the end of the day's drum work."'Italia 90 songs never bettered'Devlin also believes 1990 was a transformational year in the history of the World Cup song, citing the technical innovation of World In Motion and Put 'Em Under Pressure."I think there was an attempt to be smarter and involve the actual game, I think that was a tipping point, neither of those songs have been bettered since," he added."I think they were stand out moments."England fans still enjoy a good World in Motion singalong. Just last week, fans in Manchester were given a surprise when former England star John Barnes joined Peter Hook & The Light on stage to perform his famous rap from the song.Yer Man, Dana and Elton JohnGetty ImagesGerry Armstrong (centre with cap) and the Northern Ireland team also recorded a song before heading to the World Cup in 1986 in MexicoGerry Armstrong had already mingled with musical royalty before he featured on Northern Ireland's World Cup songs in both Spain '82 and Mexico '86.Elton John had been his chairman at Watford FC and Armstrong recalls being invited to parties at his home, with the chart-topper even taking requests on the piano after arriving by helicopter.He told BBC News NI that before recording Yer Man with Eurovision winner Dana in 1982 "there was nervousness"."A lot of our p

Los Angeles — Upon arrival in the United States, Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei wanted to talk about football.Before Iran’s first press conference in Los Angeles on Sunday, FIFA officials warned reporters to stick to sport and tactics when addressing Ghalenoei and striker Mehdi Taremi.But there was no escaping the politics-shaped elephant in the room – from visa denials to anticipated protests and logistical hurdles placed on the path of Team Melli’s arrival in the nation hosting their World Cup games while basing them across the border in Mexico.So, Ghalenoei did not hold back.He said the tournament’s organisation by the US, including refusing to host the team’s base camp during the tournament, created a challenge for Iran.“This kind of behaviour will negatively impact the spirit of football,” Ghalenoei told reporters. “Whether we win, whether we lose, this is a difficult feeling.”Taremi echoed that assessment, suggesting that the restrictive travel policies of the US have taken some shine off the joy that the World Cup always brings.The former Inter Milan striker cited the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, stressing that it is not only Iran who faced issues with the American hosts.“We don’t have the same beautiful experience we always talk about – the peace, the joy,” Taremi said.“The sensation that people have looking forward to the World Cup, I think this time, maybe they didn’t have the same experience … This kind of tension, it undermines that joy. It undermines the message of FIFA.”Iran were one of the first teams to seal qualification for the World Cup, topping their group and suffering only one loss and two draws in 10 games in the Asian qualifiers.They have carried that momentum in the lead-up to the tournament, winning several recent friendlies.Despite Team Melli’s red-hot form, Iran’s participation was in doubt earlier this year after the US and Israel attacked the country, and Tehran responded by launching attacks on Israel as well as US forces in the Middle East.Iran’s group stage games against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt will take place on the US West Coast.In March, US President Donald Trump suggested that Team Melli were not welcome in the US and said their safety would be under threat.“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump said at that time.Iranian officials had already cast doubt on the team’s participation.Eventually, it was agreed that Iran would take part in the tournament, but train in Mexico, only coming to the US to play.Ghalenoei confirmed the itinerary, saying that Team Melli would be returning to Mexico after the game on Monday.The team also faces the issue of planned protests by Iranian opposition activists in Los Angeles.Both Ghalenoei and Taremi emphasised that they are at the World Cup to represent all Iranians, at home and abroad.“I would like to say that we respect all Iranians, be it the Iranians who are inside the country or outside. We are here to play football, and football can always unite all factions,” Taremi said.Ghalenoei also underscored football’s ability to bring about unity.“I am very happy to be representing the strong and proud nation of Iran,” he said.“I hope that football will bring about joy and enjoyment and will bring closer cultures and countries, and I hope the World Cup will go well despite the travel problems we had.”For a highly anticipated news conference that started with a warning to only talk about football, very little tactics were discussed.“Nobody asked football-related questions,” Taremi quipped in his closing remarks. “We have high respect for New Zealand, and we hope it will be a good game.”

Portugal beat Nigeria 2-1 as Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao net, but Cristiano Ronaldo scuffs golden chances.Portugal are heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the back of a 2-1 warmup win over Nigeria, but will carry with them some regrets for striker Cristiano Ronaldo.The 41-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star failed to add to his men’s-record international haul of 143 goals despite being presented with clear-cut chances with just the goalkeeper to beat in both halves in Leiria on Wednesday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4World Cup form guide: Ranking the eight MENA teams in the tournamentlist 2 of 4World Cup: Rating the chances of top European teams at the tournamentlist 3 of 4Will the FIFA World Cup be the economic bonanza US cities were promised?list 4 of 4Can sub-Saharan Africa outdo noisy neighbours from north at World Cup?end of listThe five-time world player of the year was substituted off in the 65th minute, having been given longer on the field than every other outfield player to start the match for Portugal.Ronaldo will be making his record-tying sixth appearance at a World Cup.Francisco Conceicao, one of the 11 replacements to come on for Portugal, grabbed the 75th-minute winner by cutting in from the right and curling a shot into the far corner.Pedro Neto gave Portugal the lead in the 23rd. Akor Adams equalised 14 minutes later for Nigeria, which had failed to qualify for the World Cup.The Portuguese manager, Roberto Martinez, made eight changes at the break as he attempted to give as many of his squad a chance for playing time as possible.Portugal is in Group K at the World Cup with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uzbekistan and Colombia. They begin their campaign next Wednesday against the DRC in Houston, Texas, in the US. That match kicks off at midday local time (17:00 GMT).The win in Leiria follows a 2-1 friendly victory against Chile.Nigeria’s attention will now turn to qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.The Super Eagles had rested their main two players, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, for the match, following long seasons for their club sides.

Previous World Cup appearances: 18 Best performance: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022) First appearance: 1930 (Uruguay) Top goal scorer: Lionel Messi (13) Most appearances: Lionel Messi (26) Player to watch: Lionel Messi FIFA world ranking: 3Defending champions Argentina are bidding to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back titles.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4What time are World Cup 2026 matches in my time zone?list 2 of 4World Cup contenders: Can Portugal and Ronaldo finally win a maiden title?list 3 of 4Yamal and Williams ‘in a position to play’ Spain’s World Cup openerlist 4 of 4‘Pushing the limits’: Ageing stars make history at the 2026 World Cupend of listAfter Argentina beat France in an incredible final in Qatar 2022, many thought it would be the crowning glory of Lionel Messi’s career and that he would have retired from international football by 2026.But the Inter Miami player, who turns 39 during the tournament, plays on and is aiming to repeat the feat in North America, in what really will be his final World Cup.However, winning this tournament appears to be even harder than lifting the last edition.Not only is Messi four years older and in relative decline; other members of the squad are also ageing. And while Argentina has many promising young players, some have been left at home.How much of a force is Messi?Assuming he overcomes a relatively minor hamstring injury, Messi will lead Argentina into their opening game at the tournament against Algeria on June 16.While Messi is still banging in the goals for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, he is far from the force he was at the 2022 edition. His minutes during an intense and long tournament will have to be managed carefully.Messi’s main contribution might be more in terms of presence and aura rather than goals, but he remains a visionary player and a major set-piece threat, even as he has lost some power and speed as he pushes 40.Messi will most likely retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup. He said a 3-0 victory over Venezuela on September 4 was his final competitive international fixture on home soil.“There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field,” Messi said after the game at Estadio Mas Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.“It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.”An experienced squadArgentina’s squad features 17 of the 26 players who won the title in Qatar.Even if Messi is reduced to a supporting role, Argentina have the experience and talent to win the World Cup. Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez remains a superb centre forward, and was Serie A’s top scorer with 17 goals, while potential strike partner Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez has been fantastic in bursts this season.The midfield is stacked with Premier League and La Liga quality, from the finesse and creativity of Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, to the box-to-box dynamism and aggression of Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, and the versatile energy of Atleti’s Rodrigo De Paul.The defence is replete with tough-tackling, durable centre-backs such as Nicolas Otamendi and Christian Romero, although it can be a little rough at times, and there is a lack of top-quality full-backs.Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has a phenomenal penalty shootout pedigree – always a plus for the World Cup.Martinez runs with the ball during a friendly against Honduras on June 6 [Tim Warner/Getty Images via AFP]Emerging talentMore excitingly, a new generation of attacking talent is starting to emerge.Nico Paz is a highly touted attacking midfielder who has had a strong season in Serie A with Como, while the versatile 21-year-old Valentin Barco was also called up.However, coach Lionel Scaloni surprised many by leaving out the 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, who put in some impressive performances for Real Madri

Fifa has said it is working to "maximise opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches" after the country's World Cup group-stage ticket allocation was revoked just days before the tournament.The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, starts on Thursday, with Iran scheduled to play New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June - both in Los Angeles - before facing Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) says Fifa regulations state each federation involved in the World Cup receives 8% of the tickets for each of their matches, to distribute to supporters.It added that it had already begun selling tickets but can no longer provide them to fans, some of whom have already made travel arrangements.Iran's ticket situation is complex because of American regulatory requirements, including Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) restrictions, which limit the ability of US-based entities to process certain transactions.The OFAC enforces trade sanctions and has effectively blocked Iran from being able to buy tickets, meaning if there is no resolution the Iran allocation will go back on sale.The move has provoked anger among Iranian supporting bodies with the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) calling it "petty and vindicative", while the FFIRI questioned US governmental interference."Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit of governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries," the FFIRI statement said."This development raises serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations in the organisation of the world's biggest football event."The FFIRI also called on Fifa "to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations".Iran's involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East and related security concerns.On 25 May, Iran moved their training base from Tucson, Arizona to the Mexican city of Tijuana, claiming the US were unwilling to host them.Under the conditions of their visas, they will have to fly in and out of the United States on matchday for each of their three group games.Less than a fortnight later, on 6 June, they accused the US of denying visas to "integral" members of the national team's backroom staff, with 15 administrative officials denied entry.The FFIRI had previously presented Fifa with a list of 10 conditions for their participation in the World Cup, including allowing players, coaches and officials who have completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said Iran's players will be welcome at the tournament but individuals with links to the IRGC could face entry restrictions.Iran were the only country not present at Fifa's annual congress in Vancouver in April after a delegation of FFIRI officials, including president Medhi Taj, were turned away at the Canadian border.

Just nowTabby WilsonandSean SeddonReutersIran has accused the US of denying visas to "integral" members of its national football team's backroom staff, hours after Washington confirmed Iranian players had been given permission to travel to the upcoming World Cup.US officials said visas had been issued to players and "necessary support staff" on Friday, 10 days before Iran's opening fixture in Los Angeles on 15 June.It also said Iran would not be allowed to "abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretences".Iran's embassy in Turkey accused the US of "politically biased interference in sport" by denying further visas to a "large portion of the managerial and executive staff" and "technical advisers".A statement described the US announcement as a "whitewash", adding: "You have now escalated the deliberate and discriminatory treatment against Iran's national football team to its highest level."Iranian embassy officials called on Fifa, football's world governing body, to intervene. Iranian state-linked media said the head of the football federation and his deputy were among those were denied entry to the US. The 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, begins on 11 June, with Iran securing their place by finishing top of their qualification group in March 2025, almost a year before war broke out.It will be the first iteration of the competition to see a host nation receive the team of a country it is at war with. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers Iran's football delegation would not be allowed to include individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards - a powerful branch of the Iranian armed forces.Several players in the Iranian squad have completed mandatory military service with the group. Iran are also due to play Belgium in California and Egypt in Seattle in their other two group games. Additional reporting from Bernd Debusmann Jr.