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Saudi U-23 National Team Participates in Toulon Tournament in France

The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi U-23 National Team Participates in Toulon Tournament in France

The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi under-23 national team will participate in the Maurice Revello Tournament Toulon Tournament, in France from June 1 to 16, the Saudi Press Agency said on Tuesday.
The Saudi national team is in Group A alongside France, Korea, Mexico and Cote d'Ivoire, while Group B includes Italy, Japan, Ukraine, Indonesia and Panama.
The national team will hold a preparatory camp in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Wednesday before traveling to France on Friday to participate in the international tournament.
The Saudi under-23 national team will start its participation in the Toulon Tournament against Korea on Monday, June 3, and will meet Mexico on Friday of the same month.
The Saudi national team will be hosted by the French national team on Sunday, June 9, and meet the Ivory Coast national team on Tuesday, the 11th of June.

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Infantino Says Iran Will Play World Cup Matches in US as Planned

FIFA President Gianni Infantino follows a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Türkiye, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino follows a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Türkiye, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP)
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Infantino Says Iran Will Play World Cup Matches in US as Planned

FIFA President Gianni Infantino follows a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Türkiye, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino follows a friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica, in Antalya, southern Türkiye, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday that Iran will play their World Cup matches in the United States in June as scheduled despite the country's ongoing armed conflict with the tournament co-hosts.

The Iranian FA (FFIRI) has been pushing to relocate the team's three World Cup group matches from the US to Mexico, citing the American military involvement alongside Israel in strikes that sparked the current regional war.

The FFIRI said earlier this month they were in discussions with FIFA about a venue switch, while Iran's sports ministry has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile ‌until further notice.

Infantino, ‌however, was dismissive when asked about the possibility of a venue ‌switch ⁠during a surprise ⁠visit to Türkiye to watch Iran's 5-0 friendly win over Costa Rica.

"No, no, the matches will be where they should be according to the draw," he told reporters in the Turkish city of Antalya, where the Iran squad has been holding a training camp.

"It looks like we'll be in the right grounds. We're delighted because they're a very, very strong team, as we saw today. I'm very happy. I saw the team, I spoke to the ⁠players and the coaches."

Iran, who booked their place at the tournament ‌in March last year, are scheduled to play all ‌of their Group G matches on American soil -- two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle -- ‌against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that ‌while Iran's national team were welcome to play in the US, it might not be appropriate for their "life and safety".

Trump later made clear that any threat to the players would not come from the United States.

United Arab Emirates-based striker Sardar Azmoun was omitted from the squad for the training ‌camp amidst Iranian media reports that he had been expelled for a perceived act of disloyalty to the government.

Speaking directly to the Iranian players on Tuesday, Infantino pledged his support but steered clear of the wider issues surrounding the war.

"From now until the World Cup, I will do whatever I can to support the Iran national team," Infantino said, according to the FFIRI.

"If you want to organize a training camp or if there is any matter related to activities outside the country, whatever it is, I will help.

"Whenever you want, please stay in contact. I am at your service and will help with anything you need."

The World Cup takes place in the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

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Tuanzebe Shines for DR Congo as They Qualify for World Cup

DR Congo's defender #04 Axel Tuanzebe (R) celebrates after scoring a goal in extra time during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final playoff football match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. (AFP)
DR Congo's defender #04 Axel Tuanzebe (R) celebrates after scoring a goal in extra time during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final playoff football match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. (AFP)
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Tuanzebe Shines for DR Congo as They Qualify for World Cup

DR Congo's defender #04 Axel Tuanzebe (R) celebrates after scoring a goal in extra time during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final playoff football match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. (AFP)
DR Congo's defender #04 Axel Tuanzebe (R) celebrates after scoring a goal in extra time during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers final playoff football match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Jamaica at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on March 31, 2026. (AFP)

Former England under-21 ‌international Axel Tuanzebe basked in the adulation of one of Africa’s largest nations on Tuesday after his goal in extra time against Jamaica put the Democratic Republic of Congo into the World Cup.

The center back kneed the ball home in their inter-confederation playoff final to book a first World Cup place for the Congolese since they appeared at the 1974 tournament when the country was still known as Zaire.

"To get the winning goal for ‌the country, ‌this is what, as a young boy, ‌you ⁠dream about," said ⁠Tuanzebe. "It's happened for me, and I'm so very happy. I’m so proud of what I could do for my country."

Tuanzebe is Congolese-born but moved with his family to Britain as a five-year-old. He joined Manchester United aged eight and was included in the first-team squad when ⁠only 17.

A member of England’s junior sides, ‌he was released by Manchester ‌United in 2023 and went to Ipswich Town in the ‌Championship.

Congo, who will play in Group K at the ‌finals with Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan, made overtures for him to play at the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2024 but he only switched allegiance at the start of ‌the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

"My dad has been with me all the way and ⁠is here," ⁠said Tuanzebe, pointing at the stands at the Estadio Guadalajara. "My brother too," added the defender, who moved to Burnley at the start of the season.

With a population of almost 110 million DR Congo is one of the continent’s most populous countries, but the majority of its team is made up of players from an extensive diaspora across Europe, who coach Sebastien Desabre said had forged a tight group.

"I’m so happy for the Congolese people and these players. They have fought resiliently through these qualifiers," the French-born coach said.

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Brazil Score Twice Late on to Beat Croatia 3-1 in World Cup Tune-up

Igor Thiago of Brazil celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
Igor Thiago of Brazil celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Brazil Score Twice Late on to Beat Croatia 3-1 in World Cup Tune-up

Igor Thiago of Brazil celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
Igor Thiago of Brazil celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)

Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 in ‌a World Cup warm-up in Orlando on Tuesday, with Igor Thiago converting a late penalty and Gabriel Martinelli adding a stoppage-time goal to seal the win.

The match at Camping World Stadium served as Brazil's final chance to assess their options before coach Carlo Ancelotti names his World Cup squad, while it marked their first meeting with Croatia since their quarter-final defeat at Qatar 2022.

"We know the process has been difficult for everyone. We know we need to improve a lot of things, but we’re a powerhouse of players," Casemiro told Brazilian broadcaster Globo.

"We’ll come back strong and give it our all ‌at the ‌World Cup... We know that expectations are always very ‌high ⁠for the national ⁠team and we have to rise to that challenge."

Brazil, who lost 2-1 to France last week, dominated possession from the outset and created their first clear chance in the 20th minute when Danilo’s effort was blocked by Dominik Livakovic.

The Croatian goalkeeper denied Joao Pedro with a low save before producing an outstanding stop to keep out Matheus Cunha as Brazil continued to press.

Croatia ⁠offered little in response, with Andrej Kramaric’s tame effort ‌comfortably gathered by Bento, who later made ‌a fine save to deny Luka Vuskovic’s header.

Brazil finally made their pressure count shortly ‌before halftime. Matheus Cunha released Vinicius Jr, who drove forward past ‌three defenders before setting up Danilo for a composed first-time finish.

Croatia had more of the ball after the break and equalized in the 84th minute when Lovro Majer slipped between defenders to meet Toni Fruk's cross and guide the ball past ‌goalkeeper Bento.

The equalizer sparked Brazil into action and they restored their lead four minutes later when Thiago converted ⁠from the penalty ⁠spot after Endrick was brought down in the box.

Martinelli then sealed the win in stoppage time with a low finish.

"Being here today is the biggest achievement of my life," Thiago said, after earning his first call-up to the national team following an outstanding season with Brentford.

"I want to thank the coach. I know how difficult it is with so many quality players in my position."

Brazil will face Egypt in a friendly in June before kicking off their World Cup campaign in Group C against Morocco. Croatia have two more friendlies, against Belgium and Slovenia, before facing England in their Group L opener.

The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and is being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.