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Netherlands and Jordan suffer late World Cup dropouts
There have been two late injury dropouts ahead of the World Cup, concerning the Netherlands and debutants Jordan.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is out of Ronald Koeman’s squad after failing to recover from a groin injury, having missed the Premier League run-in.
A statement from the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) read: The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner.
In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team’s pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan. We’re with you, Jurrien.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Sabra has been replaced in the Jordan squad by defender Mohammad Abu Ghosh after tearing an ankle ligament.
Here’s the full, updated list of every player going to the World Cup:
World Cup 2026 squads: Every player at this summer’s tournament
The 48 teams have now all named their 26-man squads for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer
Will Castle9 June 2026 09:58
Neymar making progress in race to be fit for World Cup
Neymar’s World Cup hopes have been given a boost after Brazil announced he was making good progress in his recovery from a calf injury.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer was expected to be sidelined for between two to three weeks after scans last month revealed a grade two muscle tear.
The 34-year-old had a further scan on Monday and the Brazilian Football Confederation said in a brief statement: The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within expected parameters.
He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.
Will Castle9 June 2026 09:50
More on Iran ticket allocation
Iran were due to have eight percent of tickets allocated to its federation to distribute to fans, as every participating country gets under Fifa regulations.
However, the FFIRI is now claiming to have had this stripped from them just days before their Group G opener with New Zealand in Los Angeles.
Iran, who have already accused the US of discriminatory behaviour for denying visas to key members of staff, have denounced this as an obstruction of Iranian fans.
Will Castle9 June 2026 09:42
BREAKING: Iran claims World Cup ticket allocation withdrawn
Iran's football federation (FFIRI) has said its ticket allocation for the World Cup has been pulled just days before tournament kicks off.
This leaves supporters who had already made travel plans unable to attend their team's matches.
"This is despite the fact that ⁠many Iranian football fans, relying on the officially announced process, had already made the ‌necessary plans ​to attend ‌the matches," ⁠the FFIRI added ⁠in a statement.
Will Castle9 June 2026 09:18
Why will England's Djed Spence wear a protective mask at the World Cup?
England defender Djed Spence will take to the World Cup wearing a protective mask after sustaining a broken jaw last month.
The Tottenham defender suffered the injury during a Premier League clash following a collision with Chelsea striker Liam Del, and has already donned the facial protection in his club's final match of the season against Everton.
"It's a little bit uncomfortable but it is what it is," he said. "I've got a broken jaw so I have to wear it throughout the tournament. It's something I will have to get used to. It'll be three months until it's fully healed, so it's a long time.
"It was painful but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw. So I was all good.
Will Castle9 June 2026 09:15
World Cup 2026 predictions
Who will win the World Cup? Who will be the breakout star? And how far will England and Scotland?
Here, Indy Sport’s writers have compiled our predictions for the 2026 World Cup…
World Cup 2026 predictions: Winner, golden boot, breakout star and more
Indy Sport’s writers have made their selections for USA, Canada and Mexico 2026
Will Castle9 June 2026 09:06
Last night's action
Some World Cup warm-up action to fill you in on.
Spain and France got in one final tune-up against Peru and Northern Ireland respectively, giving us one final chance to size up the two favourites before the tournament properly kicks off.
For Les Bleus, Michael Olise showed why he is genuinely up there with the best on the planet, with his hat-trick firing his nation to a 3-1 win.
La Roja also won 3-1 and did it without Lamine Yamal, who looks set to be fit for their opener in Atlanta.
Meanwhile, there was late drama in the Netherlands’ clash with debutants Uzbekistan, who traded stoppage-time goals in an enthralling 2-1 win for the Dutch.
Colombia also bested a World Cup newcomer by beating Jordan 2-0.
Will Castle9 June 2026 08:59
‘Totally undaunted’ and the world at his feet: Welcome to the era of Lamine Yamal
Already, those around the Spain squad can sense the intent, the will to go for it. Lamine Yamal is described as "totally undaunted".
In his attempt to get fit for Spain's opening World Cup game against Ce Verde on 15 June, however, a special care has been necessary due to the nature of his recent injury from the end of ril. A low-end grade two hamstring issue can be mercifully shorter than feared, but also carries a high risk of relse if not properly managed.
Yamal has so far been responding well, to the point that he looks set to be fit for that first match in Atlanta.
That has come from a careful restraint – including not flying to Mexico from Chattanooga, Tennessee for the friendly against Peru – that Barcelona have insisted on. It also represents quite a difference from absolutely everything else to do with his rise to this moment.
‘Totally undaunted’ and the world at his feet: Welcome to the era of Lamine Yamal
The 18-year-old is already the best player on the planet before this World Cup, argues Miguel Delaney, and if fit, can crown his status with this tournament
Miguel Delaney9 June 2026 08:52
England camp hit with earthquake
England have been rocked by an earthquake in their current training camp of West Palm Beach, a day before their final World Cup warm-up clash against Costa Rica.
The 6.1-magnitude quake – the strongest in the region for 150 years – originated off the west coast of Cuba but was felt across Florida’s Flagler County, with tremors experienced in Orlando and Miami.
Several buildings across these cities were evacuated as they began shaking due to the dramatic natural event.
National Weather Service has confirmed there is no risk of a tsunami to the US.
Will Castle9 June 2026 08:44
African World Cup referee denied entry into the US by border control
A Somali referee chosen to officiate at the World Cup has been denied entry into the United States.
Omar Artan was turned away by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon his arrival at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday.
CBP confirmed on Monday that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry.
African World Cup referee denied entry into the United States by border control
.S Customs and Border Protection confirmed that a Somali national who was planning to referee in the World Cup had been denied entry
Will Castle9 June 2026 08:35

Source: The Independent

Published: June 9, 2026 8:58 AM

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