Sports
Donald Trump Administration Make World Cup Decision Over Iran Before Egypt Game
Iran’s preparations for their 2026 World Cup campaign have been pure chaos, with travel restrictions causing constant disruption at every avenue.
The squad’s situation differed from other competing nations due to their well-documented conflict with the US in the Middle East, with changes and limitations affecting their preparations for the tournament before they even arrived on US soil, and then affecting them pre-and post-match as well.
That imbalance enhanced frustrations within the camp, leading to a complaint being made to FIFA. Now, just days before a pivotal group stage clash, the Trump Administration has stepped in yet again, with another revised set of arrangements.
Iran’s base camp was switched from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, just weeks before the tournament kicked off, and the squad have since been restricted to crossing into the US only a day before kick-off, departing again soon after the final whistle. That left little room for the side to settle into unfamiliar surroundings before facing opponents who enjoyed considerably longer preparation windows.
Iran Claim World Cup Training Camp Has Been Moved From Planned US, Arizona, Location
FIFA has reportedly approved the move.
According to The Mirror, the Department of Homeland Security has now amended those protocols ahead of Friday’s meeting with Egypt in Seattle. A spokesperson told NBC News that Iran will be permitted to arrive two days before the match rather than one, though they will still be required to leave for Tijuana on the evening of the game itself.
“Ahead of the match in Seattle on June 26, the Iranian team will be allowed to come in match day minus two, so two days before the match. They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match.”
“Again, the President wants to make sure that we’re talking about what actually happens on the pitch. A lot of that is making sure that things are safe and secure, not just around the stadiums, but around base camps and training sites.”
Iran Still Chasing Knockout Stage Progress – USA Clash Possible
Andrew Giuliani, who heads the Trump Administration’s FIFA Task Force, had hinted the arrangements around Iran could be revisited, though earlier requests for changes ahead of the team’s first two group games were turned down.
Authorities had previously insisted Iran agreed to the original terms, despite mounting pressure from within the camp over the punishing schedule.
The timing of this latest concession is notable given where Iran sit in terms of their group. They opened with a frantic 2-2 draw against New Zealand before holding group favourites Belgium to a scoreless draw, leaving a heartfelt note in the changing room for the people of Los Angeles after playing two matches at SoFi Stadium.
Iran Leave 74-Word Written Note in US Stadium Dressing Room at 2026 World Cup
Despite all the problems Iran have faced, both in the USA and back home, they are on course to qualify for the knockout stages.
Egypt remain the only team in the group to have won a match so far, and Friday’s meeting will, one way or another, decide who moves on to the knockout stages, with a possible collision course with the United States completely on the cards for Team Melli.
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Sports
Celtic Ready to Move for Claudio Braga Ahead of Rangers
Celtic are reportedly ready to make a move to sign Hearts star Claudio Braga ahead of Rangers in the summer transfer window.
We’ve already seen multiple times in the last few weeks that Celtic and Rangers are going head-to-head on targets, which is no surprise.
The two Glasgow clubs are often shopping in a similar market due to their stature in Scotland, although Celtic might have an advantage after their 25/26 season.
Celtic have already strengthened their forward line in the summer window, bringing in Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, but further forward additions could be around the corner.
Martin O’Neill’s side kick-started their Scottish Premiership campaign last week, beating Dundee with a 1-0 victory in their opening game.
Celtic readying attacker move
Celtic are reportedly ready to make a move to sign Hearts attacker Braga in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider.
Rangers are also believed to be interested in the Portuguese forward, who scored 14 goals in the Scottish Premiership last season.
Braga won the Scottish Premiership’s Player of the Season award, so it’s no surprise to see he’s attracting interest from the biggest clubs in the league.
The 26-year-old, described as ‘exceptional’ by Rangers manager Derek McInnes, will likely be attracted to a move to one of the Scottish giants, particularly after Hearts failed to lift the title last season.
Whether Hearts would be willing to sell to a Scottish rival remains to be seen, but Celtic certainly have more financial power.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Celtic should have advantage
Unfortunately for Rangers, Celtic are likely to hold an advantage over their Scottish rivals when it comes to new additions in the summer window.
Celtic are in the qualifiers for the Champions League after they lifted the Scottish Premiership title last season, while Rangers finished in third place.
Despite that, Celtic have already brought two strikers to the club in the summer transfer window, which could mean a club like Rangers are able to offer more regular minutes.
Celtic do appear more ready to make a move for the Portuguese forward, but it certainly doesn’t feel like a priority position for them to strengthen in the market.
Sports
Man Utd Target Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton This Summer
Manchester United are eyeing a move to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton in the summer transfer window, with Caught Offside providing the details around a potential deal.
The Red Devils have already strengthened significantly in the middle of the park in the summer, bringing in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Despite that, United could be in the market for a third midfielder, with Casemiro departing and Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious knee injury.
Although Santos and Tielemans can be considered potential replacements for Ugarte and Casemiro, United could be looking to build a deeper squad due to competing in the Champions League.
United have already been linked with a host of midfielders this summer, and there are a few names reportedly on the list:
Man Utd eyeing midfield reinforcements
According to a report from Caught Offside, Manchester United are one of the sides showing an interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton in the summer transfer window.
It is claimed that a number of clubs are believed to be keen on the England international, and his big valuation does appear to be an obstacle for United.
Palace are reportedly demanding in the region of £86 million to allow Wharton to depart, which has prevented negotiations with United from accelerating.
Chelsea and Real Madrid are also believed to be interested in signing Wharton, but he remains firmly on United’s list as they aim to sign a third midfielder.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Wharton could be game-changer for United
Wharton, described as a ‘superstar’ by journalist Josh Fordham, could be a game-changing addition for United in the middle of the park.
Wharton is one of the most progressive midfielders in the Premier League, and there’s no doubt he’d be a smart addition for many top clubs.
The main issue is that United may be looking to add more of a destroyer in the middle of the park. It’s always going to be difficult to turn down a player of Wharton’s calibre if he’s keen on the move.
£86 million could put United off when it comes to pushing forward with a deal, but that certainly wouldn’t make it a bad signing for the Red Devils.
Sports
West Ham Want to Sign ‘Outstanding’ Arsenal Outcast
West Ham United are reportedly plotting a loan move for Reiss Nelson from Arsenal to further strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.
After suffering relegation last season, the Hammers are looking to bounce back and earn promotion at the first time of asking. It’s fair to say they have one of the strongest squads of any EFL Championship club in history, especially with Jarrod Bowen staying put.
Joel Veltman has joined as a free agent after leaving Brighton & Hove Albion and the East Londoners have agreed on a £7 million deal with Tottenham Hotspur for Manor Solomon. But Santo and his transfer chiefs aren’t stopping there as they look to swoop for another Premier League star.
West Ham Interested in Reiss Nelson
Nelson is deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal after spending last season on loan at Brentford. He has a year left on his contract, is way down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order and has been expected to leave the Gunners permanently.
According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham are keen on Nelson and have started to explore a potential loan deal. He wrote on X:
“West Ham United interested in signing Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson. They are exploring the conditions of a loan move. Nelson was an unused substitute in today’s game against Borussia Dortmund. He has entered the final year of his contract at Arsenal.”
Nelson was disappointing during his loan spell at Brentford, spending the majority of it on the substitute’s bench. He failed to convince the Bees to make his stay permanent and headed back to the Emirates as he did after another loan spell at Fulham the season prior.
The 26-year-old could get his career back on track at the London Stadium and fill the void left by Crysencio Summerville, who joined Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal for £60 million in July. He’ll be eager for more first-team opportunities at this stage of his career.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Arsenal May Hesitate Over Nelson Loan
Nelson is now at an age where he needs regular football and he could relish the chance to help West Ham battle for promotion. The Hammers still need to reach an agreement with Arsenal to loan the Englishman, and that might prove tricky.
The Gunners have constantly sent him out on loan, and with a year left on his contract, might insist on a permanent departure this time around. It seems unlikely that a buy option would be included given he’ll be a free agent next summer.
Nelson may have faltered while at Brentford but he made a good impression during the early stages of his loan spell. Keith Andrews spoke highly of his mentality: “I thought his attitude was outstanding, the way he approached it, and you could see the quality that he has.”
|
Reiss Nelson (Premier League 2025-26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Matches Played |
10 |
|
Starts |
0 |
|
Minutes Played |
126 |
|
Goals |
0 |
|
Assists |
1 |
|
Expected Goals (xG) |
0.72 |
|
Expected Assists (xA) |
0.11 |
|
Shots (On Target) |
5 (1) |
|
Pass Accuracy |
88.5% |
West Ham could benefit from Nelson’s experience and versatility as he can play on both wings. He’d be another impressive addition to a squad that looks destined for a Championship title race.
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