Who’s being left out of the World Cup?
Can football’s biggest stage stay global as visa denials and border restrictions mount? The excitement of the World Cup has arrived in North America. But behind it have been stories of fans being denied visas, players being searched by sniffer dogs, and Iran’s team being forced to base itself outside the US. What happens when a global tournament collides with US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies? In this episode: Boima Tucker (@chiefboimah), director of operations, Africa Is a Country Episode credits: This episode was produced by Sonia Bhagat and Tamara Khandaker with Marcos Bartolomé, Spencer Cline, Jana Dabliz, Catherine Nouhan, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz and Sarí el-Khalili. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Published On 23 Jun 202623 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Alan Greenspan, former US Federal Reserve chairman, dies at 100
Toggle Play Alan Greenspan, former US Federal Reserve chairman, dies at 100 NewsFeed Alan Greenspan, one of the most influential economic policymakers in modern US history, has died aged 100. Greenspan led the Federal Reserve for nearly two decades under four presidents, overseeing a long period of economic growth but also faced criticism linked to the 2008 financial crisis. Published On 23 Jun 202623 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Conservative radio host defends Trump, says he’s better than Vance
NewsFeed Sid Rosenberg, a prominent conservative New York radio host, spoke at the International Policy Summit, an Israeli forum, to defend Trump’s handling of the Iran war while rebuking Vice President JD Vance. Published On 23 Jun 202623 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Last one, the best one? How Lionel Messi keeps doing it at the World Cup
Published On 23 Jun 202623 Jun 2026 Lionel Messi cemented his status as arguably the greatest football player of the modern era after sweeping aside several records as he powered his side to the round of 32 at the World Cup — the Argentinian captain’s record sixth appearance. Messi broke the record for the highest number of goals in the history of the World Cup after scoring his team’s opening goal in their Group J match against Austria on Monday. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list He then added another in the final minutes, taking his tally to 18 goals in six tournaments to reach the top of the charts to deafening roars at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Austria coach Ralf Rangnick, who has revived the national side since taking over in 2022, attempted to break down the nearly 39-year-old Argentinian maestro’s work ethic. “Lionel Messi maybe doesn’t put in the same legwork as in the past,” Rangnick said. “He likes to stay on the side, and sometimes he likes to stop in front of the goal, in the offside position. “That doesn’t mean that they have one man less, but they have one man less that works in the counter-pressing. “But that makes him so dangerous, because he might be in a position, free in a position, and we need to be prepared for that. “We shouldn’t have too many transition moments, and not allow transition moments, and not allow him to be free to accept the ball.” ‘Very angry’ That notion unravelled in front of a frenzied crowd of 70,000 dominated by Argentina fans decked out in light blue and white. Messi pulled an early penalty wide to pass up the chance to move clear of Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup goals. Advertisement Messi said afterwards that he was “very angry” with himself, and then twice came close to scoring after that, only for Austria captain David Alaba to deny him twice. And then came the big moment, Messi sweeping in on 38 minutes after being set up by Facundo Medina. Just as Rangnick had warned, Messi had ambled into space and was all alone to score with a trademark swing of his left foot. It was his 17th World Cup goal, and his 18th arrived when Messi pounced again in the fifth minute of injury time. This time, the veteran squeezed home as several defenders threw themselves desperately at the ball. Messi, at his sixth World Cup, was still going strong in the 95th minute. The goals took the maestro to five at this edition, having hit a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. That was Messi’s first treble at a World Cup. Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with teammates after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage match Argentina against Austria, in Dallas, USA, on June 22, 2026 [Jeffrey McWhorter/EPA] Last Messi the best one? Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi’s teammate at the 2006 World Cup, has built an ecosystem around Messi to allow his captain to do his thing. That means letting others do the running around him. Not that Messi is totally exempt from the dirty work. “Today, when the team was struggling without possession, he put in the work,” Scaloni said. “You could see his commitment, that speaks volumes about him.” Renowned Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, who wrote an authoritative biography of Messi, said before the World Cup that this version of the player was “very different” from the one that burst onto the scene with Barcelona in the early 2000s. “Messi has reinvented himself at least five times to evolve into the player he is now for Argentina and Inter Miami,” Balague wrote in a column for the BBC. “He has adapted so he can dominate and stay ahead of a game that has always been chasing him,” he added. He noted how Pablo Aimar, Messi’s childhood idol, once said: “The last Messi is always the best Messi.” That version is a player who walks more than he runs, said Balague, but “still sees everything first”. “Critics once used this [lack of running] against him. Now it reads as mastery,” he wrote. Adblock test (Why?)
Japanese fans clean up stands after celebrating World Cup win
NewsFeed Many Japanese fans stayed behind after celebrating their 4-0 victory over Tunisia, by collecting rubbish from the stands. The practice is known in Japan as gomi hiroi, which emphasises on taking responsibility for shared spaces. Published On 22 Jun 202622 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Colombia’s De La Espriella claims victory on preliminary results
NewsFeed Right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella has claimed victory in Colombia’s presidential election after securing a narrow lead over left-wing rival Iván Cepeda in preliminary results. Supporters celebrated in the streets of Barranquilla, as Cepeda said his campaign is challenging results from some 33,000 ballot boxes. Published On 22 Jun 202622 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Crimea halts fuel sales after Ukraine strikes cause shortages
NewsFeed Gas sales in Russian-controlled Crimea have halted after Ukrainian drone strikes on the peninsula’s supply route. Drivers are now looking for other modes of transport. Published On 22 Jun 202622 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Iran-U.S. launch historic peace talks with 60-day roadmap
NewsFeed Historic negotiations between Iran and the United States are officially underway, marking the start of what mediators describe as a crucial 60-day process. Published On 21 Jun 202621 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland kick off
NewsFeed US-Iran talks opened in Switzerland with mediators Qatar and Pakistan hailing a ‘historic’ opportunity for regional stability. Discussions aim to build on recent de-escalation efforts, secure implementation of the interim deal and advance diplomacy. Published On 21 Jun 202621 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Mbappe, France play Iraq in World Cup match: prediction, team news, lineups
The 2026 World Cup will have 13 different kickoff times. You can use the Al Jazeera Sport widget to find out exactly when your team is playing in your local time. Who: France vs IraqWhat: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I matchWhere: Philadelphia Stadium, Pennsylvania, USWhen: Monday, 5pm (21:00 GMT)How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 18:00 GMT in advance of our live text commentary stream. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list France are one win away from safely navigating the World Cup “group of death,” with Les Bleus looking to take all three points to secure Round of 32 qualification against Iraq in Boston. Two goals from Kylian Mbappe helped France recover from a shaky first half in their opening match against Senegal in New Jersey, with Didier Deschamps’ side eventually running out 3-1 winners. Iraq, featuring at the World Cup for the first time since 1986, are looking to bounce back from a heavy 4-1 defeat in their opening group game against Norway. All you need to know before France vs Iraq: Superstar Kylian Mbappe (#10) celebrates scoring France’s third goal against Senegal [Dylan Martinez/Reuters] France go through the gears It’s hard to avoid reaching for the “game of two halves” cliche to describe France’s win over Senegal on Tuesday. Les Bleus were a shadow of themselves in the first half, with a number of star players failing to perform up to expectations on the pitch. But the Qatar 2022 finalists were in another league in the second half, with Real Madrid’s Mbappe scoring two brilliant goals as he became France’s all-time top scorer. Advertisement Substitute Bradley Barcola made an instant impact off the bench, scoring his first-ever World Cup goal just two minutes after coming on, highlighting the depth of star talent available to Deschamps. France may tweak, not tinker, for Iraq clash Deschamps has often favoured stability at major tournaments and is unlikely to deviate from that approach, despite an enviable range of options in his playing squad. The most likely changes are expected on the left flank, with Barcola set to replace Desire Doue in attack and Lucas Digne in line to come in for Theo Hernandez at left back. Another adjustment could come in midfield. Deschamps has held lengthy discussions with Manu Kone in recent days and the 25-year-old was paired with Adrien Rabiot during training this week, suggesting he could be handed a starting role. Iraq’s Aymen Hussein (#18) looks dejected after scoring Norway’s fourth with an own goal at Boston Stadium on June 16 [Winslow Townson/Imagn Images via Reuters] Iraq face another huge challenge The Lions of Mesopotamia were the final team to book their place at the 2026 World Cup, following a gruelling campaign which saw them play a record number of qualifiers. Their reward was a spot in Group I, which many experts believe is the most difficult of the 12 at the tournament. After a 4-1 humbling against Norway, Iraq now face Qatar 2022 runners-up France before their final group game against African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finalists Senegal. To avoid elimination, Graham Arnold’s side face a monumental task: a draw or a win against a French side that has reached the last two World Cup finals. France vs Iraq prediction Les Bleus are the overwhelming favourites, according to Stats provider Opta’s supercomputer. France have an 88.5 percent chance of victory, compared to Iraq who have just a three percent chance of pulling off a stunning win, according to Opta. Their supercomputer sees just an 8.5 percent chance of a draw at Boston Stadium on Monday. Opta now predicts that France has the best chance of winning the World Cup, moving them ahead of Spain who were the pre-tournament favourites. (Al Jazeera) France vs Iraq: Livestream, kickoff time France: beIN Sports and Groupe M6 (11pm, Central European Summer Time) Iraq: beIN Sports (12am on Tuesday, Arabia Standard Time) United Kingdom: BBC One and BBC iPlayer (10pm, British Summer Time) United States: Universo, FOX, FOX One, Telemundo App, Telemundo Network, Peacock (5pm, Eastern Daylight Time) How does Group I stand? Norway sit top of Group I on goal difference after hammering Iraq 4-1 in Boston. Advertisement France are second, also on three points, with Senegal and Iraq both with no points and sitting third and fourth respectively. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups – along with the eight best third-placed teams – proceed to the next phase, the round of 32, which has been introduced at the World Cup for the first time. Form guide (Last five games, latest result first) France: W-W-L-W-W Iraq: L-L-D-W-W The French have won five of their last six matches, with their only slip-up coming against Ivory Coast in a shock defeat in a World Cup warm-up. Iraq, meanwhile, have no wins in their last three matches after suffering back-to-back defeats to Norway and Venezuela. Their last win came in a pre-World Cup friendly against Andorra in May. France vs Iraq: Head-to-head This is the first time that the two sides have ever met in an international match. Team news: France Deschamps is set to make a few small tweaks for this game, with Barcola set to start after coming off the bench against Senegal. Digne and Kone are also tipped to start for France on Monday. Team news: Iraq Ali Jasim is available to start for Iraq after coming off against Norway with a knock. Ahmed Basil could start in goal in place of Jalal Hassan. France predicted lineup: Mike Maignan (goalkeeper); Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne; Adrien Rabiot, Manu Kone; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe. Iraq predicted lineup: Ahmed Basil (goalkeeper); Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashem, Merchas Doski; Ibrahim Bayesh, Amir Al-Ammari, Zidane Iqbal, Ali Jasim; Aymen Hussein, Ali Al-Hamadi. Adblock test (Why?)