A Socceroo young gun has revealed the reason behind a surprise World Cup decision, while the United States of America’s fans made their expectations known at an open training session.
A cloud continues to hang over one of the biggest names in world football as the US visa situation takes another turn. MORE IN WORLD CUP DAILY!
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‘GOING TO BE CRAZY’: SOCCEROO EXPLAINS CURIOUS CALL
It remains to be seen whether Tony Popovic will start Nestory Irankunda, or use him as an X-factor substitute, in the Socceroos’ tournament opener against Türkiye on Sunday.
One mystery surrounding the 20-year-old excitement machine this World Cup has been solved, however.
Irankunda was voted as Australia’s man of the match in Sunday morning’s 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their final pre-tournament friendly.
Tete Yengi, the debutant who scored Australia’s lone goal against the Swiss, marvelled at what his front three colleague produced, including a rocket that slammed into the crossbar from long range.
“When he’s on fire, he’s almost unstoppable,” Yengi told reporters at Australia’s training camp in Oakland, California.
With Irankunda set to be one of the Socceroos’ leading man regardless of whether he starts this World Cup, it led to questions as to why the Watford winger does not have a more prominent number on his back.
Irankunda shared the sentimental reason why.
“The shirt number, it was my fault. I did choose 17,” Irankunda told AAP.
“Only because I was wearing 17 when I was back with the Joeys. To where it again at a World Cup now after so many years playing with the juniors, it’s going to be crazy.
“So, just keep the number. Keep it going. Happy to keep it for the rest of my career with the national team.”
Irankunda has also been linked with a Premier League move following the World Cup.
Reports emerged last month that Everton and Crystal Palace were keeping tabs on the talented youngster with the possibility of an Australian transfer record fee of around $32.5 million on the cards.
Irankunda joined Watford from German giants Bayern Munich almost a year ago, but another move is not front of mind right now.
“I try not to think about it too much, but obviously I have my goals and my ambitions, you know,” he said.
“Being here now, obviously I took a step away from Bayern Munich to get some regular minutes and to be here. That was my focus. That was my main goal – to be at a World Cup with Australia and just show myself, compete against the best of the best and that’s what we want to do over here.”
SCHEDULE: FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule with AEST start times and dates
Yengi, meanwhile, is another who is staking his claim for World Cup minutes in attack.
The 25-year-old was a bolter in the Socceroos squad, called up despite never having previously played at international level.
The towering striker was rewarded for an impressive spell with Japanese club Machida Zelvia and is set to provide a different option to Norwich goal scoring machine Mohamed Toure.
“He’s like my brother. So we’re very close,” Yengi said.
“He’s come up a long way. And he’s done so well from back in the days when we were younger – physically and technically as well.
“So I’m very impressed by what he’s doing now and I know he’s killing it.
“So, I’m so happy for him and hopefully we can go on this journey together.”
As for his own game, Yengi, who moved to Japan on loan from Scottish club Livingston, is confident he can contribute this World Cup/
“You work hard for moments like this,” Yengi said.
“Everything I’ve done in my career leads to this, I guess, and more.
“But I’m enjoying my time here so far and I’m ready for whenever the boss (coach Tony Popovic) needs me.
“I know I’m here for a reason, so I’ve just got to go out there and show it.”
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Every penalty from THAT 2005 shootout | 01:32
USA FANS MAKE EXPECTATIONS CLEAR
Under dazzling blue California skies, the United States soccer team held its first World Cup training session at the co-hosts’ base camp Monday.
For the 5,500 local fans with tickets to attend — the lucky ones among a lottery entered by 33,000 — optimism for the tournament about to kick off in their backyard was even brighter.
“I think they can achieve a lot. I think a quarter-final berth would be expected at this stage,” said 43-year-old fan Eric Gordon, attending with his young nephew Oliver.
“We could win the whole thing…the best ranked teams don’t always win,” he added, with a smile.
That positive outlook, widely shared among supporters who spoke with AFP, has not always been the case for the US men’s national team.
“A couple years ago my dad and me were counting passes in one of the (US) games and we couldn’t even count up to five — so from that perspective we’re looking a lot better!” joked 16-year-old Paige Dixon.
“Quarter-finals…anything less, I would be a little disappointed,” she agreed. It is a contrast to the first World Cup on US soil, in 1994, the tournament which still holds the all-time attendance record at 3.6 million.
Back then, expectations for the host team were low. But the US beat heavily favoured Colombia to reach the last 16, and the seeds for an American soccer boom were sown.
For supporter Gordon, that tournament took place when he was 12, and “changed my life.” “I became a soccer fanatic after that. And I’m hoping the same thing for my nephew” this time, he said.
For that to happen, much more is now expected from the home team on the field — and the players are well aware.
US captain Tim Ream, who was a seven-year-old back then, said he remembers “bits and pieces” of the event — enough to know that a home World Cup is “a once-in-a-career opportunity” that comes with considerably “more expectation and more pressure.” “I think we’ve all been, I wouldn’t say overwhelmed, but pleasantly surprised by the excitement and the buzz around the team, and in the stadiums,” he said.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese recalled being “inspired by the previous generation” of players as a child, and hopes that — if his crop can do the same — it can propel the US further up the global soccer food chain.
“There’s a compounding effect to it, obviously…hopefully we inspire the next generation.
“We are focused as we can (be) to continue to leave the next generation inspired.”
The US finds itself in Group D. Though the hosts are favourites, any team could very plausibly finish top — or bottom.
The campaign kicks off against Paraguay in nearby Los Angeles on Friday, before a detour to Seattle to face Australia, then back to southern California for Turkey.
Should the US finish runner-up, they could play Iran in the first knockouts — a meeting that would throw up immense geopolitical consequences, given the ongoing war between the nations.
It would also be consequential for California’s huge Persian community, including Ramin Nayebzadeh, who attended Monday’s training with his nine-year-old son Arta.
“Originally I’m from Iran but we don’t support the team because of the regime,” he explained.
“As an American, we support the US team…especially as my son’s dream is to be a future soccer player of this country.” Young Arta, though, is not waiting for future editions of the World Cup to dream of US glory.
“I think they will win the World Cup, because they have a really good team and really good soccer players,” he beamed.
Oyarzabal smashes ominous Spain in front | 00:31
Earlier, US centre-back Chris Richards returned to full training on Monday, in a boost for the World Cup co-hosts after a string of defensive errors during his absence in pre-tournament friendlies.
Crystal Palace centre-back Richards has 36 US caps and, if fit, is expected to be coach Mauricio Pochettino’s first-choice at the heart of defence alongside captain Tim Ream.
But after Richards picked up an ankle injury last month, Pochettino had expressed frustration over the slow timeline for his recovery, even hinting the player could be replaced in the squad last-minute on injury grounds.
“We will see. Today, first time with the team. It’s good to have nearly everyone ready to be selected for the game,” said Pochettino, at an open training session at the team’s World Cup base in Irvine, California.
Four days before the United States’ opener with Paraguay, the light session was Richards’ first time integrated with the squad since the March internationals window.
Ream and Miles Robinson were at fault for conceding a sloppy opener from a free-kick in Saturday’s 2-1 friendly loss to Germany, while the US had shipped two goals to Senegal the previous weekend with Mark McKenzie alongside Ream.
Antonee Robinson, who scored against Germany but was substituted with muscle cramps, also participated in Monday’s training, held in front of 5,500 fans.
The only absentee was defensive midfielder Tyler Adams, who briefly greeted teammates and fans on the pitch before heading to the gym, in a precaution described by team officials as “load management.” The Bournemouth player, who captained the US at the 2022 World Cup and is expected to be another key player this time, had suffered a quadriceps injury late in the Premier League campaign.
Eriksen goes down in terrifying scare | 00:23
BRAZIL ICON IN DOUBT
Neymar is “recovering well” from the calf injury that has made him a doubt for the start of Brazil’s World Cup campaign, the team said in a statement on Monday.
Brazil’s all-time record scorer underwent an MRI scan on Monday which showed he is “making good progress in his treatment” amid hopes that he will be able to play a part for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the United States.
“He will continue to follow the recovery schedule and fitness program as planned by the Brazil team medical staff,” the Brazilian Football Confederation said.
Neymar was diagnosed with a calf injury late last month and has since been in a race to recover fitness for the tournament, with Brazil kicking off their campaign against Morocco at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday.
He did not take to the field with his teammates for Monday’s workout at Brazil’s base, the new training ground of MLS outfit New York Red Bulls, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of Manhattan.
Instead he stayed inside to work in the gym.
Now 34, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar has been an integral part of Brazil’s last three World Cup campaigns but there was some surprise at his inclusion this time as injuries have prevented him from playing for his country at all since 2023.
He has played in just half of his club’s games in the Brazilian league, cup and Copa Sudamericana this year due to various fitness issues.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted last week that the player, now with Santos, would be ready for either Brazil’s first or second game and added that he was “in no rush” to bring him back.
Irankunda booked after Xhaka incident | 00:44
REFEREE DENIED VISA
Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been dropped from officiating at the World Cup after being barred from entering the United States, world football’s governing body FIFA said on Monday.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan, who was refused entry to the US after arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday, would play no part in the World Cup.
“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” a FIFA spokesperson told AFP.
FIFA emphasised that it was powerless to influence the decision, which it said was the sole preserve of tournament co-hosts the United States.
“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” the spokesperson said.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.” A spokesperson for United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection.
“During processing, the traveller underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,” the CBP spokesperson said.
“Following inspection, the traveller, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissable due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.” Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
A government adviser in Mogadishu told AFP earlier Monday that Artan — who would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals — had a valid visa for the US.
“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, said.
Abshir said Artan flew back to Istanbul after being refused entry in Miami. “Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play,” Abshir added.
Artan was among the 52 referees announced by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
He has been officiating in the Somali national football league championships since he became a FIFA referee in 2018, and refereed in the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
In 2025 he was named by the Confederation of African Football as men’s referee of the year.
Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan in April after he made history as the first Somali to be selected to officiate at the World Cup finals.
“I commend the effort, professionalism, and integrity shown by referee Omar, as he has become a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis,” said Mohamud.
Socceroos draw with Switzerland | 01:56
BAYERN STAR’S HAT-TRICK INSPIRES FAVOURITES
France coach Didier Deschamps challenged forward Michael Olise to make his mark at the World Cup after he hit a hat-trick in a 3-1 World Cup warm-up win over Northern Ireland in Lille on Monday.
The Bayern Munich winger and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe were joined in a fearsome attack by Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele. The Paris Saint-Germain pair had been rested for the previous friendly — a loss to Ivory Coast — after winning the Champions League.
But Olise shone brightest, drilling home rebounds just before and just after half-time before curling in a superb shot from outside the area to finish off the visitors after Patrick Kelly had pulled a goal back.
“We’ll need a Michel Olise at that level,” Deschamps said. “Michael stands out because of the season he has had at Bayern and with us.” “He has achieved some really great things, he is full of confidence. He also has the ability to put in the effort, which is remarkable,” Deschamps said.
Another Champions League finalist, William Saliba of losers Arsenal, showed he has shaken off an injury scare as he returned to give France a look similar to how they could line up for their World Cup opener against Senegal in New Jersey on June 16.
The French though were frequently disjointed in attack, with skipper Mbappe, who needs one goal to equal Olivier Giroud’s team scoring record, often lacklustre.
Yet they still pressed the packed Northern Irish defence, forcing desperate blocks and loose clearances.
Although the Lille stadium roof was kept closed on a chilly and damp evening, play was stopped for drinks breaks in the middle of each half to help Les Bleus prepare in every detail for the World Cup.
France, who leave for their training base near Boston on Wednesday, will also face Iraq in Philadelphia and Norway in Foxborough outside Boston in Group I.
Last-minute dagger hands Tillies defeat | 01:48
DARK HORSE STAR’S INJURY CLOUD
Morocco winger Abde Ezzalzouli has undergone tests on his injured knee to determine if he will be fit for his team’s World Cup opener against Brazil, a source close to the matter told AFP on Monday.
The Real Betis forward sustained the injury to his right knee during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Norway in a pre-tournament friendly and had to be helped off the pitch.
“Everyone is waiting for Ezzalzouli’s test results to determine the severity of his injury and to know if he’ll recover in time for the World Cup,” said the source.
Morocco play five-time world champions Brazil in their opening match in East Rutherford on Saturday. They will also face Scotland and Haiti in Group C.
According to the source, team officials “need to wait 48 hours to know the details of the injury before taking a decision”.
However, reports of Ezzalzouli being sidelined for three to four weeks, or even missing the World Cup entirely, were dismissed as “speculation”.
Morocco also have concerns over the fitness of Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, who hurt his shoulder in the game against Norway.