SOCCER

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Iran are not in a position to participate in the 2026 World Cup, according to Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali. The team was scheduled to play group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle this June. However, participation has been ruled out following the escalation of regional conflict, triggered by US and Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran.

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England defender Kyle Walker has retired from international football with immediate effect at the age of 35. The Burnley full-back earned 96 caps for his country and represented the Three Lions in five major tournaments. Walker, whose final international appearance was a June 2025 friendly against Senegal, stated he was proud of his achievements but felt it was time to close the book on his England career.

"Today is the time that comes to an end. It's good for me to have a little bit of closure to my career on the international stage."

Walker made his debut for England against Spain in November 2011 and went on to establish himself as a regular for the Three Lions.

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Barcelona announced on Thursday their Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be out for up to six weeks with a leg issue.

De Jong will miss the Champions League last 16 against Paris Saint-Germain or Newcastle as well as La Liga fixtures with Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano.

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Travis Kelce appears increasingly likely to return for another NFL season, but whether that comeback happens in Kansas City remains an open question.

The veteran tight end, who has spent his entire professional career with the Chiefs, is approaching free agency after his contract expired at the end of the 2025 season.

League insiders say Kelce is motivated to play a 14th year, though multiple teams are believed to have interest if he ultimately explores the market.

For now, Kansas City remains firmly in the conversation about where the future Hall of Famer might land.

Team officials still value Kelce's leadership and production, especially after a frustrating 2025 campaign that ended without a playoff appearance.

Financial realities, however, could complicate negotiations.

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UEFA has handed Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni a provisional one-match suspension following allegations of racist abuse during last week’s Champions League clash. The report was filed by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, leading to a ban that will see the

Argentine youngster miss Wednesday’s second leg in Madrid. The sanction is temporary while a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector completes a full investigation.

The European governing body said further punishment could be handed out once that investigation is completed.

Vinicius told referee Francois Letexier that he had been racially abused by the Argentina winger during the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off tie in Lisbon last Tuesday.

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Uncertainty is growing around the future of Edu Gaspar at Nottingham Forest after the club’s global head of football was reportedly asked to stay away from the training ground while scrutiny of his role intensifies. The development comes during a difficult campaign for the club, which is currently fighting to remain in the Premier League.

According to reports, the 47 year old executive has not been present at the club’s last three matches. Those fixtures came against Fenerbahce, Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City. His absence has fueled speculation about his position at the City Ground as the club battles to avoid relegation.

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Arsenal must banish their untimely bout of title race anxiety as the wobbling Premier League leaders head to Tottenham for the North London derby.