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Lionel Scaloni, calm and expressionless on the touchline, watched as Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty in the 2022 World Cup final, sealing Argentina’s third world title with a dramatic victory over France. While players celebrated wildly, Scaloni initially remained still and silent, almost as if processing the moment in private. Only minutes later did he break down emotionally when a player hugged him and whispered: “We are world champions.” That calmness has long defined Scaloni. He did not react publicly to early criticism over his lack of experience. He stayed composed when Argentina’s World Cup hopes were under pressure from Kylian Mbappé’s goals in the final. And he remains steady now as he leads Argentina into another title defence. Those close to him say Scaloni’s calm mindset is shaped by cycling, a daily routine he adopted after retiring as a player. He spends two to three hours a day riding, often through the mountains of Mallorca in Spain, where he lives, or in his hometown Pujato in Argentina. He says the activity helps him clear his mind and think about football without pressure. “On the bike, you can think about your team, your opponent, how to prepare for the match. It really clears my head,” Scaloni has said in interviews. “It helps me lower my expectations and stay calmer.” In the coming weeks, Scaloni will become only the third coach to lead Argentina in back-to-back World Cups, following César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo, both former champions. But he often rejects comparisons with them, saying they belong to a different level of achievement. Scaloni’s journey to the top job was unexpected. With no senior coaching experience, he took charge temporarily in 2018 after Argentina’s poor World Cup campaign in Russia. At the time, he was not seen as a serious long-term candidate, with names like Mauricio Pochettino and Diego Simeone being discussed instead. Diego Maradona, Argentina’s 1986 World Cup-winning captain, once sharply questioned his ability to lead the national team. Despite doubts, Scaloni stayed on. He guided Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021 and successfully led the team through qualification for the 2022 World Cup. In Qatar, after a shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia, he reshaped the squad by introducing young players such as Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez. The move helped transform Argentina’s performance, culminating in Lionel Messi delivering a career-defining World Cup triumph. Scaloni later admitted the criticism was expected, given his inexperience, but said he held no resentment. The challenge now is even greater. Argentina must defend their title with Messi approaching the end of his career and amid ongoing tensions within the country’s football administration. Brazil was the last team to win back-to-back World Cups in 1962, a reminder of how difficult the task is. Scaloni has repeatedly stressed that past success guarantees nothing. “I don’t dwell on what we achieved. You always have to look forward,” he said in late 2025. “With this shirt, you can’t relax.” Argentina have remained strong under his leadership, winning Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024 and finishing top of South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, even when Messi missed matches due to fitness issues. Football figures in Argentina say the team’s biggest strength is unity “It’s a team with very clear leadership,” said former World Cup winner Jorge Valdano. “Players haven’t lost their hunger.” However, Scaloni’s tenure has not been without uncertainty. In 2023, he briefly hinted at stepping down after a World Cup qualifier win over Brazil, citing personal and emotional strain. There have also been reports of internal disagreements and broader instability within Argentine football administration, including criticism over match scheduling and governance issues. Despite this, Scaloni has remained focused and largely avoids public controversy. Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign in Kansas City on June 16 against Algeria, followed by matches against Austria and Jordan. Scaloni, true to his style, remains calm and cautious. “We know expectations are high because we are champions,” he said. “But football is unpredictable. Anything can happen.”

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will miss Saturday’s German Cup final against defending champion VfB Stuttgart because of a calf injury, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of Germany’s World Cup campaign. Bayern said Friday that the 40-year-old goalkeeper has “muscle problems in the left calf” and will not be included in the squad for the final. However, the club did not say how long he could remain sidelined. Neuer, who has struggled with injuries this season, picked up the latest problem during Bayern’s final Bundesliga match against Cologne last weekend. The club later said he would need to take a break for the time being. His return to the Germany national team after two years of international retirement was one of the biggest talking points when coach Julian Nagelsmann announced the World Cup squad on Thursday. Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer would return as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament. Germany will open their World Cup campaign against Curacao in Houston on June 14. The four-time world champion will also play Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E. The team is scheduled to begin preparations in Herzogenaurach on May 27 before playing warm-up matches against Finland in Mainz on May 31 and the United States in Chicago on June 6.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing an uncertain future with England’s World Cup squad after being left out of the latest team announced by coach Thomas Tuchel. The Real Madrid right-back was not included in the 35-member squad ঘোষিত on Friday. Instead, Tuchel selected Tino Livramento of Newcastle United, Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur, and Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen as his preferred options in that position. Tuchel admitted the decision was difficult, describing Alexander-Arnold as a top player with great talent and experience. However, he said he chose to stick with players who have recently been part of the squad. The coach explained that he wanted to rely on those who helped England qualify for the World Cup and performed well during recent training camps late last year. Tuchel also acknowledged Alexander-Arnold’s quality, saying he is well aware of his strengths from facing him multiple times in club football, where he often proved challenging to stop. For this final training camp before naming the World Cup squad, Tuchel has selected a larger group of players. Some footballers with heavy match schedules will join the team later, after England’s match against Uruguay on March 27. A number of players are also expected to be released before another friendly against Japan on March 31 at Wembley Stadium. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United have been recalled to the squad. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has scored 10 league goals for Leeds United this season, also returns. First-time call-ups have been handed to James Garner of Everton and Jason Steele of Brighton & Hove Albion. The upcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is scheduled to begin in June.

FIFA expects that Iran’s national football team will be able to travel to the United States and take part in the upcoming World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict between the two countries. FIFA President ‘Gianni Infantino’ said on Tuesday that he spoke with US President Donald Trump about preparations for the tournament and received assurances that the Iranian team would be allowed to enter the United States to compete. The ‘2026 FIFA World Cup’, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is set to begin in about three months. Iran is scheduled to play its group matches in the US, starting against New Zealand in Inglewood, California on June 15. The team will then face Belgium on June 21 before concluding its group stage campaign against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iranian officials had recently indicated that their participation in the tournament might be uncertain due to the ongoing war. Infantino said he discussed the situation with Trump during a meeting Tuesday night. “We also talked about the current situation in Iran and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said, adding that Trump confirmed the team would be welcome to take part in the tournament in the United States. Infantino and Trump maintain a close relationship. Trump was previously awarded FIFA’s inaugural peace prize, an honour many observers believe was created with him in mind. However, Iranian fans had already faced restrictions earlier, as they were included in the initial version of a travel ban introduced by the Trump administration. Infantino said global events like the World Cup are important for bringing people together, particularly during times of conflict, and thanked Trump for his support. Earlier this week, FIFA World Cup chief operating officer ‘Heimo Schirgi’ said the tournament is too significant to be postponed because of the global tensions linked to the ongoing US and Israeli war against Iran. Schirgi said FIFA is closely monitoring developments in the conflict but remains confident that the tournament will proceed as planned. “We are taking it day by day and hope there will be a resolution,” he said. “The World Cup is too big, and we hope all teams that have qualified will be able to participate.”

Iraq’s head coach, Graham Arnold, has appealed to FIFA to postpone his team’s intercontinental World Cup playoff due to the disruptions caused by the escalating war in Iran. The Iraqi squad faces major challenges ahead of their winner-takes-all match against either Suriname or Bolivia, set for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. With Iraqi airspace closed until April 1, Arnold’s team — mostly made up of domestic league players cannot fully assemble. Many players are also unable to secure visas for Mexico because of embassy closures, while Arnold himself is stuck in the United Arab Emirates amid the conflict. “Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of Iraq,” Arnold, a former Australian national team coach, told the Australian Associated Press. The turmoil has already forced the cancellation of a planned training camp in Houston. Arnold said relying only on overseas-based players is not a viable solution. “It wouldn’t be our best team, and we need our best squad for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” he said. Arnold has suggested a strategic delay: let Suriname and Bolivia play their preliminary match this month, but postpone Iraq’s final playoff until a week before the World Cup starts. “This would give us time to prepare properly and allow FIFA to see how the situation with Iran develops,” he said. “If Iran withdraws, we go to the World Cup, and it also gives the UAE, who we beat in qualifying, time to prepare for either Bolivia or Suriname.” Iraq Football Association president Adnan Dirjal is reportedly working tirelessly to make the World Cup dream a reality, and Arnold stressed that a quick decision from FIFA is crucial.

The violence that erupted in Mexico after the death of a powerful drug lord has left many questioning whether the country will be able to co-host the World Cup in just over three months. FIFA President Gianni Infantino thinks it can. “Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible,” Infantino said late Tuesday in a press conference in Colombia. “Mexico is a great country, like in every country in the world, things happen; we don’t live on the moon or another planet,” Infantino added. “That’s why we have governments, police, and authorities who will ensure order and security.” The Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on Sunday, sparking several days of violence. Cartel members burned cars and blocked roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states and authorities report that at least 70 people have died. Four high-level soccer matches from the local leagues were postponed last Sunday, including one in the central city of Queretaro, where Mexico defeated Iceland 4-0 late Wednesday in a friendly match. Before the match, a minute of silence was held in the Corregidora stadium in honor of the soldiers who died during the operation to capture Oseguera. Thirteen World Cup matches are scheduled to be held in Mexico, including the opening game in Mexico City on June 11 between the co-host and South Africa. Guadalajara, the central hub for the Jalisco cartel, is scheduled to host four. Colombia is set to play one game in Mexico City and one in Guadalajara. “Our first two matches are in Mexico, but we know they will overcome this and move forward,” said Ramón Jesurún, the president of the Colombian Soccer Federation. “I have absolute and total confidence in my geopolitical thinking that this is an issue Mexico will overcome, and overcome very quickly.” Other nations have expressed more concern. The Portuguese soccer federation said Tuesday that it was closely monitoring developments ahead of a planned friendly against Mexico in March. Jamaica is set to play New Caledonia in Guadalajara on March 26 in an intercontinental playoff semifinal, with the winner advancing to face Congo for a World Cup spot. “The games are at the end of March, so we still have another month to see what happens; but it is making me very nervous, to be honest,” said Michael Ricketts, the president of the Jamaican Soccer Federation. "We will be listening out for CONCACAF and FIFA to give us instructions (on) whether they are playing the games or whether they are immediately looking for other options.” Another Mexican city, Monterrey, will host a playoff where Bolivia plays Suriname and the winner faces Iraq for a spot in the tournament. On Monday, Sheinbaum said there is “every guarantee” that the World Cup matches in Guadalajara will be played as planned and added that there was “no risk.” “We are in regular contact with the presidency and the authorities in Mexico and we are monitoring the situation,” Infantino said. “The World Cup is going to be an incredible celebration”.      

Harry Brook struck his first Twenty20 international century as England edged Pakistan by two wickets on Tuesday, sealing a place in a record fifth successive T20 World Cup semifinal. Brook, who had endured a quiet tournament until then, was promoted from No. 5 to No. 3 following a suggestion from coach Brendon McCullum earlier in the day. He made the change count, powering England to 166 for 8 and steering the chase past Pakistan’s 164 for 9 with five balls remaining. England stumbled early in the reply as Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Phil Salt, Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell inside the powerplay, before Tom Banton’s dismissal left them struggling at 58 for 4. Brook responded with an aggressive counterattack, sharing key stands with Sam Curran and Will Jacks. He reached his half-century from 28 balls, went past his previous T20 best of 81, and brought up a commanding 100 off 50 deliveries, becoming the latest England batter to score centuries in all three formats. Brook was bowled immediately after reaching the landmark, having struck 10 fours and four sixes. Afridi finished with 4 for 30 to become Pakistan’s leading T20 wicket-taker, but England remained in control despite losing two more wickets to Mohammad Nawaz. Jofra Archer then settled matters by hitting a boundary off the first ball of the final over. Star Sports deletes controversial 'cupcake' promo after India's crushing defeat Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat on a fresh surface, but apart from Sahibzada Farhan’s 63 off 45 balls, the batting failed to fire. Archer claimed 2 for 32, while spinners Liam Dawson (3 for 24) and Adil Rashid tightened the screws through the middle overs. Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted the total was below par and credited Brook for taking the game away from his side. Pakistan still has one Super Eights match remaining against Sri Lanka, with its semifinal hopes hinging on other results. England, unbeaten in all five matches at Pallekele in recent weeks, will wrap up the Super Eights in Colombo against New Zealand on Friday. New Zealand plays Sri Lanka there on today.

England midfielder Jack Grealish has undergone surgery on a foot stress fracture, ending his 2025-26 season while on loan at Everton and ruling him out of contention for this summer’s World Cup. Grealish, 30, sustained the injury on January 18 during Everton’s 1-0 win over his former club Aston Villa. The midfielder had featured in 22 matches across all competitions for Everton this season, scoring twice and providing six assists. “Didn’t want the season to end like this, but that’s football. Surgery done, now all focus on getting back fit. I will come back fitter, stronger and better than before,” Grealish wrote on Instagram. His strong performances at Everton had sparked speculation about a potential recall to the England squad. However, the injury makes World Cup selection impossible. Grealish joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City in August 2025 after falling out of favour at City, where he had won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FA Cup since his £100 million move from Aston Villa in 2021. He made just seven league starts for City last season and was excluded from the Club World Cup squad in the United States. “The support I’ve received at this incredible club has meant the world to me,” Grealish added. “The staff, teammates and fans have been amazing. I’ll be backing the lads all the way and doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible.” Everton fans and football observers expressed sympathy for the midfielder, who had been pivotal in the team’s campaign under caretaker manager Lee Carsley since October 2024.   With inputs from BBC

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that a final decision regarding the national team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup will be made by early next week. The confirmation came from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday, following a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Naqvi, who also serves as the country's Interior Minister, described his discussion with the Prime Minister as “productive.” According to the PCB chief, PM Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the board to resolve the ongoing standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) while keeping “all options on the table”—a directive that suggests a full boycott remains a distinct possibility. Pakistan weighs boycotting India match in solidarity with Bangladesh Taking to a social media, Naqvi said, “Briefed him on the ICC matter, and he directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table. It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday.” The uncertainty over the 2009 champions' participation stems from the deepening crisis surrounding the tournament, scheduled to begin in February. Tensions escalated last week when the ICC officially replaced Bangladesh with Scotland after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India citing security concerns. Global players’ body backs Bangladesh, but ignores core safety concerns Bangladesh raised The BCB’s refusal was triggered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directing IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman on security grounds—a move Dhaka viewed as an admission of a hostile environment. With reports circulating that Pakistan may boycott the event or refuse to play India in solidarity with Bangladesh, the upcoming decision by the PCB will be critical for the future of the tournament.

As the BCB and the ICC continue talks on whether Bangladesh will play their matches at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India amid security concerns, it is worth recalling other occasions when teams opted out of playing ICC events in host nations. The Bangladesh Cricket Board and the ICC are weighing options regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India, citing safety issues. Below are five past instances in which teams refused to play ICC tournaments in host countries. 1996 ODI World Cup: Australia, West Indies stay away from Sri Lanka Ahead of the 1996 ODI World Cup, co-host Sri Lanka was facing a civil war, and a bomb blast in Colombo in January—just weeks before the tournament—intensified security fears. Read more: BCB to continue ‘constructive engagement’ with ICC for T20 World Cup solution In a show of support, a combined India-Pakistan XI played a friendly against Sri Lanka in Colombo before the event. Australia and West Indies, however, declined to travel to Colombo for their group matches against Sri Lanka and forfeited points as a result. Sri Lanka progressed comfortably to the quarter-finals, as did Australia and West Indies, and later defeated Australia in the final in Lahore. 2003 ODI World Cup: England avoid Zimbabwe; New Zealand skip Kenya The first Africa-hosted ODI World Cup in 2003—co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya—saw two teams refuse to play in host nations. England did not travel to Harare to play Zimbabwe, citing opposition by the UK government under Tony Blair to Robert Mugabe’s regime. New Zealand declined to play Kenya in Nairobi due to security concerns following a bombing in Mombasa months earlier. Both teams asked for their matches to be relocated, but the ICC rejected the requests and awarded walkovers to Zimbabwe and Kenya. England exited in the first round, while New Zealand advanced to the Super Sixes. Kenya, benefiting from the forfeiture, went on to reach the semi-finals. 2009 T20 World Cup: Zimbabwe withdraw Relations between Zimbabwe and the UK remained strained, raising doubts over whether Zimbabwean players would receive visas to travel to England for the 2009 T20 World Cup. In July 2008, the ICC and Zimbabwe reached what they termed a “win-win” agreement. Zimbabwe withdrew from the tournament “in the larger interest of the game,” saying they did not want to be unwelcome participants, but received their full participation fee. Scotland, an Associate nation, replaced them after qualifying. 2016 Under-19 World Cup: Australia pull out Australia had already withdrawn from a bilateral series in Bangladesh in October 2015 due to security concerns. By the time of the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, their position was unchanged, citing a continued “threat to Australian interests in Bangladesh.” The ICC said it respected Australia’s decision, though it was disappointed. Ireland took Australia’s place in the tournament. 2025 Champions Trophy: India decline to tour Pakistan The 2025 Champions Trophy was set to be Pakistan’s first ICC event in 29 years after being confirmed as hosts in November 2021. Uncertainty persisted over India’s participation, given the strained relations between the two countries and India’s last tour of Pakistan dating back to 2008. Read More: BCB rejects ICC’s plea to reconsider India tour to play T20 World Cup Although Pakistan travelled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India eventually announced it would not visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing a lack of government clearance. After prolonged discussions, a compromise for the 2024–2027 ICC cycle was agreed: matches between India and Pakistan in tournaments hosted by either country would be held at neutral venues. Consequently, India played their 2025 Champions Trophy matches in Dubai and went on to win the tournament. With input from ESPNcricinfo