Iran says no one can exclude it from the World Cup later this year, in response to President Donald Trump's warning that their "life and safety" would be at risk in the US.

Iran’s declaration that it cannot take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has created uncertainty around the tournament and forced world football’s governing body to consider how it would respond if a qualified team withdraws.

Colombia. A country in Latin America where the aroma of coffee mingles with the acrid smell of gunpowder in every breath of air. There, football is not merely 22 players chasing a ball; it is an ancient religion, a ferocious obsession.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran's football team Thursday their "life and safety" would be at risk if they took part in the upcoming World Cup in North America.

The final batch of players from South Africa and the West Indies have left India after being stranded for more than a week following the T20 World Cup, cricket's governing body said Thursday.

The statement from Minister of Sport Ahmad Donyamali on Wednesday that Iran could not take part in a World Cup being co-hosted by the United States offered the clearest indication yet of the potential for a first withdrawal from global soccer's showpiece event in the modern era.

December 18, 2022 -- Lusail Stadium. More than 88,000 spectators in the stands were on the verge of holding their breath, while millions of football fans around the world stared fixedly at their television screens. In the middle of the pitch stood a group of battle-weary warriors. After regulation and extra time, the scoreboard showed a 3-3 deadlock.

Bangladesh captain Afeida Khandaker spoke to The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman about the AFC Women's Asian Cup experience and what lies ahead.

Following the successful conclusion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the final distribution of the tournament’s US$11.25 million Players’ Prize Money pool, in line with the record-breaking increase to ICC prize money made in 2024.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that he met with United States President Donald Trump, who told him he welcomed Iran’s participation in the 2026 Soccer World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

South Africa's cricket team, stranded in India because of international airspace closure, will begin to fly home on Wednesday, with the entire contingent departing in the next 36 hours, the International Cricket Council said.

In the 11th over of New Zealand's chase on Sunday, Mitchell played the ball to Arshdeep and the bowler threw it straight back at him, hitting the New Zealand batter on the pads.

India's all-conquering men's cricket team will pocket $14 million after lifting the T20 World Cup for a record third time, the country's cricket board said on Tuesday.

With both well-known and lesser-known statistics, this feature takes a closer look at the fascinating world of World Cup hattricks. Let us explore some intriguing questions about these remarkable feats.

Speaking at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas on Monday, Schirgi was specifically asked about Iran, whose participation in the World Cup is uncertain due to the war waged on the country by Israel and the United States.

The Iraqis are due to face either Suriname or Bolivia on March 31 in the Mexican city of Monterrey for a place in the World Cup finals, but with Iraqi airspace closed until April 1, Arnold's squad is unable to gather or travel.

“At times, it feels like a boxer entering a fight with one arm tied behind his back," Bangladesh coach Butler said after Uzbekistan clash.

What started as a tournament overshadowed by political drama and uncertainty eventually delivered thrilling cricket, unforgettable moments and a historic triumph for the hosts.

In the other match in Group B, Uzbekistan thrashed tournament debutants Bangladesh 4-0 to keep their hopes alive of reaching the knockout rounds as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Peter Butler-coached team responded strongly towards the end of the half, mounting sustained pressure and creating a couple of promising opportunities.