Overview
- Twenty-eight of 48 World Cup spots are now confirmed, with debutant Cape Verde joining Qatar and Saudi Arabia among the latest qualifiers.
- Qatar reached its first World Cup on sporting merit by beating the United Arab Emirates 2:1 in Ar-Rayyan, while Saudi Arabia advanced with a 0:0 against Iraq to top its group.
- U.S. President Donald Trump said he would call FIFA president Gianni Infantino to relocate matches from cities he deems unsafe, singling out Boston as a potential target.
- FIFA responded that security and protection fall under national governments’ responsibility and expressed hope all 16 host cities will be ready, as vice-president Victor Montagliani reiterated that venue decisions are FIFA’s to make.
- Opponents criticized the AFC’s hosting choices that granted home fixtures and rest advantages to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and separate reporting details fan backlash over FIFA–Modex ‘Right to Buy’ tokens tied largely to pricier ticket categories.