Russia Overview

Iran recall star striker Sardar Azmoun for upcoming friendlies

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has offered Sardar Azmoun an international reprieve by naming the prolific frontman in his 26-man squad for upcoming friendly fixtures against Uzbekistan and Russia. The Dubai-based forward returns to Team Melli four months after being controversially omitted from the World Cup following friction with national authorities.

Russia handed partial return to FIFA competition

World football’s governing body has taken a significant step toward reintegrating Russia into the international fold after including their youth side in a new tournament. The move marks the first major softening of the stance against the nation since the widespread sporting ban was implemented four years ago.

Spain v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.

Russia's ban should 'definitely' be lifted, says Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sparked fresh controversy by declaring that Russia’s ban from international football should "definitely" be lifted. In a wide-ranging and explosive interview, the Swiss official argued that the exclusion has failed to achieve its goals and has only created "frustration," while also doubling down on his decision to award United States president Donald Trump a bespoke "peace prize."

Neymar Lionel Messi Geremi Olympics composite

Messi, Guardiola & the football stars to win Olympic gold

Man City star Julian Alvarez and PSG's Achraf Hakimi are among those going for gold at Paris 2024, looking to follow in the steps of some superstars

Argentina lined up for friendly in Moscow despite Russia ban

Argentina are reportedly set to play a friendly match in Moscow - despite the Russian national team being banned by FIFA.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
7	FK Radnik Surdulica	10	3	5	2	14	15	-1	14	D D D W L
8	Novi Pazar	10	3	4	3	10	11	-1	13	D D W D L
9	Cukaricki	10	3	2	5	12	18	-6	11	L D L L L
10	OFK Beograd	10	2	3	5	13	21	-8	9	L L D L W
11	Partizan Beograd	9	2	2	5	17	19	-2	8	D L L W L

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Team

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PTS

Form