What's Happening Off the Pitch
The World Cup is not just about football; it's also about the stories surrounding the teams and players. This year is no exception. Chelsea forwards Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, who were left out of the England and Brazil World Cup squads respectively, made a surprise appearance in a promotional film for pop star Madonna's new album. The 14-minute video, titled Confessions II - The Film, was unveiled by Madonna at the Tribeca Festival in New York and features the two players in a humorous scene.
The Politics of Football
Meanwhile, the Iranian team's presence in the World Cup is already fraught with politics. Roozbeh Farahanipour, an Iranian-American activist, has spoken out against the team's participation, citing the Iranian government's human rights record. "The Iranian team is not playing. The Islamic Republic's team is," he said. The Iranian flag, featuring a lion and a sun, is banned from stadiums at the World Cup, adding to the tension.
Scotland's Squad Announcement
In more positive news, Scotland has announced its 36-man squad for their summer tour matches against Argentina and South Africa, as well as their meeting with Fiji at Murrayfield. Uncapped hookers Gregor Hiddleston and Seb Stephen have been named in the squad, while back-rower Jack Dempsey is included despite his imminent move to Japan.
Wales' Journey to the World Cup
Wales' women's team is also gearing up for the World Cup, with player Rhiannon Roberts reflecting on their nightmare journey to Montenegro. Despite the challenges, the team is happy to be back home for their final game of the qualifying group against the Czech Republic.
Predicting the World Cup
With the World Cup just around the corner, fans are eagerly predicting the outcomes of the matches. BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor game allows users to pick the results of every match, with the chance to win an official World Cup football signed by members of the BBC World Cup team.
Key Facts
- Where: The World Cup is taking place in the US, Canada, and Mexico
- Impact: The Iranian team's presence in the World Cup is complicated by politics
What to Watch
As the World Cup approaches, fans will be watching the teams' preparations closely. Will Scotland's new squad members make a difference? How will the Iranian team navigate the political tensions surrounding their participation? And who will win the coveted title? Stay tuned for more updates and analysis.
Key Numbers
- 48: The number of teams participating in the World Cup
- 26: The number of players in England's World Cup squad
Quotes
"The Iranian team is not playing. The Islamic Republic's team is." — Roozbeh Farahanipour, Iranian-American activist
"We got down safely in Italy... The main thing was that we got down safely." — Rhiannon Roberts, Wales women's team player
What's Happening Off the Pitch
The World Cup is not just about football; it's also about the stories surrounding the teams and players. This year is no exception. Chelsea forwards Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, who were left out of the England and Brazil World Cup squads respectively, made a surprise appearance in a promotional film for pop star Madonna's new album. The 14-minute video, titled Confessions II - The Film, was unveiled by Madonna at the Tribeca Festival in New York and features the two players in a humorous scene.
The Politics of Football
Meanwhile, the Iranian team's presence in the World Cup is already fraught with politics. Roozbeh Farahanipour, an Iranian-American activist, has spoken out against the team's participation, citing the Iranian government's human rights record. "The Iranian team is not playing. The Islamic Republic's team is," he said. The Iranian flag, featuring a lion and a sun, is banned from stadiums at the World Cup, adding to the tension.
Scotland's Squad Announcement
In more positive news, Scotland has announced its 36-man squad for their summer tour matches against Argentina and South Africa, as well as their meeting with Fiji at Murrayfield. Uncapped hookers Gregor Hiddleston and Seb Stephen have been named in the squad, while back-rower Jack Dempsey is included despite his imminent move to Japan.
Wales' Journey to the World Cup
Wales' women's team is also gearing up for the World Cup, with player Rhiannon Roberts reflecting on their nightmare journey to Montenegro. Despite the challenges, the team is happy to be back home for their final game of the qualifying group against the Czech Republic.
Predicting the World Cup
With the World Cup just around the corner, fans are eagerly predicting the outcomes of the matches. BBC Sport's new World Cup predictor game allows users to pick the results of every match, with the chance to win an official World Cup football signed by members of the BBC World Cup team.
Key Facts
- Where: The World Cup is taking place in the US, Canada, and Mexico
- Impact: The Iranian team's presence in the World Cup is complicated by politics
What to Watch
As the World Cup approaches, fans will be watching the teams' preparations closely. Will Scotland's new squad members make a difference? How will the Iranian team navigate the political tensions surrounding their participation? And who will win the coveted title? Stay tuned for more updates and analysis.
Key Numbers
- 48: The number of teams participating in the World Cup
- 26: The number of players in England's World Cup squad
Quotes
"The Iranian team is not playing. The Islamic Republic's team is." — Roozbeh Farahanipour, Iranian-American activist
"We got down safely in Italy... The main thing was that we got down safely." — Rhiannon Roberts, Wales women's team player