Category Archives: 2026 FIFA World Cup

Squad announcements for the 2026 World Cup: Group F

Netherlands

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has selected a 26-player group that is heavily built around footballers from England’s top division, with 15 representatives coming from there. Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo are included from Liverpool, while Jeremie Frimpong has not been chosen. Jurrien Timber is part of the selection despite not playing for Arsenal since March due to an ankle issue. The defensive unit is strongly Premier League-based, with six of seven defenders linked to English clubs, and Denzel Dumfries is the only defender outside that league. Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who has not yet debuted internationally, is among the three goalkeepers.

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland)
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Noah Lang (Galatasaray), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (PSV), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)

Japan

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma has been excluded after a hamstring injury, ruling him out of the final Premier League matches of the season. Japan will open their Group F campaign against the Netherlands, followed by matches with Tunisia and Sweden. Manager Hajime Moriyasu expressed disappointment, describing Mitoma as a major absence. The selection still includes several players based in England and Europe, such as Wataru Endo, Daichi Kamada, and Daizen Maeda. Liverpool’s Alexander Isak is also part of the group alongside Viktor Gyokeres.

Goalkeepers: Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Aya Suzuka (Parma Calcio)
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truiden), Ko Itakura (Ajax), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre AC), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen), Junosuke Suzuki (FC Copenhagen)
Midfielders: Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Junya Ito (Genk), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ao Tanaka (Leeds United), Kaishu Sano (Mainz 05), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
Forwards: Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims), Ito Suzuki (SC Freiburg), Kento Shiode (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truiden)

Sweden

Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres and Liverpool striker Alexander Isak have been included in Sweden’s tournament group. Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski misses out due to a long-term knee problem that kept him sidelined all season. Coach Graham Potter said leaving Kulusevski out was a very difficult decision. Sweden ended qualifying at the bottom of their group but progressed after Nations League play-off wins over Ukraine and Poland. The squad also features 11 players based in British football.

Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Kristoffer Nordfeldt (AIK), Jacob Widell Zetterstrom (Derby County)
Defenders: Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United), Isak Hien (Atalanta), Emil Holm (Juventus), Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga), Victor Lindelof (Aston Villa), Erik Smith (St. Pauli), Carl Starfelt (Celta Vigo), Elliot Stroud (Mjallby), Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: Taha Ali (Malmo), Yasin Ayari (Brighton), Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham), Jesper Karlstrom (Udinese), Ken Sema (Pafos), Mattias Svanberg (Wolfsburg), Besfort Zeneli (Union St-Gilloise)
Forwards: Alexander Bernhardsson (Holstein Kiel), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle United), Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal), Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Gustaf Nilsson (Club Brugge), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic)

Tunisia

Coach Sabri Lamouchi has left out experienced midfielder Ferjani Sassi and defender Yassine Meriah despite their large number of international appearances. Rani Khedira, who recently changed nationality, has been included in the selection. Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri and Norwich midfielder Anis Ben Slimane are part of the group. Paris Saint-Germain prospect Khalil Ayari has also been called up despite limited first-team experience. Tunisia will face Sweden in their opening Group F match before meeting Japan and the Netherlands.

Goalkeepers: Sabri Ben Hessen (Etoile Sahel), Abdelmouhib Chamakh (Club Africain), Aymen Dahman (CS Sfaxien)
Defenders: Ali Abdi (Nice), Adem Arous (Kasimpasa), Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida (Esperance), Dylan Bronn (Servette Geneva), Raed Chikhaoui (US Monastir), Moutaz Neffati (Norrkoping), Omar Rekik (NK Maribor), Montassar Talbi (Lorient), Yan Valery (Young Boys Berne)
Midfielders: Mortadha Ben Ouanes (Kasimpasa), Anis Ben Slimane (Norwich City), Ismael Gharbi (FC Augsburg), Rani Khedira (Union Berlin), Mohamed Hadj Mahmoud (Lugano), Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley), Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Forwards: Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen), Khalil Ayari (Paris St Germain), Firas Chaouat (Club Africain), Rayan Elloumi (Vancouver Whitecaps), Hazem Mastouri (Dynamo Makhachkala), Elias Saad (Hannover 96), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic)

تشكيلات كأس العالم ٢٠٢٦: المجموعة الثالثة

البرازيل

اختار المدير الفني لمنتخب البرازيل كارلو أنشيلوتي نيمار في قائمة تضم ٢٦ لاعباً لبطولة كأس العالم الصيفية. عمر اللاعب الآن ٣٤ عاماً ويلعب لنادي سانتوس، ولا يزال هداف البرازيل التاريخي برصيد ٧٩ هدفاً في ١٢٨ مباراة، لكنه لم يمثل المنتخب الوطني منذ عام ٢٠٢٣ بسبب الإصابات. اختياره يعني أنه سيشارك في كأس العالم للمرة الرابعة بعد نسخ ٢٠١٤ و٢٠١٨ و٢٠٢٢. تفاعل الجمهور بصوت عالٍ عندما أُعلن اسمه في حفل كشف تشكيلة ريو دي جانيرو. قال أنشيلوتي إن الجهاز الفني راقب نيمار طوال العام وشعر أنه استعاد اتساقه البدني في الأشهر الأخيرة.

تم إدراج حارس مرمى ليفربول أليسون بيكر، رغم غيابه عن المباريات الأخيرة بسبب الإصابة، إلى جانب كاسيميرو من مانشستر يونايتد وماثيوس كونها. ويضم التشكيل أيضاً برونو غيماريش من نيوكاسل، وغابرييل مدافع أرسنال، وإيغور تياغو مهاجم برينتفورد، ورايان جناح بورنموث. ومع ذلك، تم استبعاد جواو بيدرو من تشيلسي رغم كونه هداف ناديه في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز برصيد ١٥ هدفاً وخمس تمريرات حاسمة. تشمل الأسماء الأخرى المختارة فينيسيوس جونيور ورافينيا وإيندريك البالغ من العمر ١٩ عاماً. ستواجه البرازيل المغرب في ١٣ يونيو، وهايتي في ٢٠ يونيو، واسكتلندا بعدها بأربعة أيام، على أن تنطلق البطولة الموسعة بـ ٤٨ فريقاً في ١١ يونيو.

حراس المرمى: أليسون (ليفربول)، إيدرسون (فنربخشة)، ويفرتون (غريميو)

المدافعون: أليكس ساندرو، دانيلو، ليو بيريرا (فلامنغو)، بريمر (يوفنتوس)، إيبانيز (الأهلي)، ويسلي (روما)، ماركينيوس (باريس سان جيرمان)، غابرييل (أرسنال)، دوغلاس سانتوس (زينيت سانت بطرسبرغ)

لاعبو الوسط: برونو غيماريش (نيوكاسل)، كاسيميرو (مانشستر يونايتد)، دانيلو سانتوس (بوتافوغو)، فابينيو (الاتحاد)، لوكاس باكيتا (فلامنغو)

المهاجمون: إيندريك (ليون)، غابرييل مارتينيلي (أرسنال)، إيغور تياغو (برينتفورد)، ماثيوس كونها (مانشستر يونايتد)، رافينيا (برشلونة)، فينيسيوس جونيور (ريال مدريد)، لويز هنريكي (زينيت سانت بطرسبرغ)، نيمار (سانتوس)، رايان (بورنموث)

المغرب

تم إدراج قائد المنتخب المغربي أشرف حكيمي في التشكيلة رغم إصابته في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا ضد بايرن ميونيخ. لم يلعب مدافع باريس سان جيرمان منذ مباراة الذهاب في ٢٨ أبريل، رغم أنه شوهد يتدرب في وقت سابق من هذا الأسبوع قبل النهائي ضد أرسنال. تم أيضاً استدعاء نصير مزراوي من مانشستر يونايتد، وإيسا ديوب من فولهام، وشادي رياض من كريستال بالاس، وشمس الدين طالبي جناح سندرلاند، وبراهيم دياز من ريال مدريد. يضم التشكيل أيضاً نايف أكرد لاعب وست هام السابق، وسفيان أمرابط، وبلال الخنوس، بينما تم استبعاد حكيم زياش. يحتل المغرب المرتبة الثامنة في تصنيف الفيفا ووصل إلى نصف نهائي كأس العالم ٢٠٢٢ حيث خسر أمام فرنسا، كما شارك في كأس أمم إفريقيا المثير للجدل بعد انسحاب السنغال. هم في المجموعة الثالثة مع اسكتلندا وسيلتقون بها في ١٩ يونيو.

حراس المرمى: ياسين بونو (الهلال)، منير المحمدي (نهضة بركان)، أحمد التكناوتي (القوات المسلحة الملكية)

المدافعون: نصير مزراوي (مانشستر يونايتد)، أنس صلاح الدين (آيندهوفن)، يوسف بلمعلم (الأهلي)، نايف أكرد (مرسيليا)، شادي رياض (كريستال بالاس)، إيسا ديوب (وست هام يونايتد)، رضوان حلهال (ميشيلين)، أشرف حكيمي (باريس سان جيرمان)، زكرياء الواحدي (جينك)

لاعبو الوسط: سمير المرباط (ستراسبورغ)، أيوب بوداوي (ليل)، نائل العنياوي (روما)، سفيان أمرابط (ريال بيتيس)، عز الدين أوناحي (جيرونا)، بلال الخنوس (شتوتغارت)، إسماعيل صيباري (آيندهوفن)

المهاجمون: عبد الصمد الزلزولي (ريال بيتيس)، شمس الدين طالبي (سندرلاند)، سفيان رحيمي (العين)، أيوب الكعبي (أولمبياكوس)، براهيم دياز (ريال مدريد)، ياسين قاسم (ستراسبورغ)، أيوب أمعيمون إشغوياب (آينتراخت فرانكفورت)

هايتي

أدرج منتخب هايتي مهاجم سندرلاند ويلسون إيسيدور ولاعب وسط وولفرهامبتون واندرارز جان ريسنير بيلغارد في قائمته المكونة من ٢٦ لاعباً لكأس العالم. يستعد الفريق لمشاركته الثانية فقط في البطولة، بعد أن تأهل آخر مرة عام ١٩٧٤. تصدروا مجموعتهم في تصفيات كونكاكاف، بهم سجل الهداف التاريخي دوكينز نازون الذي لديه ٤٤ هدفاً في ٧٦ مباراة، رغم خوض المباريات المنزلية خارج هايتي بسبب مشاكل أمنية. مباراتهم الافتتاحية في المجموعة الثالثة ستكون ضد اسكتلندا في ١٣ يونيو، تليها مباراتان ضد البرازيل والمغرب.

حراس المرمى: جوني بلاسيد (باستيا)، ألكسندر بيير (سوشو)، جوسوي دوفيرجيه (إف سي كوزموس كوبلنز)

المدافعون: كارلنس أركوس (أنجيه)، ويلجوينز بوغوان (زولته فاريغيم)، ديوك لاكروا (كولورادو سبرينغز)، مارتن إكسبيريونس (نانسي)، جان كيفن دوفيرن (خينت)، ريكاردو أديه (ليدو كيتو)، هانيس ديلكروا (لوغانو)، كيتو ثيرمونسي (يونغ بويز برن)

لاعبو الوسط: ليفيرتون بيير (فيزيلا)، كارل فريد سانث (إل باسو لوكوموتيف)، جان جاك دانلي (فيلادلفيا يونيون)، جان ريسنير بيلغارد (وولفرهامبتون)، بيير وودينسكي (فيوليت)، دومينيك سيمون (تاترن بريشوف)

المهاجمون: لويسيوس ديدسون (دالاس)، روبن بروفيدنس (آلمير سيتي)، جوسوي كازيمير (أوكسير)، دريك إتيان (تورونتو)، ويلسون إيسيدور (سندرلاند)، دوكينز نازون (استقلال)، فرانتسدي بييرو (تشايكور ريز سبور)، ياسين فورتشن (فيزيلا)، ليني جوزيف (فيرينتسفاروش)

اسكتلندا

تم استدعاء روس ستيوارت إلى تشكيلة اسكتلندا بعد غياب دام أربع سنوات، حيث قال المدير الفني ستيف كلارك إن المهاجم يمكنه تسجيل أهداف مهمة في المباريات الكبرى. ظهر مهاجم ساوثهامبتون آخر مرة مع بلاده في عام ٢٠٢٢ لكنه يعود بعد فترة من المستوى القوي رغم انتكاسات الإصابات السابقة، حيث سجل ١١ هدفاً في ٣٣ مباراة هذا الموسم. تم اختيار الجناح المراهق فيندلاي كورتيس أيضاً، بينما تم استدعاء الحارس المخضرم كريغ غوردون البالغ من العمر ٤٣ عاماً. لينون ميلر ليس جزءاً من التشكيلة، وتومي كونواي غير متاح بسبب الإصابة. أشار كلارك أيضاً إلى كورتيس كخيار هجومي مختلف وشرح قراره بشأن توازن خط الوسط.

ستلعب اسكتلندا ضد هايتي والمغرب والبرازيل في المجموعة الثالثة، على أن تقام المباريات في ماساتشوستس وميامي. لديهم أيضاً مباريات ودية ضد كوراساو في ٣٠ مايو وبوليفيا في ٦ يونيو. أوضح كلارك أن مجموعة حراس المرمى تعاني من قلة دقائق اللعب مع الأندية لكنه اختار غوردون وأنغوس غان وليام كيلي بناءً على اللياقة البدنية والدور وتوازن التشكيلة.

حراس المرمى: كريغ غوردون (هارتس)، أنغوس غان (نوتنغهام فورست)، ليام كيلي (رينجرز)

المدافعون: غرانت هانلي (هيبرنيان)، جاك هندري (الاتفاق)، آرون هيكي (برينتفورد)، دوم هيام (ريكسهام)، سكوت ماكينا (دينامو زغرب)، ناثان باترسون (إيفرتون)، أنتوني رالستون (سلتيك)، آندي روبرتسون (ليفربول)، جون سوتار (رينجرز)، كيران تيرني (سلتيك)

لاعبو الوسط: ريان كريستي (بورنموث)، فيندلاي كورتيس (كلمارنوك)، لويس فيرغسون (بولونيا)، بن غانون دواك (بورنموث)، بيلي جيلمور (نابولي)، جون ماكجين (أستون فيلا)، كيني ماكلين (نورويتش سيتي)، سكوت ماكتومناي (نابولي)

المهاجمون: تشي آدمز (تورينو)، ليندون ديكس (تشارلتون أثلتيك)، جورج هيرست (إيبسويتش تاون)، لورنس شانكلاند (هارتس)، روس ستيوارت (ساوثهامبتون)

Squad announcements for the 2026 World Cup: Group C

Brazil

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has selected Neymar in a 26-player squad for the summer World Cup. The 34-year-old, now with Santos, remains Brazil’s top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances but has not represented the national team since 2023 due to injury problems. His selection means he will appear at a fourth World Cup after tournaments in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Supporters reacted loudly when his name was announced at the Rio de Janeiro squad unveiling. Ancelotti said the staff monitored Neymar throughout the year and felt he had regained physical consistency in recent months.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, despite missing recent matches through injury, is included alongside Manchester United’s Casemiro and Matheus Cunha. Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal defender Gabriel, Brentford striker Igor Thiago, and Bournemouth forward Rayan also feature. However, Chelsea’s Joao Pedro is left out despite being his club’s leading Premier League scorer with 15 goals and five assists. Other selected names include Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, and 19-year-old Endrick. Brazil will face Morocco on 13 June, Haiti on 20 June, and Scotland four days later, with the expanded 48-team tournament starting on 11 June.

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg)
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo)
Forwards: Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Neymar (Santos), Rayan (Bournemouth)

Morocco

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has been named in the squad despite a Champions League semi-final injury suffered against Bayern Munich. The Paris St-Germain defender has not played since the first leg on 28 April, though he was seen training earlier this week ahead of the final against Arsenal. Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui, Fulham’s Issa Diop, Crystal Palace’s Chadi Riad, Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi, and Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz are also included. Former West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd, Sofyan Amrabat, Bilal El Khannouss, and others are part of the group, while Hakim Ziyech is omitted. Morocco sits eighth in the FIFA rankings and reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, losing to France, and was involved in a controversial Africa Cup of Nations outcome after Senegal’s walk-off. They are in Group C with Scotland and meet them on 19 June.

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Munir Mohamedi (RS Berkane), Ahmed Tagnaouti (Royal Armed Forces)
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly), Nayef Aguerd (Marseille), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Issa Diop (West Ham United), Redouane Halhal (KV Mechelen), Achraf Hakimi (Paris St-Germain), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk)
Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (Roma), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven)
Forwards: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Ayoub Amaimouni-Echghouyabe (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Haiti

Haiti have included Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde in their 26-man squad for the World Cup. The team are preparing for only their second appearance at the tournament, having last qualified in 1974. They topped their CONCACAF qualifying group, with goals from all-time top scorer Duckens Nazon, who has 44 goals in 76 appearances, despite playing home matches away from Haiti due to security issues. Their opening Group C match is against Scotland on 13 June, followed by games against Brazil and Morocco.

Goalkeepers: Johnny Placide (Bastia), Alexandre Pierre (Sochaux), Josue Duverger (FC Cosmos Koblenz)
Defenders: Carlens Arcus (Angers), Wilguens Pauguain (Zulte Waregem), Duke Lacroix (Colorado Springs), Martin Expérience (Nancy), Jean-Kevin Duverne (KAA Gent), Ricardo Ade (LDU Quito), Hannes Delcroix (Lugano), Keeto Thermoncy (Young Boys Berne)
Midfielders: Leverton Pierre (Vizela), Carl-Fred Sainthe (El Paso Locomotive), Jean-Jacques Danley (Philadelphia Union), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolves), Pierre Woodenski (Violette), Dominique Simon (Tatran Presov)
Forwards: Louicius Deedson (Dallas), Ruben Providence (Almere City), Josue Casimir (Auxerre), Derrick Etienne (Toronto), Wilson Isidor (Sunderland), Duckens Nazon (Esteghlal), Frantzdy Pierrot (Caykur Rizespor), Yassin Fortune (Vizela), Lenny Joseph (Ferencvaros)

Scotland

Ross Stewart has been recalled to the Scotland squad after a four-year absence, with head coach Steve Clarke saying the forward can deliver important goals in major matches. The Southampton striker last appeared for his country in 2022 but returns after a strong spell of form despite past injury setbacks, scoring 11 times in 33 appearances this season. Teenage winger Findlay Curtis is also selected, while veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, aged 43, is included. Lennon Miller is not part of the squad, and Tommy Conway is unavailable due to injury. Clarke also highlighted Curtis as a different attacking option and explained his midfield balance decision.

Scotland will play Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil in Group C, with matches staged in Massachusetts and Miami. They also have warm-up fixtures against Curacao on 30 May and Bolivia on 6 June. Clarke explained the goalkeeping group is short on club minutes but selected Gordon, Angus Gunn, and Liam Kelly based on fitness, role, and squad balance.

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Nottingham Forest), Liam Kelly (Rangers)
Defenders: Grant Hanley (Hibernian), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Dom Hyam (Wrexham), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Everton), Anthony Ralston (Celtic), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers), Kieran Tierney (Celtic)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Findlay Curtis (Kilmarnock), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Scott McTominay (Napoli)
Forwards: Ché Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Charlton Athletic), George Hirst (Ipswich Town), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts), Ross Stewart (Southampton)

World Cup 2026 stadiums and places: Estadio Akron, Jalisco

Country: Mexico
City: Zapopan, Jalisco
Address: Cto. J.V.C. 2800, El Bajío
Capacity: 49,850
Opened: 2010
Surface: Grass
Construction cost: $200 million
Record attendance: 45,310, boxing match between Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and John Ryder, May 6, 2023
Interesting fact: Volcano Concept: The exterior is designed to resemble a volcano, with a roof and natural grass berm meant to blend harmoniously into the surrounding La Primavera forest landscape

Estadio Akron, previously known as Estadio Omnilife, stands in Zapopan near Guadalajara in the Mexican state of Jalisco. The multifunctional venue primarily hosts football matches and serves as the home ground of Liga MX club C.D. Guadalajara. Located within the JVC complex, the stadium accommodates 49,850 spectators.

Construction of the arena began in February 2004, although financial difficulties and additional complications delayed completion for several years. The venue later received the name Estadio Akron following a sponsorship agreement with Grupo Akron, a Mexican company specializing in lubricants and fuel products.

The stadium quickly became a significant site for international sporting events. It staged the opening leg of the 2010 Copa Libertadores Finals and later welcomed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2011 Pan American Games. During that tournament, it also hosted every men’s and women’s football match.

The arena originally featured an artificial surface, which generated criticism from numerous well-known players. In May 2012, officials confirmed the pitch would be replaced with natural grass following the controversy surrounding the synthetic field.

International tournaments and memorable football moments

Estadio Akron hosted eight fixtures during the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, including the semifinal between Uruguay and Brazil. The venue later became one of the selected stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where it is expected to host four group-stage matches, including Mexico’s second game of the tournament.

In accordance with FIFA regulations regarding sponsored stadium names, the arena will temporarily operate under the title “Estadio Guadalajara” during the World Cup. The venue is also scheduled to host Pathway 1 of the inter-confederation play-offs.

One of the stadium’s most memorable occasions came in 2010, when Chivas faced Manchester United in a friendly match arranged to inaugurate the ground. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández appeared for the Mexican side during the first half before switching teams at halftime as part of his ceremonial move to the English club.

The stadium’s design is among its defining features, with architecture inspired by a volcano encircled by a ring resembling smoke. Although Mexico’s men’s national team has played there only once, the venue has earned recognition for its lively atmosphere and close connection with one of Liga MX’s most popular clubs.

Tequila and the cultural heritage of Jalisco

A visit to Jalisco often begins with Tequila, the town internationally associated with Mexico’s famous spirit. Surrounded by blue agave fields, the destination introduces visitors to the traditions and production methods behind tequila making.

Recognized as a Pueblo Mágico for its cultural importance and history, Tequila lies only about an hour from Guadalajara. Guided distillery tours allow travelers to observe the detailed crafting process while learning about the origins of the drink that became known worldwide.

Guests can sample different varieties ranging from blanco to añejo while exploring the region’s longstanding traditions. The combination of history, craftsmanship, and local scenery has helped establish Tequila as one of Jalisco’s leading attractions.

Another important historical destination near Guadalajara is Los Guachimontones, an archaeological site connected to the ancient Teuchitlán culture. The location is distinguished by circular pyramids and stepped structures surrounded by concentric stone formations.

Dating back more than two thousand years, the site highlights remarkable architectural achievements from Mesoamerican civilization. Set against lush natural surroundings, the ruins offer visitors insight into the ceremonial practices and cultural heritage of the region.

Coastal escapes and mountain towns

Puerto Vallarta provides a completely different side of Jalisco, combining beaches, coastal activities, and vibrant urban life. Visitors can relax along sandy shores, snorkel in Banderas Bay, or take boat excursions to the Marietas Islands.

The Zona Romántica attracts travelers with cobblestone streets, boutiques, galleries, and seafood restaurants. Puerto Vallarta also serves as a convenient starting point for journeys into the surrounding mountains and nearby coastal communities.

Within driving distance, travelers can explore San Sebastián del Oeste or continue north to the beach town of Sayulita. These nearby destinations expand the range of experiences available from the Pacific coast.

Ajijic, situated beside Lake Chapala, offers a quieter atmosphere away from major cities. Known for its expatriate community, artistic culture, and traditional Mexican architecture, the town has also received Pueblo Mágico status. Visitors can enjoy lakeside walks, boat trips, and views of the mountains surrounding Mexico’s largest lake.

Jalisco is also home to several additional Pueblos Mágicos, including Tapalpa, Mascota, and San Sebastián del Oeste. Tapalpa is known for mountain scenery, rustic streets, and access to the Salto del Nogal waterfall, while Mascota and San Sebastián del Oeste preserve colonial architecture and mining history within the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Mexico’s president agrees Iran can be based in Mexico during World Cup

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed that Iran’s national football team can remain based in Mexico during the World Cup, following an approach from FIFA. She said there was no objection from her government to hosting the squad while the tournament is taking place.

Sheinbaum explained that the United States had made clear it did not want the Iranian team staying overnight on its territory, despite Iran being scheduled to play several matches there. As a result, FIFA contacted Mexico with a request regarding accommodation arrangements for the team.

She added that Mexico saw no issue with allowing Iran to stay in the country during the competition.

The training base moved to Tijuana facility

FIFA has confirmed that Iran’s training base will be located at Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana, Mexico. The decision follows changes to the team’s original plans for the tournament.

Iran had initially been assigned Tucson, Arizona, as their base camp, even though all of their group-stage matches were scheduled to be played in the United States.

Security concerns and revised arrangements

Uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation has grown amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East and related security concerns. These factors contributed to adjustments in logistical planning for the team’s World Cup preparations.

The tournament is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran is set to face New Zealand on 15 June in Los Angeles, Belgium on 21 June, also in Los Angeles, and Egypt on 26 June in Seattle.

At present, Iran is continuing its preparations in Antalya, in southern Turkey.

Visa assurances and political conditions

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said FIFA had assured the country that all members of its squad would be granted visas for entry into the United States during the tournament. He added that there should be no obstacles preventing players from receiving entry approval.

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) submitted a list of 10 conditions to FIFA regarding participation. These included a request that players, coaches, and officials who had completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) be allowed to obtain visas.

US position and previous entry issues

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iranian players would be permitted to take part in the tournament, although individuals with connections to the IRGC could face restrictions on entry.

Separately, FFIRI official Taj was denied entry at the Canadian border ahead of FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver. Canadian authorities later said his visa had been revoked due to alleged links to the IRGC.

Some members of Iran’s squad have also visited the US embassy in Ankara to submit their visa applications for the upcoming tournament.