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GM football fans. It’s Friday, Mar. 13 - United States President Donald Trump doesn’t recommend Iran participates in the 2026 World Cup, Champions League projections following the last-16 first legs, and everything else you need to know. Forwarded this email? Sign up here.
KEY FIXTURES
Premier League MD30: Arsenal vs. Everton, Sat 14, 17:30 GMT / 13:30 ET. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Everton, having lost four of their previous five. However, since David Moyes’ return as manager in January 2025, Everton have picked up the second-most away points (41) in the Premier League, only second to Arsenal (48). West Ham vs. Manchester City, Sat 14, 20:00 GMT / 16:00 ET. West Ham have never beaten Man City at the London Stadium in the Premier League in nine attempts. In December’s reverse fixture, Pep Guardiola’s team won 3-0 at the Etihad, making it their 20th unbeaten game against West Ham in the league. Manchester United vs. Aston Villa, Sun 15, 14:00 GMT / 10:00 ET. Villa’s form has dipped of late, winning just three of their last 11 Premier League games. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick has won all five of his league home games as Man United manager, and he could become only the fourth manager in Premier League history to win his opening six home games for a club. See every Premier League Matchday 30 fixture here.
Results…
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TOP TALKING POINTS
Editor’s note: We wanted to acknowledge that stories this week have focused on the impact of the war in the Middle East on the World Cup. We recognise this is a heavy and ongoing topic, and we're mindful of the weight it carries for many of our readers. At the same time, given the risk of misinformation spreading, we felt it was important to provide clear and accurate coverage. We’re always open to feedback on our editorial choices, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Trump Questions Iran World Cup
US President Donald Trump said that the Iran national team are welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup, but that it wasn’t appropriate for them to. "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Trump’s comments came a day after Iran’s sports minister said on Wednesday that it wasn’t possible for his nation to participate after the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran. The post also came just days after Trump had told Fifa President Gianni Infantino that Iran would be welcome to compete. Iran was the only nation missing from a Fifa planning summit for World Cup participants held last week in Atlanta.
Fifa's regulations give the governing body discretion to choose a replacement, but it is unclear who that would be. Should Iran withdraw, it would mark the first time a qualified nation has pulled out of a World Cup in the modern era. The last comparable instances were in 1950, when India, Scotland, Turkey, and France all withdrew due to logistical issues, travel concerns, or costs. Scotland decided not to compete because they didn’t win their qualification group.
Lawmakers Write to FIFA
Dozens of US lawmakers have written to Fifa to lower the cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup. In the letter, signed by 69 members of Congress, they also demanded financial relief for host cities struggling with the cost of staging the tournament. The demands come after months of ticketing controversies and some cities cutting back on events due to costs.
"The extreme high demand for World Cup tickets should not be a green light for price gouging at the expense of the people who make the World Cup the most-watched sporting event in the world," the group said in the letter addressed to Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Due to the backlash on ticket prices, Fifa introduced a small number of $60 tickets in the lowest-tier category of seats. The lawmakers also asked Fifa to “review and reconsider” the tournament policies that they say have created challenges for host cities amid the cutbacks and privatised fan festivals.
The letter came from lawmakers representing districts in 23 US states, including at least one from each of the metro host cities. No Republicans signed the letter. In general, most US politicians are supportive of (paywall) the World Cup, arguing that the tournament will bring various intangible and economic benefits.
Champions League Projections
All six Premier League teams have been given a lower predicted chance of reaching the Champions League quarter-final than before the last-16 first legs, according to Opta. Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham have been given the biggest downgrades to just 9.4%, 7.3%, and 3.3%, respectively, following their losses this week. For context, prior to their 3-0 away loss at Real Madrid, Man City were 64.3% favourites to advance.
While Arsenal’s chances of progression have fallen from 85.8% to 77.9% following their 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen, they remain the tournament favourites. Opta’s prediction model projects a 27% chance that they win their first Champions League title, while a popular predictions market also gives the Gunners a 26% chance.
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich remain second-favourites with a 22% chance of repeating their 2020 success. Barcelona are now third (11%), while both Paris Saint-Germain (10%) and Real Madrid (7.9%) have seen dramatic gains in their projections.
POLL
Do you think the Champions League should bring back the away goals rule?
ON THE BALL
Europe
> UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea’s Pedro Neto after he pushed a ball boy during Wednesday’s Champions League match at PSG (More)
> Tottenham have given their fans "an extended period" to decide if they want to renew their season tickets amid relegation fears (More)
> Atletico Madrid confirms that US fund Apollo Sports Capital has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in the club (More)
> Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich will travel to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday (Mar 14) (More); see the Bundesliga table (More)
> Graham Potter has signed a contract extension as Sweden head coach, tying him to the job until 2030 (More)
Americas
> The NWSL regular season kicks off on Friday (Mar 13) with Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns; see a preview of the opening weekend fixtures (More) and a preview of all 16 teams (More)
> LA Galaxy vs. Sporting Kansas City is Matchday 4’s Saturday Showdown in the MLS; see the biggest fixtures this weekend (More); see Conference Standings (More)
> Birmingham Legion and Hartford Athletic played out a goalless draw in the USL Championship; see all the upcoming fixtures (More)
> San Diego FC and the LA Galaxy are up, and Inter Miami and Nashville SC are level after their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 (More)
Rest of the World
> Just three points separate first and third in the Saudi Pro League after 25 matches; see upcoming fixtures (More)
ROUTERS’ VOICE
Yesterday’s Poll: Do you think Tottenham will be relegated to the Championship?
🟩 🟩 🟩 🟩 🟩 🟩 📉 Yes (54%)
🟨 🟨 🟨 🟨 ⬜️ ⬜️ 🙅♂️ Nope (43%)
🟨 ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ ⬜️ ✍️ Other (3%)
Your punditry takes:
📉 O.K: “While they have adequate talent up top and their back line isn't terrible, their midfield is non-existent. I don’t see how they can improve performance with the same old duds in the midfield. No protection for the defence and no connection for the attack. Listless. Drifting. No anchor to build off to drive forward. This squad needs a total midfield rebuild.”
📉 L.H: “The manager has no experience of the Premier League. The players have no experience of a relegation battle. That combination will take them down.”
🙅♂️ J.D.S: “They’re too big to go down. I have no horse in the race, but they’ve never been relegated from the Premier League. I predict that a new manager bounce will save them. Only just…”
✍️ M.M: “What matters is they can get relegated. The fact that relegation can humble any club is a beautiful thing.”
EXTRA TIME
A deep analysis of how the Premier League run-in is shaping up.
Which football match holds the record for the most red cards?
Schmeichel’s message to Antonin Kinsky.
Netflix set to release Ronaldinho documentary.
… and Peaky Blinders partner with Atletico.
Clyde Best on being English football’s first black star.
How Nike and Jordan nailed football’s crossover.
Dortmund release special 100-year anniversary kit.
GAME FACE ON
Question: Name the two Premier League players to have won the Golden Boot on four occasions.
Scroll below for the answer.
Daily Wordle: Guess the football-related word, from player names to classic phrases, in six tries or fewer. Play it here.
I didn’t know what to do when I was scoring the goals, I thought it was just a dream. This ball won’t even be played with by my kids, I’m keeping it.
Answer
Thierry Henry and Mohamed Salah.
