Last night brought unsettling news when Christian Eriksen collapsed during a friendly match between Denmark and Ukraine. Fortunately, the latest reports about Eriksen’s condition are encouraging. The former Manchester United player, who previously experienced a cardiac arrest during a European Championship game in 2021, received immediate medical attention in Odense, prompting an early end to the match.
Morten Boesen, the national team doctor for Denmark, confirmed that Eriksen was “briefly unconscious but quickly regained consciousness… He managed to walk off the pitch unaided.”
Following the harrowing incident against Finland in 2021, where Boesen led the successful resuscitation effort, Eriksen was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) that can restore normal heart rhythm post-arrest. This device has enabled him to return to playing at both club and international levels.
Dr. Boesen elaborated on Eriksen’s current condition, stating, “The pacemaker functioned as intended… He will undergo additional tests at the hospital to pinpoint the cause of the incident. We are maintaining communication with him and the hospital staff. Christian is in good spirits and asked me to send his regards to his teammates, assuring them that he is fine.”
In positive news for Spain, concerns regarding Lamine Yamal potentially missing the first two group matches of the World Cup appear to be unfounded. The 18-year-old winger from Barcelona had been sidelined for the final six matches of the previous season due to a hamstring injury and has not played since April.
Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, provided an optimistic update when speaking with our correspondent Sid Lowe: “He’s recovering quickly and meeting all his rehabilitation targets ahead of schedule. I believe he’ll be ready for the first game, but that doesn’t guarantee he will play. We will assess whether he should participate in the opener or wait for the second match.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s national team arrived in Mexico yesterday amidst a contentious diplomatic situation, as the United States denied visas to some of their support staff. The team had spent nearly three weeks in a training camp in Turkey, during which they applied for visas to travel to Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. Just before their departure, the players finally secured their U.S. visas, according to Tom Barrack, the U.S. envoy to Turkey.
However, the Iranian embassy in Turkey reported that several support staff members were denied entry. Reports indicate that fifteen administrative and management personnel have been affected, according to an Iranian diplomat and state media.
All of Iran’s matches in Group G will take place in the United States (Los Angeles and Seattle). In a further complication, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico announced on Saturday that the team had been informed they must enter and exit U.S. territory on the same day as their games, a condition stipulated in their visa arrangements.
The Iranian football federation has voiced its discontent, with its president, Mehdi Taj, reportedly among those who were denied a visa. They have condemned this decision as a “political interference in sports at its worst.”
Good morning! We can officially say it now: the World Cup kicks off this week! The opening match between Mexico and South Africa is set for Thursday at 8 PM UK time, and the countdown clock reads ‘3 days, 11 hours.’ This marks the beginning of 104 matches over the course of 39 days, so make sure to wrap up any errands (like car taxes or returning ill-fitting summer sandals) before the tournament begins!
Our lead-up coverage continues as we delve into the England camp, reflecting on their 1-0 victory over New Zealand and gearing up for Wednesday’s friendly against Costa Rica, who are not participating in the World Cup. Additionally, we have a wealth of news, features, and previews concerning this summer’s 2026 event across the USA, Mexico, and Canada, including Scotland’s surprising first-half performance in their friendly against Bolivia and updates on Lamine Yamal’s fitness. Let’s dive in!
