Mexico president says FIFA rejected Iran request to move World Cup games

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that FIFA has rejectedIran's request to move its World Cup matchesfrom the United States to Mexico.

Amid an ongoing war with the United States, Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup is still up in the air with two months remaining until the tournament kicks off.

Iran qualified for the World Cup and is scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

But Iran has been looking to avoid traveling to the United States, where PresidentDonald Trumpwarned last month that the team may not be safe.

"We will boycott the United States but not the World Cup," Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said last month.

Spain – 17th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Brazil – 23rd appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> United States of America – 12th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Mexico – 18th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> England – 17th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Portugal – ninth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> France – 17th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Iran – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Switzerland – 13th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Croatia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Australia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Morocco – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Austria – eighth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ecuador – fifth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Senegal – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> South Korea – 12th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Japan – eighth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Colombia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Netherlands – 12th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Germany – 21st appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Belgium – 15th appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Canada – third appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Uzbekistan – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jordan – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Tunisia – seventh appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> South Africa – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ivory Coast – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Scotland – ninth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Algeria – fifth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> New Zealand – third appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Paraguay – ninth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Egypt – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Cape Verde – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Qatar – second appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Norway – fourth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Panama – second appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Curacao – first appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Ghana – fifth appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Haiti – second appearance

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Who qualified for 2026 World Cup? See every country in the tournament

Spain– 17th appearance

However, Sheinbaum said at a press conference on Friday, April 10, that FIFA did not allow Mexico's request to proceed.

"FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues," Sheinbaum said, adding that FIFA believed that the request would require "an enormous logistical effort."

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The rejection puts the onus on Iran to decide its next move. The country hashinted at withdrawing from the World Cupbut at this point, has not done so officially.

Why did FIFA reject Iran's request to move games to Mexico?

As Sheinbaum mentioned, changing the venue of a World Cup game – especially to a different country – this close to the tournament is a logistical headache.

Iran, as well as the other three teams in Group G, have already booked a location for base camp throughout the tournament, which is based on where they are playing their games.

In addition, fans, media members and many others have booked flights, hotels, rental cars and other necessities for travel.

Should Iran advance from the group stage, its round of 32 game would also very likely be scheduled for the United States. Avoiding the U.S. would require a venue change just days in advance.

The U.S. is also scheduled to host every match of the tournament from the quarterfinals on.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:FIFA rejects Iran's request to move World Cup games to Mexico

byCosmopolite

in

April 13, 2026

Mexico president says FIFA rejected Iran request to move World Cup games

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that FIFA has rejectedIran's request to move its World Cup matchesfrom the United State...

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Masters cut line tracker: Who will make, miss cut at Augusta National?

Follow along forlive coverage from the second roundof the Masters.

The biggest storyline on Friday atThe Mastersbesides the potential duel between Rory McIlroy andScottie Scheffleris the looming cut line and the golfers on the wrong side of it once the second round concludes.

Some can rest easier than most to start the second round.McIlroyput a statement round together and is at the top of theleaderboard, along with Sam Burns, to begin Friday's round.

But only the top 50 golfers and ties after second-round action on Friday, April 10, qualify to play in the final two rounds of the Masters. That means pre-tournament favorites such asBryson DeChambeauandJon Rahmwill need to put together a strong score just to make it to the weekend, let alone work their way into contention.

They lead a list of former major winners who struggled with Thursday's dry and fast conditions on the course and could miss the cut with another poor showing over the next 18 holes. The weather is expected to reach 77 degrees during the second round.

Here are updates about the projected cut line heading into second round action at the 2026 Masters:

A course worker adds the names of honorary starters Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson to the standard board at the first tee box during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2026.

Honorary starters Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player − with a total of 11 Masters titles among them − struck their drives down the first fairway to officially open the 90th edition of the Masters on April 9.

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Golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson launch the Masters

A course worker adds the names of honorary starters Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson to the standard board at the first tee box during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2026.Honorary startersJack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player −with a total of 11 Masters titles among them− struck their drives down the first fairway to officially open the90th edition of the Masterson April 9.

TIGER WOODS:Gary Player's advice after DUI arrest, 'Get a chauffeur'

Masters 2026 projected cut line

As of 1 p.m. ET on Friday at the2026 Masters, the projected cut line is +4 based on the scores of the top 50 golfers (and ties) on the current leaderboard. All golfers with a score of +4 or lower would make it to the weekend at Augusta National Golf Club.

The predictive model used by Datagolf.comcurrently projects +4 to be the most likely cut line for the 2026 Masters (51.6% chance). There is currently a 30.2% chance it drops to +3 and a 14.4% chance it bumps up to +5, according to the website.

The Masters cut line was instituted in 1957. From 1957-1961, it was the lowest 40 scores and ties. From 1962-2012, it was the lowest 44 scores and ties, and those within 10 strokes of the leader. From 2013-2019, the lowest 50 scores and ties, and those within 10 strokes of the leader qualified for the final 36 holes. Beginning in 2020, the lowest 50 and ties qualify for the final 36 holes.

Here's where the cut line fell in the most recent Masters tournaments:

• 2025: +2

• 2024: +6

• 2023: +3

• 2022: +4

• 2021: +3

• 2020: E

• 2019: +3

• 2018: +5

Masters cut line 2026: Golfers in danger of missing cut

• Maverick McNealy: +3 (15)

• Viktor Hovland: +3 (1:56 p.m. ET)

• Brian Harman: +4 (F)

• Charl Schwartzel: +4 (8)

• Jon Rahm: +5 (14)

• Bryson DeChambeau: +5 (1)

• Patrick Cantlay: +5 (1:56 p.m. ET)

• Zach Johnson: +6 (F)

• J.J. Spaun: +6 (15)

• Bubba Watson: +6 (6)

• Robert McIntyre: +7 (12)

• Vijay Singh: +8 (7)

• Fred Couples: +9 (F)

• Angel Cabrera: +9 (9)

Azaleas are blooming, pine trees are standing tall and the dogwoods are flowering. The 90th Masters Tournament is set to begin at the Augusta National Golf Club. See one image from each hole of the fabled course. Tiger Woods watches his approach shot on the first hole, named Tea Olive, during the third round of the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. The par-4, 445-yard hole has a slight dogleg right that plays uphill.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

One photo from every hole at iconic Augusta National, home of Masters

Azaleas are blooming, pine trees are standing tall and the dogwoods are flowering. The90th Masters Tournamentis set to begin at the Augusta National Golf Club. See one image from each hole of the fabled course. Tiger Woods watches his approach shot on the first hole, named Tea Olive, during the third round of the 2022 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. The par-4, 445-yard hole has a slight dogleg right that plays uphill.

Masters 2026 leaderboard

• T1. Sam Burns: -5 (4)

• T1. Rory McIlroy: -5 (1:44 p.m.)

• T3. Wyndham Clark: -4 (F)

• T3. Tyrrell Hatton: -4 (15)

• T3. Justin Rose: -4 (13)

• T6. Brooks Koepka: -3 (14)

• T6. Ben Griffin: -3 (13)

• T6. Shane Lowry: -3 (3)

• T6. Jason Day -3 (3)

• T6. Patrick Reed -3 (2)

You can getthe complete leaderboard and tee times here.

How to watch Masters: TV, live streaming

Prime Videomakes its debut as a Masters broadcaster this year and will carry the event for the first time ever with two hours of streaming coverage for the first and second rounds. ESPN will provide linear cable coverage for those two days, picking up where Amazon Prime leaves off.

On the weekend, CBS will again handle the main feed for The Masters. The first two hours of coverage on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, will air exclusively on Paramount+, before the network takes over for the remainder of each round.

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All main feed coverage for all four days can also be found on Masters.com and the Masters App. Here's a breakdown of the main broadcast schedule for the 2026 Masters:

Watch The Masters on Prime Video

All times Eastern.

Friday (April 10)

• Prime Video: 1-3 p.m.

• ESPN/ESPN App: 3-7:30 p.m.

• Masters.com/Masters App: 1-7:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday (April 11-12)

• Paramount+: 12-2 p.m.

• CBS/Paramount+: 2-7 p.m.

• Masters.com/Masters App: 12-7 p.m.

Masters 2026 featured groups, alternate feeds

Aside from the main feed, there is a wide range of viewing options available on a host of different streaming platforms throughout the week.

All of it will be familiar to golf fans except for one new addition. Amazon Prime will debut a data and stats-based feed called "Inside Amen Corner," which will also air live on Masters.com and the Masters App. The usual suspects like On the Range, featured groups and the traditional Amen Corner broadcast, are also included in the coverage lineup and will be carried by several different streamers.

CBS Digital,Paramount+,ESPNApp,Prime Video, DirecTV,Masters App

Featured groups (Thursday-Sunday)

CBS Digital,Paramount+,ESPNApp,Prime Video, DirecTV,Masters App

Holes 4, 5 and 6 (Thursday-Sunday)

CBS Digital,Paramount+,ESPNApp,Prime Video, DirecTV,Masters App

Amen Corner (Thursday-Sunday)

CBS Digital,Paramount+,ESPNApp,Prime Video, DirecTV,Masters App

Inside Amen Corner (Thursday-Sunday)

Prime Video,Masters App

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Masters cut line 2026: Live updates on DeChambeau, Rahm, Round 2

byCosmopolite

in

April 13, 2026

Masters cut line tracker: Who will make, miss cut at Augusta National?

Follow along forlive coverage from the second roundof the Masters. The biggest storyline on Friday atThe Mastersbesides the poten...

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Taste Of Summer For Millions As Record Heat Builds In East, Including Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington

Record heat is forecast for the mid-Atlantic and Southeast in the week ahead, with summerlike temperatures soaring into the 80s and even 90s in places like Washington and Atlanta by mid-week.

This surge of summerlike heat will build day by day, putting dozens of daily record highs in jeopardy.

So keep those warm-weather clothes out for a while as highs will run as much as 20 to 30 degrees above average for mid-April through at least late-week.

When The Heat Arrives Where You Are

Although not record territory, much warmer than average temperatures will impact the Plains and Midwest through the weekend.

Highs will be in the 80s as far north as Minnesota and South Dakota. So just because we aren’t shattering records across the country’s mid-section, doesn’t mean you won’t be warm.

This warm air mass will continue eastward during the early part of the week ahead, peaking by mid-week across much of the East.

(MAPS:10-Day Forecast US Highs/Lows)

We could see the first 90 degree days of 2026 in many locations, including Atlanta, Raleigh, Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia.

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Much of the Southeast will climb into the 80s over the weekend and stay there for roughly a week, as temperatures feel more like a summer sizzle than early spring.

Dozens of records could fall across the Southeast multiple days in a row, from Tuesday until at least Thursday.

This includes places like Chattanooga, Nashville, Atlanta, Augusta and Charlotte.

The Northeast Will Sizzle Too

The heat arrives in the Northeast by Monday and continues to build each day.

New York City goes from highs in the mid-50s on Sunday, to highs in the mid-70s on Monday, then well into the 80s by Tuesday.

On Wednesday, we could see record highs in places like Richmond, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Trenton, New Jersey. Many locations across the Ohio Valley could also be in record territory. Columbus, Ohio, could set records on Wednesday, as temperatures top out in the mid 80s.

Atlanta is exepcted to climb to the 90s by Friday and is expected to break daily high records Wednesday through Friday. The city has only seen 4 days at or above 90 degrees in the month of April in history. It would be the first since 1986 and the earliest 90 degree day on record.

Just like in typical spring fashion, there is an end in sight. Models suggest another pattern change by next weekend, bringing relief from the extreme heat.

Jennifer Grayis a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.

byCosmopolite

in

April 13, 2026

Taste Of Summer For Millions As Record Heat Builds In East, Including Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington

Record heat is forecast for the mid-Atlantic and Southeast in the week ahead, with summerlike temperatures soaring into the 80s and eve...

Read More