Wales

HONG KONG - Iran hopes history will repeat itself at this November's World Cup in Qatar, 24 years after overcoming a fractious build-up to score a memorable triumph over the United States — the country's decades-long geopolitical rival — in France.

As the teams prepare to clash again, and their governments wrangle over reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear pact, the Iranian side's preparations have been thrown into turmoil by a divided squad and maneuvering over its leadership.

The U.S. men’s national team can breathe a sigh of relief after finishing World Cup qualifying in March with just enough points (and goals) to ensure its spot among the 32 teams in Qatar. The team can also take a bit of a break, as there are just two matches remaining on the 2022 USMNT schedule before the start of the 2022 World Cup in November.

DUBAI - Dragan Skočić has been reinstated as head coach of Iran after a meeting between the board of directors of the Iranian Football Federation and its technical committee, the official IRNA news agency reported on Sunday.

Skočić's dismissal had been reported on Monday, prompting widespread criticism among the public just four months ahead of the World Cup finals in Qatar.

Scorching temperatures are one of the many reasons Qatar is the most controversial World Cup host of all time. During June and July, the months in which the World Cup is traditionally held, temperatures in the Arab nation peak around 120 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature at which, unsurprisingly, it is simply unsafe to play a 90+ minute soccer match.

Wales forward Gareth Bale on Sunday appeared to confirm his move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Los Angeles FC (LAFC) following his departure from LaLiga champions Real Madrid.

The 32-year-old, who signed for Spanish giants Real from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then-record transfer fee of $105.54 million, is set to join as a free agent with his contract due to end this summer.

Ryan Giggs confirmed on Monday that he has resigned as coach of Wales' national team.

The former Manchester United winger is awaiting trial after being charged with controlling and coercive behaviour and assault against his ex-girlfriend and her sister.

Giggs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains on bail. The trial at Manchester Crown Court had been due to start on Jan. 24, but has been delayed until Aug. 8 — a factor that lead to the 48-year-old deciding to step down now.

You get the feeling that if Ukraine had been playing any other nation on the planet in Sunday's playoff, they'd be going to the World Cup. The team picked up where it left off against Scotland — playing with a passion, verve and energy that saw the visitors threaten to play Wales off the park at Cardiff City Stadium.

CARDIFF — Wales manager Rob Page believes his team’s talisman Gareth Bale will be ready for Sunday’s World Cup playoff against Ukraine after sitting out last Wednesday’s Nations League clash in Poland.

The Welsh have the chance to make their first World Cup finals appearance in 64 years when they take on Ukraine, who won 3-1 in their playoff semifinal against Scotland in Glasgow on Wednesday.