Overview
- The Tottenham and Brazil forward called the boycott claim "fake news," said he never made such a statement, and urged users to delete the post.
- The false quote originated from the Topskills Sports UK account on X and racked up roughly 44,000 likes and 6.4 million views before being debunked.
- The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
- Reports highlight growing questions over Iran’s participation, with federation chief Mehdi Taj voicing doubt and separate coverage noting Iran’s absence from a recent FIFA planning meeting.
- Brazil’s government criticized the recent attacks connected to the regional conflict and reiterated its stance that dialogue is the only viable path to peace.