Legal disputes and acrimony have replaced the accolades and euphoria for Morocco's national soccer team ahead of this year's World Cup.

Morocco became embroiled in controversy after hosting the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations — three years after the Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals.

Football fans will soon crisscross continents to see their beloved national teams compete on the sport's grandest stage, the World Cup. They'll pack bars and fan zones, singing chants and debating who is going to win it all.

This time, however, it's different for some superfans, who say organizers have made this summer's World Cup the least welcoming one they have experienced. Ticket prices, expensive cross-country travel and concerns about entering the U.S. have prompted some of them to stay home.

Injuries to some of soccer's star players, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, sparked concern ahead of the World Cup.

All three have been included in their national team squads for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but others have not been so fortunate.

Cristiano Ronaldo has finally won a major trophy with Al-Nassr.

The 41-year-old Portugal star scored twice in a 4-1 win over Damac to help Al-Nassr clinch the Saudi Pro League title Thursday. It's the team's first major trophy since Ronaldo joined more than three years ago.

Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been coaxed out of retirement for the World Cup by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

The 40-year-old Neuer retired after the 2024 European Championship but was included in Nagelsmann's 26-man squad on Thursday for the upcoming tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Premier League will say goodbye to West Ham or Tottenham on Sunday.

Mohamed Salah and Bernardo Silva, too.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer took time out from dealing with his own sticky political situation to congratulate his favorite soccer team, Arsenal, on winning the Premier League.

"22 long years for the Arsenal," Starmer posted on X soon after the title was clinched late Tuesday. "But finally, we're back where we belong.

Atlanta is bracing to host World Cup fans from around the globe and has something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors should prepare for June and July temperatures averaging nearly 90 degrees, but the city known for its sports culture and Southern hospitality is ready to host one of the world's largest sporting events.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, renamed Atlanta Stadium in accordance with FIFA regulations, will host eight matches, starting with group-stage matches in mid-June and ending with a semifinal match on July 15.

Iran's football team arrived in Turkey on Monday for a training camp and to complete visa applications ahead of the 2026 World Cup, AFP correspondents said.

Veteran defender Dani Carvajal will not return to Real Madrid next season, the club said on Monday.

Madrid said the club and the player "have agreed to bring an end to a wonderful chapter as a player of our club at the conclusion of the current season."