FIFA President Gianni Infantino, right, welcomes representatives of the united bid — from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — as soccer’s governing body selects its host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, Russia.

SERGEI KARPUKHIN / REUTERS

On the Headline Sports podcast with Tony:

The 2026 World Cup soccer questions were raised during negotiations about bringing the games to the U.S. One concern that was raised was U.S. President Trump’s travel bans and travel restrictions.

Players from various countries are concerned if they’ll be able to travel to the U.S. to play in the 2026 World Cup. There are seven banned countries not permitted to have their citizens to enter the U.S.: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Soccer players from those countries could be left out and it could cause an imbalance during World Cup competition.

The U.S., Mexico and Canada are in unison in bringing the World Cup to North America. In Canada the World Cup will visit Montreal and Toronto but Vancouver had been left off the games list but as Vancouver officials said the event is eight years down the road and anything could change between now and then.

Oakland Raiders Khalil Mack continues to be hold out. Mack missed two mandatory practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. If he misses another practice, he will be facing a large fine if he doesn’t show up for Thursday.

Mack in the final year of his $13.8 million contract under a fifth year option. If Mack continues his hold out and misses all three mandated days for workouts, he’s looking at a $84,435 fine. Head coach Jon Gruden says that one of the main reasons he took the job in Oakland was because he was looking forward to working with Mack.

Tony Renteria does Headline Sports each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com