World Cup camps move while gymnastics lifts its ban on Russia

World Gymnastics lifted its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes on May 18. They may again compete with their flags and anthems in all five disciplines the body governs, including artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, and aerobic gymnastics, and trampolining. The decision reopened a path that had been closed since the wider sporting sanctions of recent years.

The 2026 World Cup, still weeks from its opening matches, was already tangled with health rules and the Iran war. The Athletic reported that FIFA was planning to ban the Iranian Lion and Sun flag and related apparel inside stadiums. The United States, a co-host, said it would still allow the DR Congo team into the country despite Ebola concerns.

Congo's football association then canceled a three-day training camp and a fan farewell in Kinshasa because of Ebola at home. Andrew Giuliani, head of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, said the squad must isolate for 21 days or risk being unable to enter the United States. The team replied that it would keep its plan, including friendlies in Belgium and Spain before Houston, and said the entire squad was based outside Congo.

Iran moved its squad base to Tijuana, Mexico, with FIFA approval, to avoid visa problems with the United States. The president of the Iranian football federation said FIFA had approved the switch from a United States training base because of the conflict. The relocation put a World Cup side on the Mexican side of the border before a ball had been kicked.

Other results filled the same days. Al-Nassr won an 11th Saudi Pro League title by beating Damac 3-1 on the final matchday. The Montreal Victoire beat the Ottawa Charge 3-1 to win a first PWHL Walter Cup. Felix Rosenqvist won the 110th Indianapolis 500 for Meyer Shank, beating David Malukas by 0.023 seconds, the closest finish in the race's history.

NASCAR also recorded a death away from the track. Two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died at 41 after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis. The loss was announced on May 21, the same day Al-Nassr sealed its league title. It closed a sporting week that mixed a funeral, a flag decision, and several championship nights.