FIFA World Cup

Iranian FA says will meet FIFA to seek World Cup assurances in next few days

Canada, which is co-hosting the June 11 to July 19 World Cup with the US and Mexico, said it refused entry to Taj last week because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

DRAW ASSISTANT Tom Brady, Draw assistant Shaquille O’Neal, Co-Conductor Samantha Johnson, FIFA Legend Rio Ferdinand, Draw assistant Aaron Judge and Draw assistant Wayne Gretzky stand on stage as Iran is illuminated on the screen during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw.
Protesters react as they hold demonstration placards outside the Vancouver Convention Centre during the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026.

FIFA head announces no changes to Iran's World Cup schedule as protestors demand team ban

A runway at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 13, 2025.

Iranian soccer officials claim 'inappropriate behavior' at Toronto airport

The New York/New Jersey's FIFA World Cup 2026 logo is revealed during the kickoff event in Times Square in New York City, US, May 18, 2023.

US not against Iran's participation in World Cup, but ties to IRGC not allowed, Rubio says


Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup - Financial Times

Iran had said earlier that it would decide on participation in the World Cup only after receiving a response from FIFA regarding the relocation of its matches from the US to Mexico.

A picture shows flags of Italy and of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) headquarters during a meeting of the Italian football authorities after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, in Rome on April 2, 2026.

Trump’s antisemitism envoy says US will bar World Cup attendees tied to antisemitism abroad

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun was quoted as saying that the US was “holding countries accountable for ministers who are saying things, and they are not being allowed into the country.”

Pro-Palestinian activists protest with a football-shaped sign and a Palestinian flag outside Wembley Stadium on October 2nd, 2025 in London, United Kingdom.

FIFA considers requesting Trump to issue ICE raid moratorium during World Cup - report

FIFA is exploring the possibility of requesting US President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during the World Cup, hoping FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's relationship with him could leverage policy.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) awards US President Donald Trump (L) with the FIFA Peace Prize, December 5, 2025; illustrative.

FIFA does it again: Seats for the 2026 World Cup final listed at near $11,000

In the original joint bid by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, projections suggested the most expensive final ticket would top out at $1,550.

The FIFA 26 Los Angeles logo is displayed on a soccer ball during the Los Angeles World Cup 2026.

Star-Spangled exodus: How MLS became a Mecca for Israeli soccer stars

The era of the “Yored” is dead; the era of the “Ambassador” has arrived. And this season is the final proof that Israeli soccer has found itself a new home.

TAI BARIBO finds the net for D.C. United, emblematic of a new wave of Israeli soccer stars thriving on American soil.

Iran expels star striker Azmoun over 'disloyalty,' likely out of World Cup

Iran's participation in the World Cup as a whole is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States.

Soccer Football - World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Third Round - Group A - Iran v United Arab Emirates - Azadi Sports Complex, Tehran, Iran - March 20, 2025.

Iran refuses US World Cup matches over Trump security warning, eyes Mexico venue

Iran's sports minister said last week the Iranian players couldn't participate in the tournament after the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran, killing Khamenei.

Iranian fans display a flag reading "IRAN" before the match between Iran and the USA in Group B of the 2022 World Cup at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on November 29, 2022.

Iranian military has been 'decimated,' Trump says, urging world to continue using Strait of Hormuz

Additionally, Trump said he believes Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive "in some form," during an interview with FOX's Brian Kilmeade scheduled to air on Friday.

US President Donald Trump takes a question as he speaks during a press conference at Trump National Doral Miami in Miami, Florida, March 9, 2026.

Iran World Cup withdrawal threat leaves FIFA pondering options

Only a few hours before the withdrawal statement, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino trumpeted an assurance from Trump that Iran was "welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States." 

A man drives a motorcycle past a giant poster in support of Iran's football team

Conflict casts doubt over Iran’s participation in World Cup

Iran secured qualification for its fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and was drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

WHILE HAVING qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Iran’s national soccer federation stated that participation in the tournament is now in doubt amid the current US and Israeli strikes.