Soccer

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.
Iranian players gesture from the bench during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Iranian women's soccer players 'were misled,' in Australia, Pezeshkian says in video address

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

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

MACCABI TEL AVIV players celebrate their 3-2 victory over Maccabi Haifa in the State Cup semifinal at Teddy Stadium.

Maccabi Tel Aviv downs Haifa in Classico to reach State Cup final


From Bayern’s bench to Southampton’s savior: Daniel Peretz and the rise of the ‘Iron Dome’

Daniel Peretz was the “Golden Boy” of Israeli soccer, a player who had famously stared down German strikers at the U-21 Euros and won.

ISRAELI GOALKEEPER Daniel Peretz commands his box with authority, delivering another match-saving performance as Southampton’s ‘Iron Dome’ continues to fuel the club’s promotion charge from English soccer’s second tier.

Iran's FM spox. calls Australia's offer for asylum to Iranian soccer players 'hypocrisy and deceit'

According to Iran Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Barghaei, "What happened in Australia was a clear example of hypocrisy and deceit."

Iranian players gesture from the bench during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Two members of Iranian women's soccer team train at new Australian club after five forgo asylum

Australia had granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member last week from the Iranian squad after they sought asylum over fears of possible persecution upon returning home.

Iranian Women's national soccer team captain Zahra Ghanbari looks on during the Women's Asian Cup Iran press conference at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 1, 2026.

Footballer grabs opponent's genitals. Sent off pitch

The confrontation came in the 28th week of La Liga during a tightly contested match that Atlético won 1-0.

Atletico Madrid on the  pitch. Illustration.

Iranian football players face government pressure to return to Iran, as families warn against it

The exact number of delegation members seeking protection remains unclear, with accounts from activists, officials, and Iranian state media differing.

THE REMAINING members of Iran’s women’s national football team embrace a member of the support staff who had refused to board the plane.

Nomads again: Barda’s Ironi Kiryat Shmona scrambles for season restart

Kiryat Shmona, which sits on the northern border just a stone’s throw from Lebanon, has suffered from almost nonstop rocket and drone attacks, forcing many of its residents to evacuate the city.

IRONI KIRYAT SHMONA head coach Shay Barda and his displaced squad resumed training in Shefayim while preparing for the Israeli league’s restart amid the ongoing conflict.

Iranian regime’s ‘deep fear’ made apparent by attempts to quash potential dissent - analysis

Iran’s regime strengthens its grip on dissent, with continued arrests and a strict internet blackout, as the threat of future protests looms over the country’s fragile stability.

A protester throws a stone near a fire as other demonstrators gather while blocking a street in Shiraz, Iran, on January 10, 2026.

Female player on Iran's soccer delegation changes mind on Australian asylum, to return home

Concerns about the players' safety upon their return home grew after Iranian state television labeled the team "wartime traitors" for refusing to sing the national anthem during a women's Asian Cup.

MEMBERS OF the Islamic Republic of Iran team pose prior to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Omri Airlines: The meteoric rise of Israeli midfielder Gandelman with Italy’s Lecce

Gandelman has transformed into the “new face” of US Lecce in just a few short weeks, a player in the right place at the right time to secure a vital 2-1 victory.

WHETHER AT the club level for US Lecce or playing for the Israel national team Omri Gandelman has become a reliable contributor and fan favorite.

Six players and one staff member of Iranian women's soccer team receive Australian visas

Five players were initially granted asylum on Tuesday, with one player later changing her mind and electing to return home to Iran.

Iran players pose prior to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between Iran and Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 8, 2026.