World cup soccer

Iran to play its final World Cup warm-up match behind closed doors, head to Mexico on Saturday

The soccer team, staff, and Iranian citizens can enter the US for the event, but officials with ties to the regime will be barred from attending.

Members of Iran's national soccer team attend a farewell ceremony ahead of their departure to the 2026 World Cup in Tehran, Iran, May 13, 2026.
Argentina's President Javier Milei sings the national anthem alongside members of cabinet outside the Buenos Aires Cabildo on the day of the traditional Te Deum to commemorate the 216th anniversary of the May Revolution, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 25, 2026.

Milei clashes with Argentina's soccer boss over corruption scandals weeks before World Cup

A Metro bus with FIFA Log Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee advertising in downtown Los Angeles, California, May 27, 2026; illustrative.

Iranian intel. ministry-linked group behind LA public transport cyberattack, Israeli firm finds

A DJI Matrice 350 RTK, operated by NJ Transit, flies over an Emergency Response Drill and training exercise at the NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line at MetLife Stadium, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, US, April 18, 2026.

US bars drone flights over sites of World Cup matches


Israel’s Eurovision future at risk over KAN funding bill, EBU warns

EBU Director-General Noel Curran warned that a bill changing KAN’s funding could harm Israel’s global standing and threaten its future participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

 View of the offices of Israel's public broadcaster KAN in Jerusalem. January 31, 2023.

Iran moves World Cup training camp from Arizona to Mexico amid visa, security concerns

Iran has faced uncertainty for months over travel and security arrangements for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A member of Iran's coaching staff instructs players during a training session at their base camp in Antalya on May 19, 2026. Iran's national football team arrived in Turkey on May 19, 2026 for a training camp and to complete visa applications ahead of the 2026 World Cup, AFP correspondents said.

FIFA to meet Iran officials in Istanbul over World Cup participation in the US

FIFA will meet Iranian officials in Istanbul to reassure Iran’s national team over World Cup participation, ensuring safe entry amid US and Canada restrictions.

FIFA World Cup - Inter-Confederation Playoffs - Semi Final - New Caledonia v Jamaica - Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico, A fan holds up the flag of Iran in the stands before the match. - March 26, 2026.

White House denies reports of visa issues for Iraq’s World Cup team

The White House has refuted rumors that Iraq's national team players were denied US visas, confirming they are on track for the World Cup with all players cleared to travel.

 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview, Doha, Qatar - November 18, 2022 The FIFA World Cup logo is pictured on the Corniche Promenade ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

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.

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

Protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, calling for the Iranian team to be banned from the upcoming World Cup for representing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Protesters react as they hold demonstration placards outside the Vancouver Convention Centre during the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026.

My Word: When pride meets prejudice - opinion

What began as a language dispute turns into a broader question of national pride, belonging, and resilience.

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

Rubio's remarks came after a top envoy to US President Donald Trump asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup.

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.

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.

Desert diamond: Or Divan and the new dawn of Israeli women’s soccer

Divan is a rare talent in the local landscape, her superb aerial game making her a constant threat on high balls, completing the profile of a truly modern and well-rounded player.

AT JUST 16, Or Divan has skipped the natural order of Israeli soccer. From scoring over 100 goals in a season to her time in the World Cup qualifiers, the striker is proving that greatness doesn’t wait for age.