FIFA World Cup

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.
Mural by Hooman Khalili featuring children murdered by the Iranian regime and Hezbollah. the mural was unveiled in Texas, May 14, 2026.

Texas mural honors Druze and Iranian children killed by Iran and its proxies

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.

Iran holds World Cup departure rally despite continuing US visa concerns

 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.

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


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.

Iran considers withdrawing from 2026 FIFA World Cup due to regional conflict

According to the Spanish sports outlet, Iran is set to participate in the tournament, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

PLAYERS OF Iran line up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Qatar and IR Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on June 05, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.

Mexican Foreign Ministry issues travel warning for Super Bowl due to ICE

Mexican tourists are advised to avoid causing disturbances due to fears that law enforcement may contact ICE.

ICE agents depart the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on February 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. White House Border Czar Tom Homan announced Wednesday that 700 immigration enforcement personnel would be withdrawn from Minnesota, following weeks of operations and the fatal shooting of two p

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup: Kan launches the next generation of Kan BOX

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Kan BOX app is upgraded with a unified cross-screen experience, 4K support, family profiles, personalized recommendations, and advanced live and VOD features.

The new Kan BOX app

US proposes 5-year social media review for World Cup tourists

It's unclear exactly how social media reviews would be conducted or what would trigger the government to interfere with a foreigner's entry into the country.

 Tourists on vacation

Seattle doubles down on World Cup Pride plans despite Iran, Egypt's objections

Complaints by the football associations of Iran and Egypt highlight tensions between World Cup rules promoting anti-discrimination, inclusivity and neutrality on political and social matters.

United States fans with a rainbow Pride flag during the FIFA Women's World Cup Final at Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France, July 7, 2019