Soccer

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.
THE 1-1 draw this week between Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Beersheba at Teddy Stadium kept the Southern Reds in first place by two points with three matches left.

Despite draw with Hapoel Beersheba, Beitar Jerusalem still in title race

 FC Barcelona's Raphinha and FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal during the bus parade as they celebrate winning LaLiga

FC Barcelona apologizes to Israeli fans after player goes viral waving Palestinian flag

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


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.

'It has turned into MMA': 23 red cards flashed in brutal Brazil cup final

A state cup final in Brazil descended into chaos as a mass brawl between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro at the Mineirão produced a record 23 red cards and forced military police onto the field.

Hulk (Givanildo Vieira de Souza).