FIFA WORLD CUP

The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, putting an end to speculation that Italy could be brought in as a replacement. The tournament will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with concerns having emerged over Iran’s participation due to geopolitical tensions and the fact that their group matches are scheduled to be played in the United States. Iran’s absence from the FIFA Congress in Vancouver further fueled uncertainty, but Infantino quickly clarified the situation. “Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. Football must unite people and bring them together,” he said. His statement effectively dismisses growing reports suggesting Italy could return to the competition...

U.S. President Donald Trump informed reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, April 3O that he is comfortable with the Iranian national football team competing in the 2026 World Cup on American soil. These remarks were made despite the active conflict in the Middle East and a standing travel ban on Iranian nationals, though the administration has granted specific exceptions for the athletes and sporting officials involved. The President noted his support by referencing his close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that if Infantino is in favor of their participation, he is as well. “If Gianni said it, I’m OK,” Trump told reporters ‌in the Oval Office. “You know what? Let ‌them ‌play.” This confirmation follows a definitive statement from Infantino earlier Th...

An Iranian football federation delegation reportedly turned back at Toronto’s main airport this week, citing alleged mistreatment by Canadian immigration, and is set to miss a pre-World Cup FIFA gathering in Vancouver. Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that the delegation members, including federation President Mehdi Taj, Secretary-General Hedayat Mombeni and his deputy, Hamed Momeni, turned back upon arrival at Toronto’s Pearson airport despite holding valid visas, citing what was described as the “unacceptable behaviour of immigration officials”. The Iranian delegation was en route to Vancouver for Thursday’s FIFA Congress, which is meant to bring together representatives of all 211 member associations before the World Cup being co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. ...

World Cup players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents will face a red card as part of a new initiative aimed at combating racism, world governing body FIFA said on Tuesday.  In a statement following a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Vancouver, FIFA confirmed that the rule was one of two law changes that would be introduced at this year’s World Cup. “At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card,” FIFA said in a statement.  The new rule follows controversy earlier this year when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior during a Champions League...

MEXICO CITY – The global football community is officially on high alert. As of today, April 28, 2026, we are exactly 44 days away from the opening whistle of the most expansive and ambitious FIFA World Cup in history. On June 11, 2026, the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will host the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, marking the beginning of a 39-day tournament that will span three nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. A Tournament of Firsts The 2026 edition isn't just another World Cup; it is a massive structural shift for international soccer. Fans are gearing up for several "firsts" that define this cycle: 48 Teams: Expanded from the traditional 32, this tournament will feature 104 matches, up from 64 in 2022. Three Hosts: For the first time,...

Get ready for your travel to the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Learn more about visa and travel information for Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Whether you are traveling by air, sea, or land to Canada, Mexico, or the United States, you must have: (1) a valid (unexpired) passport and (2) a valid (unexpired) visa, travel authorization (e.g. eTA for Canada, or ESTA for USA, if eligible for visa waiver travel), or visa exception (if eligible). Important Reminders: A FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket does not guarantee a visa or admission to Canada, Mexico, or the United States. You may apply for a visa at any time. Given processing times, FIFA recommends applying for a visa(s) as early as possible. FIFA also recommends ensuring that your passport will not expire until well aft...

New Jersey Transit has announced that a return train ticket from New York City to the MetLife Stadium will cost $150 (£110) for fans attending World Cup matches. The normal price for the 18-mile round trip is $12.90 (£9.50), and it takes about 15 minutes each way. Fans who take a shuttle bus instead of the train will have to pay $80 (£59) for a return ticket. There will be eight games at the stadium, including the final, and group games featuring Brazil, France, Germany and England. There will be no parking at the stadium, which is almost impossible to get to on foot because the roads do not have pavements. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill says FIFA is not contributing towards the transport costs despite "making $11 billion" from the...

Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has dismissed a suggestion of Italy replacing Iran at the World Cup calling it "not appropriate." US special envoy for global partnerships appointed by Donald Trump, Paolo Zampolli, had reportedly raised the issue with the President and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. In a statement to Sky News, Abodi said, "Italy's possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which US President Donald Trump's envoy, Paolo Zampolli, has reportedly proposed to FIFA, is firstly not possible, and secondly, not appropriate. I don't know what comes first. Qualification is on the pitch". Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Luciano Buonfiglio says that he would not be happy if Italy were given Iran's place at t...

Spain: Lamine Yamal, Mikel Merino Yamal is "expected to be available for the World Cup" according to Barcelona despite being ruled out of the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.  Merino had surgery on his right foot in February and hasn't returned for Arsenal since. Boss Mikel Arteta recently couldn't answer whether he would return before the end of the season.  Egypt: Mohamed Salah Salah was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury last weekend and could have played his last game for Liverpool. Germany: Serge Gnabry, Marc-Andre ter Stegen  Gnabry said he would be "supporting the boys from home" after being ruled out of the tournament with an adductor muscle tear in his right leg. Goalkeeper Ter Stegen suffered a serious hamstring injury in Februa...

FIFA is reportedly reviewing a significant change to its disciplinary rules as it prepares for the expanded World Cup, with a proposal aimed at reducing player suspensions caused by accumulated yellow cards. According to reports, the plan would introduce an additional amnesty point during the tournament. Under the proposal, yellow cards would be cleared at the end of the group stage and again after the quarter-finals. Currently, players face suspension after receiving two yellow cards across matches—a rule that has often led to key players missing crucial knockout games due to earlier minor infractions. The push for reform comes as the World Cup expands from 32 to 48 teams, resulting in more matches on the path to the semi-finals. With players potentially competing in up to six ga...