FIFA

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.

MAY 13, 2026|ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

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.

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).

MAY 7, 2026|ByREUTERS

US President Donald Trump (L) speaks after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington, District of Columbia, USA Dec 5, 2025.

‘Not FIFA’s job’: Norway soccer chief calls to scrap FIFA Peace Prize after Trump award

In December 2025, FIFA awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, with the stated goal of “reward[ing] individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace."

MAY 3, 2026|ByLEO FEIERBERG BETTER

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) interacts with the President of the Palestine Football Association Jibril Rajoub as the Vice-President of Israel Football Association Basim Sheikh Suliman (L) looks on during a heated moment in the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada on April 30, 2026.

Palestinian FA chief hits out at Israeli federation VP at FIFA Congress

Both men were called to the stand by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who put his hand on the Palestinian FA chief's arm and, with a gesture, invited him to come closer to the Israeli FA VP.

MAY 1, 2026|ByREUTERS

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.

MAY 1, 2026ByREUTERS

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

Iranian soccer officials claim 'inappropriate behavior' at Toronto airport

The Iranian delegation was on its way to Vancouver for the FIFA Congress, set to host representatives of all 211 member associations.

APRIL 30, 2026ByREUTERS

A runway at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 13, 2025.

Palestinian Football Association appeals to sports court over FIFA ruling on Israel

The Palestinian Football Association has long argued that Israeli clubs based in the West Bank should not compete in leagues run by the Israel Football Association.

APRIL 29, 2026ByREUTERS

Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub speaks during the 74th FIFA Congress, May 17, 2024, in Bangkok.

FIFA considers requesting Trump to issue ICE raid moratorium during World Cup - report

FIFA is exploring the possibility of requesting US President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during the World Cup, hoping FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's relationship with him could leverage policy.

APRIL 15, 2026ByJAMES GENN

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) awards US President Donald Trump (L) with the FIFA Peace Prize, December 5, 2025; illustrative.

FIFA does it again: Seats for the 2026 World Cup final listed at near $11,000

In the original joint bid by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, projections suggested the most expensive final ticket would top out at $1,550.

APRIL 5, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

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.

MARCH 17, 2026ByREUTERS

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.

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.

MARCH 2, 2026ByKATERYNA POBEREZHNA

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.

IOC says FIFA president's presence at Board of Peace inaugural meeting doesn't violate neutrality

The boss of global soccer's governing body, who is also an IOC member, took part in Thursday's meeting of the Board of Peace, which is focusing on reconstruction work in Gaza.

FEBRUARY 22, 2026ByREUTERS

FIFA president Gianni Infantino speaks, as he and Argentina's President Javier Milei attend the inaugural Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, US, February 19, 2026.

FIFA, Trump's Board of Peace work together to support Gaza reconstruction through soccer

The FIFA collaboration plan includes building 50 mini-pitches near schools and residential areas in Gaza, five full-size pitches across multiple districts, and a state-of-the-art FIFA academy.

FEBRUARY 20, 2026ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

; View of the game ball before a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium

Ex-FIFA chief Sepp Blatter backs boycott of US World Cup over Trump policies

Sepp Blatter backed calls to boycott the US hosted World Cup, as international soccer figures raised concerns over travel bans and immigration policies under the Trump administration.

FEBRUARY 2, 2026BySHOSHANA BAKER