World cup 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.

|ByREUTERS
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.
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

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.

|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).

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

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.

|ByREUTERS

My Word: When pride meets prejudice - opinion

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

APRIL 24, 2026ByLIAT COLLINS
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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.

APRIL 24, 2026ByREUTERS, FIELD LEVEL MEDIA
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.

APRIL 2, 2026ByITAY GODER
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.

MARCH 31, 2026ByITAY GODER
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.

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.

MARCH 13, 2026ByTZVI JASPER
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." 

MARCH 12, 2026ByREUTERS
A man drives a motorcycle past a giant poster in support of Iran's football team

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.

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
Joseph S. Blatter attends a press conference at the Extraordinary FIFA Executive Committee Meeting at the FIFA headquarters on July 20, 2015.

FIFA assigns LGBT-themed World Cup game to Iran, where homosexuality is punishable by death

As with many Islamic countries, homosexuality is outlawed in Iran and punishable by death. Many LGBTQ+ Iranians have fled the country, looking for asylum in the United States or the Middle East.

DECEMBER 8, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A match ball is seen in front of a Pride flag during the round 21 A-League Women's match between Newcastle Jets and Western United at No.2 Sportsground, on March 30, 2025, in Newcastle, Australia.

US President DonaldTrump wins FIFA's inaugural peace prize after Nobel controversy

"I don't need prizes. I need to save lives," Trump said. "I saved millions and millions of lives, and that's really what I want to do."

DECEMBER 7, 2025ByCORINNE BAUM, REUTERS
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.