FIFA in the news: Infantino eyes a 2027 re‑run amid global debates on rights, World Cup funding, and Iran participation. Gianni Infantino—Swiss lawyer, FIFA president since 2016.
Following the death of cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera in a military operation, violence has surged across Mexico, including in Guadalajara, host city for World Cup matches. Authorities are deploying advanced surveillance to ensure safety, but unrest persists, raising concerns about the tournament's security and impact on visitors.
Amid ongoing cartel violence and the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, Mexico prepares to host 13 World Cup matches. Officials assure safety, but local residents and international teams remain cautious due to recent violence and instability in Jalisco, especially in Guadalajara, the tournament's host city.
Following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes in late February, Mexico has faced a surge in cartel violence, especially in Jalisco. Despite this, the government has mobilized nearly 100,000 security personnel and advanced equipment to secure the 2026 World Cup matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, assuring FIFA and the public of safety for the tournament starting June 11.
TRNSMT festival in Glasgow will show Scotland's World Cup match against Morocco on June 19 on large screens, with earlier performances by Richard Ashcroft. Meanwhile, Scotland will host viewing events at the OVO Hydro, and FIFA's ticket sales for the World Cup are opening in April amid high demand. Terminal V festival in Edinburgh will end after 2026, with plans for a new site and international tour. These events highlight Scotland's vibrant cultural and sporting scene during the World Cup summer.
Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup is uncertain amid escalating regional conflict following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Iran has responded with missile strikes, and officials are considering whether to withdraw. FIFA and US authorities are monitoring the situation as the tournament approaches in June.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 across North America, with 48 teams and 104 matches. While most venues are prepared, infrastructure challenges remain, and Iran's potential withdrawal due to US tensions raises concerns about tournament integrity and participation.
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for March in Morocco, has been postponed to July due to unforeseen circumstances. Despite reports of Morocco's withdrawal, CAF confirmed Morocco remains the host. The delay affects 24 nations, including Kenya, which was preparing for the tournament.
Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup is uncertain due to ongoing regional conflict following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Iraq faces visa and logistical issues for its playoff match amid airspace closures. The tournament begins in June across North America, with geopolitical tensions casting a shadow over the event.
UEFA is evaluating whether to move the March 27 soccer game between Argentina and Spain from Doha due to security concerns. No alternative venues have been confirmed, with a decision expected by the end of next week. The match is set at Lusail Stadium, site of the 2022 World Cup final.
Morocco's coach Walid Regragui resigned less than 100 days before the World Cup, citing a need for new energy. Mohamed Ouahbi, previously under-23 boss, replaces him. Morocco faces Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C, with warm-up matches scheduled in March.
As of March 14, 2026, five members of Iran’s women’s soccer team have sought asylum in Australia amid fears for their safety if returned home. The team, competing in the Asian Cup in Australia, faced backlash after refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem in their opening match. Australian authorities have offered humanitarian visas, while US President Trump urged Australia to grant asylum. One player later reversed her decision to stay.
Iraq's World Cup playoff faces postponement amid escalating US-Iran conflict. Logistical issues, airspace closures, and visa problems hinder team preparations. Coach Arnold urges FIFA to delay the match, which is scheduled for March 31 in Mexico, to ensure Iraq can field its best team.
FIFA has been confronting the prospect that the United States is going to war with Iran while Iran is scheduled to play at the 2026 World Cup hosted largely in the U.S. Officials have been monitoring developments, discussing contingencies in Wales, and have not confirmed whether Iran will be replaced; Iranirst match was set for June 16.
Iran has announced it will not participate in the 2026 World Cup due to ongoing US and Israeli airstrikes that have killed over 1,300 Iranians. The tournament is scheduled for June-July in the US, Mexico, and Canada. Iran's withdrawal remains uncertain, with FIFA regulations imposing fines for late withdrawal.
Foxborough officials, FIFA, and local stakeholders have agreed to fund security costs for the 2026 World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium. The town initially withheld an entertainment license over a $7.8 million security funding gap but will now approve the license after Kraft Sports & Entertainment guarantees the funds. The matches include Scotland's games against Haiti and Morocco, with the event set for June and July. The resolution avoids a venue change and ensures the tournament proceeds as planned.
Iran's football team faces potential exclusion from the 2026 World Cup amid safety concerns raised by US President Trump and regional tensions. Iran insists FIFA guarantees its safety, while the US questions Iran's ability to participate in the tournament hosted across North America.
As of March 26, 2026, Iran is negotiating with FIFA to move its 2026 World Cup group matches from the United States to Mexico due to safety concerns linked to ongoing US-Iran tensions. Iran is scheduled to play three group games in US cities Los Angeles and Seattle. FIFA maintains the original schedule but is in talks with Iran. Mexico has expressed willingness to host the matches if FIFA agrees.
Iran's football federation insists it will compete in the 2026 World Cup in the US despite political tensions and comments from U.S. President Trump questioning their safety. AFC officials and FIFA have expressed support for Iran's participation, which is scheduled for June in North America.
The Iranian women's football team left Australia for Kuala Lumpur after arriving for the Asian Cup. Some players accepted asylum visas, while others returned to Iran amid concerns over their safety and political pressure. The team is now waiting in Malaysia to fly home or seek asylum, amid diplomatic tensions.
Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain due to diplomatic tensions. The team is negotiating with FIFA to move their matches from the US to Mexico, with ongoing safety concerns and political conflicts affecting preparations in Turkey. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19.
On April 1, 2026, Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated four-time World Cup champions Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, ending Italy's streak of World Cup appearances and securing Bosnia's place in the 2026 tournament. Italy's coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned following the loss. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams across North America, with Bosnia placed in Group B.
Iran's Ministry of Sports announced a ban on national and club teams playing in countries deemed hostile, citing security concerns due to ongoing Middle East conflict. The ban affects a playoff game in Saudi Arabia and raises questions about Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran's national soccer team wore backpacks and black armbands before a match in Turkey to honor children killed in a US-led missile strike on a school in Iran. The attack, on February 28, killed over 165 people, mostly children. Iran requests to move World Cup matches from the US due to safety concerns, but FIFA aims to keep the schedule unchanged.
Iran has confirmed its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US despite ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has rejected Iran's request to move matches from the US to Mexico, insisting games will proceed as scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle. Iran's team is preparing in Arizona ahead of the tournament starting June 11.
Congo's national football team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in Guadalajara, thanks to Axel Tuanzebe's late goal. The win marks Congo's return to the tournament after a 52-year absence, amid ongoing conflict in its eastern region. The victory has united the nation and received praise from both government and rebels.
Supporters at a Spain-Egypt friendly in Barcelona chanted racist slogans, including a derogatory chant about Muslims. The incident prompted police investigations, official condemnations, and renewed calls to combat racism in Spanish football and society. The event highlights ongoing issues with xenophobia and structural racism in Spain.
Spanish police are investigating anti-Muslim chants during a friendly match between Spain and Egypt in Barcelona. Player Lamine Yamal condemned the behavior, which has drawn widespread criticism from officials and players. The incident highlights ongoing issues of racism and intolerance in European football.
FIFA officials have confirmed Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the US, despite ongoing regional conflicts and political tensions. FIFA's president has emphasized the importance of sports outside politics, as Iran's team prepares for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle amid diplomatic uncertainties.
FIFA has announced a new last-minute ticket phase for the 2026 World Cup, offering all 104 matches on a first-come, first-served basis. Despite high prices and lagging sales, additional tickets are being released, with prices reaching nearly $11,000 for the final. Fans are questioning the pricing strategy amid ongoing sales efforts.
A lone gunman has fired atop a Teotihuacan pyramid, killing one tourist and injuring several others. Authorities have reinforced security at archaeological sites ahead of the World Cup, deploying National Guard units and increasing entry controls as they assess threats and prevent further incidents.
U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli has told the Financial Times he has suggested Italy replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup; Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi and other officials have said reinstating Italy is not possible or appropriate. Iran and FIFA have said Iran is preparing to play its scheduled group matches in the United States in June.
UEFA has announced that Benfica's Prestianni will serve an additional two matches of suspension for discriminatory conduct, including homophobic comments directed at Vinicius Jr. The suspension is subject to a two-year probation period and could extend worldwide if FIFA approves. The incident occurred during a Champions League match in February.
Iran's football federation has said it will participate in the 2026 World Cup but has presented 10 conditions for attending, including guaranteed visas, respect for its flag and anthem, and higher security. FIFA has reaffirmed Iran will play its group matches in the United States; visa and border disputes have caused recent friction.
Human rights groups have warned that the 2026 World Cup in the United States faces ongoing rights and security challenges. Reports highlight immigration enforcement, potential racial profiling, and concerns over entry controls, with FIFA urged to secure protections for fans, workers, and visitors across 11 host cities.
Top players have pressed for a larger share of Grand Slam revenues, citing pay gaps and welfare needs. Aryna Sabalenka has warned a boycott could occur if negotiations stall; players emphasize respect and governance changes alongside prize money increases.
A cluster of developments around the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico has drawn scrutiny over immigration enforcement. U.S. courts have weighed the Trump-era detention and asylum processing policies, while rights groups warn that the event could be used for political messaging and face rights challenges in host cities.
FIFA’s peace prize has sparked criticism from players and national associations, with Iris Klaveness and Jackson Irvine arguing the prize conflicts with human rights aims and urging independent review. FIFA defends the prize, while concerns extend to the prize’s political implications amid ongoing global tensions surrounding the World Cup draw.
IFAB has approved two amendments ahead of the World Cup: a red card may be issued to players covering their mouths in confrontations, and red cards may be issued to players or officials who leave the field in protest. The changes will apply at the World Cup and inform all 48 participating teams.
Iranian football officials have been denied entry to Canada and have returned to Turkey amid visa issues, as FIFA Congress in Canada grapples with Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup and broader geopolitical tensions.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed he will seek re-election next year as the 76th FIFA Congress has settled on a path that could extend his tenure amid broader tensions around governance, visas and diplomacy at the Vancouver gathering.
Paris Saint-Germain has beaten Bayern Munich 5-4 in a high-octane Champions League semi-final first leg. Harry Kane leads a late fightback, while the tie remains open ahead of the return leg at the Allianz Arena.
Argentina has named Lionel Messi among 55 players in its preliminary World Cup squad, with ongoing questions over his availability. Gianluca Prestianni faces a worldwide ban extension that could affect Argentina’s opening games; the World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Argentina’s group.
Prices for the 2026 World Cup action in the US, Canada, and Mexico have surged, with US opener USA vs Paraguay starting around $1,100 and finals cited near $11,000 to $13,000 in some face-value ranges. Critics say the market-driven approach reflects demand and resale dynamics, while officials note regulation, supply, and security costs.
Irish celebrities and sports figures have joined a campaign urging the Republic of Ireland to boycott UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, amid claims of genocide in Gaza and breaches of UEFA/FIFA rules. The open letter to the FAI, backed by prominent signatories, argues humanitarian concerns should take precedence over sport. Ireland is set to host Israel on October 4 at Aviva Stadium, with a September 27 neutral-site Israeli home match planned.
Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup in the United States have surged, with opening-match seats around $1,100 and final tickets approaching $13,000 on official channels; resale platforms show even higher figures. Officials defend dynamic pricing, while critics warn it narrows access for average fans. Hotels and travel costs are also rising, adding to the roughly month-long financial burden for attendees.
FIFA has announced a first-ever halftime show at the World Cup final, staged at MetLife Stadium on July 19. The show, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced with Global Citizen, will feature Shakira, Madonna and BTS to raise funds for education through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has expanded to 48 teams in 12 groups with a knockout format. Wenger and Infantino say expansion will globalize football and boost investment, while debates arise over potential mismatches and easier paths to knockouts.
Iran’s football federation has said visas for all players and staff, including those with Revolutionary Guard ties, should be granted without problems; the comments come as Iran seeks assurances on participation amid a fragile regional ceasefire and ongoing visa scrutiny surrounding the World Cup.
Curaçao has confirmed the return of Dick Advocaat as manager, three months after his resignation over his daughter’s health issue. He will coach Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup, becoming the tournament’s oldest manager, with Fred Rutten having stepped down and discussions with Advocaat ongoing.
The United States has announced a waiver of visa bonds for qualified World Cup fans who have tickets and opt into the FIFA Pass expedited visa system. The policy applies to supporters from five World Cup-qualified countries and co-hosts the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico. The move follows ongoing immigration enforcement concerns and broad bond requirements that previously affected travelers from 50 nations.