FIFA World Cup

Roots, Ronaldo, and regional rivalries: How Israelis choose their World Cup favorites

Israelis, without a team of their own in the football tournament, are adopting other nations to root for during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Israeli kids watch a World Cup match between Portugal and Uzbekistan at an outdoor screening in Jaffa, June 23, 2026.
US Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) touches the shoulder of US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin as he testifies at a House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, June 25, 2026.

US security official celebrates Iran's exit from World Cup with 'happy dance'

FOOTBALL FANS gather to watch USA and Paraguay at San Pedro Square for a FIFA World Cup watch party on June 12, 2026 in San Jose, California.

One killed, one wounded in shooting at site of California World Cup fan zone

Iran's Shoja Khalilzadeh scores a goal past Egypt's Mostafa Shoubir that was later disallowed, June 26, 2026.

Time to go home: Iran's World Cup dream ends after Austria's last-gasp equalizer sends them out


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.

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.

Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup - Financial Times

Iran had said earlier that it would decide on participation in the World Cup only after receiving a response from FIFA regarding the relocation of its matches from the US to Mexico.

A picture shows flags of Italy and of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) headquarters during a meeting of the Italian football authorities after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, in Rome on April 2, 2026.

Trump’s antisemitism envoy says US will bar World Cup attendees tied to antisemitism abroad

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun was quoted as saying that the US was “holding countries accountable for ministers who are saying things, and they are not being allowed into the country.”

Pro-Palestinian activists protest with a football-shaped sign and a Palestinian flag outside Wembley Stadium on October 2nd, 2025 in London, United Kingdom.

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.

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.

The FIFA 26 Los Angeles logo is displayed on a soccer ball during the Los Angeles World Cup 2026.

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.

TAI BARIBO finds the net for D.C. United, emblematic of a new wave of Israeli soccer stars thriving on American soil.

Iran expels star striker Azmoun over 'disloyalty,' likely out of World Cup

Iran's participation in the World Cup as a whole is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States.

Soccer Football - World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Third Round - Group A - Iran v United Arab Emirates - Azadi Sports Complex, Tehran, Iran - March 20, 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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." 

A man drives a motorcycle past a giant poster in support of Iran's football team