FIFA

Israel’s World Cup path would be easier through Asia. Here’s why it’s sticking with Europe

Israel is the only non-European country trying to reach the tournament through UEFA, while most of its neighbors seek places through the Asian Football Confederation.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification match between Estonia and Israel in Tallinn, Estonia, on June 6, 2025
Messi and the players of the Argentina national team

Hever announced a "men only" event – and backed down within hours

Inglewood, California, USA; New Zealand forward Elijah Just (11) and Iran forward Mohammad Mohebi (8) battle for the ball in the first half during a Group G match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Los Angeles Stadium, June 15, 2026.

Iran team to enter US two days before matches in FIFA World Cup 2026, ahead of critical Egypt game

A FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 security member at pitch side in Toronto Stadium in June.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Israeli security firms play defense against drone, cyber threats


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).

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.

‘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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.