fifa | DD News

May 24, 2026 3:34 PM

FIFA approves Iran’s request to shift World Cup base camp to Mexico

FIFA has approved Iran’s request to relocate its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to Mexico, a move driven by growing concerns over travel logistics, visa procedures, and wider geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the tournament. The decision was announced by Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran chief Mehdi Taj, who confirmed that Iran received clearance following discussions with FIFA and tournament officials in Istanbul, as well as a follow-up virtu...

May 17, 2026 12:06 PM

FIFA says it held positive talks with Iran’s FA ahead of World Cup

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran's FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj on Saturday, he told Reuters, expressing confidence about the country's participation at this year's World Cup. Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group matches in the United States but the team's participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been in question since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February. "We've had an excellent meet...

May 9, 2026 11:58 AM

FIFA to stage separate World Cup opening ceremonies in Mexico, Canada and US

FIFA announced on Friday that it will hold separate opening ceremonies prior to the first game in each of the three host countries for this year's World Cup, which is being held in Mexico, Canada and the United States. The biggest World Cup in history kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City, where Grammy Award-winning Mexican pop band Mana will be performing as part of a lineup that also includes Alejandro Fernandez and Belinda, FIFA said in a post on X. The Mexico City concert will highlight Mexi...

May 7, 2026 9:20 AM

FIFA president says World Cup ticket prices in line with U.S. market

As World Cup ticket prices continue to be debated, FIFA president Gianni Infantino declared they are in line with most American sporting events. FIFA has come under fire for the cost of tickets to the quadrennial tournament that starts June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada, but Infantino said market rates have to be applied. "In the U.S., it is permitted to resell tickets as well, so if you were to sell tickets at the price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much hig...

May 5, 2026 10:07 AM

Iraq to face Andorra and Spain in friendlies ahead of World Cup return

Iraq will step up preparations for their first World Cup appearance in 40 years with friendly matches against Andorra and former champions Spain, the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) said on Monday. The national team will face Andorra on May 29 before facing Spain six days later in La Coruna ahead of the World Cup which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Iraq, whose only previous World Cup appearance was at the 1986 tournament in Mexico, will face...

April 30, 2026 9:28 AM

Afghanistan exiles dream of Olympic stage after FIFA recognition

Scattered across the globe after fleeing Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the country's exiled women footballers are daring to dream of uniting on the Olympic stage after being given a path back to international soccer. Global governing body FIFA approved a rule change on Wednesday allowing them to play official international matches, building on the FIFA-backed Afghan Women United team set up last year for players living outside their homeland. Goalkeeper Fatima Yousufi, now based in Melbourne wi...

April 29, 2026 2:59 PM

None more deserving of FIFA Peace Prize than Trump, says White House

The White House has hit back at critics of Donald Trump being awarded the FIFA Peace Prize, saying there is none more deserving than the U.S. president. Global soccer governing body FIFA gave Trump the inaugural award at the World Cup draw in December for "promoting peace and unity around the world", triggering condemnation from human rights groups and activists in the lead-up to the World Cup. Australian soccer player Jackson Irvine said this week that giving the award to Trump made a mockery...

April 29, 2026 10:41 AM

Afghan women on way back to official international matches after FIFA rule change

FIFA has approved a rule change allowing Afghan women footballers to play official international matches in FIFA competitions, giving players exiled since the Taliban's return to power a route back into international football. Afghanistan's women's national team has not played an official competitive international since before the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The Taliban authorities have imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls, including restrictions affecting education, work and...

April 28, 2026 10:15 AM

Human Rights Watch urges FIFA to push for ‘ICE Truce’ at World Cup

FIFA should press the U.S. government to establish an "ICE Truce" for this year's World Cup, including a public guarantee from federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday. The 2026 World Cup - the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams - will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)...

April 27, 2026 3:39 PM

FIFA set to increase 2026 World Cup prize money

FIFA is in discussions with national associations to increase prize money for all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, soccer's global governing body said on Sunday. The proposal must be approved at Tuesday's FIFA Council meeting being held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver. In December, FIFA said prize money for this year's World Cup would be 50% higher than for the previous edition at $655 million after agreeing a record $727 million financial contribution to the tourname...