Iran says U.S. airport delay holds up World Cup delegation

June 25, 2026 2:38 AM

Iran says U.S. airport delay holds up World Cup delegation

U.S. host officials "caused problems" for Iran forward Mehdi Taremi and assistant coach Saeed Alhoei, delaying their delegation as they travelled to Seattle for the World Cup match against Egypt, Iran's football federation said on Wednesday. Iran's ISNA news agency, citing the federation, said team members were waiting for Taremi and Alhoei to rejoin the group. The reported incident comes days after U.S. authorities eased travel restrictions on Iran's World Cup delegation following complaints ...

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

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...