World Cup | DD News

May 18, 2026 10:01 AM

FIFA says 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 meeting and...

May 14, 2026 12:06 PM

Iran hold World Cup departure rally despite continuing concerns

Iran hosted a World Cup departure rally attended by thousands of fans in Tehran's Enqelab Square on Wednesday night even if concerns remain about the team getting into the United States and competing at the tournament. The players, who will continue their preparations at a training camp in Turkey next week, were cheered by the crowd as they made patriotic statements from a stage and the kit they will wear at the June 11 to July 19 tournament was unveiled. "This is the best send-off in the last...

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 6, 2026 9:22 AM

Iranian FA chief says FIFA guarantees over IRGC respect essential for World Cup trip

Iranian FA (FFIRI) chief Mehdi Taj said on tuesday FIFA must guarantee that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is not insulted by the United States if the national team is to travel to the country to play at the World Cup in June. An FFIRI delegation, including Taj, turned back from the Canadian border last week because of what they said was disrespectful treatment at the hands of immigration officials as they tried to attend the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Taj said the decision to r...

May 4, 2026 1:43 PM

Australia coach hopes Trump attends World Cup match against US

Australia coach Tony Popovic said it would be "wonderful" if Donald Trump were to watch their World Cup match against the United States in Seattle, saying the U.S. President's presence would motivate his team. Trump is expected to attend the co-hosts' matches, which include a group stage game against Popovic's Socceroos at the 72,000-seat Seattle Stadium on June 19. "I don't know if he wants to come and watch the U.S. play, I'm sure I'd expect him to come and watch them at the World Cup," Popo...

April 30, 2026 9:25 AM

Watchdog warns World Cup ticket prices increase risk of scams

Soaring ticket prices and transport costs at this year's World Cup will expose fans to cyber fraud and scams as supporters are attracted by fakes in the mistaken belief they have bagged a bargain, an industry expert has warned. Scam artists are active around every major global sporting event but there is an increased danger with World Cup tickets more expensive than at any previous edition, Nuno Sebastiao, the CEO and co-founder of Feedzai, told Reuters. "Large gatherings like a World Cup are ...

April 24, 2026 9:30 AM

US says it does not object to Iran playing in World Cup but people with ties to IRGC won’t be allowed

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday Washington had no objections to Iranian players participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but he added the players will not be allowed to bring with them people with ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). "Nothing from the U.S. has told them they can't come," Rubio told reporters. President Donald Trump also said his administration "would not want to affect the athletes" in comments he made at the White House. The 2026 socc...

April 23, 2026 7:56 PM

Italy underwhelmed by Trump envoy’s suggestion they should replace Iran at World Cup

The suggestion that Iran should be replaced by Italy at this year's World Cup drew a mix of embarrassment and apathy from Azzurri fans on Thursday, with Italian media reminding readers that the idea has a very familiar feel. Donald Trump's U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times that he made the suggestion to the U.S. president and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, t...

March 10, 2026 9:56 AM

FIFA COO: World Cup ‘too big’ to be postponed by Middle East conflict

FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said the World Cup is "too big" and that the 2026 tournament will go on as planned despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas on Monday, Schirgi was specifically asked about Iran, whose participation in the World Cup is uncertain due to the war waged on the country by Israel and the United States. "At some stage, we will have a resolution, and the World Cup will go on, obviously," Schirgi said...

June 11, 2025 5:04 PM

Mexico readies for historic third World Cup as Azteca Stadium tensions grow

With a year until Mexico makes history as the first three-time World Cup host, the dream of a spectacular showcase is colliding with the practical challenges of modernising the iconic Azteca Stadium for global soccer's premier event. Beneath the imposing silhouette of Mexico's football cathedral - where Pele dazzled with Brazil in 1970 and Maradona's 'hand of God' propelled Argentina to glory in 1986 - construction crews tackle the formidable task of bringing one of the sport's most storied ven...