2026 FIFA World Cup

World Cup teams hit by visa snags days before kickoff

With the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup just nine days away, multiple national teams have found their preparations disrupted not by injuries or tactics, but by travel documents. South Africa, Switzerland, and Haiti have all encountered visa…

Rubio says Iran welcome at World Cup, rejects Italy swap idea

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Thursday that the United States will not block Iran's national soccer team from competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while warning that non-playing delegation members with ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard…

Iraq beats Bolivia 2-1 to clinch final World Cup spot

Iraq secured the 48th and final spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday night, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff final at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, ending a 40-year absence from football's grandest stage.

Germany rules out 2026 World Cup boycott amid Trump backlash

European football federations are closing ranks against calls to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Germany's football association officially ruling out a withdrawal on January 31 despite escalating criticism of Trump administration policies both at home and abroad.