+18 | Play Responsibly | T&C's Apply | Commercial Content | Publishing Principles
Iran

Iran news

FBL-WC-2026-ASIA-QUALIFIERS-IRN-UZB

Infantino 'sure' Iran will compete at World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed any doubts regarding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, insisting the nation will be present despite the escalating war involving co-hosts the United States. Football's world governing body chief has moved to provide clarity on Iran’s status after geopolitical tensions led to suggestions that their involvement could be at risk.

Iran

Egypt and Iran reveal alternative World Cup participation plan With the final whistle on their group stage fortunes blowing, both Egypt and Iran have unveiled a contingency bluepri

Doubts surround the Iranian national team ahead of the World Cup. As the final whistle approaches for football’s showpiece event, observers in Tehran and beyond sense a palpable unease about the team’s readiness. Concerns range from the squad’s defensive fragility to the lingering effects of domestic political pressures that have shadowed its preparations. Analysts point out that the side has struggled to find consistency in high-profile friendlies, and the coaching staff’s public silence only amplifies the uncertainty. Fans, who have seen their team qualify for a record sixth consecutive tournament, now wonder whether the squad can silence the sceptics when the first match kicks off.

World Cup 2026 Power Rankings

WC26 Power Rankings: France flex as England & U.S. falter

There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe during the March international break, as the final six qualifiers were confirmed for this summer's festival of football in North America.

Gianni Infantino

Infantino insists Iran WILL play at the 2026 World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has doubled down on his commitment to see Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite the escalating military conflict involving the United States. Speaking during a surprise appearance at a friendly match in Turkey, the governing body's chief dismissed suggestions that the team might be relocated or withdrawn from the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw

Infantino has no Plan B for Iran amid World Cup withdrawal threat

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed the possibility of a replacement team entering the 2026 World Cup, insisting there is "no plan B" if Iran decide to withdraw. Despite escalating geopolitical conflict and direct threats of withdrawal from Iranian officials, the governing body remains committed to the Asian nation’s involvement. Infantino confirmed that discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump have taken place to ensure the squad is welcomed on North American soil this June.

World Cup 2026 FIFA Trump concerns GFX

Trump, ICE & Iran: Six major concerns ahead of the World Cup

In November, we were treated to the most exhilarating reminder possible of the magic of the World Cup. History was made in Jamaica as Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify by holding the Reggae Boys to a 0-0 draw in Kingston. Elsewhere in CONCACAF, Haiti managed to secure a spot at the finals for the first time in 50 years with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua - in spite of the fact that they weren't able to play any games at home because of the ongoing conflict on the Caribbean island.

Iran v Qatar: Semi Final - AFC Asian Cup

Iran 'negotiating with FIFA' to move World Cup matches from U.S. to Mexico

The Iranian Football Federation has entered urgent discussions with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup group-stage fixtures from the United States to Mexico. Citing severe security concerns following a dramatic escalation in geopolitical tensions, Iranian officials claim they cannot ensure the safety of their squad on American soil. This unprecedented request threatens to disrupt the logistics of the first-ever expanded 48-team tournament.

2022-World-Cup-Match-Between-USA-And-Iran-in-Qatar

Iran can still compete at World Cup, says AFC chief

Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has confirmed that Iran remain on track to compete in the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The official addressed the mounting uncertainty that has surrounded the team’s involvement due to the volatile geopolitical landscape, even though Iran's sports minister has already ruled out competing in North America.

President Trump And First Lady Melania Trump Host Women's History Month Event At The White House

Iran hit back at Donald Trump over World Cup withdrawal row

The Iranian football federation has issued a defiant response to Donald Trump after the United States president suggested their presence at the 2026 World Cup would be "inappropriate" for their own safety. Tensions have reached a breaking point following the commencement of military strikes in the region, leaving Team Melli’s participation in the upcoming tournament on American soil unlikely.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw

U.S. President Trump says Iran should skip World Cup 'for safety'

United States President Donald Trump insisted that the Iranian soccer team are welcome to come to the U.S. for the World Cup this summer, despite the political tensions between the two nations - while warning that traveling to the United States could put their “life and safety” at risk. The U.S. have repeatedly bombed the country in recent weeks, and Iranian officials admitted the team 'cannot' participate in the tournament.

FBL-WC-2026-ASIA-QUALIFIERS-IRI-PRK

Iran withdraw from World Cup, sports minister says

Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup has been thrown into serious doubt following explosive comments from the country’s sports minister. With the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico set to kick off in just three months, Ahmad Donyamali told state television that the team would not travel due to the ongoing military conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Iran v Syria: Round Of 16 - AFC Asian Cup

Iran announces: "We will not participate in the World Cup in the USA"

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said the country’s national team cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup following recent military conflict involving the United States and Israel. Speaking on Iranian state television, Donyamali said the current circumstances mean participation in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is not possible.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Attends US Conference Of Mayors In Washington, DC

Infantino: World Cup will be a ‘total party’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists the 2026 World Cup will be a flawless global celebration, brushing aside mounting anxieties over escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite the USA and Israel conflict with Iran disrupting football calendars, causing widespread visa chaos, and forcing Iraq to request a delay, FIFA remains solely focused on record ticket sales.

Frequently asked questions

Der Chelsea Football Club wurde am 10. März 1905 in London-Fulham gegründet.

Der FC Chelsea gehört seit Mai 2022 dem Konsortium BlueCo. Die Eigentümergruppe um den US-amerikanischen Geschäftsmann Todd Boehly und die Investmentgesellschaft Clearlake Capital erwarb den Verein für rund 2,5 Milliarden Pfund von Vorbesitzer Roman Abramovich. 

Die Blues spielen an der Stamford Bridge, einem Stadion im Londoner Stadtteil Fulham. Offiziell eröffnet wurde die Heimspielstätte des FC Chelsea bereits im Jahr 1877 - also noch vor der Vereinsgründung. In 1905 übernahm der Klub die Leichtathletikarena und baute sie in ein Fußballstadion um. 

Im Vergleich der englischen Topklubs ist die Stamford Bridge eines der kleineren Stadien. Die Arena hat eine Kapazität für rund 41.000 Fans.

Mit 34 großen Titeln gehört der Chelsea FC zu den erfolgreichsten Fußballklubs in England. Neben nationalen Pokalen konnten die Blues auch international die größten Wettbewerbe gewinnen: In 2012 und 2021 holten sie die Champions-League-Trophäe nach Hause. 

Der FC Chelsea konnte insgesamt sechsmal die englische Meisterschaft für sich entscheiden. Den ersten Titel holte der Klub in der Saison 1954/55, als die Liga noch First Division hieß, seit 2004/05 kamen noch fünf weitere Trophäen dazu. 

Ron Harris ist Rekordspieler beim Chelsea FC. Zwischen 1961 und 1980 absolvierte der Innenverteidiger 748 Pflichtspiele für die Blues.

Toptorschütze des Vereins ist ein Mittelfeldspieler: Frank Lampard konnte in 648 Einsätzen 211-mal zuschlagen. 

Zahlreiche Weltstars haben bereits das Trikot der Blues getragen, die wohl bekanntesten Namen stammen aus der Erfolgsphase seit den frühen 2000ern. Unter anderem standen Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Eden Hazard, Gianfranco Zola, Claude Makelele, N’Golo Kante, Ashley Cole und Michael Ballack für die Londoner auf dem Rasen. 

Auch auf der Trainerbank haben schon einige bekannte Namen gesessen. Den größten Erfolg hatte Chelsea unter Jose Mourinho, mit ihm an der Seitenlinie holte der Verein acht Titel (u. a. 3x Premier League, 3x League Cup, 1x FA Cup, 1x Community Shield). Bei den beiden CL-Trophäen coachten Roberto Di Matteo (2012) und Thomas Tuchel (2021), unter Carlo Ancelotti holten die Blues das Double aus Liga und FA Cup (2009/10).

Aufgrund der Vereinsfarben ist der FC Chelsea auch unter dem Spitznamen "The Blues" bekannt.