Iran news

Richarlison hits out at 'fake news' he will boycott World Cup

Brazil and Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has denied he is planning on sitting out the 2026 World Cup amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Iran has recently come under attack from the United States - one of three co-hosts for this summer's tournament - and Israel, leading to the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump offers dismissive view of Iran's World Cup hopes

The build-up to the 2026 World Cup has been hit by a major geopolitical storm as United States president Donald Trump admitted he is indifferent to whether Iran participates in the upcoming tournament. Despite being the first nation to secure qualification for the showpiece event, Iran were the notable absentees from a high-profile FIFA planning meeting held in Atlanta this week. The silence from the Iranian camp has sparked intense speculation regarding their involvement in the tournament, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer.

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‘We can't look forward with hope' - Iran WC participation uncertain

Iran's place at the upcoming World Cup has been put in doubt amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The president of Iran's soccer federation said on Monday that the country's World Cup hopes seem slim at the moment, although organizers say there has been no formal indication that plans will change for this summer.

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How to buy Iran World Cup 2026 tickets

Don’t miss out on seeing the Persian nation on the global stage in the summer

2026 World Cup group stage draw: Fixtures and broadcasters

Discover the group stage draw and match schedule for the 2026 World Cup.

2026 World Cup fixtures and broadcasters

Discover the 2026 World Cup dates, match schedule, group standings, results and every channel broadcasting the tournament.

IN FULL: World Cup 2026 group-stage draw

The World Cup 2026 draw has been made, with England set to face Croatia in the group stages, and the USMNT to take on Australia. Brazil have been drawn with Morocco, while France will play Senegal and Argentina must face Austria.

Iran confirm plans to boycott 2026 World Cup draw

Iran has announced they will boycott the event in Washington next month due to the U.S. denying visas to several members of its delegation, but will not withdraw from the World Cup itself, at this time. The U.S. has long-standing, strict visa restrictions on citizens from certain countries, including Iran, for claimed political and security reasons.

Qatar v IR Iran - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Iran boycott 2026 World Cup draw in D.C. due to visa issues

Iran have announced they will skip the FIFA World Cup 2026 final draw in Washington, D.C. after several members of their delegation were denied U.S. visas, according to state news agency IRNA. The federation said the decision is connected to issues beyond football and has asked FIFA to intervene. The draw is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.

U.S. reportedly denies visas for Iran ahead of World Cup draw

The U.S. State Department reportedly denied visa requests from Iran's delegation ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C. According to the Tehran Times, the U.S. government has not approved visas for Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, coach Amir Ghalenoei and seven other members.

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Iran become sixth team to qualify for World Cup

Iran became the sixth team to book their place in the 2026 World Cup group stage after they played out a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan on Tuesday.

Is Ronaldo facing '99 lashes' in Iran for act of 'adultery'?

Reports of Cristiano Ronaldo facing “99 lashes” in Iran following an act of “adultery” with a disabled fan have been refuted by the nation’s embassy.

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108-goal star 'happy' that Ronaldo broke incredible record

Ali Daei, the first man to register 100 international goals, is “happy” that Cristiano Ronaldo was the player to break his incredible record.

2023 Asian Cup final: All you need to know

Everything you need to know about the 2023 Asian Cup final, including when it is, kick-off time and where to watch.

Who are the all-time Asian Cup top scorers?

With the latest edition of the AFC Asian Cup upon us, let's take a look at the all-time top goal scorers of the competition.

USMNT's Adams on 'hostile' presser ahead of Iran WC match

USMNT captain Tyler Adams recalled the "hostile" press conference before their match against Iran at the 2022 World Cup in a new Netflix documentary.

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FIFA world ranking latest: Argentina stay on top, England leapfrogs Belgium

GOAL brings you the latest FIFA world ranking table - where do Argentina, Brazil & England stand?

Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr bus carpet Iran

WATCH: Fans run after Al-Nassr bus as Ronaldo mania hits Iran

Cristiano Ronaldo mania has hit Iran, with hordes of fans racing after Al-Nassr’s bus ahead of their AFC Champions League clash with Perspolis.

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USMNT's Robinson explains World Cup encounter with Iran star

USMNT left-back Antonee Robinson explained his interaction with Iran's Ramin Rezaeian after knocking the defender out of the World Cup.

A World Cup of Firsts!

GOAL is celebrating 22 football moments that have never happened before on the World’s biggest stage as they keep taking place in Qatar

Power Rankings: Portugal power up the standings ⏫

After the last-16 ties, many of the pre-tournament favourites have made it through, but how do the teams that are left stack up against each other?

'They did it!' - President Biden reacts to huge USMNT win

United States President Joe Biden has celebrated the team's win over Iran that has clinched a place in the knockout stages in Qatar.

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Pulisic taken to hospital for World Cup injury

Christian Pulisic was taken to a local hospital in Qatar after being forced off the pitch with an injury on Tuesday against Iran.

No pain, no gain! Pulisic risks body in iconic USMNT win 🤕

It took a monumental effort from the United States men's national team, but the Stars and Stripes are through to the last 16 after a 1-0 win over Iran

World Cup 2022 Group B: Fixtures, results & standings

Everything you need to know about the group that includes England and the USMNT!

'Pulisic put EVERYTHING on the line!' ❤️

USMNT star Christian Pulisic took a heavy knock as he opened the scoring for the Stars and Stripes against Iran at the World Cup and was forced off.

Frequently asked questions

Andries 'Pele Pele' Mkhwanazi and Bethuel Mokgosinyana are considered the founding fathers of the club which was formed in 1937.

Dr Irvin Khoza took over as club secretary and owner in 1991.

The club plays home fixtures at Orlando Stadium in Soweto with the ground being owned by the City of Johannesburg.

They are known by several nicknames, including: The Sea Robbers, The Bucs, Happy People and Buccaneers.

33 official domestic trophies plus one Caf Champions League (1995) and one Caf Super Cup (1996).

Nine times under different auspices. PSL (4), NSL (1), NPSL (4).

Happy Jele made 401 appearances for the club

Bendict Vilakazi scored 52 goals for the club.

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