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Iran v Gambia - Friendlies ANTALYA, TURKIYE - MAY 29: Players of Iran National Football Team celebrate after their teammate Mehdi Taremi (9) scored a goal during a friendly football match against Gambia at Titanic Mardan Palace Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkiye on May 29, 2026. Orhan Cicek Anadolu Antalya Turkey. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. Copyright: x2026xAnadoluxOrhanxCicekx

Iran forced into match-day only US entry as government makes terrorism claim

The 2026 World Cup has been plunged into fresh diplomatic controversy after it was revealed that Iran's national team will be forced to follow strict same-day entry and exit rules for their matches in the United States. Following a series of security claims and heightened geopolitical tensions, the squad has been told they can only step onto American soil on the actual days they are scheduled to play.

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Spain vs Iraq - Friendlies

Explained: Why ALL squad players must join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

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RANKED: 100 most iconic moments in World Cup history

The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.

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Claudia Sheinbaum Daily Morning Briefing

President confirms Iran left US for Mexico ahead of World Cup

The landscape of the 2026 World Cup is shifting as geopolitical tensions spill over into the world of sport. Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has officially confirmed that Iran’s national team are set to relocate its base of operations from the United States to Mexico ahead of the tournament.

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Qatar v IR Iran - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Iran move World Cup base to Mexico

Iran has successfully lobbied FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup training headquarters from the United States to Mexico. The decision comes as regional tensions and security logistics prompted the Iranian federation to seek an alternative to their original plans in Arizona.

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

Iran issues 10-point World Cup ultimatum

The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has thrown the 2026 World Cup into the spotlight by issuing a strict 10-point ultimatum to the host nations. Despite qualifying for the tournament, Tehran has warned that their participation depends on specific security and visa guarantees following recent diplomatic friction.

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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.

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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.

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Gianni Infantino

FIFA's 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.

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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.

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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.

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