FIFA

US bars drone flights over sites of World Cup matches

The US Federal Aviation Administration said that drone operators who enter restricted airspace without approval can face fines of up to $100,000.

A DJI Matrice 350 RTK, operated by NJ Transit, flies over an Emergency Response Drill and training exercise at the NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line at MetLife Stadium, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, US, April 18, 2026.
A MAN gestures as people gather at a farewell ceremony for Iran’s national soccer team ahead of their departure to the 2026 World Cup, in Tehran, in May 2026.

FIFA and Iran’s identity crisis - opinion

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) interacts with the President of the Palestine Football Association Jibril Rajoub as the Vice-President of Israel Football Association Basim Sheikh Suliman (L) looks on during a heated moment in the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada on April 30. PremiumPremium

Red card diplomacy: Palestine’s handshake foul rattles FIFA ahead of 2026 World Cup

FIFA World Cup - Inter-Confederation Playoffs - Semi Final - New Caledonia v Jamaica - Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico, A fan holds up the flag of Iran in the stands before the match. - March 26, 2026.

FIFA to meet Iran officials in Istanbul over World Cup participation in the US


White House denies reports of visa issues for Iraq’s World Cup team

The White House has refuted rumors that Iraq's national team players were denied US visas, confirming they are on track for the World Cup with all players cleared to travel.

 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview, Doha, Qatar - November 18, 2022 The FIFA World Cup logo is pictured on the Corniche Promenade ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Iranian FA says will meet FIFA to seek World Cup assurances in next few days

Canada, which is co-hosting the June 11 to July 19 World Cup with the US and Mexico, said it refused entry to Taj last week because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

DRAW ASSISTANT Tom Brady, Draw assistant Shaquille O’Neal, Co-Conductor Samantha Johnson, FIFA Legend Rio Ferdinand, Draw assistant Aaron Judge and Draw assistant Wayne Gretzky stand on stage as Iran is illuminated on the screen during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw.

‘Not FIFA’s job’: Norway soccer chief calls to scrap FIFA Peace Prize after Trump award

In December 2025, FIFA awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, with the stated goal of “reward[ing] individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace."

US President Donald Trump (L) speaks after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington, District of Columbia, USA Dec 5, 2025.

Palestinian FA chief hits out at Israeli federation VP at FIFA Congress

Both men were called to the stand by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who put his hand on the Palestinian FA chief's arm and, with a gesture, invited him to come closer to the Israeli FA VP.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) interacts with the President of the Palestine Football Association Jibril Rajoub as the Vice-President of Israel Football Association Basim Sheikh Suliman (L) looks on during a heated moment in the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada on April 30, 2026.

FIFA head announces no changes to Iran's World Cup schedule as protestors demand team ban

Protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, calling for the Iranian team to be banned from the upcoming World Cup for representing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Protesters react as they hold demonstration placards outside the Vancouver Convention Centre during the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026.

Iranian soccer officials claim 'inappropriate behavior' at Toronto airport

The Iranian delegation was on its way to Vancouver for the FIFA Congress, set to host representatives of all 211 member associations.

A runway at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 13, 2025.

Palestinian Football Association appeals to sports court over FIFA ruling on Israel

The Palestinian Football Association has long argued that Israeli clubs based in the West Bank should not compete in leagues run by the Israel Football Association.

 Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub speaks during the 74th FIFA Congress, May 17, 2024,  in Bangkok.

FIFA considers requesting Trump to issue ICE raid moratorium during World Cup - report

FIFA is exploring the possibility of requesting US President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during the World Cup, hoping FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's relationship with him could leverage policy.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) awards US President Donald Trump (L) with the FIFA Peace Prize, December 5, 2025; illustrative.

FIFA does it again: Seats for the 2026 World Cup final listed at near $11,000

In the original joint bid by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, projections suggested the most expensive final ticket would top out at $1,550.

The FIFA 26 Los Angeles logo is displayed on a soccer ball during the Los Angeles World Cup 2026.

Iran refuses US World Cup matches over Trump security warning, eyes Mexico venue

Iran's sports minister said last week the Iranian players couldn't participate in the tournament after the US launched airstrikes alongside Israel against Tehran, killing Khamenei.

Iranian fans display a flag reading "IRAN" before the match between Iran and the USA in Group B of the 2022 World Cup at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, on November 29, 2022.