Soccer – War Watch

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War Loomed Over Past World Cups, Too
ByQasim Nauman June 16, 2026June 16, 2026

Here’s a look back at times when international conflicts seeped into soccer’s biggest tournament.

Read More War Loomed Over Past World Cups, Too
Demonstrations, Protests and Riots | internal-open-access-from-nl | International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Iranian-Americans | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Los Angeles (Calif) | Soccer | Taj, Mehdi | Trump, Donald J | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) | World Cup 2026 (Soccer)

Why Team Iran Is in a Tough Spot at the World Cup
ByTariq Panja June 16, 2026June 16, 2026

At its first game in Los Angeles, the men’s national team drew spectators who weren’t coming for the soccer, but rather to protest the regime in Tehran.

Read More Why Team Iran Is in a Tough Spot at the World Cup
Iran | Iran-Israel War (2025- ) | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Soccer | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) | World Cup 2026 (Soccer)

Jaded and Exhausted, Many Iranians Shrug at World Cup
BySanam Mahoozi, Shirin Hakim and Yeganeh Torbati June 15, 2026June 15, 2026

The successes of Iran’s national soccer team used to be a source of celebration. Now, many Iranians can barely muster the energy to care.

Read More Jaded and Exhausted, Many Iranians Shrug at World Cup
International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Iranian-Americans | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Los Angeles (Calif) | Politics and Government | Soccer | Tijuana (Mexico) | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) | World Cup 2026 (Soccer)

Iranian Team Arrives in U.S. for World Cup After Months of Uncertainty
ByTariq Panja June 15, 2026June 15, 2026

The war had stirred doubts about the team’s participation in the tournament. It is set to play New Zealand in a Los Angeles area stadium on Monday.

Read More Iranian Team Arrives in U.S. for World Cup After Months of Uncertainty
internal-eafs | internal-open-access-from-nl | International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Soccer | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) | World Cup 2026 (Soccer)

Iran’s Soccer Federation Says Its World Cup Tickets Have Been Revoked
ByJonathan Wolfe and Leily Nikounazar June 9, 2026June 9, 2026

It did not say who had interfered but blamed the United States, one of the tournament’s hosts, after months of war. FIFA said it was looking for a solution.

Read More Iran’s Soccer Federation Says Its World Cup Tickets Have Been Revoked
International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Soccer | Taj, Mehdi | United States | United States International Relations | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) | Visas | World Cup 2026 (Soccer)

Iran’s Soccer Team Allowed Into U.S. for World Cup, but Many Staff Denied
ByTariq Panja June 5, 2026June 6, 2026

After months of doubts over their participation, Iran’s players have received visas for the United States just days before the World Cup begins.

Read More Iran’s Soccer Team Allowed Into U.S. for World Cup, but Many Staff Denied
Antalya (Turkey) | International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) | Iran | Iran-Israel War (2025- ) | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Soccer | State Department | Tijuana (Mexico) | Tucson (Ariz) | United States | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) | Visas | War and Armed Conflicts | World Cup 2026 (Soccer)

Iran’s Team Trains in Limbo for World Cup Overshadowed by War
ByTariq Panja May 30, 2026May 30, 2026

The Iranian soccer players, still awaiting visas to the U.S., are practicing in Turkey and making backup plans.

Read More Iran’s Team Trains in Limbo for World Cup Overshadowed by War
Athletics and Sports | Budgets and Budgeting | DAZN Group Ltd | Golf | International Trade and World Market | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | LIV Golf | Mohammed bin Salman (1985- ) | Public Investment Fund (Saudi Arabia) | Royal Families | Rumayyan, Yasir al- | Saudi Arabia | Soccer | Trump, Donald J | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026)

What the End of Saudi Arabia’s Big-Spending Era Means for the Kingdom and Beyond
ByTariq Panja May 1, 2026May 1, 2026

The kingdom is pulling back from a costly and high-profile golf venture amid mounting financial concerns, raising questions about its plans.

Read More What the End of Saudi Arabia’s Big-Spending Era Means for the Kingdom and Beyond
Infantino, Gianni | International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Rubio, Marco | Soccer | State Department | Trump, Donald J | United States | United States International Relations | United States Politics and Government | US and Israeli Attack on Iran (2026) | War and Armed Conflicts | World Cup (Soccer) | Zampolli, Paolo

Rubio Says Iran’s Soccer Team Can Attend World Cup
ByQasim Nauman April 24, 2026April 24, 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that while the players were welcome, anyone accompanying them who has links to the Iranian military would be denied entry.

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International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) | Iran | Iran's nuclear programme | Israel | Israel–Iran War | Soccer | United States | World Cup 2026 (Soccer)

Iran Will Be in U.S. for World Cup, FIFA’s Infantino Says
ByAshley Ahn April 16, 2026

The comments come as peace talks between Iran and the United States have not yet resumed and a cease-fire is set to expire next week.

Read More Iran Will Be in U.S. for World Cup, FIFA’s Infantino Says