World Cup 2026 (Soccer) – War Watch

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Team Medic Recounts Iran’s ‘Stressful’ World Cup Debut in L.A.
ByTariq Panja June 18, 2026June 18, 2026

A member of Iran’s medical team says the team endured delays, multiple security searches and a rushed exit, frustrating players and officials.

Read More Team Medic Recounts Iran’s ‘Stressful’ World Cup Debut in L.A.
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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
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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
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Iran’s Soccer Federation Says Its World Cup Tickets Have Been Revoked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
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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
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Amid War, Iran’s Soccer Leader Works to Get His Team to the World Cup
ByTariq Panja June 4, 2026

Mehdi Taj said his federation has been dealing with FIFA, not the United States, in trying to obtain visas for Iran to play in the tournament that begins next week.

Read More Amid War, Iran’s Soccer Leader Works to Get His Team to the World Cup
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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
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