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The Latest Breaking News from Fifa

In a move as tone-deaf as it gets, Trump’s World Cup welcome for Iran collapses after a blunt statement from the nation

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali, has officially declared that the nation cannot participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup after the United States killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This firm statement comes after weeks of escalating conflict and marks a definitive withdrawal from the global tournament.

The Mary Sue

Three Potential Replacements for Iran at 2026 World Cup

Iran’s sports minister has declared that the nation cannot participate in a tournament cohosted by the United States “under any circumstance.”

Sports Illustrated

Taking part in World Cup 'not possible', says Iranian sports minister

The Iranian sports and youth minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that his country's football players would not be safe in the US, which will be one of the World Cup's host countries this summer.

Euronews

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Iran Sports Minister Rules Out 2026 World Cup Participation

FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggested the exact opposite only hours earlier.

Sports Illustrated

Iran’s sports minister says football team will not play at 2026 World Cup

Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup after the US killed their leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the sports minister has said

The Guardian - UK

'Of course' Donald Trump will welcome Iran to World Cup, insists FIFA president Gianni Infantino

FIFA Peace Prize winner recently said he “does not care” about Iran’s involvement

Evening Standard

Donald Trump says Iran ‘welcome’ to compete at World Cup – Gianni Infantino

The team’s participation at the finals has been cast into doubt after the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28.

The Independent UK

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Infantino says Trump assured him Iran are welcome at World Cup

Iran are scheduled to play three matches in the United States

The Independent UK

Eddie Jones, AFL provide Socceroos' World Cup blueprint

Tony Popovic is seeking cross-code collaboration as the Socceroos head to the World Cup in the United States.

AAP

FIFA president Gianni Infantino misreads the room on a global scale with crass celebration of World Cup 2026 'excitement'

Gianni Infantino is as shoddy a representative as football could ask for and his proximity to political power is a stain on the sport

FourFourTwo

Am I an Evil, Selfish Scalper for Selling My World Cup Tickets for a Profit?

The buyer, seller, and FIFA middleman were all happy with how the transaction went.

Reason

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino ‘a fan of rich and powerful people’ – Michel Platini

Infantino has forged a close relationship with US President Donald Trump.

The Independent UK

Austria given Fifa approval to pick ex-England youth star ahead of facing Lionel Messi’s Argentina at World Cup

Austria will be allowed to pick a player for this summer’s World Cup who previously starred for England at youth level

The Independent UK

Australia has granted some Iranian soccer players asylum – but 2 questions remain

Last week, the Iranian soccer team refused to sing the national anthem before their Asian Women’s Cup opener on the Gold Coast.

The Conversation

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Sports Illustrated

Five from Iran Women’s Soccer Team Offered Visas, Safety Talks Continue

The Australian government and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are also involved in conversations.

The Independent UK

Australia grants asylum to five Iran women players after Asian Cup controversy

Fears had been raised that the players could face persecution after they did not sing the national anthem before their opening game.

Fortune

The 2026 World Cup will bring a uniquely American sports tradition to the beautiful game: Mid-match ad breaks

Stopping for hydration breaks, going from halves to quarters, and showing more ads will make this World Cup more familiar to U.S. audiences.

Latin Times

Mexico Plans To Deploy 100,000 Security Forces To Ensure Calm During World Cup After Killing Of El Mencho

Mexico is set to deploy 100,000 security forces to ensure calm during the World Cup this summer after the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho" and longtime leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, the government said.

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The Guardian - UK

Iran could face possible Fifa tournament ban if they withdraw from World Cup

Fifa can take action against any nation who pull out of the World Cup, with regulations stating: ‘Sanctions may include exclusion from future competition’

The Independent UK

Donald Trump calls for Australia to grant asylum to Iran women’s team

There have been fears players could face persecution after they did not sing the national anthem before their Asian Cup opener.

The Guardian - AU

‘They are safe here’: five Iranian women footballers granted humanitarian visas in Australia

Home affairs minister Tony Burke confirms US president Donald Trump’s overnight comments on social media that the players had been ‘taken care of’

The Independent UK

Iraq want World Cup play-off delay amid Middle East conflict

IN FULL

The Independent UK

Iraq manager urges Fifa to delay his team’s World Cup play-off due to Iran-US war

Iraq are due to play in a World Cup play-off later this month but are struggling to gather their players together amid the ongoing conflict

The Guardian - AU

How Iranian women’s football team faced a torrid choice to stay or go home

Five players have sought asylum in Australia but neither decision was easy amid a volatile situation in the Middle East

AAP

Arnold calls on FIFA to save Iraq's World Cup dream

Graham Arnold has made an urgent call for FIFA to provide a solution for Iraq's World Cup campaign, which looks set to fall victim to the Iran-US conflict.

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