FIFA

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.
PLAYERS OF Iran line up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Qatar and IR Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on June 05, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.

Iran considers withdrawing from 2026 FIFA World Cup due to regional conflict

FIFA president Gianni Infantino speaks, as he and Argentina's President Javier Milei attend the inaugural Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, US, February 19, 2026.

IOC says FIFA president's presence at Board of Peace inaugural meeting doesn't violate neutrality

; View of the game ball before a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium

FIFA, Trump's Board of Peace work together to support Gaza reconstruction through soccer


Soccer youth tournament thrown into doubt as Bali refuses to host Israelis

The 24-team soccer tournament is scheduled to be held from May 20-June 11 across six cities and Israel was set to make its debut in the competition.

People attend a protest against Israel outside the U.S. embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, May 21, 2021.

Israel’s Sign Now is changing the lives of deaf people

The Israeli company provides on-demand sign language, and even provided sign language services to FIFA for the World Cup.

 HILA ALMOG demonstrates live interpretation at the company’s Tel Aviv office.

Voices from the Arab press: Lionel Messi isn’t just a good player, he’s also a good human

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

 ARGENTINA’S LIONEL MESSi celebrates winning the Golden Ball award during the World Cup trophy ceremony earlier this month.

How should Israel feel about the 2022 Qatar World Cup? - opinion

We shouldn’t be willing to accept anti-Israel signage as an acceptable default to shrug off. Where were the FIFA officials enforcing the no-politics rules at the World Cup?

 MOROCCO’S DEFENDER #18 Jawad El Yamiq waves the Palestinian flag after his team won the World Cup match against Canada, in Doha, Dec. 1.

A Messi country: Argentina's Jews celebrate World Cup victory

DIASPORA AFFAIRS: Despite a history of antisemitic incidents, Argentina’s Jewish community joined in the national celebrations

 ARGENTINA FANS gather at Buenos Aires’s Obelisk after the World Cup victory parade was canceled, earlier this week.

Hanukkah, Qatar, World Cup, Messi and 'yahrzeit' - opinion

The real winners of Qatar 2022 are the Iranian team, who did not sing their regime’s anthem and who might be facing the death penalty. They are the moral winners of these world championships.

 LIONEL MESSI (L) and the Argentina team arrive in Buenos Aires after winning the World Cup, Dec. 22; coach Leonel Scaloni at R.

Morocco’s World Cup achievement also has greater implications - opinion

Simple human joy of victory: Arabs and Jews celebrate side-by-side with no one staging it for the world’s cameras.

 Morocco's success in the Qatar World Cup has profound implications.

Why did Qatar putting traditional garment on Messi cause controversy? - analysis

Following Argentina's win over France at the 2022 World Cup, people are criticizing Qatar's Emir for putting traditional robe on Messi.

Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani presents Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) with a traditional robe after he won the 2022 World Cup final against France at Lusail Stadium.

With epic World Cup final, has Qatar helped its reputation? - analysis

While the West talks about democracy, it often outsources its security to regimes like Ankara. This is why Qatar, Pakistan and many other regimes are key Western partners

 Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 General view of a pyrotechnic display pictured from outside the stadium after the match

Police in Israel watch World Cup Final at drug lab after raid

The police arrived at the site of an illegal cannabis growing operation after someone reported a gas leak.

Argentina defender Gonzalo Montiel (4) approaches the ball before taking a kick during a penalty shootout during the 2022 World Cup final against France at Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar, Dec 18, 2022.