Wikipedia

List of 2026 FIFA World Cup controversies

Many controversies have come out of the preparation and staging of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Climate

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In January 2025, Queen's University Belfast warned about potential heat risks for most of the host cities and urged FIFA to schedule match kickoffs later into the afternoon or evening, stating that the wet-bulb globe temperature in certain host cities was higher than that of Qatar in the winter.[1] During the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which was also hosted in the United States, several matches reported high temperatures ranging from 90 to 102 °F (32 to 39 °C) and weather delays.[2][3] In December 2025, FIFA announced that all matches at the 2026 World Cup would include a mandatory three-minute hydration break in each half to allow players to rest in hot conditions.[4] The three-minute period would also be available for commercials at the discretion of tournament broadcasters.[5] On May 20, 2026, a letter from New Weather Institute signed by dozens of players called for FIFA to take stronger action for their heat protocols during the tournament as well as to reduce the climate impact of the game.[6]

Concerns have also been raised by climate activists about the environmental impact of both the expansion to 48 teams as well as traveling between host cities, most of which will require extensive air travel and increase carbon emissions, a counter to one of FIFA's goals on sustainability.[7] A report by Scientists for Global Responsibility in July 2025 calculated that the amount of greenhouse gas emissions for the tournament would make it one of the most polluting events in the world as it would be almost double the average for the last four tournaments (2022 reportedly had 5.25 million metric tons [5.79 million short tons]), roughly the same amount as 6.5 million cars driven for a year.[8]

Immigration policy in the United States

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During the bidding process, President Donald Trump's executive orders regarding immigration from certain Muslim-majority countries in 2017 implemented during his first term were touted as a potential risk. Infantino stated, "any team, including the supporters and officials of that team, who qualify for a World Cup need to have access to the country, otherwise there is no World Cup."[9] In response, the Trump administration sent letters to FIFA that read, in part, that Trump was "confident" that "all eligible athletes, officials and fans from all countries around the world would be able to enter the United States without discrimination."[10]

Concerns around the staging of the tournament were also raised during the first meeting of the FIFA World Cup Task Force due to the immigration policy of the second Donald Trump administration. In response, Vice President JD Vance said, "Of course, everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event, but when the time is up, they'll have to go home. Otherwise, they'll have to talk to Secretary Noem."[11]

On June 11, 2025, the Sports & Rights Alliance, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International called on FIFA to ensure that human rights in the United States were upheld during the tournament, especially in light of the use of force during the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles where journalists and protesters were attacked by local police.[12][13][14] Following the killings of civilians Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents during immigration enforcement operations in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area in January 2026, fan group Football Supporters Europe stated that it was "extremely concerned by the ongoing militarisation of police forces in the US."[15]

2025 travel ban and exemptions

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In June 2025, the second Trump administration reinstated a travel ban affecting citizens from multiple countries, citing national security concerns.[16] The ban, which was later expanded in December, prohibits the issuance of new immigrant and non-immigrant visas for citizens of 39 affected countries, including those whose teams have qualified for the World Cup—Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. The proclamation includes an exemption for any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting events as determined by the Secretary of State.[17][18]

This exemption ensured that national teams' players, coaches, and staff of those designated countries would be permitted to enter the United States for the competition, but the US State Department confirmed that ordinary citizens of the four countries were not covered by this exemption, making them ineligible for visa issuance to attend the matches. While fans were permitted to submit visa applications with the promise of priority if they provided proof of tickets, the department noted that issuance would be unlikely, barring rare "national interest" waivers. However, this restriction can be circumvented if a fan is a valid visa holder, a permanent resident, or a dual national who applies using a passport not subject to the ban. In such cases, applicants may still be eligible to enter or apply for entry, provided they satisfy all other immigration and security requirements.[19][20][21]

The U.S. government has decided to temporarily drop the $15,000 visa bond requirement for fans from five African countries that have made it to the 2026 World Cup — Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia — as long as they have a valid ticket for the tournament. At the same time, the U.S. banned fans from Iran and Haiti from traveling to the World Cup; players, coaches, and support staff from those two countries are not affected by the ban.[22]

Visa bond program

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Aside from the travel ban, the Trump administration also introduced a “visa bond” policy in August 2025 targeting nationals from countries with high overstay rates, inadequate screening and vetting information, or those that offer citizenship by investment programs, whereby applicants can obtain citizenship without a residency requirement.[23][24][25] The qualified teams affected under this policy are Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia, requiring aspiring fans to pay a deposit of up to $15,000 in order to secure a B-1/B-2 visitor visa needed to attend World Cup matches in the United States.[26] Unlike the travel ban, there is no word if the policy will apply to national team players, coaches, and staff from the designated countries but The New York Times reported that FIFA is looking to get exemptions for players from those nations who are on the list.[27][28] In May 2026, the U.S. government has decided to temporarily drop the $15,000 visa bond requirement, as long as they have a valid ticket for the tournament.[22]

Ebola quarantine

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In light of the deadly Ebola outbreak within the African nation, United States officials have informed the Democratic Republic of the Congo national team that they will be required to remain in a 21-day quarantine in Belgium prior to their entry into the United States.[29]

On May 20, 2026, Colombia issued a health alert in relation to the upcoming FIFA World Cup match between it and the DRC.[30]

Averted potential boycott over Greenland

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Following US assertions regarding Greenland in January 2026, European political and sporting figures discussed a potential boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with calls for action emerging from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.[31][32] While major governing bodies remained cautious,[33][34] the debate highlighted growing friction between FIFA—headed by Gianni Infantino, who presented a "FIFA Peace Prize" to US President Donald Trump in December 2025—and European soccer associations, with some figures drawing parallels to the exclusion of Russia from international competition in 2022.[35]

Iran's participation

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On November 27, 2025, the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) said it would boycott the December 5 World Cup draw after its president, Mehdi Taj, was denied a visa to enter the United States. Four other delegation members, including head coach Amir Ghalenoei, were approved. An FFIRI spokesperson told state media the United States' decision was "unrelated to sport" and said the federation quickly raised the issue with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.[36] However, on December 3, the FFIRI reversed its decision and announced that it would send representatives to the draw, with head coach Ghalenoei serving as the technical representative of the national soccer team.[37]

FIFA has long promoted the World Cup under the slogan "Football Unites the World," presenting it as a symbol of global connection and harmony. However, several reports suggest that the 2026 edition is taking place in a more complex context, with political tensions, including those involving Iran and the United States, as well as security concerns and immigration and visa policies in the United States, potentially making participation in the tournament more difficult.[38] Some analysts also describe the tournament as facing a mix of political, security, and logistical challenges at the same time.[39] Some commentators argue that while FIFA continues to emphasize messages of unity, these conditions may undermine that narrative by highlighting divisions and unequal access for fans from different parts of the world.[40]

Protests and massacres in Iran

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In January 2026, multiple Iranian soccer players and athletes were killed during the 2026 Iran massacres amid protests, including former Tractor Sazi F.C. midfielder Mojtaba Tarshiz, prompting former Iran national team captain Masoud Shojaei to criticize FIFA for its silence over the killing of Iranian athletes during protests, while then-captain Mehdi Taremi expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.[41][42][43][44] Ali Karimi, a former player for the Iran national team, along with a coalition of prominent Iranians, wrote an open letter to FIFA and all its member associations, calling on Infantino to speak up on the protest deaths.[45]

On April 30, 2026, protests were held outside the 2026 FIFA Congress in Vancouver, calling on FIFA to ban the Iranian team and stating that it represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) instead of the people of Iran.[46] On May 19, it was reported that FIFA would again ban the Iranian Lion and Sun flag from World Cup stadiums, similar to previous World Cups.[47][48] On May 26, FIFA faced the threat of legal action from The Institute for Voices of Liberty for their ban of the Lion and Sun flags.[49]

Iran war

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Further complications regarding Iran's participation occurred as a result of the 2026 Iran–United States crisis in February 2026, which resulted in the United States and Israel launching missiles at Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at Israel and Persian Gulf Arab states, as well as additional spillover missile strikes in Jordan. FIFA stated that it was monitoring the situation and was focused on getting all countries to participate, despite reports saying Iran may not participate.[50][51][52]

According to The Guardian, if Iran were to withdraw, intercontinental playoff participant Iraq or the United Arab Emirates, the last Asian Football Confederation team to be eliminated from the qualifiers, could be likely beneficiaries to replace it in Group G.[53][54] FIFA has warned that Iran could face fines and a ban from future competitions should it withdraw from the tournament.[55] However, on March 10, Iran hinted that it may do so due to the risk of defections from players, similar to the women's team during the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Australia.[56]

Following a meeting with US President Trump on March 10, Infantino said that Trump had reiterated that the Iranian team "is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States".[57] In a post on Truth Social, Trump later added that, while the team is welcome, it would "[not be] appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety".[58] In response, Iran asked for FIFA to remove the United States as tournament hosts, referring to Trump's statement that the Iranian team's safety could not be guaranteed.[59][60]

On March 11, Iran's Minister of Sport and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, reportedly ruled out participation in the World Cup in an interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur, citing the assassination of Ali Khamenei, and later told Iranian state television that "under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup", though the team's withdrawal has not been confirmed by FIFA.[61][62]

On March 17, it was reported that FFIRI was negotiating with FIFA to move Iran's scheduled matches from the United States to Mexico, again citing Trump's statement that the Iranian team's safety could not be guaranteed.[63] However, FIFA denied Iran's request to move its matches and said that the schedule will go ahead as planned.[64]

That same day, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated that it had not received any formal notification from Iran regarding an intention to withdraw from the tournament. Speaking to reporters at AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, General Secretary Windsor John said that the final decision rests with FFIRI, adding that "the federation has informed us that they are going to the World Cup." He also expressed hope that Iran would resolve its internal issues and participate, noting that the team was among the first Asian teams to secure qualification, having done so in March 2025.[63]

On March 27, ahead of a scheduled AFC Champions League Elite match, state media reported that Iran's Ministry of Sport and Youth had banned its sports teams from traveling to countries it considers "hostile", but it did not explicitly mention the World Cup.[65]

The Group G host cities, which include Los Angeles and Seattle, as well as Iran's initial base camp city Tucson, Arizona, reportedly fear increased security risks.[60]

In March 2026, the United States suggested Italy should take Iran's spot in the World Cup, according to the Financial Times.[66] In April 2026, FIFA president Infantino confirmed Iran's participation, stating: "The Iranian team is coming, for sure."[67][68]

In May 2026, Iran announced its demands for attending the World Cup, which includes visa guarantees for players, staff, journalists, and fans without further questioning by immigration authorities, security guarantees for players and staff, and "respectful" treatment of the Iranian flag, symbols, and national anthem. Requests were also made to have any press conference featuring the Iranian team to not include questions not related to the game.[69]

On May 16, 2026, FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström met with Iranian Football Federation officials in Istanbul to offer reassurance over Iran's participation in the World Cup, following concerns about the team's ability to enter the United States due to the ongoing Iran war. Earlier, Iranian FA President Mehdi Taj had been refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress due to his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the United States and Canada classify as a terrorist entity. FIFA confirmed it was working with relevant authorities to ensure all teams could compete in a safe environment without discrimination.[70]

On May 19, the Iran national team reached Istanbul to start the training camp for the World Cup. It was later confirmed that Iran would play a friendly in Turkey against Gambia before the start of the tournament.[71][72] The Iranian Football Federation announced later that the Iranian national football team's training camp for the World Cup has been moved from the United States (in Tucson, Arizona) to Tijuana, Mexico, due to security concerns, which received official approval from FIFA.[73]

Impact on Iraq

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The war also significantly impacted Iraq's logistical preparations for the interconfederation playoffs, needing to win just one match to qualify for the World Cup. Following the closure of Iraqi airspace and the suspension of international flights, the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs intervened to grant entry visas for the national team through diplomatic channels in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, since Mexico does not have an embassy in Iraq.[74] However, despite the issuance of visas, over 60% of the domestic-based squad remained stranded in Baghdad, and a scheduled training camp in Houston before the playoffs was canceled.[75][76] Head coach Graham Arnold was forced to manage team operations remotely from the United Arab Emirates, as the delegation was unable to secure safe passage out of the conflict zone during the initial weeks of the war.[77]

The Iraq Football Association (IFA) formally petitioned FIFA to postpone the playoff match, citing the impossibility of safe transit for the players and staff.[75] FIFA denied the request, citing the rigidity of the FIFA International Match Calendar, and instead proposed an alternative overland route through Turkey to Istanbul.[76] This proposal was rejected by IFA and Arnold due to security concerns regarding repeated Iranian strikes in the Kurdistan region.[77] Amidst these travel complications, the Mexican government maintained its commitment to the team's participation, working directly with the Iraqi Embassy in Mexico to finalize all documentation. On March 16, it was confirmed that FIFA would provide a chartered private jet to transport the Iraqi team to Mexico.[78] The original plan was for the team to fly on March 20 from the Arar Domestic Airport in Saudi Arabia, near the Iraqi border, and arrive in Monterrey the next day, 10 days before the match.[79] However, further airspace closures in the area forced the group of players and staff based in Iraq to travel overland to Jordan where they departed on a charter flight from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman on March 21. After a technical layover in Lisbon, they arrived in Monterrey minutes after midnight.[80][81]

On March 31, Iraq qualified for the World Cup after a 40-year absence by beating Bolivia 2–1 in the intercontinental playoff final, marking the longest qualifying campaign ever by a national team, spanning 21 matches over a period of 28 months beginning in November 2023.[82][83]

Pride Match (Egypt vs Iran)

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A "Pride Match" was planned in advance to take place in Seattle, organized by the local committee to tie into the local celebration and without endorsement by FIFA. After the draw and release of the schedule, it was determined that this match would feature Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is punishable by law.[84] Seattle's Pride Match Advisory Committee spokesperson said "The Pride Match has been scheduled to celebrate and elevate Pride events in Seattle and across the country and it was planned well in advance".[85] Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said both countries had "objections" and that the branding was an "irrational move that supports a certain group." Iran was planning to appeal the decision.[86] The Egyptian Football Association also sent a formal letter to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström rejecting "in absolute terms" LGBTQ connections to the match.[87]

Human rights and security in Mexico

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Labor rights

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In March 2025, the trade union Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI) accused FIFA of blocking a planned labor inspection at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, which is undergoing renovations in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to BWI, FIFA's intervention prevented inspectors from evaluating working conditions at the site, raising concerns about potential labor rights violations similar to alleged instances of slave labor at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.[88]

Unrest in Jalisco

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Following the capture and death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes in Tapalpa on February 22, 2026, retaliatory violence was launched by CJNG members across the state of Jalisco and various other Mexican states which involved shootouts, explosions, and blocking roads using burnt vehicles as well as setting fire to various businesses, raising concerns about security during matches played in Guadalajara, Jalisco's largest city. Despite this, FIFA officials have no intentions to move any matches and the Mexican government has reassured visitors that security would be guaranteed for visitors.[89][90] In March 2026, Mexico announced that 100,000 troops would be deployed for security during the tournament.[91]

Ticket prices

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In September 2025, FIFA confirmed it would use dynamic pricing for tickets for the first time in a World Cup, following the practice used in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.[92] The use of demand-based pricing drew criticism from some United States lawmakers, who argued that it could reduce affordability for fans. FIFA stated that its variable pricing approach differed from fully dynamic pricing, as adjustments were made based on periodic reviews of demand rather than automatic real-time changes.[93]

Fans and players have voiced concerns about high ticket prices, specifically to matches hosted in the United States.[94] FIFA's methods of ticket distribution have been scrutinized, as they have deployed a dynamic pricing system for fans to buy tickets through the organization's official website, which constantly re-prices tickets based on demand, rather than the traditional first-come, first-served method of ticket distribution. FIFA also uses its own secondary market for fans to sell among themselves.[95]

New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has attempted to combat FIFA's price gouging by campaigning for FIFA to end their dynamic pricing model, albeit to no avail.[96] House Democrats have also called on FIFA to lower prices, and have been ignored by the organization.[97]

FIFA was heavily criticized by the media and fans for hiking ticket prices for the final match at MetLife Stadium, with a single ticket costing US$11,000.[98] USMNT midfielder Timothy Weah stated that tickets are "too expensive", criticisms that were dismissed by manager Mauricio Pochettino, which caused backlash from American fans.[99][100][101] In May 2026, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the price of tickets, insisting the organization "had to apply market rates".[102]

Final match halftime show

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On September 28, 2024, FIFA announced that Global Citizen, an international advocacy organization, would co-produce a halftime show for the final match at MetLife Stadium, the first halftime show in the history of the World Cup.[103] The show is intended to copy the format of the Super Bowl halftime show, featuring a well-known musical performer to increase the tournament's commercial appeal in the market. On May 14, 2026, FIFA announced that the halftime show would feature performances by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.[104]

The show has generated debate in the global soccer community. Supporters argue that the event modernizes the World Cup and provides a platform for global cultural exchange and revenue growth. However, critics, players, media, unions, and traditionalist fan groups have criticized what they view as the "Americanization" of soccer. Primary objections focus on the potential extension of the traditional 15-minute halftime interval, which generated an argument that it will disrupt player recovery, interfere with technical coaching adjustments, and break the natural flow of the match.[105][106]

Decentralized host committees in the United States

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Unlike previous World Cups where there was a centralized organizing committee, each of the 11 US host cities have set up their own individual host committees, with independent deals with FIFA. As a result, most of the financial and legal responsibilities have shifted from a national level to a local one, including the majority of those for infrastructure improvements, public safety and security, and transportation.[107][108]

In February 2026, the Select Board of Foxborough refused to grant the entertainment license to hold matches at Gillette Stadium, stating that they still needed $7.8 million upfront in security funding, which is too heavy of a burden for a community with a population of about 18,000 to pay now and wait to be reimbursed later.[107][109] While the federal government had earmarked a total of $625 million for security in the 11 US host cities, it remained unclear how much Foxborough's share would be and when it would receive it.[110] In addition, while the local Boston host committee is responsible for most of the public safety costs, they were still waiting on federal grant funding.[108] The town board had set a deadline of March 17 for the funding issue to be resolved, which was accomplished when Robert Kraft agreed five days before the deadline that his company would pay the bill.[109][111]

Various cities have also had issues regarding the planning of the FIFA Fan Festival, which has resulted in plans for large central fan festivals, typically seen at the tournament, either being canceled and replaced with smaller community focused festivals or scaled down due to high costs in New York/New Jersey, Miami, and Seattle.[112][113][114]

References

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  1. ↑ "Rethink kick-off times during 2026 FIFA World Cup to protect footballers from extreme heat". Queen's University Belfast. January 30, 2025. Archived from the original on April 26, 2025.
  2. ↑ Hoefling, Jon (June 23, 2025). "Extreme heat at the Club World Cup: Latest weather updates at tournament venues". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 24, 2025. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  3. ↑ Shephard, Sarah; Pelit, Asli (June 23, 2025). "Extreme heat at the Club World Cup: Players and fans voice concerns as temperatures soar". The Athletic. Archived from the original on June 24, 2025. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  4. ↑ "All World Cup matches to have hydration breaks". BBC Sport. December 8, 2025. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  5. ↑ Bushnell, Henry (December 8, 2025). "2026 World Cup to feature three-minute hydration breaks in every half throughout tournament". The Athletic. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  6. ↑ Press, The Associated (May 20, 2026). "World Cup-bound Norway player backs calls for improved heat protocols from FIFA". AP News.
  7. ↑ L, Jennifer (March 27, 2025). "How Soccer's Carbon Footprint Adds Up: A Closer Look at the Global Game Called Football". Carbon Credits. Archived from the original on March 28, 2025.
  8. ↑ Roan, Dan (July 9, 2025). "World Cup 2026 'most polluting ever' claims report". BBC Sport. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  9. ↑ Hill, Tim (March 9, 2017). "Trump travel ban could prevent United States hosting World Cup". The Guardian. Archived from the original on November 14, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2017.
  10. ↑ Das, Andrew (June 12, 2018). "How 3 Letters From Trump Might Help Bring the 2026 World Cup to the U.S." The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  11. ↑ Madarang, Charisma (May 7, 2025). "Trump Admin Warns FIFA World Cup Fans: 'Don't Overstay Your Visa'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on May 7, 2025. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  12. ↑ "World Cup: A Year Out, Growing Attacks on Rights". Sport & Rights Alliance. June 11, 2025. Archived from the original on June 12, 2025.
  13. ↑ Kunti, Samindra (June 12, 2025). "Pressure groups unite to urge FIFA action on human rights at World Cup". Inside World Football. Archived from the original on June 12, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Los Angeles protests live: Troops sent by Trump arrive in LA with more immigration raid protests expected". BBC News. June 7, 2025. Archived from the original on June 13, 2025. Retrieved June 8, 2025.
  15. ↑ Roan, Dan (January 30, 2026). "2026 World Cup: Fan group 'extremely concerned' by ICE raids in US before summer tournament". BBC Sport. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  16. ↑ Abnos, Alexander (June 5, 2025). "Trump travel ban includes exemption for World Cup and Olympic athletes". The Guardian. Archived from the original on June 5, 2025. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
  17. ↑ Abnos, Alexander (December 17, 2025). "World Cup countries Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire among additions to Trump travel ban". The Guardian. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Further Restricts and Limits the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States". The White House. December 16, 2025. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
  19. ↑ Crafton, Adam (November 20, 2025). "U.S. Government's travel bans mean many Haitian fans will not be able to go to World Cup". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Travel Ban and its impact for the nationals of Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela. What you need to know. – WOLA". WOLA. Archived from the original on September 20, 2025. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  21. ↑ Miceli, Cristina (November 20, 2025). "U.S. Travel Ban Could Block Thousands Of Fans From The 2026 FIFA World Cup". The Travel. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  22. 1 2 "Fans from five African World Cup countries will no longer face $15,000 bond to enter US". The Guardian. May 13, 2026. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
  23. ↑ "Countries Subject to Visa Bonds". Department of State. January 8, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program". Federal Register. August 5, 2025.
  25. ↑ "Visa Bond Pilot Program". Columbia University. October 23, 2025.
  26. ↑ Abnos, Alexander (March 25, 2026). "Fans and players from five African World Cup countries face $15,000 bond to enter US". The Guardian. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  27. ↑ Hay, Phil (March 26, 2026). "World Cup fans' $15,000 bonds to enter U.S. Plus: MLS commissioner's Salah hope". The Athletic. The New York Times. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  28. ↑ Gunn, Jason (March 26, 2026). "A $15K payment looming for some World Cup players and fans just to enter the country". FOX 5 DC. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  29. ↑ "DRC World Cup squad ordered to isolate before entry to US due to Ebola outbreak". The Guardian. May 23, 2026. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
  30. ↑ "Alerta sanitaria en partido de Colombia ante República Democrática del Congo en el Mundial 2026 en México por brote de ébola" [Health alert issued for Colombia's match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico due to an Ebola outbreak]. infobae (in Spanish). May 20, 2026. Archived from the original on May 21, 2026. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  31. ↑ Ames, Nick (January 20, 2026). "Concerned European football chiefs discuss response to Trump over Greenland". The Guardian.
  32. ↑ "German soccer federation official wants World Cup boycott considered because of Trump". Associated Press. January 24, 2026.
  33. ↑ Roan, Dan (January 21, 2026). "'No desire' for World Cup boycott over Greenland". BBC Sport.
  34. ↑ "France not considering soccer World Cup boycott over Greenland for now". Associated Press. January 21, 2026.
  35. ↑ Ames, Nick (January 22, 2026). "A World Cup boycott over Trump? Football's hypotheticals cannot be dismissed any more". The Guardian.
  36. ↑ MacInnes, Paul (November 28, 2025). "Iran to boycott World Cup draw over lack of visa for federation president". The Guardian. Retrieved November 28, 2025.
  37. ↑ "Iran says to attend World Cup draw in apparent U-turn". Radio France Internationale. Agence France-Presse. December 3, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
  38. ↑ Harding, Jonathan (March 17, 2026). "World Cup 2026: Is the US-Iran war an ethical tipping point?". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  39. ↑ "What will happen to the World Cup in the United States amid the conflict with Irán and the current geopolitical situation?". Latin Nation. April 3, 2026.
  40. ↑ "A host nation at war with a participant: uncertainty and tension swirl around soccer's World Cup". UTS. March 25, 2026. Retrieved May 2, 2026.
  41. ↑ Kamiar, Babak (January 15, 2026). "Iranian footballers killed in protests as former national team captain slams FIFA silence". Euronews. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  42. ↑ Duerden, John (January 14, 2026). "Iran's footballers face battle to be heard as regime brutally clamps down on protests". The Guardian. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  43. ↑ MacInnes, Paul (January 15, 2026). "Geopolitical football: Iran? Trump? How the game can stand strong in a fractured world". The Guardian. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  44. ↑ Abedi, Hooman (January 25, 2026). "Iran's bid for normalcy via sport: Matches return but players refuse the script". Iran International. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  45. ↑ Aarons, Ed (January 26, 2026). "Iran football great Ali Karimi leads call for Infantino to speak up on protest deaths". The Guardian. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
  46. ↑ https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/they-are-not-representing-iran-protesters-urge-fifa-ban-iran-world-cup-2026-04-30/
  47. ↑ Crafton, Adam; Kamrani, Christopher (May 19, 2026). "FIFA will again prohibit the pre-revolutionary Iran flag in World Cup stadiums" – via NYTimes.com.
  48. ↑ "FIFA to ban pre-revolutionary Iran flag at World Cup - Athletic". www.iranintl.com. May 19, 2026.
  49. ↑ Nicholson, Paul (May 27, 2026). "FIFA threatened with legal action if it bans Iran's pre-revolution 'lion and sun' flag".
  50. ↑ Ogden, Mark (February 28, 2026). "FIFA to 'monitor developments' in Iran ahead of 2026 World Cup". ESPN. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  51. ↑ Buckingham, Philip; Bushnell, Henry (February 28, 2026). "FIFA focused on 'everybody participating' at World Cup after U.S. attack on Iran". The Athletic. Retrieved February 28, 2026 – via New York Times.
  52. ↑ Fish, Hal (February 28, 2026). "Iran now 'unlikely' to attend 2026 World Cup – nation most likely to replace them is revealed". GiveMeSport.
  53. ↑ Hughes, Matt (March 2, 2026). "Iraq or UAE could take Iran's World Cup finals spot due to Middle East crisis". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
  54. ↑ Whitebloom, Grey (March 11, 2026). "Three Potential Replacements for Iran at 2026 World Cup". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  55. ↑ Hughes, Matt (March 9, 2026). "Iran could face possible Fifa tournament ban if they withdraw from World Cup". The Guardian. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
  56. ↑ "After women players defect, Iran hints men will skip World Cup". France 24. March 10, 2026.
  57. ↑ "Trump will welcome Iran at World Cup – Infantino". BBC. March 11, 2026. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  58. ↑ "U.S. President Trump: Iran should skip World Cup 'for their safety'". ESPN. March 13, 2026. Retrieved March 13, 2026. The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.
  59. ↑ Salley, Emily (March 12, 2026). "US and Iran call for each other's World Cup absence". BBC. Retrieved March 13, 2026. Certainly, no-one can remove the Iranian national team from the World Cup. Rather, the country that should be removed is the one that merely carries the title of host but does not have the ability to ensure security for the teams participating in this event.
  60. 1 2 Makayasa, Adhe (March 13, 2026). "Iran respond to Donald Trump over World Cup fiasco after national team quit tournament over USA conflict". Goal. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  61. ↑ "Sports minister rules out Iran participation at World Cup in US". DPA International. March 11, 2026. Retrieved March 11, 2026.
  62. ↑ Hughes, Matt (March 11, 2026). "Iran's sports minister says football team will not play at 2026 World Cup". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  63. 1 2 "Iran negotiating with FIFA to move World Cup games to Mexico from US". CNN. Reuters. March 17, 2026. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
  64. ↑ Hughes, Matt (March 17, 2026). "Fifa will not agree to move Iran's World Cup matches from US to Mexico". The Guardian. Retrieved March 18, 2026.
  65. ↑ "Iran forbids sports teams from travel to 'hostile' countries". ESPN. March 27, 2026. Retrieved March 28, 2026.
  66. ↑ "Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in football World Cup". Financial Times. April 22, 2026.
  67. ↑ "Iran participating in World Cup, FIFA president confirms". The Straits Times. April 16, 2026. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
  68. ↑ Snelson, Flora (April 23, 2026). Roan, Dan (ed.). "World Cup 2026: No Fifa plan to swap Iran and Italy after Trump envoy asks for switch". BBC. Retrieved April 23, 2026.
  69. ↑ "Iran lays out demands after confirming 2026 World Cup participation". The Independent. May 10, 2026.
  70. ↑ Axon, Iain (May 16, 2026). "FIFA officials to meet Iranian FA to discuss World Cup on Saturday, says source". Reuters. Retrieved May 16, 2026.
  71. ↑ Toksabay, Ece (May 19, 2026). "Iran begin Turkey camp as squad prepares for World Cup visa process". Reuters. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  72. ↑ "Iran 'to play' at least one friendly in Türkiye before World Cup". OneFootball. May 12, 2026. Retrieved May 19, 2026.
  73. ↑ Hudson, Elizabeth (May 24, 2026). "Iran says World Cup base moved to Mexico from US". BBC. Retrieved May 25, 2026.
  74. ↑ "Mexico grants visas to some Iraq players for World Cup qualifier in Monterrey". Associated Press. March 11, 2026. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  75. 1 2 Gonzalez, Dante (March 9, 2026). "2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs face possible setback as Iraq requests postponement from FIFA". World Soccer Talk. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  76. 1 2 "'Sleepless nights': Arnie's desperate FIFA plea as war throws Cup qualifying bid into chaos". Fox Sports (Australia). Agence France-Presse. March 10, 2026. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  77. 1 2 "Travel chaos threatens Iraq's participation in World Cup playoffs". SuperSport. Reuters. March 5, 2026. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  78. ↑ "FIFA arrange private jet to get Iraq to Mexico for 2026 final qualifier". Inside World Football. March 16, 2026. Retrieved March 17, 2026.
  79. ↑ "Learn About Iraq's Journey to Mexico". Yalla Shoot. March 17, 2026. Retrieved March 18, 2026.
  80. ↑ "Iraq team arrives in Mexico for World Cup playoff despite travel hurdles". Iraqi News. March 23, 2026. Archived from the original on March 23, 2026. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  81. ↑ Flores Aldana, Omar (March 22, 2026). "¿Cómo fue la travesia de Irak para jugar repechaje en Monterrey?" [What was Iraq's journey like to play the playoffs in Monterrey?] (in Spanish). ESPN México. Archived from the original on March 23, 2026. Retrieved March 23, 2026.
  82. ↑ Buckingham, Philip (March 14, 2026). "It's taken Iraq 20 matches and 28 months to get a shot at the World Cup. Now comes the hard part". The Athletic. The New York Times. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
  83. ↑ Duerden, John (April 2, 2026). "21 games later: Iraq back at the World Cup after epic qualifying campaign". The Guardian. Retrieved April 14, 2026.
  84. ↑ Smith, Emma (December 8, 2025). "2026 World Cup 'Pride Match' to feature Egypt and Iran". BBC Sport. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  85. ↑ James, Alastair (December 9, 2025). "Iran and Egypt object to playing World Cup 'Pride Match'". PinkNews. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  86. ↑ "Iran objects to 'Pride Match' branding of World Cup game against Egypt". The Straits Times. December 9, 2025. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  87. ↑ Smith, Emma (December 9, 2025). "2026 World Cup: Seattle 'Pride Match' set to happen despite Egypt objections". BBC Sport. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  88. ↑ MacInnes, Paul (March 11, 2025). "Fifa accused of blocking labour inspection at 2026 World Cup stadium". The Guardian. Archived from the original on March 11, 2025. Retrieved March 24, 2025.
  89. ↑ Janetsky, Megan (February 25, 2026). "Cartel violence fuels doubts about FIFA World Cup games in Mexico". AP News. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  90. ↑ Garcia, Adriana (February 25, 2026). "FIFA have 'complete confidence' Mexico can host World Cup despite unrest". ESPN. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  91. ↑ Poole, Harry (March 6, 2026). "World Cup 2026: Co-hosts Mexico plan to deploy 100,000 security personnel". BBC Sport. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
  92. ↑ "FIFA to use dynamic pricing for World Cup tickets". ESPN.com. September 3, 2025. Retrieved September 3, 2025.
  93. ↑ "World Cup last-minute ticket sales phase re-opens 50 days from kick-off". Reuters. April 22, 2026. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  94. ↑ Gay, Jason (April 20, 2026). "The $150 Train to a $2,000 Seat: The World Cup of Price Shock". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 21, 2026.
  95. ↑ Cassidy, John (April 20, 2026). "Are World Cup Tickets Worth the Price Tag?". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
  96. ↑ Safid Deen (September 10, 2025). "Zohran Mamdani calls for end of World Cup dynamic ticket prices". USA Today. Gannett. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  97. ↑ Powell, Adam (March 12, 2026). "House Democrats call on FIFA to lower 2026 World Cup ticket prices". Yahoo Sports. El Paso Times. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  98. ↑ Mohamed, Loai (April 3, 2026). "11 thousand dollars.. a crazy surge in 2026 World Cup ticket prices | Goal.com US". Goal. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
  99. ↑ Joe Hernandez (April 1, 2026). "FIFA World Cup ticket prices are soaring. Here's why". NPR. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  100. ↑ Kabbour, Abderrahim (April 1, 2026). "2026 World Cup Ticket Prices 'Sky-High' as Fans Face Delays, Limited Access". Morocco World News. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  101. ↑ "Mauricio Pochettino dismisses criticism of World Cup ticket prices by American winger Tim Weah". KING 5. Associated Press. January 29, 2026. Retrieved April 2, 2026.
  102. ↑ Dalleres, Frank (May 6, 2026). "Fifa defends World Cup ticket prices: 'We had to apply market rates'". City AM. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
  103. ↑ Willman, Chris (September 28, 2024). "Global Citizen to Produce Halftime Show for FIFA World Cup Final, Starting in 2026". Variety. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  104. ↑ McKenna, Lorraine (May 14, 2026). "Madonna, Shakira & BTS to headline World Cup show". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on May 14, 2026. Retrieved May 14, 2026.
  105. ↑ Marcotti, Gabriele (March 8, 2025). "FIFA, Infantino can have a World Cup halftime show: Just end it in 15 minutes". ESPN. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  106. ↑ Smith, Brian T. (March 5, 2025). "'Nobody wants this' – FIFA angers fans with major 2026 World Cup announcement that could turn Final into NFL Super Bowl show". talkSPORT. Retrieved December 19, 2025.
  107. 1 2 Crafton, Adam (February 26, 2026). "Boston's World Cup games hang in balance amid finger pointing over a missing $7.8m". The Athletic. The New York Times.
  108. 1 2 "Why Foxborough is Holding up a Key FIFA World Cup 2026 License for Gillette Stadium — and What Happens Next". NESN. February 26, 2026.
  109. 1 2 Margain, Oscar; Prichard, Matt (February 17, 2026). "FIFA flap: Foxborough mulls license for World Cup games over security funds". NBC10 Boston.
  110. ↑ Olivieri, Anthony (February 7, 2026). "Foxborough demands clarity on $8M World Cup security funding". ESPN.
  111. ↑ Olivieri, Anthony (March 13, 2026). "Kraft Group guarantees upfront funding for Boston World Cup games". ESPN. Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  112. ↑ Fleming, Margaret (February 24, 2026). "World Cup Cities Scaling Back Fan Fest Plans". Front Office Sports. Retrieved April 3, 2026.
  113. ↑ "FIFA Fan Fest Cancelled Ahead of 2026 World Cup: Organizers Shift Strategy". The Parking Station.
  114. ↑ Crafton, Adam (February 24, 2026). "Miami may have to cancel World Cup Fan Fest over funding delay, warns committee chief". The Athletic. New York Times.
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