Was the 2026 World Cup a Success or a Failure? This summer’s tournament was the biggest, but not necessarily the best. Sports Illustrated · Jul 22
Tango, Tattoos and Tuxedos: The 48 Best Quotes From the 2026 World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Neymar Jr, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and many more were responsible for some of the best quotes of the summer. Sports Illustrated · Jul 22
Iran hit out at ‘lies and mistreatment’ following US official’s joy at team’s exit Iran’s football federation has accused the co-hosts of pedalling ‘lies’, saying they are ‘used to mistreatment’ The Guardian - UK · Jun 30
'It's a Disaster World Cup': Iran Captain Mehdi Taremi Blasts FIFA Over Visas and Playing in Enemy Host Nation Iran's World Cup captain, Mehdi Taremi, accuses FIFA of neglecting his team amid political tensions, visa issues, and unfair treatment during the 2026 tournament. International Business Times UK · Jun 28
Iran narrowly knocked out of tumultuous World Cup on Austria's last-second goal Iran has been eliminated from the World Cup, narrowly failing to advance past the group stage in a politically charged tournament where the team played its matches amid tight restrictions imposed by the United States The Independent UK · Jun 28
Iran coach: US treatment at World Cup 'really terrible' Iran's World Cup journey ended with a controversial 1-1 draw against Egypt, a result that left players and coach Amir Ghalenoei feeling "very unfairly" treated. A late disallowed goal, coupled with logistical challenges and perceived poor hospitality from the host nation, marred their experience. Despite these hurdles, the team expressed… The Economic Times · Jun 27
‘Disaster World Cup’—Iran Lashes Out at U.S., FIFA After Group Stage FIFA president Gianni Infantino also came under fire. Sports Illustrated · Jun 27
‘This must never happen again’: Iran coach hits out at the US and tells Infantino to stand up against hosts Iran’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has said Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, must ‘stand up’ to the US The Guardian - UK · Jun 27
Iran and Egypt avoid talking about World Cup 'Pride Match' in Seattle Ahead of their World Cup match with Egypt, Iran's football team, facing a Pride celebration in Seattle, stated they would only answer questions related to the game. Both nations had previously requested the cancellation of Pride events. FIFA, however, permits rainbow flags in the stadium. Iran's coach emphasized their sole… The Economic Times · Jun 26
World Cup 2026: Seattle set for Iran-Egypt match amid ‘Pride Match’ controversy Rainbow flags are expected to flutter across Seattle's stadium on Friday when Iran meets Egypt in the World Cup Group G match as the city marks its annual Pride parade. The two countries last year asked for Pride-themed celebrations to be cancelled, a request FIFA denied. Players and officials of… France 24 · Jun 26
'Pride Match' organizers highlight Seattle's inclusivity amid opposition from Iran and Egypt Seattle’s stadium is expected to be brimming with rainbow flags for a World Cup match between teams from two of the most repressive countries for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people The Independent UK · Jun 26
Iran and FIFA refuse to answer questions about Seattle’s World Cup ‘Pride Match’ vs. Egypt Iran's coach and FIFA officials have refused to answer questions about a World Cup “Pride Match” in Seattle The Independent UK · Jun 26
Fifa confirms rainbow flags to be allowed at Egypt v Iran World Cup ‘Pride Match’ Iran and Egypt have attempted to sidestep questions about their reluctance to take part in the match celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Seattle The Guardian - UK · Jun 26
Gary Lineker Says Iran Have Been 'Treated Very Unfairly' at the 2026 World Cup Gary Lineker criticises the visa restrictions forcing Iran to base in Mexico during the 2026 World Cup, highlighting travel challenges and calling for fair treatment. International Business Times UK · Jun 24
Euronews · Jun 24 US eases restrictions on Iranian national football team allowing travel two days before next match The US Department of Homeland Security says it had always intended on easing restrictions on the Iranian team after ensuring that safety protocols were up to order.
The Guardian - UK · Jun 21 Iran’s Beiranvand denies 10-man Belgium in World Cup draw as Nathan Ngoy sees red Iran had a goal disallowed for offside while battling to a 0-0 draw with 10-man Belgium, with Alireza Beiranvand saving brilliantly from Maxim De Cuyper
The Independent UK · Jun 21 Belgium v Iran LIVE: Red Devils held by Iran after Nathan Ngoy red card and Alireza Beiranvand heroics Alireza Beiranvand denied Maxim De Cuyper from barely four yards to leave the Red Devils with just two points from two games in Group G
The Economic Times · Jun 21 FIFA World Cup 2026: Only half training time, says Iran coach as he slams preparation restrictions before Belgium clash Iran's football coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has voiced frustration over the challenging travel and preparation conditions for his team ahead of their World Cup match against Belgium. He highlighted inconsistent US entry policies that limited training time, contrasting it with Belgium's smoother arrangements. While acknowledging FIFA's efforts, Ghalenoei questioned why logistical…
The Independent UK · Jun 21 Iran coach questions US officials’ inconsistency as training for World Cup clash with Belgium cut short The US administration’s handling of the Iranian football team has repeatedly come under scrutiny
The Guardian - UK · Jun 21 World Cup 2026: Egypt manager denies Salah rift; Spain screening scrapped due to Madrid heat – as it happened Sunday’s World Cup news included denials of a rift in the Egypt dressing room and a match viewing cancelled in Spain
The Economic Times · Jun 21 FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran coach says team still faces unfair treatment from US ahead of second match Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration over travel restrictions and visa issues imposed by the US at the World Cup, impacting his team's preparation. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic FIFA will intervene. Ghalenoei highlighted the team's dedication to their nation and appealed for fair treatment, emphasizing football should remain…
Sports Illustrated · Jun 21 Belgium vs. Iran—World Cup: Preview, Predictions and Lineups Belgium and Iran were forced to accept draws in their opening matches in Group G.
The Independent UK · Jun 19 Iran to lodge complaint over United States travel restrictions at World Cup The Iranian team have been forced to set up their base in Mexico despite playing all their group games in the United States
The Independent UK · Jun 16 US official says Iran knew team would have to leave the country shortly after World Cup match The Trump administration is pushing back on complaints from Iran’s national team that it was forced to leave the U.S. immediately after its first World Cup match instead of having a day to recover in a hotel, saying that was the plan for the team all along
Sports Illustrated · Jun 16 Iran ‘Tired’ of Treatment at 2026 World Cup, Call on FIFA for More Support With strict travel in and out of the United States, Iran has to stay in Mexico.