Iranian international Mehdi Torabi's continued World Cup participation is in jeopardy, the state-run IRNA news agency reports. The winger was granted only a one-time visa to the United States and is now reportedly not allowed to re-enter the country.
SportsBanned flags, protests and a saved point - but also new travel problems and upset feelings. Iran drew 2-2 in the opening match against New Zealand. "We are the most oppressed team in the World Cup," says Iran's national team captain Amir Ghalenoei.
SportsA VAR referee who was accused of making a suspicious white power gesture on camera during the World Cup has been cleared by FIFA, reports the BBC.
FootballFIFA wants to improve relations between Israel and Palestine. The federation's new idea is for the two countries to play the opening match of FIFA's new under-15 tournament, The Athletic reports, citing sources.
FootballThe largest Iranian diaspora is in the United States, particularly California, which is getting ready to host "Team Melli" in the World Cup. Mayor Sheila Rossi, who is half-Iranian, had hoped the tournament would be a unifying force but is now doubtful after six months of war. "Seeing this division is hard for me," she says.
SportsOne of the VAR referees in the World Cup match between Germany and Curaçao has been accused of making a white-power gesture on camera. Now a FIFA partner is calling for the referee to be excluded, the AP news agency reports.
FootballSomali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States, will receive the same basic salary as other World Cup referees, the BBC reports.
Football"Carry Diogo Jota in your heart as you experience your shared dream." Jota's widow writes in an emotional letter to Scotland captain Andy Robertson ahead of the World Cup. "He will be at the forefront of my thoughts," Robertson says.
SportsOn Thursday, the World Cup kicked off at the newly renovated Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. But behind the luxury boxes are workers who risked paying a high price. "Putting these events in countries where workers have to risk their lives so we can watch football is fucking not okay," said Ombudsman Jonas Eriksson, who inspected the stadium.
FootballSpectators were in the aisles, not in the stands. That is FIFA's explanation for the sparse crowd at the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic.
FootballGhana's midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied a visa to Canada and will miss his team's first World Cup match against Panama, The Athletic reports.
SportsThe president of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, has not been granted a visa to the United States, despite having World Cup accreditation.
FootballProtests, record-breaking ticket prices, and two warring nations can settle matters on the pitch. The World Cup is full of controversy. FIFA is a greed machine, says researcher and former professional footballer Jules Boykoff.
FootballReferees will be given cameras, and the ball must be charged before matches. In addition, all players will be 3D-scanned before the tournament. The 2026 World Cup will be the most technology-heavy to date. AI will play an important role, FIFA's head of innovation Johannes Holzmüller said at a press conference.
FootballHaiti is forced to change its World Cup match jerseys. FIFA bans jerseys featuring an illustration of a 200-year-old war scene that it considers political.
FootballFIFA president Gianni Infantino has called it "unfortunate" that Somali referee Omar Artan has been banned from refereeing at the World Cup.
FootballFIFA President Gianni Infantino does not miss an opportunity to market the World Cup as football's biggest party. The question is: for whom and which ones? For many national team fans, it means staying home. Football should be for everyone, Moutaz Neffati says.
FootballMore matches at this year's World Cup in North America risk being played in heat that can be dangerous to the body. It is dangerous for players, but also for fans who gather outdoors, says researcher Friederike Otto.
SportsThe Somali World Cup referee who was denied entry to the United States has now returned home to the capital Mogadishu - where he was hailed as a hero by supporters and government representatives.
SportsWith just days left until the start of the World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is in a bind. He is being sued by former UEFA president Michel Platini.
FootballThe Iranian Football Federation says the United States has revoked its allocation of World Cup tickets. "We do not have a single ticket to offer our supporters," the federation wrote.
FootballSomali football referee Omar Artan was set to become the first from his country to referee the World Cup. Now he has been denied entry to the United States and removed from the tournament.
FootballOn June 11, the World Cup kicks off at the newly renovated Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. But behind the luxury boxes are workers who have risked paying a high price. "Putting these events in countries where workers have to risk their lives so we can watch football is fucking not okay," says Ombudsman Jonas Eriksson, who inspected the stadium.
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