Latest Football (Soccer) News

📅March 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM
2026 World Cup faces Iran participation concerns amid US-Iran war; Trump assures welcome, US picks Irvine training base, FIFA vows to proceed despite turmoil.
1

Trump Assures Infantino: Iran Welcome at 2026 World Cup

US President Donald Trump told FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iran's national team is permitted to compete in the 2026 World Cup despite ongoing war tensions.Source 1Source 2 Infantino shared this after their meeting, noting Iran's Group G matches in Inglewood, Seattle.Source 1Source 2 Trump reiterated Iran's welcome, emphasizing football's unifying role.Source 1

2

FIFA Confirms Iran Can Enter US for World Cup Matches

FIFA anticipates Iran will be allowed into the US for World Cup games starting June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood.Source 2 Iran's schedule includes Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle, amid war doubts from Iranian officials.Source 2 Infantino thanked Trump for support post their Tuesday discussion.Source 2

3

USMNT Selects Irvine's Great Park as 2026 World Cup Training Base

U.S. Soccer announced Irvine, California's Great Park as the official USMNT training camp for the 2026 World Cup.Source 3 The team arrives post-June 6 friendly vs Germany, prepping for SoFi Stadium matches vs Paraguay and others.Source 3 Facilities praised for outstanding quality by sporting director Matt Crocker.Source 3

4

FIFA COO: 2026 World Cup Too Big to Postpone Amid Iran War

FIFA World Cup chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi stated the tournament is too big to delay despite US-Israel-Iran conflict.Source 2Source 5 FIFA monitors the situation daily, expecting resolution and full participation.Source 2 The event proceeds from June 11 to July 19 across US, Canada, Mexico.Source 2

5

Infantino Highlights World Cup's Role in Uniting Amid Global Tensions

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed the World Cup's importance in bringing people together now more than ever.Source 1Source 2 He thanked Trump for tournament support after discussing 2026 preparations.Source 1 The expanded 48-team event co-hosted by US, Canada, Mexico.Source 1

6

Iran Secures Early Spot in 2026 World Cup Group G

Iran qualified via Asian playoffs for 2026 World Cup, grouped with New Zealand, Belgium, Egypt.Source 1 Despite political tensions, US confirms their participation.Source 1Source 2 Matches set for Inglewood, Seattle venues.Source 2

7

Reports: Iran Considers World Cup Boycott Over Middle East Escalations

Iran reportedly mulls boycotting 2026 FIFA World Cup due to recent attacks and escalating regional tensions.Source 4 Participation in doubt amid US-Iran war, per officials.Source 2Source 4 Trump and FIFA push for inclusion.Source 1Source 2

8

USMNT Prepares with Friendlies Before World Cup Base Camp

US Men's National Team schedules friendlies vs Belgium March 28, Portugal March 31 ahead of World Cup squad naming.Source 3 Follows Irvine training post-Germany friendly June 6.Source 3 Group stage includes Paraguay June 11, Australia June 19, TBD June 25.Source 3

9

Irvine Mayor Welcomes USMNT World Cup Training at Great Park

Irvine Mayor Larry Agran honored by USMNT's choice of Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium.Source 3 Facilities and staff professionalism highlighted for hosting players, coaches, fans.Source 3 City partners with Soccer Forward Foundation for community coaching programs.Source 3

10

FIFA Monitors Iran Conflict Day-by-Day for World Cup Impact

FIFA's Heimo Schirgi says they track US-Israel-Iran war daily, anticipating resolution.Source 2 World Cup deemed unstoppable, hoping all qualifiers participate.Source 2Source 5 Tournament preparations continue unabated.Source 1Source 5

11

Soccer Forward Foundation Launches Irvine Coaching Initiative for World Cup Legacy

U.S. Soccer's Soccer Forward Foundation partners with Irvine for community coaching development in April pre-World Cup.Source 3 Aims to equip local coaches, impact youth via World Cup momentum.Source 3 Connects global event to community game growth.Source 3