- Jun 27
Iran captain labels World Cup a 'disaster' after VAR disallows late winner and travel restrictions bite
Mehdi Taremi and coach Amir Ghalenoei sharply criticised FIFA and the US hosts after a 1-1 draw with Egypt, a late VAR offside call, and gruelling cross‑border travel left Iran waiting to learn their knockout fate.
- Jun 23
Savannah Guthrie begs for help as ransom notes claim her mother Nancy died after February kidnapping
Two anonymous messages say Nancy Guthrie, 84, died unintentionally shortly after she was taken from her Tucson home on 1 February. Her daughter, the Today co-host, returned to air pleading for tips and a $1 million reward remains.
- Jun 21
Group G doubleheader: New Zealand and Egypt hunt historic first World Cup wins while Belgium face politically charged Iran
New Zealand and Egypt both target a maiden World Cup victory when they meet in Vancouver on Sunday, while Belgium and Iran collide in Inglewood amid diplomatic friction and a hydration break debate.
- Jun 20
US defends Iran World Cup travel limits but signals possible changes for Seattle match
The White House is defending travel restrictions that force Iran’s World Cup squad to fly in and out of the US within 24 hours of each fixture, while holding open the possibility of a change before the team’s third group match in Seattle.
- Jun 19
Iran files FIFA complaint as US enforces day-before-match travel rule, calling treatment a 'dark stain' on World Cup history
Iran's football federation has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, accusing organisers of denying its team equal conditions by restricting entry to the United States to just 24 hours before each group-stage match and requiring immediate departure after the final whistle.
- Jun 16
Iran coach confronts Infantino in locker room over 'most oppressed team' treatment at World Cup
After a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, the Iran coach told FIFA president Gianni Infantino his team is the most oppressed in World Cup history, citing forced travel to Mexico and restrictions on their delegation.
- Jun 16
Elijah Just's brace not enough as New Zealand held 2-2 by Iran in politically charged World Cup opener
Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand but Iran fought back to earn a 2-2 draw in a Group G opener at SoFi Stadium overshadowed by political tensions and visa disputes.
- Jun 15
Iran's World Cup squad arrives in United States to protests as Spain and Belgium enter the tournament
Iran's national team landed in the United States on Sunday ahead of their match against New Zealand, with protests reported. Spain and Belgium are now also taking part in the 2026 tournament.
- Jun 14
War and protests overshadow Iran's World Cup opener in Los Angeles
Geopolitical tensions and a restless diaspora threaten to dominate Iran's first match of the 2026 World Cup against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
- Jun 13
Visa denials and war tensions cloud Iran's World Cup opener against New Zealand
Off-field politics overshadow Iran's Group G debut in Los Angeles on Monday, as 11 delegation members including the federation president remain barred from the United States.
- Jun 10
Iran heads to World Cup without final warm-up as Grenada cancels and visa row deepens
Iran's final test match against Grenada is canceled, and 15 federation officials still lack US visas, adding political tension to the team's World Cup campaign that starts this week.
- Jun 8
Iran's World Cup team lands in Mexico wearing #168 pins for school bombing victims, as US visa disputes deepen
Iran's national football team touched down in Tijuana on Sunday wearing gold lapel pins marked #168, a direct reference to the 168 people killed in a February missile strike on a girls' school in Minab, while 15 delegation members still lack US visas.
- Jun 6
Iran's World Cup squad lands in Tijuana as US visa dispute shadows tournament
The Iranian delegation reached Tijuana early Sunday after weeks of uncertainty over entry permits, with 15 staff still denied visas and conflicting rules on match-day access.
- May 25
Iran Moves World Cup Base Camp to Mexico as U.S.-Iran War Strains Relations
The Iranian national football team relocates its 2026 World Cup base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, amid security and visa concerns triggered by the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. FIFA confirmed the move on Monday, with Mexico’s president stating her country has ‘no issue’ hosting the team.
