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The Latest Breaking News from Mehdi Taj

Many feared a US World Cup under Trump would be a disaster. Its legacy will prove otherwise

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been a raging success, judging by the numbers, the atmosphere and the absence of any major security incident.

The Conversation · Jul 20

Uncertainty over US entry permits for Iran World Cup squad

Uncertainty remains over US entry permits for Iranian players just days before the World Cup begins, with various Iranian bodies denouncing "unfair" treatment. On Sunday Iran's football chief Mehdi Taj -- among some 15 staffers denied US visas, according to Iranian media -- criticised the United States' "unfair" treatment of…

The Economic Times · Jun 7

Iran World Cup squad heads to Mexico as US visa row erupts

Iran has accused the United States of "political interference in sport" after visa denials for some of its World Cup support staff. The Iranian embassy in Turkey stated that a "large" number of managerial and executive staff were denied entry, escalating discriminatory treatment. Iran's Football Federation plans to pursue the…

The Economic Times · Jun 6

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Iran switches World Cup base camp to Mexico, as Washington closes door on squad

Iran's base camp for the 2026 World Cup was on Tuesday switched from the United States to Mexico, after US authorities refused to host the squad for the tournament, which starts on 11 June in Mexico City.

Radio France Internationale · May 26

Mexico Steps in to Host Iran's World Cup Squad as US Tensions Cast Shadow Over Tournament

Mexico will host Iran's national football team for the 2026 World Cup after the US declined due to geopolitical tensions, with the team relocating to Tijuana to avoid visa issues.

International Business Times UK · May 26

Iran's national soccer team to commute to World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal, says Sheinbaum

Iran's national soccer team will not stay in the United States during the World Cup. Instead, they will be based in Mexico. The team will travel to the U.S. only for their scheduled matches. This decision comes after U.S. authorities declined to host the squad throughout the tournament. Mexico's president…

The Economic Times · May 26

Mexico to host Iran's national World Cup team after US refusal

Iran's national football team will base itself in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and travel into the United States only on matchdays after US President Trump said they were welcome to participate but that it is better they not stay in the country "for their own life and…

France 24 · May 25

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Mexico to host Iran's World Cup team after US 'refusal'

Mexico president says her government have met a FIFA approach to provide a base for Iran's World Cup squad following complications over their proposed US stay.

AAP · May 25

Mexico to host Iran's World Cup team after US refusal, president says

Mexico will host the Iranian national football team during the World Cup. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the decision after the United States reportedly declined to host the team. FIFA approached Mexico after the US refusal. The Iranian squad will be based in Tijuana, Mexico. This move aims to avoid visa…

The Economic Times · May 25

Iran heads to World Cup training camp in Turkey with no US visas issued

Iran’s national football team is flying to Turkey amid fears over visa approvals from the United States, with limited preparation and no top-tier friendly matches scheduled.

Euronews · May 18

Iran to hold pre-World Cup training camp in Turkey: Media

The Iran football team is preparing for the World Cup in the United States. They will train in Antalya, Turkey, before traveling to Arizona. The team faces visa delays for their US entry. Iran is scheduled to play a friendly match against Gambia in Turkey. The team had a send-off…

The Economic Times · May 15

Handling it well: Hearts heavy after Celtic penalty and now wary of Paradise loss

In today’s Football Daily: Fitba, visas and Ludek Miklosko

The Guardian - UK · May 14

Iran says no US visas issued yet for 2026 World Cup

Iran's football team faces uncertainty for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Federation chief Mehdi Taj reports no visas have been issued yet. The team awaits guarantees from FIFA regarding the visa process. Players are expected to travel for fingerprinting. Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand, Belgium,…

The Economic Times · May 14

Iran's World Cup team feted at home with public farewell amid US visa fears

Iran's football team was given a state send-off in Tehran on Wednesday with Hezbollah flags and anti-US chants from those gathered, as players and officials await US visas for their World Cup group games.

Euronews · May 14

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The Economic Times · May 14

Football: Iran hold World Cup departure rally despite continuing concerns

Thousands gathered in Tehran for Iran's World Cup send-off. Players showcased their new kit and made patriotic statements. However, concerns linger about the team's entry into the United States for the tournament. Iran's FA is relying on FIFA to resolve visa issues. The team will train in Turkey before the…

The Guardian - UK · May 9

Arbeloa defends fighting players, Glasner vows to rotate, Liverpool v Chelsea buildup – matchday live

Spygate 2.0, Iran say they’ll play at the World Cup subject to certain conditions, the latest from Real Madrid and other news ahead of Saturday’s action

The Independent UK · May 7

Iran set for crunch talks with Gianni Infantino over World Cup 2026

IN FULL

The Guardian - UK · May 6

Arsenal dial up the noise and face final reckoning with the Celebration Police

In today’s Football Daily: Arsenal are in the Bigger Cup final

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The Guardian - UK · Apr 30

Gianni Infantino tells Fifa congress that Iran will play at World Cup in US as planned

Iran’s participation had been in doubt following US and Israeli attacks on the country that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Euronews · Apr 30

Iranian football chiefs turned away at Canada border over IRGC link

Iran's World Cup participation controversy has escalated with a diplomatic incident at Canada's borders involving Iranian football officials. Iran's group stage matches are scheduled in the US, and Tehran authorities have asked FIFA to move them to alternative venues. FIFA has refused.

The Independent UK · Apr 30

Iranian soccer chief ‘denied entry into Canada’ for Fifa event weeks before World Cup

Iranian soccer chief, Mehdi Taj, was reportedly denied entry into Canada for a Fifa event in Vancouver this week

The Independent UK · Apr 23

Iran confirms ‘proud participation’ in World Cup despite conflict with US

Iran’s participation at the World Cup has been in doubt amid its ongoing conflict with the US

Sports Illustrated · Mar 20

Iran Soccer Chief Defines Terms of 2026 World Cup ‘Boycott’

A desire to play Iran’s World Cup opener in Mexico has been expressed.

The Independent UK · Mar 20

Gianni Infantino responds to Iran’s request to move World Cup games from United States

Iran are scheduled to play their three group matches in the US, but will refuse to travel there over fears for their safety

The Independent UK · Mar 19

Iran football chief vows to ‘boycott America, but not the World Cup’ amid bid to move matches to Mexico

Iran’s participation in this summer’s World Cup is in doubt after Donald Trump claimed it would not be ‘appropriate’ for them to play ‘for their life and safety’

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