FIFA arrange private jet to get Iraq to Mexico for 2026 final qualifier
March 16 – Having officially asked FIFA for a postponement of their World Cup play-off match in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31, Iraq have now confirmed they will travel.
World Cup
World Cup 2026: Trump changes tune and tells defiant Iran to stay home and stay safe
March 13 – Having said Iran were welcome at this summer’s World Cup in the USA, President Donald Trump said has now sent a chilling advisory to the team not to participate for “their own life and safety.”
Postponing 2026 FIFA World Cup ‘not realistic’ states governing body
March 12 – As geopolitical tensions continue to grip the world in uncertainty, senior officials at FIFA say postponing the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not a realistic option, even as the governing body continues to monitor the conflict involving Iran and its potential impact on the tournament.
Speaking at the International Broadcast Centre for the 48-nation competition, FIFA World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said the scale and complexity of the tournament make any delay extraordinarily difficult.
U.S. National Team to set up base in Southern California ahead of FIFA World Cup
March 12 – The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) will be based in one of soccer’s most vibrant markets in the country, Southern California, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Iranian sports minister says US World Cup ‘not safe’ for their team
March 12 – The speculation over whether Iran will take their place at the 2026 World Cup may have been answered with the country’s Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali saying that “conditions for participation do not exist”.
Trump and Infantino say Iran are welcome at 2026 finals, but Iranian FA boss Taj isn’t feeling the love
March 11 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said that US President Donald Trump had offered reassurances over Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, saying the team are “welcome”.
Mexico promise extra security for 2026 finals; Iraq calls from march playoffs to be suspended
March 9 – World Cup co-hosts Mexico have promised to deploy 100,000 World Cup security personnel to protect this summer’s World Cup following a spike in cartel violence.
Bayern Munich hold first Texas Fest in Houston
March 6s – With the World Cup this summer fast approaching, Europe’s biggest clubs are sensing an opportunity to push their brands in the US. Bundesliga giants, FC Bayern Munich, last weekend held their first-ever Texas Fest in Houston.
Boston’s 2026 World Cup host committee set to foot $8m security bill
March 5 – For weeks, it felt like a high-stakes poker game is the U.S. city of Boston. On one side of the table was the Boston 2026 World Cup host committee, backed by the deep pockets of the Kraft Group and the global machine of FIFA.
2026 FIFA World Cup playoff ticket prices plummet in Mexico
March 3 – With six countries in the hunt to secure a 2026 World Cup berth through the playoffs, tickets are on sale for between $11-17 for matches in Guadalajara and Monterrey, a stark contrast to the gargantuan prices on show for the finals held across the North American continent.
Houston 2026 unveils Freekicks Soccer legacy initiative based on club scholarships and 23 new facilities
March 5 – Houston’s World Cup 2026 host committee has unveiled a legacy project that will see 23 football pitches either constructed or refurbished across six parks. All the pitches are located in underserved neighbourhoods.
Trump unbothered by Iran participation at 2026 World Cup
March 4 – US president Donald Trump has said he doesn’t care whether Iran plays at the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview with Politico, Trump said: “I really don’t care (if Iran participate). I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”
FIFA launches 2026 poster symbolising inclusivity as world fractures
March 4 – With 100 days to go until the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has unveiled the official tournament poster for the first edition of the competition to be co-hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Economic impact study predicts 2026 World Cup is worth $1.1bn to LA
March 4 – An updated economic impact study now projects the 2026 World Cup could generate $892 million across Los Angeles County, up nearly 50% from earlier estimates of $594 million.
U.S. Soccer picks up the fan fest initiative with series of World Cup 2026 free events
March 4 – Yesterday marked 100 days until the World Cup officially kicks off, and U.S. Soccer is upping its game in designing events aimed at bringing fans closer to the atmosphere and building the next generation of supporters and players.