Fans file complaint over World Cup ticket prices
March 24 – Football Supporters Europe (FSE) and Euroconsumers have filed a complaint with the European Commission against FIFA’s World Cup ticketing prices and policies.
World Cup 2026
World Cup 2026 tunes up with launch of first track on new FIFA album
March 23 – FIFA has launched the first track from its official 2026 World Cup album, with Lighter – a collaboration between Jelly Roll, Carín León and producer Cirkut – released across streaming platforms.
US World Cup cities receive $625m in delayed security funding
March 20 – The 11 U.S. host cities for this summer’s World Cup have finally been awarded $625 million in security funding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), following months of delay that have left local organisers scrambling to finalise plans.
Coca-Cola and Panini combine for 1bn special edition sticker give-away
March 20 – World Cup sponsor Coca-Cola North America has unveiled a collaboration with Panini America, embedding official World Cup stickers directly inside Coca-Cola bottle labels. The activation transforms buying a Coca-Cola product into an entry point into one of football’s most enduring rituals.
Iran preparing for World Cup, but will not play matches in the United States
March 19 – Iranian Football Association President Mehdi Taj has said that the country will boycott the United States, but not the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico confirm they are in discussion with FIFA over hosting Iran’s 2026 games
March 18 – The ‘are they in or out’ debate over Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup has become increasingly political with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum the latest to be drawn into the conflict, confirming on social media that her government is working with FIFA to see if Iran’s games in the World Cup can be played in Mexico instead of in the US.
FIFA agrees YouTube deal for live coverage of 2026 World Cup
March 18 – FIFA has struck what it calls a “game-changing” agreement with YouTube, opening the door for live match content from the FIFA World Cup 2026 to appear on the platform for the first time.
Neymar’s World Cup hopes fade after Brazil snub
March 17 – Neymar’s chances of playing at the World Cup are fading after the Santos star was left out of the Brazil squad by manager Carlos Ancelotti for the March friendlies.
Iran moots moving World Cup matches to Mexico
March 17 – Iran’s place at this summer’s FIFA World Cup is edging into uncharted territory, with the country’s football federation now in talks with FIFA over relocating its fixtures to Mexico.
Los Angeles urges fans to ditch their cars for the World Cup
March 17 – When the World Cup arrives in Los Angeles, local transit officials are betting the easiest and cheapest way to reach the games won’t be behind the wheel.
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 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”.