Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

Force in Play

Managing Group G restructuring and replacement process

Iran qualified as a non-host nation for the 2026 World Cup, then withdrew a year later—the first qualified nation in the modern era to do so for political reasons. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced the withdrawal three months after U.S.-Israeli military strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and devastated the country's military infrastructure.

Updated May 30

Rule Changes

Central stage for corruption, reform claims and World Cup 2026 politics

U.S. prosecutors spent years proving that Hernan Lopez, a former Fox International Channels CEO, and the sports marketing firm Full Play bribed South American soccer officials to lock down lucrative TV rights. A Brooklyn jury convicted them in 2023.

Updated May 10

Rule Changes

World Cup rights holder, organizer and primary commercial beneficiary

In January 2017, FIFA voted to expand the men's World Cup from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2026 — the largest tournament in the competition's history. In June 2018, the "United 2026" bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico beat Morocco to win hosting rights, with promises of record revenues and NFL-scale stadiums across 16 cities.

Updated May 10