Overview
- Gianni Infantino, speaking Wednesday at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, said Iran will take part in the tournament and framed the decision as keeping sport separate from politics.
- FIFA has rejected Iran’s request to move its group games to Mexico, with Mexico’s president confirming the denial as Iran remains slated for Los Angeles twice and Seattle.
- Senior FIFA managers have discussed asking President Trump to pause ICE raids during the event, while ICE’s acting director says Homeland Security Investigations will play a key security role.
- A union for about 2,000 food service workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is demanding written assurances that ICE and Border Patrol will have no role in operations and is warning of a possible strike.
- FIFA rules give the body sole discretion if a team withdraws, a rare scenario since 1950 that would upend tickets, travel plans, and team bases across multiple host cities.