The rumors heated up as the international competition entered its final weeks.
Taija PerryCook
Published July 3, 2026
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup heated up, we kept up with rumors swirling around the national soccer teams fighting for the top spot.
For example, we examined a rumor that one of the Iranian players made a celebratory gun gesture and another that Norway's team brought its own food and chefs to the U.S. In the past, Snopes also reported on topics surrounding the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, held in Russia and Qatar, respectively.
Below are 15 claims we've looked into involving the FIFA World Cup over the years about the players, team rivalries, tickets for fans — and more.
Iran soccer team's message thanked LA for hospitality after World Cup match
Why Norway's World Cup team brought its own food and chefs to US
Was Iranian soccer player Mohammed Mohebi deported from US after 'gun gesture' celebration?
Does video show Uruguay's soccer team being searched by sniffer dog in US? What we know
Did Trump offer crypto rewards to FIFA World Cup fans? Don't be fooled
Did Pope Leo XIV say he'd 'probably' cheer for Peru over US in FIFA World Cup?
Will US ban World Cup attendees over antisemitism online? We investigated
What Mamdani actually said about World Cup tickets
Don't fall for video of FIFA president criticizing Trump for taking Club World Cup trophy
Trump said he kept original 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Trophy?
Is FIFA considering moving 2026 World Cup matches outside US due to concerns over Trump's immigration policies?
Did Budweiser Tweet and Delete This About the World Cup Games in Qatar?
Other Sanctions on Putin: No More Black Belt, World Cup, Or Eurovision
Did Gareth Southgate Wear an 'It's Coming Home' Waistcoat?'
The Truth About 'Earthquakes' Caused By Jubilant Sports Fans
Sources
'FIFA World Cup'. AP News, https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup. Accessed 18 June 2026.
'FIFA World Cup 2026TM'. United States Department of State, https://www.state.gov/fifa-world-cup-26/. Accessed 18 June 2026.
By Taija PerryCook
Taija PerryCook is a Seattle-based journalist who previously worked for the PNW news site Crosscut and the Jordan Times in Amman.
Source: Snopes.com
