FIFA’s Infantino Says Iran Will Be At 2026 World Cup, Play In United States As Scheduled

FIFA’s Infantino Says Iran Will Be at 2026 World Cup, Play in United States as Scheduled FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and that the team’s group‑stage matches will take place in the United States as originally scheduled, despite the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the U.S. and Israel. Speaking to AFP during a friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica in southern Turkey on Tuesday, Infantino said “Iran will be at the World Cup,” emphasizing the governing body’s confidence in the team’s participation. “That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team. I’m very happy,” Infantino said at half‑time of the match, adding that he had spoken with players and the coach and that preparations were progressing well. Infantino stressed that Iran’s fixtures will be played in the U.S. “where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” despite earlier concerns that the current war might force venue changes. Iran is set to play its first Group G game on June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand, followed by matches against Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles and Egypt on June 27 in Seattle. The tournament opens on June 11, 2026, across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Iran’s participation had been in doubt since a war erupted on February 28, following U.S. and Israeli military action and retaliatory strikes, creating diplomatic and safety concerns around the Iranian team’s travel and presence in the U.S. Earlier this month, Iran’s football federation said it was “negotiating” with FIFA about relocating the team’s World Cup matches from the U.S. to Mexico due to security fears. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly stated her country was prepared to host Iran’s first‑round matches if needed.

Infantino said FIFA had no “Plan B, C or D” and reaffirmed commitment to the original schedule, signaling that the organization stands by its match venues despite geopolitical tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump initially gave assurances that the Iranian team would be welcome to participate, but later suggested it might be “not appropriate” for them to travel to the United States “for their own life and safety.” Iran responded sharply, asserting that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.” Despite these mixed signals, Infantino and FIFA have maintained that the competition must proceed as drawn, with all qualified teams competing under FIFA rules and commitments from host nations. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, football officials and fans will be watching closely how Iran’s team navigates preparations amid ongoing conflict and whether any further diplomatic or logistical challenges arise ahead of the global tournament.