- FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup as originally scheduled.
- The Iranian national team is set to play its group stage matches in various American cities.
- Officials dismissed previous requests to move the matches to Mexico despite the ongoing regional conflict.
Gianni Infantino has officially stated that Iran remains part of the upcoming World Cup, with no changes to their match locations. Despite the geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, the FIFA president clarified that the team will compete on American soil. This announcement ends weeks of speculation regarding a potential relocation of their fixtures.
The Iranian football federation had previously explored the possibility of moving their games. Reports indicated that negotiations for a venue change to Mexico were underway earlier this month. However, Infantino rejected any scheduling modifications, insisting that the tournament must follow the results of the initial draw. He expressed personal satisfaction with the team’s inclusion, citing their competitive strength.
Specific dates and locations for Iran’s matches have already been established for the June tournament. The team is scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, followed by a game against Belgium on 21 June in the same city. Their final group match against Egypt is set for 26 June in Seattle. The three host nations for the event are the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
While Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum indicated a willingness to host Iran’s matches, FIFA maintains its original plan. Infantino recently visited the Iranian squad during a friendly match in Turkey, where they defeated Costa Rica 5-0. Following this meeting, he assured the public that the players and coaching staff are prepared for the competition as it currently stands.
Iranian football officials have signaled their intent to follow international guidelines despite domestic political concerns. Mahdi Mohammadnabi, the federation’s vice president, emphasized that complying with FIFA regulations is their primary focus. He noted that host countries are obligated to honor their commitments. The presence of top leadership at recent friendly games is viewed as a sign of mutual support.
The situation remains complex due to conflicting statements from political leaders. United States President Donald Trump previously suggested that safety concerns might affect Iran’s participation. In response, some Iranian officials argued that the United States should be the party to withdraw. Nevertheless, the recent 5-0 victory and FIFA’s public backing suggest that no boycott is planned for the summer games.
