FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup and play its group matches in the United States as scheduled, dismissing requests to relocate the fixtures to Mexico despite the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has firmly dismissed proposals to relocate Iran’s 2026 World Cup matches, insisting the team will compete in the United States as originally drawn. Speaking to AFP on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, during an unannounced visit to Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica in Turkey, Infantino clarified that there are “no plans B, C, or D” regarding the tournament’s logistics. The Iranian football federation had recently entered “urgent discussions” with FIFA to shift their Group G fixtures to co-host Mexico, citing severe security concerns and the outbreak of war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran on February 28. “Iran will be at the World Cup. That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy,” Infantino stated at half-time of the match in Antalya.
The confirmation comes at a time of extreme diplomatic volatility, with the Middle East conflict—dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by Washington—upending international relations. Despite the Iranian federation’s claims that they cannot ensure the safety of their squad on American soil, Infantino maintained that the tournament must proceed according to the official draw. “I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” he added, stressing that Iran’s “matches will be played where they are supposed to be.” The team is currently scheduled to play New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, both at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, before traveling to Seattle to face Egypt on June 27.
While Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had indicated that her country was prepared to host Iran’s matches if needed, FIFA’s stance appears to be a final rejection of that alternative. Tensions had been further heightened by conflicting signals from the White House; while initial assurances were given that the Iranian team would be welcome, subsequent comments suggested the squad should avoid traveling for their own safety. Nevertheless, Team Melli’s 5-0 thrashing of Costa Rica on Tuesday served as a defiant display of their readiness for the global stage. As the June 11 kickoff approaches, FIFA’s leadership is betting on the “unifying power of football” to overcome the most significant security challenge in the history of the World Cup.
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