FIFA President Confirms Iran Will Play World Cup Matches in United States as Scheduled
By Sadia Khan :
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially dismissed requests to relocate Iran’s 2026 World Cup fixtures, insisting the matches will proceed in the United States as originally planned. Speaking during a surprise visit to Turkey on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Infantino confirmed that the ongoing armed conflict between Washington and Tehran would not alter the tournament’s venue schedule.
The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) had been lobbying to move its three Group G matches from Los Angeles and Seattle to Mexico. Iranian officials cited the U.S. military’s involvement in recent strikes as a primary security concern, arguing that American soil is no longer a neutral or safe environment for their national team. However, Infantino remained resolute following Iran’s 5-0 friendly victory over Costa Rica in Antalya, stating that the matches will be played where they were supposed to be according to the draw.
The decision arrives amidst a backdrop of severe geopolitical tension and internal team turmoil. While U.S. President Donald Trump previously stated that the Iranian team is welcome, he suggested their presence might not be appropriate for their own life and safety, a comment the FFIRI interpreted as a veiled threat. Internally, the Iranian squad has also faced disruption following the reported expulsion of star striker Sardar Azmoun. The Shabab Al-Ahli forward, who has 57 international goals, was omitted from the training camp after posting an image with the ruler of Dubai, a city that has recently been targeted by Iranian proxy attacks.
Despite the friction, Infantino pledged his full personal support to the Iranian players and coaching staff for their tournament preparations. Iran is currently scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium in the same city on June 21, and a final group stage fixture against Egypt at Seattle’s Lumen Field on June 26. FIFA officials noted that moving the matches would be logistically and commercially impossible given that tickets have already been sold and international broadcast agreements finalized.
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