Iran to Compete in 2026 World Cup in the US Amid Geopolitical Tensions

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will play its 2026 World Cup matches in the United States as planned, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. This announcement comes amid negotiation efforts by the Iranian football federation to potentially relocate their matches to Mexico due to the war involving the US and Israel.

In response to queries about the situation, Infantino stated unequivocally, "The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw." The tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is set to commence on June 11, 2026, with Iran facing New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will also compete against Belgium on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.

Iran's participation in the tournament was initially jeopardised by the outbreak of conflict which began on February 28. At the time, tensions rose significantly between Iran and both the US and Israel. During a friendly match against Costa Rica, Infantino addressed concerns about Iran's World Cup status, assuring media representatives that the national team would be competing. He remarked, "Iran will be at the World Cup … That’s why we’re here," expressing his satisfaction with the team's readiness.

The FIFA President had previously mentioned assurances from US President Donald Trump, who, however, later remarked that the Iranian team should reconsider travelling to the tournament due to safety concerns. In response, Iran firmly stated, "No one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup."

On March 19, Infantino reinforced FIFA's dedication to ensuring that all scheduled matches proceed as planned. He stated, "We are committed to making sure the World Cup goes ahead ‘as scheduled’ with ‘all teams’ taking part," emphasising that FIFA aims to utilise the tournament as a platform for promoting peace amid ongoing conflicts.

On the sidelines, Iran's football team has demonstrated solidarity with victims of the conflict. In a recent match against Nigeria, team members wore black armbands and held school backpacks during the national anthem, honouring the victims of a tragic air strike that occurred in Iran resulting in the deaths of at least 170 individuals, including school children and teachers.

According to a report by The New York Times, early findings from a US military investigation suggest that a US Tomahawk cruise missile inadvertently struck a primary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab due to a targeting error. As the World Cup approaches, FIFA remains focused on the importance of fair play and mutual respect among all participating teams, reiterating its commitment to using football as a means of fostering dialogues and peace amidst contentious global circumstances.