FIFA confirms Iran will play World Cup games in the US as scheduled

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed Tuesday that Iran will play all three World Cup group games in the U.S. as originally drawn.trtworld
Iran had sought to move matches to Mexico after the U.S.-Israel military conflict made travel to America untenable, according to Iranian officials.reuters
Infantino, speaking at Iran’s friendly in Turkey, said he met with players and staff and dismissed any alternative plans for the tournament.indiatimes

FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play 2026 World Cup Games in the United States

FIFA President Gianni Infantino declared on Tuesday that Iran will compete in its 2026 World Cup group-stage matches at venues in the United States as originally scheduled, rejecting proposals to relocate the games to Mexico amid the ongoing military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran.

“There Is Only Plan A”

Speaking to AFP at halftime of Iran’s 5-0 friendly victory over Costa Rica near Antalya, Turkey, Infantino left no room for ambiguity. “Iran will be at the World Cup. That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team,” he said. “The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”trtworld

In a separate interview with Latin American broadcaster N+ Univision, Infantino was more emphatic: “There is no Plan B, C, or D. There is only Plan A.” He added that FIFA “cannot resolve geopolitical conflicts” but would use “the power of football to build bridges.”bluewin

The standoff traces back to February 28, when the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation against Israel and Middle Eastern nations hosting US military bases. Iranian officials, including the sports minister, subsequently said the national team could not travel to the United States given the conflict. The president of the Iranian Football Federation asked FIFA to move the matches to Mexico, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country would be willing to host. But Infantino has repeatedly refused.reuters

Schedule Holds, Tensions Remain

Iran are drawn in Group G and scheduled to open against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 15, face Belgium at the same venue on June 21, and close against Egypt in Seattle. The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, begins June 11.yahoo

Infantino said he has spoken with US President Donald Trump about ensuring Iran’s delegation would be welcomed, though Trump said earlier this month he did not think it would be “appropriate” for Iran to take part “for their own life and safety.” Iran face sanctions, including fines and possible bans from future FIFA tournaments, if they withdraw.goal

Despite the diplomatic impasse, Iran’s team has continued preparing. Infantino, who attended Tuesday’s friendly unannounced, said he had met with the players and coaching staff. “Everything is fine,” he said.hindustantimes