FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will proceed as scheduled, despite escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. The tournament is set to kick off in 84 days, with Iran qualified and due to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Iran had requested that their fixtures be moved to Mexico after US President Donald Trump stated it would not be “appropriate” for the Iranian team to compete on American soil. However, Infantino dismissed any last-minute changes, stating that “FIFA can’t solve geopolitical conflicts” but is committed to using the tournament to promote peace.
Speaking at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Infantino said: “We have a schedule. We will soon have the 48 competing teams confirmed, and we want the FIFA World Cup to go ahead as scheduled.” He reiterated that all teams are expected to compete in a spirit of fair play.
Iran’s stance has shifted since the conflict began. Initially, Minister of Sports Ahmad Donyamali said they would not travel, but football president Mehdi Taj later declared: “We will boycott America, but we will not boycott the World Cup.” Taj had previously called for matches to be relocated, but Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country would await FIFA’s decision.
Infantino, who was awarded the FIFA peace prize by Trump in December, has consistently opposed any changes. The World Cup will feature 48 teams, and Iran is expected to compete on US soil as scheduled.
