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FIFA says Iran will play 2026 World Cup matches in US as scheduled

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup at the venues assigned in the draw despite the US and Israeli war with Iran, after talks about relocation and safety concerns.

Mar 31st 2026 · Iran

Insights

  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Iran will play its 2026 World Cup matches at the venues assigned by the draw.
  • Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, then Egypt on June 27 in Seattle.
  • The Iranian federation asked FIFA about relocating matches to Mexico because of the US and Israeli war with Iran, and Mexico offered to host if needed.
  • Infantino attended Iran's warm-up in Turkiye and said he had spoken to players and coaches and that Iran would participate at the World Cup.
  • Infantino said US President Donald Trump had given assurances Iran would be welcome, but Trump later warned Iran not to travel for their safety.
  • Iran marked the February 28 Minab school strike that killed at least 170 people by wearing black armbands, and the New York Times reported US preliminary findings indicate a US Tomahawk missile mistakenly hit the school.

Sources