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Infantino and Iran move ahead with World Cup plans amid war uncertainty
After a face to face meeting in Turkey, FIFA and Iran signaled commitment to keeping Iran’s World Cup schedule in the United States while arranging training and security ahead of the June tournament.
Apr 2nd 2026 · Iran
Insights
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino met Iranian federation officials in Antalya and pledged support for Iran’s World Cup preparations.
- FIFA says Iran’s games will remain in the United States and there is no plan to move matches to Mexico.
- Iran is due to arrive at its Tucson training base by June 10 ahead of a June 15 Group G opener in Inglewood against New Zealand.
- Iran played closed warmups in Antalya, losing 2-1 to Nigeria and beating Costa Rica 5-0, with most players coming from a domestic league that is paused.
- Star striker Sardar Azmoun was absent from the squad reportedly at the order of state authorities over a social media post.
- Arizona hosts are upgrading training facilities and coordinating local and federal security ahead of the team’s arrival.
Sources
- Iran makes World Cup progress in talks with Infantino as war darkens June trip to US www.independent.co.uk
- World Cup 2026: Iran and Infantino talks progressing as war darkens US trip www.aljazeera.com
- Infantino, Iran delicately move forward with World Cup plans www.theglobeandmail.com
- Iran will be at FIFA World Cup and play in US, says Infantino www.dawn.com