FIFA Confirms Iran's 2026 World Cup Matches in US

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Tuesday that Iran's national football team will participate in the 2026 World Cup and play its group stage matches in the United States as originally scheduled, despite the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.

Infantino made the announcement during halftime of Iran's friendly match against Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, where he attended unannounced and met with the players and coach. "Iran will be at the World Cup," he told reporters. "That's why we're here. We're delighted because they're a very, very strong team. I'm very happy. I've seen the team, I've spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine." He emphasized that the matches would proceed according to the tournament draw, with no changes planned.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is set to begin on June 11. Iran, in Group G, is scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 27. These venues in the United States had come under question following the outbreak of war on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes...