Iran to Play in US as Scheduled, FIFA President Confirms

Iran confirmed for World Cup 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino says

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, despite regional conflict and safety concerns.

“FIFA can't solve geopolitical conflicts, but we are committed to using the power of football and...”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the World Cup and play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Infantino stated this at half-time of Iran's friendly match against Costa Rica in Turkey, emphasizing that Iran's matches will take place where they are supposed to, according to the draw.

Iran is set to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle. The country's participation had been uncertain due to the war with the US and Israel, but Infantino met with players and the coach, and everything is reportedly fine. 

“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,” added Infantino, whose attendance at Tuesday's game was unannounced.

Infantino went on to stress that Iran's “matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”

Infantino emphasized that Iran's matches will be played as scheduled, according to the draw.

The World Cup kicks off on June 11, hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. Iran's Group G games include New Zealand on June 15 in LA, Belgium on June 21 in LA, and Egypt on June 27 in Seattle.

Iran's participation in the World Cup was uncertain due to the war with the US and Israel that started on February 28. The Iranian football federation had been negotiating with FIFA to move their matches from the US to Mexico, citing safety concerns.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran will play in the US as scheduled, despite the conflict. Iran is set to play New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 27, all in the US.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has offered to host Iran's first-round matches in Mexico if needed, amid concerns over the team's safety in the US. FIFA President Gianni Infantino initially stated that US President Donald Trump had assured him Iran's team would be welcome, but Trump later backtracked, saying it might not be “appropriate” for them to attend “for their own life and safety.”

Infantino emphasized that Iran's matches will be played as scheduled, according to the draw, with games against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle. The Iranian football federation had sought to relocate their matches to Mexico, citing safety concerns.

Iran has responded strongly to Trump's comments, stating that “no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated FIFA's commitment to holding the World Cup “as scheduled” with “all teams” participating, emphasizing that Iran's matches will be played where they are supposed to, according to the draw.

🚨💣 FIFA President Gianni Infantino has dropped a crystal-clear message on Iran’s place in the tournament: 🇮🇷🇺🇸

“We want to include Iran in the World Cup — there is no alternative plan.”

No Plan B. No Plan C. No Plan D. Iran is locked in for 2026, full stop. pic.twitter.com/PcHNqvvoUx

— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) March 31, 2026

Iran is set to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle. 

“FIFA is looking forward to all teams participating at the World Cup to compete in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect,” Infantino said from Zurich during an online FIFA Council meeting.

“FIFA can't solve geopolitical conflicts, but we are committed to using the power of football and the World Cup to build bridges and promote peace as our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a consequence of the ongoing wars,” added Infantino.

Iran's football team showed solidarity with victims of a school strike by wearing black armbands and holding schoolbags during their friendly match against Nigeria in Belek, Turkey. The gesture was a tribute to the 170 people, including students and teachers, killed in an airstrike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, on February 28, the first day of the Middle East war.

The Iranian players, including Mehdi Taremi, held pink and purple school bags with ribbons as their national anthem played, highlighting the humanitarian toll of the conflict. The team lost the match 2-1 to Nigeria, but the result was secondary to the symbolic message.

The incident has sparked controversy, with Iran's foreign minister accusing the US of a “calculated, phased assault” and the US initially suggesting Iran might be responsible. A US military investigation suggests the strike was a targeting error, and Iran has requested to relocate its World Cup matches from the US to Mexico.

A US military investigation suggests that a Tomahawk cruise missile, likely fired by US forces, hit a school in Minab, Iran, killing at least 170 people, mostly children and teachers. The strike occurred on February 28, and preliminary findings indicate it was a targeting mistake, with outdated intelligence possibly leading to the error.

The investigation is ongoing, with the US military acknowledging the possibility of US responsibility. Iran has accused US Navy officers Leigh R. Tate and Jeffrey E. York of authorizing the missile launch, calling it a “calculated assault” and a “war crime.”

The incident has sparked controversy, with US President Donald Trump initially suggesting Iran was responsible, while others, including Democratic senators, are calling for a full investigation.