Infantino Confirms: Iran to Play at 2026 World Cup in the US Despite Tensions

Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), has confirmed that Iran's national football team will play its group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup finals on American soil as scheduled, despite the political tensions in the Middle East region.

Speaking to Agence France-Presse on the sidelines of a friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica in Turkey, the FIFA president explained that the staging of the matches will remain tied to the results of the draw and the tournament's official schedule, with no change at present.

According to the official calendar, the Iranian team will play its group-stage matches in the United States, one of the three host nations alongside Mexico and Canada.

Iran are expected to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, before taking on Egypt in Seattle.