ANTALYA, Turkey (Kashmir English): FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said that Iran will play their FIFA World Cup 2026 games in June in the United States as scheduled despite the country’s ongoing armed conflict with the tournament co-hosts.
The Iranian FA (FFIRI) has been trying to convince the world governing body to relocate the team’s three World Cup group matches from the US to Mexico, citing their ongoing conflict with the co-hosts.
Iran said last month they were in discussions with FIFA about a venue switch, as Iran’s sports ministry banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile until further notice.
Infantino, however, was dismissive when asked about the possibility of a venue switch during a surprise visit to Turkiye to watch Iran’s 5-0 friendly win over Costa Rica.
“No, no, the matches will be where they should be according to the draw,” he told media in Antalya, where the Iran squad has been holding a training camp.
“It looks like we’ll be in the right grounds. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, as we saw today. I’m very happy. I saw the team, I spoke to the players and the coaches.”
Iran, who secured their place at the global event in March last year, are scheduled to play all of their Group G matches on American soil — two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle — against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
“Iran welcome in the US”
US President Donald Trump said last month that while Iran’s national team were welcome to play in his country, it might not be appropriate for their “life and safety”.
Trump later clarified that any threat to the players would not come from the United States.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 takes place in the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
