The Iran national football team will participate in the 2026 [1] FIFA World Cup with all group-stage matches scheduled in the U.S. [2].

This decision arrives amid significant political tensions between the two nations, raising questions about security and diplomacy during the global tournament. The move tests the ability of international sports to remain neutral while operating within the jurisdiction of a host country with strained foreign relations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the team will be present for the tournament, which is scheduled for June and July 2026 [3]. The governing body specified that Iran's group-stage games will take place in two U.S. cities: Los Angeles and Seattle [4].

Infantino said the decision was based on the organization's goal to maintain an inclusive environment. "We have to bring people together," Infantino said [5].

The confirmation ensures that the tournament's competitive structure remains intact despite the diplomatic friction. FIFA's leadership has emphasized that the event serves as a platform for unity, regardless of the geopolitical climate between the participating nations [5].

Logistical arrangements for the team's arrival and stay in Los Angeles and Seattle are expected to be coordinated between FIFA and U.S. authorities. The tournament will see a wider array of participants and venues than previous editions, making the inclusion of teams from various political backgrounds a central point of the event's organization [1].

“"We have to bring people together."”

The decision to host Iran in the U.S. underscores FIFA's commitment to the 'sporting neutrality' doctrine, prioritizing the tournament's universality over bilateral political disputes. By placing matches in major hubs like Los Angeles and Seattle, the event will likely require high-level security coordination and specialized visa processing, serving as a rare point of direct, albeit controlled, interaction between the two states.