FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Thursday that Iran will play its 2026 World Cup group-stage matches in the United States [1].
The decision is significant because it ensures the participation of the Iranian national team despite the longstanding and severe political tensions between the U.S. government and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Infantino made the announcement during a FIFA address in Canada [2]. He addressed potential concerns regarding the team's ability to enter the country for the tournament. "Of course Iran will play in the United States of America," Infantino said [3].
According to FIFA, all three group-stage matches for the Iranian team will be held on U.S. soil [1]. The specific venues designated for these matches are Los Angeles and Seattle [4].
Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt during the group stage [5]. The confirmation comes as FIFA manages the logistics for the 2026 tournament, which is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
While the organization did not provide specific details on visa arrangements during the address, the confirmation indicates that FIFA expects the diplomatic hurdles to be managed to allow the team's participation [4]. The tournament remains one of the largest sporting events in history, and FIFA has historically pushed for the inclusion of all qualified nations regardless of geopolitical conflicts.
“"Of course Iran will play in the United States of America."”
This confirmation signals FIFA's commitment to maintaining a 'neutral' sporting environment, attempting to decouple international athletics from diplomatic disputes. By securing venues in Los Angeles and Seattle, the organization is betting that the logistical and security frameworks of the 2026 World Cup can override the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington.
