FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed the organisation’s intention to proceed with the upcoming FIFA World Cup as planned, despite growing uncertainty surrounding Iran’s involvement.
Speaking from Zurich during a FIFA Council meeting, Infantino emphasised that preparations remain on track, with the governing body expecting all qualified nations to participate. FIFA is moving towards finalising the 48-team lineup and maintaining the tournament schedule without disruption.
Iran’s participation has come into question due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The national team is currently scheduled to play group-stage fixtures in the United States, including matches in Los Angeles and Seattle against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.
However, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj has indicated that the team may refuse to play matches in the United States, citing the ongoing conflict involving US and Israeli military actions. Instead, Iran is seeking to relocate its fixtures to alternative host nations.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, offering potential flexibility in scheduling. Iranian authorities have confirmed that discussions with FIFA are ongoing regarding the possibility of moving their matches to Canada or Mexico.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly stated that Mexico would be willing to accommodate Iran’s group-stage games if required, signalling political support for a logistical solution.
From a governance standpoint, FIFA is attempting to balance tournament integrity with external geopolitical realities. Infantino acknowledged that while the organisation cannot resolve international conflicts, it aims to leverage football’s global platform to promote unity and dialogue.
The situation presents a complex operational challenge, with potential implications for scheduling, security, and diplomatic coordination. Nevertheless, FIFA’s current position remains clear: the tournament will proceed as scheduled, with contingency planning focused on ensuring full participation.
