Iran to Play FIFA World Cup in US
Analysis based on 11 articles · First reported Mar 31, 2026 · Last updated Mar 31, 2026
The confirmation of Iran's participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026, despite geopolitical tensions with the United States and Israel, has a minor positive impact on the sports industry by ensuring the tournament proceeds as planned. It also highlights the separation of sports from political conflicts, which could be seen as a stabilizing factor for international sporting events.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and play its group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the ongoing Middle East war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. This confirmation came after the Iranian football federation had been negotiating with FIFA to relocate Iran's matches to Mexico, an offer supported by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Former US President Donald Trump had initially given assurances of Iran's welcome but later expressed concerns for their safety. The decision ensures that the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will proceed with all qualified teams, with Iran scheduled to play New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle. The event also touched upon a tragic airstrike by the United States on a primary school in Iran — Minab, Iran, which killed 170 people, an incident remembered by Iran's players.
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