FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Thursday that Iran will play its 2026 World Cup games in the United States as planned, dismissing speculation that geopolitical tensions could force a venue change.
Speaking at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Infantino addressed uncertainty that arose after US and Israeli strikes in the Middle East in February. “Let me confirm straightaway that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he told delegates. “And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America
Iranian officials had suggested moving the team’s group games to Mexico, but FIFA already rejected that proposal. Last week, reports surfaced that Italy-born US special envoy Paolo Zampolli floated replacing Iran with Italy. The US government distanced itself from the idea, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iranian players would be welcome.
Tensions flared again this week when Iran became the only absentee from the 211-member FIFA Congress. Officials from the Iranian football federation (FFIRI), including president Mehdi Taj, landed in Toronto but left Canada before traveling to Vancouver. Iranian media reported the delegation returned home after being “insulted” by Canadian immigration officers.
Canada designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization in 2024. Taj is a former IRGC member. Canada’s immigration agency said Wednesday it could not comment on individual cases but stated: “IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country.”
Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup and will be based in Tucson, Arizona. The team is drawn in Group G with New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Iran opens its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
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