Iran to play World Cup matches - FIFA

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Iran will play their World Cup matches in the United States in June as scheduled despite the country's ongoing ‌armed conflict with the tournament co-hosts.

“Iran will be at the World Cup … That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team. I’m very happy. I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” Infantino said.

According to the FIFA chief, Iran will play their World Cup 2026 games at U.S. venues as scheduled.

"The matches will be where they should ​be according to the draw," Infantino said.

The Iranian football federation said earlier this month that it was “negotiating” with FIFA to relocate the country’s World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, due to the US and Israel’s war with Iran.

The World Cup, being hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, gets under way on June 11, with Iran set to play their first Group G game against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

They are then scheduled to play Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.