FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Iran will play at the world cup and that their matches will be held in the United States as scheduled, after months of uncertainty tied to the US‑Israel war with Iran. Infantino spoke directly with US President Donald Trump about the situation and attended Iran’s 5-0 friendly win in Turkey, stressing his backing for the team. The Iranian Football Federation said it has been negotiating with FIFA over a possible relocation to Mexico even as FIFA insists the fixtures stand.
Details of the schedule and immediate logistics
Infantino said Iran will be at the World Cup and expressed confidence in the team’s preparations. The tournament is due to begin on 11 June (ET). Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 June and 21 June respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June, with those match venues remaining in place as drawn.
The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has told officials it was negotiating with FIFA to move the country’s matches from the United States to Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country was prepared to host Iran’s matches if needed. Infantino travelled to watch Iran’s friendly in Turkey while en route from Mexico to another destination, and he met the team in person at that match.
Immediate Reactions: World Cup leaders and Iranian officials
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, said, “Iran will be at the World Cup. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy. ” Infantino also pledged personal support for the team’s preparations and welfare.
Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, vice president of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), said, “For us, what matters most are FIFA’s rules and regulations. We will comply with whatever FIFA decides. ” Nabi added that Infantino’s visit and discussion with the team provided “necessary support” and a morale boost.
Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, stated her country was ready to host Iran’s matches if relocation became necessary. Donald Trump, US President, earlier said Iran would be “welcome to the World Cup” but also signalled concerns for their “life and safety. ” Infantino has spoken with President Trump about the situation in the Middle East as part of efforts to secure the tournament schedule.
Quick context and what’s next
The tournament is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and will start on 11 June (ET). Iran held symbolic displays at the friendly in Turkey, with players showing photos of children killed in war and damaged hospitals and historical buildings.
FIFA’s public position, expressed by Infantino and echoed by FFIRI leadership, is that Iran will participate and that the match locations remain those set by the draw. Negotiations between the Iranian federation and FIFA over a potential relocation to Mexico continue, and Mexican authorities have confirmed their readiness to step in if needed. Officials from FIFA, the Iranian Football Federation and host governments are expected to continue talks in the coming days as preparations for the world cup proceed.
