FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that Iran’s World Cup matches will continue as scheduled in the United States, despite warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the safety of the Iranian players. During a press interaction in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday, Infantino emphasized that there are no intentions to relocate the matches. He stated, “No, no, the matches will be where they should be according to the draw.” This affirmation comes in light of escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. in the context of regional conflicts.

Iran’s Bid to Change Match Locations

Having secured a place in the tournament last year, the Iranian national team is slated to contest all their Group G matches in the United States, with venues set in Los Angeles and Seattle. These matches will be against teams such as Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The Iranian Football Federation had previously approached FIFA to consider moving the games to Mexico due to concerns over safety amid ongoing geopolitical unrest. This appeal is interconnected with Iran’s domestic policy, as the country’s sports ministry has prohibited national and club teams from traveling to nations deemed hostile, which includes the United States given the current international landscape.

Trump’s Remarks on Participation

President Trump earlier expressed mixed sentiments about Iran’s participation in the World Cup. He indicated that while the Iranian national soccer team could attend the tournament, he questioned the appropriateness of their presence for their safety. “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump remarked. He later clarified that any potential threats to the Iranian team would not originate from the United States, yet his comments add a layer of uncertainty regarding their participation in U.S. matches.

Infantino’s Support for the Iranian Team

Despite the unease surrounding the situation, Infantino has reaffirmed support for Iran’s squad in the lead-up to the tournament. Following a recent match where Iran triumphed 5-0 over Costa Rica, the FIFA president stated, “It looks like we’ll be in the right grounds. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team.” He further committed to assisting the Iranian national team until the World Cup kicks off.

Ongoing Uncertainty for Iran’s Participation

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Currently, FIFA’s stance remains steadfast, with Iran expected to fulfill their match obligations in the United States as initially drawn. This situation raises significant questions for the Iranian authorities, who must decide whether to allow their teams to participate under the existing travel restrictions imposed on “hostile” countries.

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