Infantino: Iran will play World Cup matches in the United States

Iran will take part in the World Championship, and their matches will be played in the US as scheduled, claims FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.

There has been ongoing uncertainty about the participation of Iran in the World Cup because of the war between the United States and Israel with the Middle Eastern country.

The football governing body in Iran revealed earlier in March that they are negotiating to relocate Iran’s matches in the World Championship from the USA to Mexico.

“Iran will play in the World Cup this summer,” FIFA president shared with the media. “We are very happy about that because they have a great team and they will have the chance to show it to the world.”

“The games will be played according to the original plan.”

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Infantino warns football is “taking a big risk” with league matches played abroad

Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand and Belgium in LA on 15 and 21 June, respectively, and Egypt in Seattle, 5 days after that.

The World Cup, which starts on June 11^th, will be played in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

BREAKING: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has told AFP that Iran “will be at the World Cup” despite the US-Israeli war on Iran. pic.twitter.com/JQGjYCPtkm

— Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) March 31, 2026