FIFA: Iran’s World Cup Matches to Stay in the US, No Plan B
FIFA president Gianni Infantino killed off any hope of a last-minute venue switch for Iran on Monday, saying the country’s World Cup 2026 fixtures will be played in the United States as scheduled — full stop.
Iran had been pushing FIFA to relocate its group stage matches to Mexico after rising tensions from the US-Israel war with Iran left players and officials fearing for their safety on American soil. Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum had even signalled willingness to take the games. FIFA said no.
“There is no Plan B, C or D. There is only Plan A,” Infantino said. “The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”
Iran’s football federation had described the talks as ongoing “negotiations.” Infantino shut that framing down too. Iran, he confirmed, will take on New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 — regardless of the political climate.
The team is currently training in Turkiye, with the World Cup opener just weeks away.
Earlier this month, Iran signalled it may boycott US-hosted fixtures while staying in the tournament. But FIFA is not moving. And with the World Cup kicking off June 11, time to find any other arrangement has run out.