The Digest: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup and play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the ongoing Middle East war. Speaking at Iran's friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey, Infantino said the team's "matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw." Iran is set to play New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle. The Iranian football federation had earlier sought to relocate matches to Mexico amid security concerns
Key Points:
- Infantino confirmed Iran's participation in the World Cup with matches in the US as scheduled.
- Iran will play New Zealand (June 15) and Belgium (June 21) in Los Angeles, and Egypt (June 27) in Seattle.
- Iran had earlier sought to relocate matches to Mexico amid security concerns.
- President Trump had suggested Iran's team should not travel to the US "for their own life and safety."
- Iran wore black armbands in a recent friendly to remember victims of a school strike that killed at least 170 people.
Despite geopolitical tensions, FIFA has reaffirmed that Iran will take its place in the World Cup, underscoring football's role as a bridge even amid conflict.
Sources: AFP, Vanguard News
