FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed on Thursday that Iran will play its group stage matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. The announcement was made during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Historic Decision for World Cup Hosting
Infantino stated that the decision was made to ensure a smooth and secure tournament experience for all participating nations. Iran's matches will be held at venues across the U.S., though specific locations and opponents have not yet been finalized. This marks the first time Iran will compete on American soil in a World Cup setting.
Security and Logistical Preparations
The FIFA president emphasized that security costs and preparations are evolving, with close coordination between FIFA, U.S. authorities, and Canadian officials. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino noted that security planning is a top priority to address potential risks.
Iran's participation comes amid ongoing political tensions, but Infantino stressed that football should remain a unifying force. The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 48 teams competing across 16 cities.
- Iran's group stage matches will be exclusively in the U.S.
- Canada and Mexico will host other group and knockout matches.
- The tournament is scheduled from June to July 2026.
This announcement has sparked discussions about diplomatic implications, but FIFA remains focused on delivering a successful global event.
