“We want the World Cup to…”- Gianni Infantino gives fresh update on FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule amid uncertainty over Iran’s participation | International Sports News
Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place as planned, even as doubts remain over Iran’s participation due to rising geopolitical tensions. The tournament will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is scheduled to begin on June 11 in Mexico City and end with the final on July 19 in New Jersey.Iran has already qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament. They are placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. However, the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has created serious concerns. Questions remain about whether the Iranian team will be able to travel and safely compete in matches scheduled in the US.
FIFA remains confident tournament will go ahead as planned
Despite the uncertainty, FIFA leadership remains confident about the tournament’s schedule. During an online FIFA Council meeting, Gianni Infantino said that the organization is preparing for a full competition with all 48 qualified teams. He emphasized that FIFA expects every nation to take part in a spirit of unity and respect. According to him, the governing body is moving forward with its plans and will soon finalize the list of participating teams (as reported by France24).Meanwhile, concerns from Iran’s side continue to grow. Mehdi Taj, who heads the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has raised safety issues. He said the country is in discussions with FIFA about possibly shifting its matches to Mexico instead of the United States. This request comes due to fears over security and the current political climate.Taj also suggested that statements from Donald Trump have added to Iran’s concerns about safety while traveling to the US. These remarks have increased uncertainty around Iran’s participation in matches scheduled in cities like Los Angeles and Seattle.Additionally, Ahmad Donyamali expressed a stronger stance. He indicated that Iran may refuse to take part in the tournament. His comments showed the seriousness of the situation. It also shows the impact of political tensions on global sporting events.Despite these issues, FIFA continues to focus on ensuring the tournament proceeds smoothly. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to feature 104 matches. This will mark its biggest edition in history. While discussions are ongoing, the final decision regarding Iran’s participation is still awaited.
