Zurich / March 31, 2026 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially confirmed on 31 March 2026 that Iran will play its scheduled 2026 World Cup group stage matches in the United States.
Iran has dropped its threat to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but still refuses to play any matches in the United States. The big question is whether they’ll skip travelling to America for their matches, and what solution FIFA is considering. Is Iran actually boycotting the 2026 World Cup? Here’s what FIFA has decided.
After days of high-stakes negotiations and growing tension, FIFA has delivered its clear and final verdict: Iran’s three group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will stay on United States soil.
No relocation to Mexico. No changes to the schedule. Despite security concerns and political tensions, FIFA has confirmed that all matches will take place as originally scheduled, moving forward exactly as planned on December 5, 2025.
What did FIFA say about Iran’s participation?
Final Decision & Stance
- No “Plan B”: Infantino emphasized there is no alternative plan, stating, “The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”.
- US Assurance: FIFA revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that the Iranian team is welcome and will be allowed to compete in the U.S..
- Rejection of Mexico Relocation: Despite the Mexican President’s willingness to host the matches, FIFA maintained that shifting venues at this stage is logistically unfeasible.
Iran’s Scheduled Matches in the USA
- June 16, 2026 – Iran vs New Zealand – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood (Los Angeles)
- June 21, 2026 – Iran vs Belgium – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
- June 26, 2026 – Iran vs Egypt – Lumen Field, Seattle
What is Iran doing?
Iran’s football federation initially considered a boycott due to security concerns for their players in the United States. They officially requested a venue change to Mexico, but FIFA has rejected all such negotiations, maintaining the original schedule.
- Boycott Withdrawn
- Boycott America” Stance
- Negotiations for Venue Change
What is FIFA doing?
- Request Rejected
- Unified Schedule
- Monitoring Conflict
Why Iran Wanted a Move
Iran was among the first Asian teams to secure their spot in the FIFA World Cup during the qualification process.
The request came after President Donald Trump publicly said the Iranian team is “welcome” but suggested it might not be “appropriate for their own life and safety.” Iran’s Football Federation President Mehdi Taj responded strongly, saying Trump’s comments made travel to America impossible and that talks were underway to shift the games to Mexico.
Iran cited safety fears amid the ongoing regional tensions and the U.S.-Israel conflict. Their embassy in Mexico even posted that the team “will not travel to America.”
FIFA’s Firm Stance
FIFA has now shut the door on any relocation. Sources close to the governing body say moving the games would create massive logistical chaos — broadcasting rights, ticket sales, security planning, and fairness to other teams would all be affected.
FIFA also believes changing the schedule this late (just three months before kick-off) would set a dangerous precedent.
Is Iran Boycotting the 2026 World Cup? Here’s What FIFA Decided.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has officially backed down from its threat to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although major tensions over match locations persist.
- Iran’s Football Federation has not yet given an official reaction to today’s decision.
- Some Iranian officials have hinted at a possible boycott or withdrawal, but FIFA insiders believe the team will ultimately travel and play.
- Extra security measures are already being prepared in Los Angeles and Seattle to ensure player and fan safety.
For now, the message from FIFA is loud and clear: the World Cup belongs to everyone — including Iran — and it will be played in the United States as planned.
This decision keeps the tournament’s integrity intact, but the political tension surrounding Iran’s participation is far from over.
If Iran had followed through with the boycott, Italy and Iraq were the front-runners to replace them. However, with FIFA’s latest decision, the Group G matches remain unchanged
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Iran play their 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in the USA?
Yes, FIFA has officially confirmed that Iran will play all three of their Group G matches in the United States as originally scheduled, ending all boycott rumors.
What are the dates and venues for Iran’s World Cup 2026 matches?
Iran will face New Zealand on June 16 (SoFi Stadium), Belgium on June 21 (SoFi Stadium), and Egypt on June 26 (Lumen Field).
Did Iran request a venue change for the World Cup?
Yes, the Iranian Football Federation initially sought a relocation to Mexico or Canada due to security concerns, but FIFA rejected the proposal and stood by the USA venues.
Which teams would have replaced Iran if they had withdrawn?
If Iran had boycotted the tournament, Italy (as the highest-ranked non-qualified team) and Iraq were the primary candidates being considered as potential replacements.
Can I buy tickets for Iran vs Belgium in Los Angeles?
Yes, tickets for all matches at SoFi Stadium, including Iran’s high-profile clash against Belgium, are available through the official FIFA ticketing portal.
