Overview
- Gianni Infantino, who appeared unannounced at Iran’s friendly in Antalya on Tuesday, said Iran will be at the 2026 World Cup and will play in the U.S. as assigned.
- Iran’s federation had asked to move its group games to Mexico, but FIFA rejected the request, and federation vice president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi said the team will follow FIFA’s decisions.
- The official schedule places Iran against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and against Egypt in Seattle, keeping the venues set by the draw for the U.S., Mexico, and Canada tournament.
- The plan follows weeks of doubt driven by Iranian travel limits for athletes to countries deemed hostile and by President Trump’s remarks that Iranians were welcome yet safer if they did not come.
- Before the Costa Rica match, Iranian players held photos of children killed in the Minab school bombing, highlighting the human toll as both sides now coordinate visas, security, and logistics.