Overview
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking Wednesday at a CNBC forum, said Iran will “definitely” take part and play its group games in the United States.
- Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House FIFA World Cup task force, said the U.S. expects Iran to enter for a Tucson, Arizona training base by June 10 and then play in the Los Angeles area and Seattle.
- Iran’s final sign-off sits with its National Security Council, a top body overseen by the Supreme Leader’s office and the president, which will weigh security guarantees and the current pause in fighting.
- FIFA rejected Iran’s bid to move matches to Mexico, so fixtures against Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt remain set for Seattle and the Los Angeles area.
- The ceasefire took effect on April 8 and recent U.S.–Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough, which keeps pressure on security planning for players, staff, and traveling fans.