FIFA president Gianni Infantino has made it clear that Iran is expected to play matches on U.S. soil during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with no backup plan currently in place. The statement comes as the tournament approaches and geopolitical tensions remain part of the broader conversation.
The 2026 edition, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first expanded 48-team tournament. That format increases the likelihood of teams being scheduled across multiple host nations – including games in the U.S., where Iran could be drawn to play.
Why there’s no “Plan B” right now
Infantino has publicly stated that FIFA is not working on an alternative scenario for Iran. In simple terms, the governing body expects all qualified teams – including Iran – to participate under the same framework as any other nation.
That includes playing matches wherever the official schedule places them, even if that means entering the U.S., a country with a complex political relationship with Iran. FIFA’s stance is rooted in its standard principle: sporting competitions should proceed independently of political disputes.
What still needs to be clarified
While FIFA’s position is firm, there are still practical questions. Entry requirements, visa processes, and security coordination are factors that typically involve national governments – not just soccer authorities.
So far, officials have indicated that solutions are expected to be found to ensure participation. Similar situations have been managed in past tournaments, though each case depends on current diplomatic conditions.
For fans, the takeaway is simple: as things stand, Iran’s path to the World Cup includes the possibility of playing in the U.S., and FIFA is treating that as the default scenario – not an exception.
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