FIFA confirms Iran will play all 2026 World Cup group-stage matches on US soil despite tensions
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup and play all its group-stage matches in the United States, despite heightened geopolitical tensions. The announcement comes after a joint U.S.-Israeli operation reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier in the year. Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle, with the tournament expected to draw significant political and security scrutiny.
- ▪FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup and that all its group-stage matches will be held in the United States.
- ▪The decision follows a joint U.S.-Israeli operation that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier in 2026.
- ▪Iran will open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
- ▪Iran will face Belgium on June 21 at SoFi Stadium and close the group stage against Egypt on June 26 at Lumen Field in Seattle.
- ▪The matches are expected to attract political attention and potential security concerns due to ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.
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OutKick FIFA confirms Iran will play all 2026 World Cup group-stage matches on US soil despite tensions Decision comes after a joint U.S.-Israeli operation killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier this year By Alejandro Avila OutKick Published April 30, 2026 7:22pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video The Shedeur Sanders Luster Has Finally Gone Away | Don't @ Me w/Dan Dakich Dan says the Shedeur Sanders & Colorado luster has finally gone away after Deshaun Watson is expected to be the Browns starting quarterback after minicamp FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Thursday that Iran's national team will compete in the 2026 World Cup, with all three of its group-stage matches set to be played on U.S. soil.
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