FIFA refuses to shift Iran's World Cup matches despite Donald Trump's threat
FIFA has refused to shift Iran's World Cup matches out of the United States. Gianni Infantino has stood his ground that the schedule will remain unchanged despite Donald Trump hinting at threats to Iranian players.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has refused to move Iran’s World Cup matches out of the United States despite a clear warning from US President Donald Trump over the safety of the Iranian players.
Speaking during a visit to Turkey on Tuesday, Infantino made it clear that there were no plans to alter the schedule, even as tensions continue to rise between Iran and the United States amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
“No, no, the matches will be where they should be according to the draw,” Infantino said in Antalya, where Iran are currently holding a training camp.
IRAN'S REQUEST TO FIFA
Iran, who qualified for the tournament last year, are scheduled to play all their Group G matches on American soil, with fixtures lined up in Los Angeles and Seattle against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
The comments come against the backdrop of growing uncertainty over Iran’s participation. The Iranian Football Federation had requested FIFA to shift their matches to Mexico, citing security concerns amid the ongoing conflict.
That request was also linked to a broader policy decision back home. Iran’s sports ministry has banned national and club teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile, a list that effectively includes the United States given the current conflict involving the US and Israel.
FIFA WORL CUP: DONALD TRUMP'S THREAT
Trump had earlier stirred the debate by suggesting that while Iran would be allowed to participate in the World Cup, it might not be appropriate for them to do so.
“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump said.
He later clarified that any threat to the players would not come from the United States, but the statement added to the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s fixtures in the country.
Despite that, Infantino struck a firm tone, insisting that the tournament would proceed as planned.
“It looks like we’ll be in the right grounds. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team,” he said after watching Iran’s 5-0 win over Costa Rica.
At the same time, the FIFA president sought to reassure the Iranian camp, offering support to the team in the lead-up to the tournament.
“From now until the World Cup, I will do whatever I can to support the Iran national team,” Infantino said.
The statement added further drama to the build-up of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
For now, FIFA’s position remains unchanged. Iran will play their matches in the United States as per the draw, with no plans for a venue shift.
That, however, leaves a difficult question hanging. With Tehran restricting travel to “hostile” countries and FIFA unwilling to move fixtures, Iran may be forced into a call on whether they can participate in the tournament under the current conditions.