Iran gamers maintain photos of broken buildings and younger victims as they line up earlier than the pleasant match in opposition to Costa Rica at Mardan Sports activities Advanced, Antalya, Turkiye, March 31, 2026. — ReutersÂ
Fifa president Gianni Infantino mentioned that Iran will play their World Cup matches in the USA in June as scheduled regardless of the nation’s ongoing armed battle with the match co-hosts.
The Iranian FA (FFIRI) has been pushing to relocate the workforce’s three World Cup group matches from the US to Mexico, citing the American navy involvement alongside Israel in strikes that sparked the present regional battle.
The FFIRI mentioned earlier this month they have been in discussions with Fifa a few venue swap, whereas Iran’s sports activities ministry has banned nationwide and membership sports activities groups from travelling to nations it considers hostile till additional discover.
Infantino, nevertheless, was dismissive when requested about the potential of a venue swap throughout a shock go to to Turkiye to look at Iran’s 5-0 pleasant win over Costa Rica.
“No, no, the matches will be where they should be according to the draw,” he informed reporters within the Turkish metropolis of Antalya, the place the Iran squad has been holding a coaching camp.
“It looks like we’ll be in the right grounds. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, as we saw today. I’m very happy. I saw the team, I spoke to the players and the coaches.”
Iran, who booked their place on the match in March final yr, are scheduled to play all of their Group G matches on American soil — two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle — in opposition to Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
US President Donald Trump mentioned earlier this month that whereas Iran’s nationwide workforce have been welcome to play within the US, it won’t be applicable for his or her “life and safety”.
Trump later made clear that any menace to the gamers wouldn’t come from the USA.
United Arab Emirates-based striker Sardar Azmoun was omitted from the squad for the coaching camp amidst Iranian media studies that he had been expelled for a perceived act of disloyalty to the federal government.
Azmoun, who has scored 57 objectives in 91 internationals, had posted an image on his Instagram feed of a gathering with Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose Emirate has been the goal of Iranian rocket and drone assaults in the course of the battle.
Talking on to the Iranian gamers on Tuesday, Infantino pledged his help however steered away from the broader points surrounding the battle.
“From now until the World Cup, I will do whatever I can to support the Iran national team,” Infantino mentioned, in response to the FFIRI.
“If you want to organise a training camp or if there is any matter related to activities outside the country, whatever it is, I will help.
“Everytime you need, please keep involved. I’m at your service and can assist with something you want.”
The World Cup takes place within the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
