FIFA Stands by World Cup Schedule Despite Iran's Concerns

Soccer governing body also fines Israel over discrimination but takes no action on Palestinian complaints

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:27am

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated that the 2026 World Cup will proceed as scheduled, despite Iran's concerns about playing games in the United States. The soccer governing body also fined the Israel Football Association $190,000 for discrimination and racist abuse, but declined to take action on Palestinian complaints against Israeli settlement clubs.

Why it matters

The decision highlights FIFA's stance of keeping politics out of the World Cup, even as geopolitical tensions continue to simmer between Iran, Israel, and Palestine. The fines against Israel also underscore FIFA's efforts to address discrimination in the sport, though its refusal to intervene in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflects the organization's reluctance to wade into complex global disputes.

The details

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated that the World Cup schedule will not be changed, despite Iran's concerns about playing games in the U.S. due to military attacks by Israel and the U.S. The soccer governing body also fined the Israel Football Association $190,000 for 'discrimination and racist abuse,' and ordered the IFA to implement reforms and educational campaigns to address the issues. However, FIFA declined to take action on Palestinian complaints against Israeli settlement clubs, stating that the 'final legal status of the West Bank remains an unresolved and highly complex matter'.

  • The FIFA ruling council met on March 20, 2026 to make these decisions.
  • The disciplinary investigation of the Israeli soccer federation was opened 18 months ago in response to complaints by the Palestinian soccer federation.

The players

Gianni Infantino

The president of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

Israel Football Association

The governing body of football in Israel, fined by FIFA for discrimination and racist abuse.

Palestinian soccer federation

The governing body of football in Palestine, which filed complaints against the Israeli soccer federation that were not acted upon by FIFA.

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What they’re saying

“We have a schedule, we want the FIFA World Cup to go ahead as scheduled.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

“FIFA can't solve geopolitical conflicts, but we are committed to using the power of football and the FIFA World Cup to build bridges and promote peace as our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a consequence of the ongoing wars.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

What’s next

The judge in the case against the Israel Football Association will decide on the implementation of the required reforms and educational campaigns.

The takeaway

FIFA's stance of keeping politics out of the World Cup, even in the face of geopolitical tensions, highlights the organization's desire to use the tournament as a platform for promoting unity and dialogue. However, its refusal to intervene in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflects the complex and unresolved nature of the dispute.