Iran Advances World Cup Talks with FIFA Amid US Travel Doubts

Iran's domestic league paused due to conflict, leaving players without match practice ahead of June tournament

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting the Iranian national football team's preparations for the 2026 World Cup in a deconstructed, geometric style, with the players' figures broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of green, white, and red.The Iranian national team's uncertain path to the 2026 World Cup is reflected in a fractured, cubist-style illustration.Inglewood Today

Iran's national football team has been in talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the team's participation in the 2026 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in the United States and Mexico. The discussions come amid concerns over Iran's ability to travel to the US and potential security risks for Iranian players. While some earlier suggestions of moving Iran's matches to Mexico have become less common, the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran has raised doubts about whether the Iranian team will be able or willing to participate in the World Cup.

Why it matters

Iran's qualification for the 2026 World Cup was a major achievement for the country's football program. However, the geopolitical tensions between Iran and the US have cast uncertainty over Iran's ability to fully participate in the tournament, which could have significant implications for the team, the fans, and the overall success of the World Cup.

The details

After qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in March 2025, Iranian officials said the team could face problems, including not being able to travel to the US or having to move matches to Mexico. Following a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Iranian officials in Turkey, Iran did not mention any plan to move games. FIFA said it will help Iran prepare for the World Cup. However, Iran's domestic football league has been paused due to the conflict, leaving most players without competitive matches ahead of the tournament.

  • In early March 2026, officials gave mixed and unclear statements about Iran's participation in the World Cup.
  • On May 20, 2021, Gianni Infantino attended the 71st FIFA Virtual Congress and Council meeting in Zurich, Switzerland.
  • Iran's first match at the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for June 15 against New Zealand at the stadium used by the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood.

The players

Gianni Infantino

The President of FIFA who met with Iranian officials to discuss the team's participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Donald Trump

The former US President who raised concerns about player safety and suggested Iranian players could face risks from their own government while participating in the World Cup.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I do not have a problem with Iran taking part but I have concerns about player safety. They would be treated well during the tournament.”

— Donald Trump, Former US President

What’s next

The Iranian team is expected to reach its training camp in Tucson, Arizona by June 10, ahead of the World Cup tournament scheduled from June 11 to July 19. Officials in Arizona say they are upgrading training camps and preparing security with local and federal teams, following FIFA's plan to stay on schedule.

The takeaway

The ongoing conflict between the US and Iran has raised significant doubts about Iran's ability to fully participate in the 2026 World Cup, even after the team's qualification. The uncertainty surrounding travel, security, and potential boycotts or venue changes could have major implications for the tournament and the Iranian national team's preparations.