FIFA to ‘monitor developments’ in Iran ahead of 2026 World Cup
FIFA will “monitor developments” in the situation in Iran following the outbreak of military action by the United States – co-organizers of the men’s World Cup this summer – against this Middle Eastern country, which qualified for the tournament and which must play its group matches in the United States.
President Donald Trump, who was awarded the FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in December, announced the start of missile strikes on Iran on Saturday, calling the mission a “major combat operation.”
Iran qualified for the World Cup finals through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and are due to face Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Group G, but with the US missile strikes, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said the situation would continue to be monitored.
“I read the news [about Iran] this morning, in the same way as you,” Grafstrom said at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting in Cardiff, Wales, on Saturday.
“We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments on all issues globally.
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“We held the draw for the final in Washington in which all teams participated, and our goal is to ensure a safe World Cup with the participation of all teams.
“We will continue to communicate as we always do at three [host] governments, as we always do anyway. Everyone will be safe.”
Los Angeles will host two matches against Iran, while Seattle will host the match against Egypt on June 26.
