2 min learnUp to date: Mar 20, 2026 12:20 AM IST
Amid the raging West Asia conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran, FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday stated that he’s “trying ahead to all groups collaborating” on the 2026 World Cup to “compete in a spirit of truthful play and mutual respect.”
Regardless of Iran starting negotiations with FIFA earlier this week to maneuver their World Cup matches out from the US to Mexico, Infantino dominated out modifications to the unique schedule.
“We’ve got a schedule. We are going to quickly have the 48 competing groups confirmed, and we wish the World Cup to go forward as scheduled,” Infantino was quoted as saying from Zurich in an internet FIFA Council assembly, in accordance with AFP.
The World Cup is slated to kick off on June 11 within the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand are Iran’s opponents in Group G. Iran had booked their place in a fourth successive World Cup by topping their group within the third spherical of Asian qualifying final 12 months.
After U.S. President Donald Trump just lately stated that he couldn’t guarantee the protection of the gamers in the course of the World Cup, Iran doubled down on their demand to maneuver their video games out of the US. “When Trump has explicitly said that he can not guarantee the safety of the Iranian nationwide crew, we will definitely not journey to America,” stated Iranian soccer president Mehdi Taj on X.
“We’re negotiating with FIFA to carry Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico,” Taj stated on the Iranian embassy in Mexico’s X account.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday stated that her nation could be open to internet hosting Iran’s first-round matches if required.
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Nonetheless, Infantino downplayed questions over a potential change within the scheduling, insisting that the world physique couldn’t resolve geopolitical conflicts.
“FIFA can’t remedy geopolitical conflicts, however we’re dedicated to utilizing the facility of soccer and the World Cup to construct bridges and promote peace as our ideas are with those that are struggling as a consequence of the continued wars,” added Infantino.
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