Iran Confirmed to Play All 2026 World Cup Group Stage Matches in the United States

Iran's national football team will compete in all their 2026 World Cup group stage fixtures within United States borders, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced Thursday during the 76th FIFA Congress held in Vancouver. Despite significant geopolitical tensions, the beautiful game will proceed as planned.

"Football unites the world," Infantino declared, embracing the lofty principles FIFA typically invokes when navigating sensitive political situations. The circumstances are undeniably delicate. While Iran and the United States aren't engaged in direct military conflict, their diplomatic relations remain deeply strained, making the prospect of hosting three high-profile international matches on American territory a substantial undertaking beyond mere logistics.

Group G schedule and competitive outlook

Currently sitting 21st in the FIFA world rankings, Iran finds itself in Group G competing against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The federation has confirmed all three matches will take place at American venues, beginning with their opening fixture against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Belgium represents their toughest challenge in the group — Iran will likely view the New Zealand contest as their best opportunity to collect three points, and their tactical approach in that match will provide crucial insight into their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.

The Congressional proceedings highlighted just how tense the situation has become. Iran stood as the sole absentee among FIFA's 211 member associations at the Vancouver gathering. Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran's football federation, travelled as far as Toronto before Canadian immigration officials revoked his temporary resident visa — the decision reportedly stemmed from his connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Canada officially designates as a terrorist organization. He was unable to reach Vancouver.

The result is an unprecedented situation: Iran enters a World Cup with its federation president having been prevented from attending the pre-tournament Congress, will play every group match in a nation with which it maintains no diplomatic ties, and must secure results in a competitive group to progress. In this context, the on-field football almost appears straightforward by comparison.

The expanded 48-nation tournament kicks off June 11 and concludes July 19, spanning 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — featuring 104 total matches. Iran's World Cup campaign begins in just six weeks.