Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to proceed as scheduled, according to FIFA’s Chief Executive Officer, Heimo Shirgi. Speaking during a visit to the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas, Shirgi emphasised the scale and global importance of the tournament.
“The World Cup is such a massive event that it cannot simply be halted. Ultimately, we expect the situation to be resolved, and all teams that have qualified will be able to participate,” he stated.
Concerns have arisen regarding Iran’s participation due to the country’s current involvement in regional conflicts with Israel and ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States. FIFA has confirmed that it is closely monitoring developments and coordinating daily with international partners to assess potential risks and ensure the safety of all participants.
Iran has already secured its place in the tournament by successfully advancing through the Asian qualifiers. They have been drawn into Group G, alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. According to the current schedule, two of Iran’s group-stage matches will take place in Los Angeles, while one match is set for Seattle.
| Group | Teams | Match Locations |
|---|---|---|
| G | Iran | Los Angeles (2), Seattle (1) |
| G | Belgium | Los Angeles (2), Seattle (1) |
| G | New Zealand | Los Angeles (2), Seattle (1) |
| G | Egypt | Los Angeles (2), Seattle (1) |
The 2026 tournament will be the largest World Cup in history, expanding to include 48 teams for the first time, compared to the previous 32-team format. Matches will be hosted across three countries—United States, Mexico, and Canada—offering a truly continental experience for fans.
FIFA officials highlight that the expanded tournament structure will provide more matches, increased global viewership, and enhanced opportunities for emerging football nations. Modern stadiums, advanced broadcast infrastructure, and robust logistical planning are expected to make this World Cup one of the most technologically sophisticated and widely accessible in history.
Even amid geopolitical uncertainty, FIFA remains committed to delivering a safe, inclusive, and competitive tournament, underscoring the unifying power of sport to transcend political conflicts and bring together nations from across the globe.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to set new records both on and off the pitch, combining historic scale, international cooperation, and unprecedented fan engagement.