An official from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has stated that the organization has no intention of changing the 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule.
Amid the United States and Israel’s missile attack on Iran, which has generated global controversy, concerns have emerged about Iran’s participation in the tournament.
US President Donald Trump indicated that the country cannot guarantee the safety of Iranian officials amid the tensions, suggesting it would be best for them not to partake in the competition.
Iranian national team fires back at Donald Trump over World Cup comment
In response, the President of Iran’s Football Federation announced that they were negotiating with FIFA to move their World Cup matches from the US to Mexico for security reasons.
However, British media outlet The Athletic reported in an interview with a FIFA official that the association has no plans to alter the previously released schedule.
The FIFA official noted that they are in contact with all participating countries to ensure teams receive the best possible treatment in their preparations.
“FIFA indicated in a statement to The Athletic it has no intention of changing the schedule. A FIFA spokesperson said: ‘FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on December 6, 2025’,” the outlet shared on X on March 17, 2026.
Iran’s participation in the tournament remains unknown as the war in the Middle East continues and tensions rise.
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Update: FIFA indicated in a statement to The Athletic it has no intention of changing the schedule.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 17, 2026
A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA is… https://t.co/VsjcUydPEU pic.twitter.com/hlpSKxELOA
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