NAIROBI, Kenya — Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will play its scheduled World Cup matches in the United States, dismissing concerns that the fixtures could be relocated due to heightened tensions involving Tehran.
Infantino made the remarks during a surprise appearance at a friendly match between the Iran national football team and the Costa Rica national football team in Antalya, Türkiye, where Iran is holding its training camp.
According to the FIFA president, the tournament schedule remains unchanged despite earlier security concerns raised by the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“No, no, the matches will be where they should be according to the draw,” Infantino told reporters, adding that the team’s performance in the friendly demonstrated readiness for the tournament.
Referencing Iran’s 5–0 victory, Infantino praised the squad and said FIFA remained confident in the arrangements.
“It looks like we’ll be in the right grounds. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, as we saw today. I’m very happy. I saw the team, I spoke to the players and the coaches,” he said.
The Iranian federation, led by president Mehdi Taj, had previously indicated it was in discussions with FIFA about relocating matches to Mexico, citing player safety concerns linked to regional tensions and political statements from Washington.
The federation said the request followed remarks by Donald Trump, who said Iran would be welcome to compete in the United States but warned about security risks.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in a statement shared by the Iranian embassy in Mexico.
Iran, drawn in Group G, is scheduled to play three matches in the United States.
They will open against the New Zealand national football team on June 15 in Los Angeles, face the Belgium national football team on June 21 at the same venue, and conclude the group stage against the Egypt national football team on June 26 in Seattle.
