FIFA monitors events in Iran in the context of the organization of the 2026 World Cup

FIFA announced on Saturday that it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran, after the United States launched a military attack on the country. This incident occurs a few months before the start of the World Cup, scheduled for June, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Iran qualified for the tournament by participating in the Asian Football Confederation and will play in Group G, having matches against Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, two of which are scheduled in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom stated that the organization is monitoring developments, noting that it is premature to comment in detail. He also emphasized that FIFA will continue to communicate with the host governments to ensure the safety of all participants. The draw for the World Cup groups took place in December in Washington, D.C., with Iran represented.