Iran to play 2026 World Cup games in the United States

11 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 30

Gianni Infantino said in Vancouver that Iran's group matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt will go ahead in Los Angeles and Seattle in June.
The confirmation follows months of uncertainty over US-Iran tensions, visa restrictions and war after US and Israeli strikes on 28 February killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran's delegation missed Thursday's Fifa Congress after being denied entry to Canada, after earlier proposals to move matches to Mexico or replace Iran with Italy were rejected.

How might Iran's participation amid ongoing conflict reshape the role of international sports in global diplomacy?

What unprecedented challenges will players and fans face as World Cup matches occur while host and participant nations are actively at war?