Iran continuing World Cup preparations but will not play matches in US, says soccer chief

TEHRAN: The Iranian national football team is pressing ahead with its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, but the country's soccer chief has confirmed that Iran will not play any of its matches on United States soil.

The announcement comes amid the broader geopolitical tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have long cast a shadow over sporting ties between the two nations. Iran were drawn into the World Cup during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 draw ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2025, where NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal served as a draw assistant.

Iran's stance on playing in the US

The head of Iran's football federation made it clear that while the team remains committed to participating in the tournament, playing matches in the United States is not an option. The 2026 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, meaning matches will be spread across venues in all three countries.

Iran's refusal to play on American soil adds a logistical dimension to FIFA's planning for the tournament, as the world governing body will need to ensure that Iran's group-stage fixtures and any potential knockout-round matches are scheduled at venues in either Mexico or Canada.

World Cup preparations continue

Despite the political complications surrounding the venue issue, Iran's football authorities have signalled that the team's on-field preparations remain unaffected. The national squad is continuing its training and competitive build-up as it looks to make an impact at the quadrennial showpiece event.

Iran have been regular participants at the World Cup in recent cycles and will be eager to build on their previous tournament experiences. Their qualification for the 2026 edition underscores the country's standing as one of Asia's strongest footballing nations.

The decision not to play in the US is expected to draw attention from FIFA officials and organisers, who will have to navigate the situation carefully to accommodate Iran's position while ensuring the smooth running of the tournament across the three host nations.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, an expansion from the traditional 32-team format, making it the largest World Cup in history. With matches spread across three countries, scheduling and logistics are already among the most complex challenges facing organisers ahead of the tournament.