FIFA says 2026 World Cup will proceed despite Middle East conflict

FIFA says the 2026 FIFA World Cup will continue as planned
Heimo Schirgi says the tournament is “too big” to be halted
Uncertainty remains over Iran national football team participation due to regional conflict

Heimo Schirgi said the 2026 FIFA World Cup will proceed as planned despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the participation of Iran national football team.

Speaking at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas on Monday, Schirgi said FIFA expects the tournament to continue regardless of geopolitical developments.

“At some stage we will have a resolution and the World Cup will go on obviously,” Schirgi said. “The World Cup is too big and we hope that everyone can participate that has qualified.”

Schirgi said FIFA is monitoring developments in the region closely while working with government and international partners to assess the situation on a daily basis.

The governing body confirmed last week that it is keeping a close watch on events in Iran ahead of the tournament, which begins in June.

Iran qualified for the World Cup through the Asian Football Confederation qualification process.

Under the current schedule, Iran are set to play Belgium national football team, New Zealand national football team and Egypt national football team in Group G.

Two of those matches are planned to take place in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

Schirgi said FIFA has been in contact with Iran’s football federation but declined to provide details about those discussions.

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in the tournament’s history, with 48 national teams competing across three host countries.

The United States will stage matches in 11 cities, while Mexico will host games in three cities and Canada in two.

FIFA officials were in Dallas to announce plans for the city’s fan festival ahead of the tournament. The International Broadcast Centre inside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is currently under construction.

Schirgi said the media facility will operate around the clock during the tournament and is expected to host between 3,000 and 3,500 journalists and broadcast staff.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.