The United States and Israel launched large-scale military strikes against Iran this Saturday. According to US media, the situation is affecting everything from international diplomacy to football competitions.
The conflict comes on the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Iran having qualified for the finals as one of Asia’s top teams. The US and Iran have been drawn into different groups, however, and will not meet unless they face each other in the knockout stage.
Iran, in Group G, will play two matches at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles: against New Zealand on June 15 and against Belgium on June 21. Its third group fixture will be against Egypt in Seattle. The team will not base itself in California, but set up its training camp in Tucson, Arizona. The US team will also play two group matches at SoFi Stadium.
FIFA has begun closely monitoring developments, according to ESPN. At the annual FIFA Council meeting, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said officials were aware of the situation and that it was too early to comment on future plans.
Earlier this year, the White House expanded its travel ban to 39 countries, including Iran, which is among 19 nations subject to a “full suspension” of entry. The ban explicitly states that athletes, coaches, staff and their immediate families “participating in the World Cup, Olympic Games or other major sporting events” are exempt from the restrictions. FIFA has also launched the FIFA PASS, a special World Cup visa for international fans.
