FIFA chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi has said the 2026 World Cup will go ahead in the United States as planned, dismissing concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East casting doubt over Iran’s participation in the tournament.
On Monday at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, Schirgi was blunt when asked about the situation. “At some stage we will have a solution and of course the World Cup will go on,” he said, according to NBC 5 in Dallas. “The World Cup is too big and we hope that everyone who has qualified will participate.
Read the full story
IRAN’S PARTICIPATION IN DOUBT
Iran’s place in the tournament remains uncertain after the war waged against the country by Israel and the United States. The The Iranians have qualified for the World Cup through the Asian Football Confederation and will face Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Group G. Two of those games will be played in Los Angeles, the third in Seattle.
Schirgi confirmed that FIFA was in contact with the Iranian Football Federation, but declined to provide details of those talks. He added that FIFA is closely monitoring developments in the region while working with federal and international partners to assess the situation on a daily basis. FIFA also said last week it was closely monitoring events in Iran, just months before the tournament starts in June.
THE GREATEST WORLD CUP IN HISTORY
Geopolitical concerns aside, the mood in Dallas was one of anticipation. FIFA officials were in town to announce plans for its fan festival, with the International Broadcast Center inside the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center still under construction. Schirgi said the facility will operate around the clock during the tournament and is expected to welcome between 3,000 and 3,500 members of the media.
The 2026 edition will be the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 nations competing across three host countries. The United States will play games in 11 cities, with Mexico hosting three and Canada hosting two.
For now, FIFA’s message is clear. The tournament is taking place. The world’s biggest sporting event, Schirgi argued, is simply too big to stop.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
March 10, 2026 1:23 PM IST
