Infantino backs World Cup unity message as FIFA insists 2026 will go ahead as scheduled

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has doubled down on plans to stage the 2026 World Cup “as scheduled”, positioning the tournament as a symbol of unity as organisers monitor geopolitical risks that could disrupt Iran’s participation.Iran’s football federation has publicly pushed for their group matches to be moved out of the United States, citing security concerns and political tensions, setting up a new operational test for FIFA and the three host nations.Infantino said: “FIFA can’t solve geopolitical conflicts, but we are committed to using the power of football and the FIFA World Cup to build bridges and promote peace as our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a consequence of the ongoing wars.”He added: “FIFA is looking forward to all teams participating at the FIFA World Cup to compete in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect.”The 48-team tournament, expanded to 104 matches, is due to start on June 11 in Mexico City and finish on July 19 in New Jersey, with games across 11 US host cities plus venues in Mexico and Canada.  Any change to match locations would carry significant commercial and logistical implications, with tickets already sold, host-city operations built around fixed schedules, and broadcast, sponsor and security plans tied to specific venues.Iran are currently slated to play three group fixtures on the US west coast, including two matches in Inglewood, California, and a third in Seattle, according to published schedules.Mexico has indicated it would be willing to host Iran’s games if FIFA approved a move, with President Claudia Sheinbaum saying: “Yes. Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with every country in the world. Therefore, we will wait to see what FIFA decides.”The issue also intersects with US entry rules, although published exemptions for athletes and staff have been cited in coverage of the situation.  For FIFA and local organisers, the priority is to preserve schedule certainty as the competition enters its final planning phase, protecting ticketing, transport, accommodation and venue-readiness programmes that are already locked to city-by-city operating plans.Infantino’s comments were delivered alongside broader messaging that football’s flagship event can provide a rare shared platform in a fractured international environment, even as FIFA acknowledges that political disputes sit outside its control.