Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Iran to Play 2026 World Cup in US, Visa Dispute.

5/2/2026

45 8

Summary

Story summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Iran will play 2026 World Cup matches in United States.
Iran’s group games are June 15–21 in Inglewood and June 26 in Seattle.
President Mehdi Taj said the delegation was detained at Toronto over Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ties, flying to Istanbul.
FIFA urged to ban Iran after officials entered Canada but a visa denied.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “OK” with Iran’s participation.

History

Historical Context

On 21 June 1998 the United States faced Iran at Lyon’s Stade de Gerland, where Iran won 2-1 under the watch of roughly 150 French police officers. The game followed decades of animosity from the 1953 coup and 1979 hostage crisis, and Khatami’s 1998 reformist presidency briefly softened ties. FIFA’s 2026 schedule now revives the rivalry as visa issues threaten Iran’s participation.

1 of 2

Story summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Iran will play 2026 World Cup matches in United States.
Iran’s group games are June 15–21 in Inglewood and June 26 in Seattle.
President Mehdi Taj said the delegation was detained at Toronto over Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ties, flying to Istanbul.
FIFA urged to ban Iran after officials entered Canada but a visa denied.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “OK” with Iran’s participation.

1 / 2