×

FIFA watching Iran developments as World Cup nears

By Thomson Reuters Feb 28, 2026 | 9:37 AM

FIFA said Saturday it is keeping an eye on events in Iran after the United States ​launched a military strike on the ‌nation.

The action comes just months before the start of World Cup play in June, with matches to be played in the United ‌States, ​Canada and Mexico. ⁠Iran qualified for the ⁠tournament through its participation in the Asian Football Conference.

Iran is scheduled to play Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt ​in Group G. Two of the games are set for Los Angeles, ⁠one in Seattle.

FIFA secretary ⁠general Mattias Grafstrom said the ​organization is monitoring what happens.

“I read the ​news (about Iran) this morning the same ‌way you did,” Grafstrom said at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting in Cardiff, Wales, per ESPN.

“We ⁠had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will ⁠monitor ‌developments around all issues around ⁠the world.”

The World Cup draw ​took ‌place in Washington, D.C., in ​December, with ⁠Iran represented.

“We will continue to communicate as we always do with three (host) governments as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe,” Grafstrom said.

–Field ​Level Media