Iran advances World Cup talks with Gianni Infantino ahead of June trip amid US travel doubts

ANTALYA, TURKEY: FIFA President Gianni Infantino met Iranian officials in Turkey after tensions increased due to conflict involving the United States and Israel. The meeting focused on Iran’s participation in the World Cup.

After qualifying in 2025, Iranian officials said the team could face problems. These include not being able to travel to the US or having to move matches to Mexico. After the meeting, Iran did not mention any plan to move games. FIFA said it will help Iran prepare for the World Cup.

Iran’s local football league has stopped because of the conflict, leaving most players without competitive matches ahead of the tournament. But organizers in Arizona say everything is still going ahead as planned, including security.

Iran continues FIFA talks as World Cup preparations move forward

In Arizona, where some matches will take place, officials say they are upgrading training camps and preparing security with local and federal teams, according to AP News. They are following FIFA’s plan to stay on schedule.

The next couple of months may be uncertain for Iran because of the ongoing situation and unclear signals about the US. Earlier talk about Iran boycotting the tournament or moving games from cities like Los Angeles and Seattle to Mexico has become less common.

The Iranian team is expected to reach its training camp in Tucson by June 10, ahead of the tournament scheduled from June 11 to July 19.

US-Iran conflict raises doubts over Iran’s World Cup participation

The conflict between the US and Iran has raised doubts about whether Iran will be able or willing to participate in the World Cup, even after qualifying in March 2025.

In early March, officials gave mixed and unclear statements. Some said Iran might not be able to take part. Others worried about travel to the United States, and there were suggestions that Iran’s matches could be moved to Mexico.

A spokesperson for the Iran Football Association did not give any comment, and Iran has not withdrawn from the tournament.

For now, Iran is still expected to travel to Arizona to prepare for the World Cup. The team’s first match is scheduled for June 15 against New Zealand at the stadium used by the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said hosting Iran’s matches could be possible, but there is no official decision to change the plan.

President Donald Trump also added to the uncertainty. He said he did not have a problem with Iran taking part but raised concerns about player safety. He also suggested players could face risks from their own government while saying they would be treated well during the tournament.