The world’s top football organisation, FIFA, has said the 2026 World Cup matches will take place per the schedule announced last year, shutting down Iran’s hopes of having its matches moved from the United States to Mexico due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. “FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” the organisation’s statement said. “FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025. ” Following the outbreak of the war on February 28, Iran’s participation in the games has been cast in doubt. The 2026 World Cup is set to be played in three countries for the first time ever: the US, Mexico and Canada. The first game is scheduled for June 11, and will be played between South Africa and Mexico.