FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play 2026 World Cup Matches in United States

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the Iran national football team will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play its group stage matches in the United States as originally scheduled, dismissing doubts raised amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Infantino made the announcement on Tuesday during Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, saying, “Iran will be at the World Cup. The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.” He stressed that there is no alternative plan to relocate the games, affirming FIFA’s commitment to keeping the tournament on course.

Iran had previously announced it was negotiating with FIFA to move its matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns linked to the ongoing US-Israeli-Iran conflict. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had expressed willingness to host the games if necessary, but FIFA confirmed all three fixtures will remain in the U.S., ensuring compliance with the official tournament draw.

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The Iranian squad is drawn in Group G, alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Their matches are scheduled as follows:

• Iran vs New Zealand – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, June 15, 2026
• Iran vs Belgium – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, June 21, 2026
• Iran vs Egypt – Lumen Field, Seattle, June 26, 2026

Infantino, who attended the friendly match in Turkey, praised the Iranian team as “very, very strong” and confirmed that players and coaches are well-prepared for the tournament. He highlighted FIFA’s principle that all qualified teams must compete according to the official schedule, unaffected by political disputes.

Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, Vice President of the Iran Football Federation (FFIRI), affirmed Iran’s commitment to FIFA’s regulations, stating: “Every host country has made commitments to FIFA and must honor them.” He said the meeting with Infantino during the friendly gave the team reassurance and a morale boost ahead of the World Cup.

Earlier, some Iranian officials, including Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, had expressed concerns over participation due to safety issues. There were even suggestions that the country might withdraw, but FIFA’s firm stance ensures Iran will compete on U.S. soil as planned.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring 48 teams across multiple North American cities. Iran’s participation guarantees that Group G matches will proceed as drawn, offering fans clarity and ensuring the integrity of the tournament.

FIFA Confirms Iran Will Play 2026 World Cup Matches in United States

Osimhen Among Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026 — See Full List

The highest-paid African footballers in 2026 continue to earn staggering wages, with stars in the Saudi Pro League dominating the rankings due to lucrative contracts. From Riyad Mahrez to Mohamed Salah, African players remain among the top earners in global football, earning hundreds of thousands of pounds weekly.

Leading the list is Riyad Mahrez, who earns an estimated £827,000–£886,000 per week at Al-Ahli, making him the highest-paid African footballer. He is followed by Sadio Mané, who earns around £630,000–£680,000 weekly at Al-Nassr.

Defender Kalidou Koulibaly earns about £550,000–£590,000 weekly at Al-Hilal, making him the highest-paid African defender. In Europe, Mohamed Salah continues to command massive wages of £350,000–£400,000 per week at Liverpool FC.

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Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen earns between £250,000–£318,000 weekly at Galatasaray, making him one of the highest-paid Nigerian footballers.

Midfielder Franck Kessié and defender Achraf Hakimi both earn just over £220,000 per week, playing for Al-Ahli and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy earns up to £200,000 weekly, while Iñaki Williams takes home about £180,000 per week at Athletic Bilbao. Veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang completes the list with weekly earnings of £150,000–£160,000 at Al-Qadsiah.

Top 10 Highest-Paid African Footballers (2026) – Weekly Salaries

The rankings underline the growing dominance of the Saudi Pro League, which now offers significantly higher wages than most European leagues, attracting top African talent. Only a few players, such as Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi, remain among the top earners in Europe.

Osimhen Among Highest-Paid African Footballers in 2026 — See Full List

Adesanya Vows to Fight On Despite Fourth Straight Defeat

Nigerian-born mixed martial artist Israel Adesanya has reaffirmed his determination to continue competing at the highest level, insisting that recent setbacks will not define his legacy.

Adesanya suffered another defeat in the octagon on Saturday night, losing to American contender Joe Pyfer via second-round technical knockout at a UFC Fight Night event in Seattle.

The contest began on a promising note for the former middleweight champion, who displayed his signature precision and movement in the opening round. Adesanya controlled the distance effectively and dictated the pace of exchanges, raising hopes of a return to winning form.

However, the tide turned in the second round as Pyfer absorbed the early pressure and began to assert his physical advantage. The American closed the distance with powerful strikes before securing a crucial takedown. From a dominant position on the ground, he mounted Adesanya and unleashed a series of heavy blows, forcing referee Herb Dean to stop the fight.

The victory marks a significant milestone for Pyfer, while extending a challenging run for Adesanya, who has now suffered four consecutive losses. His recent defeats include bouts against Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, and Nassourdine Imavov.

Despite growing concerns about his future in the middleweight division, the 36-year-old remained defiant in his post-fight comments, emphasizing his unwavering fighting spirit.

“I’ll keep coming back again and again. I’m not leaving this sport. You can’t stop me,” Adesanya declared, adding that defeat would not diminish his enduring belief in himself.

While questions continue to mount over his next steps, Adesanya’s resolve suggests he is far from ready to step away from the sport that has defined his career.

Adesanya Vows to Fight On Despite Fourth Straight Defeat