Iran Drawn to Play World Cup Group Stage in U.S. as FIFA Says It Is "Closely Monitoring"

[Financial News] As the United States, one of the three co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, launches a military operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran, attention is turning to how this might affect the Iranian national team, which is scheduled to play its World Cup finals matches on U.S. soil.
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) reported on the 1st (Korea time), "Donald John Trump, the president of the United States, who received the 'FIFA Peace Prize' from Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino in December last year, launched a missile strike on Iran on the 28th of last month." The outlet added, "The Islamic Republic of Iran advanced to the World Cup finals through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers and has been drawn into Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with its group-stage matches to be played in the United States."
The Islamic Republic of Iran is scheduled to face Belgium and New Zealand twice in Los Angeles, then play Egypt in Seattle.
Mattias Grafström, secretary general of FIFA, told reporters after attending the annual meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) that the organization would "keep a close eye on all issues around the world."
He stated, "Our top priority is to ensure that every team can participate in the World Cup safely," adding, "We are in ongoing communication with the co-hosts, the United States, Mexico and Canada. All participating nations will be safe."
jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter