By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will proceed as scheduled, firmly rejecting calls to relocate matches from the United States amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Responding to appeals linked to concerns from Iran, Infantino emphasized that football’s governing body cannot intervene in global political disputes, while maintaining its commitment to unity through sport.
“FIFA can’t solve geopolitical conflicts, but we are committed to using the power of football and the FIFA World Cup to build bridges and promote peace,” Infantino said. “We want the FIFA World Cup to go ahead as scheduled.”
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will remain unchanged despite suggestions that some fixtures be moved away from U.S. venues.
FIFA’s position underscores its commitment to honoring the established match schedule, with no indication of alterations at this stage.
Infantino acknowledged the ongoing global conflicts affecting several regions, expressing solidarity with those impacted while reinforcing FIFA’s broader mission.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a consequence of the ongoing wars,” he added, stressing that the World Cup should serve as a platform to bring nations together rather than deepen divisions.
Calls for relocation have emerged amid heightened geopolitical tensions, raising questions around security, logistics, and diplomatic sensitivities. However, FIFA has maintained that such issues fall outside its jurisdiction.
Instead, the organization continues to position football as a unifying force capable of fostering dialogue and connection across borders.
With preparations ongoing, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the first expanded 48-team edition, remains on course to be one of the biggest sporting events in history.
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