FIFA Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Shirgi, stated that the World Cup is “too big,” confirming that the 2026 edition will proceed as planned despite the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Speaking at the International Broadcasting Center in Dallas on Monday, Shirgi was specifically asked about Iran, whose participation in the tournament is in doubt due to the war being waged against the country by Israel and the United States.
Shirgi responded, “At some point, we will reach a solution, and it is clear that the World Cup will go ahead. The World Cup is a very big event, and we hope that everyone who has qualified will be able to participate.”
Shirgi explained that FIFA is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, working with its federal and international partners to assess developments on a daily basis.
The international federation had stated last week that it was monitoring events in Iran just months before the tournament kicks off in June.
Iran is scheduled to play in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, with two of its matches to be held in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Shirji confirmed that FIFA is in contact with the Iranian Football Federation, but declined to provide details about the content of those discussions.
