World Cup chief operating officer says tournament is ‘too big’ to be postponed amid global turmoil

FIFA's COO insists the World Cup will proceed despite global unrest, emphasizing its significance and ongoing communication with Iran's soccer federation.

FIFA's World Cup chief operating officer says the tournament is “too big” to be postponed because of global turmoil caused by the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran.

Speaking on Monday (March 9, 2026) at the International Broadcast Center for the 48-nation tournament, which starts June 11, Heimo Schirgi said FIFA continues to closely monitor the Iran war and its fallout.

"If had a crystal ball I could tell you now what is going to happen, but obviously the situation is developing," Schirgi said.

"It's changing day by day and we are monitoring closely. We're working together with all our federal partners and also our international partners in evaluating the situation, and we basically take it day by day and at some stage we will have a resolution. And the World Cup will go on obviously, right? The World Cup is too big and we hope that everyone can participate that has qualified."

The tournament, expanded from 32 nations to 48, is scheduled for 11 U.S. venues plus three in Mexico and two in Canada. While the Trump administration has imposed a travel ban on four of the nations that have qualified — Iran, Ivory Coast, Haiti and Senegal — it says it will make an exception for players, team officials and immediate relatives.

Schirgi said FIFA is in constant contact with Iran's soccer federation for updates, but he wouldn't share any details about those conversations.