FIFA COO: World Cup 'too big' to be postponed by Middle East conflict

FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi has dismissed any suggestion that the 2026 World Cup could be delayed, declaring the tournament “too big” to be derailed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking with the authority of world football’s governing body, Schirgi left no doubt that planning for the expanded 48-team event remains on schedule, irrespective of regional instability.

The statement comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions across the region, yet Schirgi’s message was unequivocal: the World Cup’s scale, stakeholder commitments, and global fan base make postponement a non-starter. Organizers are therefore proceeding with full force toward the 2026 kickoff, underscoring FIFA’s confidence in security protocols and the resilience of its flagship competition.