FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will compete in the 2026 World Cup and play its matches in the United States as originally scheduled.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has definitively confirmed Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to AFP at a friendly match in Turkey, Infantino stated the team will play its group stage matches in the United States as planned.
“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino said at half-time of Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica.
“That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.”
He added that Iran’s “matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”.
Iran’s participation had been uncertain following the outbreak of war in the Middle East on February 28.
The Iranian football federation had previously said it was negotiating with FIFA to move its matches to Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also stated her country was prepared to host Iran if necessary.
Infantino initially cited assurances from US President Donald Trump that the Iranian team would be welcome.
Trump later contradicted this, suggesting Iran should not travel “for their own life and safety”.
Iran responded by asserting that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup”.
The tournament, hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, begins on June 11.
Iran is in Group G and will play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles.
Its final group match against Egypt is scheduled for Seattle on June 27.
Earlier in March, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s commitment to all teams participating.
He stated the organisation looks forward to all teams competing “in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect”.
“FIFA can’t solve geopolitical conflicts, but we are committed to using the power of football and the World Cup to build bridges and promote peace,” he added.
During a recent friendly, Iran’s players wore black armbands and held school rucksacks during the anthem.
The gesture remembered victims of an airstrike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, on February 28.
The strike killed at least 170 people, including students and teachers.
A New York Times report cited preliminary US military findings that a US cruise missile hit the school due to a targeting error.
