FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday, March 19, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring the 2026 World Cup proceeds “as scheduled” with the participation of “all teams,” amid uncertainties surrounding Iran’s involvement.
Speaking from Zurich during an online FIFA Council meeting, Infantino emphasised the global body’s goal of maintaining fair play and respect throughout the tournament.
“FIFA is looking forward to all teams participating at the World Cup to compete in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect.
“We have a schedule. We will soon have the 48 competing teams confirmed, and we want the World Cup to go ahead as scheduled,” he said.
Iran’s place in the competition has been uncertain due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
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The team is slated to play group-stage matches in the United States, facing New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle.
However, the Iranian Football Federation President, Mehdi Taj, suggested relocating these matches to another host country, either Canada or Mexico, citing the US-Israeli attacks on Iran as the reason.
“We will be preparing for the World Cup. We will boycott the United States but not the World Cup,” Taj said in a video released on Wednesday. The federation confirmed it has opened discussions with FIFA about potentially moving its matches.
In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Tuesday that her country is ready to host Iran’s first-round matches if necessary.
Infantino added that while FIFA cannot resolve geopolitical conflicts, it remains committed to leveraging football and the World Cup as tools to foster understanding and promote peace, particularly for those affected by ongoing wars.
“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 as our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a consequence of the ongoing wars,” he said