FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup and play their group-stage matches in the United States as planned, despite the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Speaking to AFP on Tuesday during half-time of Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey, Infantino said, “Iran will be at the World Cup.
That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.”
He added, “I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” stressing that Iran’s games “will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”
The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, kicks off on June 11.
Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
Iran’s participation had been uncertain following the outbreak of war with the US and Israel on February 28.
Earlier this month, the Iranian football federation said it was “negotiating” with FIFA to potentially move its World Cup matches from the US to Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also confirmed that Mexico was prepared to host Iran’s first-round games if needed.
Infantino said US President Donald Trump had initially assured that the Iranian team would be welcome.
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However, Trump later warned that the team should not travel for “their own life and safety.” Iran responded by stating that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”
On March 19, Infantino reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to holding the World Cup “as scheduled” with all qualified teams participating.
Speaking from Zurich during an online FIFA Council meeting, he said, “FIFA is looking forward to all teams participating at the World Cup to compete 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 as our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a consequence of the ongoing wars.”
Iran also played a friendly against Nigeria in Belek, Turkey, last Friday.
The Iranian players wore black armbands and posed with school rucksacks during the national anthem to honor victims of a strike on a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, on February 28, the first day of the Middle East war.
The airstrike killed at least 170 people, including students and teachers. According to preliminary findings reported by The New York Times, a US Tomahawk cruise missile accidentally hit the school due to a targeting error.