FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup this summer, despite the ongoing war between the Asian nation and tournament co-host, the United States.
Speaking in Antalya, Turkey, where he attended a friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica, Infantino dismissed concerns regarding the team’s status. “Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino told AFP. “The matches will be where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”
Tensions Over Safety and Venue
The confirmation comes in response to significant uncertainty. Earlier this month, the Iranian Football Federation suggested the team might not travel to the U.S. after President Donald Trump stated he could not guarantee their safety. Reports indicated that Iran was negotiating with FIFA to move their fixtures—currently scheduled for Los Angeles and Seattle—to Mexico.
However, FIFA has remained firm on the schedule set during the December draw, which places Iran in a group with Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt.
A Message of Unity
Infantino met with “Team Melli” players and coaching staff in Turkey to offer his support. In a subsequent social media post, he emphasized football’s role in bringing “unity and hope, even in the most challenging circumstances.”
The geopolitical backdrop remains incredibly tense following military strikes in February. Despite this, FIFA officials insist they are in “regular contact” with all member associations to ensure the tournament proceeds as planned across all three host nations: the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
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