Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play their group stage matches in the United States as planned, despite the ongoing Middle East war.
Speaking to AFP 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.”
Infantino added that he had met with the players and coach and confirmed that Iran’s matches “will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”
The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, begins on June 11. Iran is scheduled to play its first Group G match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by a game against Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and against Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
Iran’s participation had been uncertain due to the war with the United States and Israel that erupted on February 28. Earlier reports indicated that Iran was negotiating with FIFA to relocate its matches to Mexico, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirming readiness to host the games if needed.
Infantino also referenced assurances initially given by Donald Trump regarding Iran’s safety, though Trump later suggested the team should not travel “for their own life and safety.” Iran’s football federation rejected this, stating that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”
In prior statements, Infantino stressed FIFA’s commitment to ensuring the tournament proceeds “as scheduled” with all teams, saying football should serve as a bridge to promote peace.
Iran’s recent friendly against Nigeria in Belek, Turkey, included a tribute to victims of a February 28 airstrike on a primary school in Minab, which killed at least 170 people. Players wore black armbands and posed with school rucksacks during the national anthem. Preliminary findings from a US military investigation, reported by The New York Times, suggest the strike resulted from a targeting mistake involving a US Tomahawk missile.
