Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran national football team will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the ongoing conflict involving the United States.
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Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, the FIFA president stated that Iran’s place at the tournament is not in doubt after the nation secured qualification.
“The Iranian team is coming for sure,” Infantino said. He added that FIFA hopes the political and military situation will have improved by the time the competition begins in June.
FIFA insists football should stay above politics
Infantino stressed that Iran must be allowed to compete because the team earned its place on merit and represents its people.
He also revealed that he recently met the Iranian squad in Turkey and was impressed by both the quality of the team and the players’ determination to take part in the tournament.
The FIFA chief acknowledged that separating sport from politics is not always straightforward, but said football should continue to serve as a bridge during difficult times, reports Sports NDTV.
Tournament plans remain unchanged
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iran are currently scheduled to play two group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle, with no indication from FIFA that those fixtures will be moved.
Despite earlier doubts and conflicting comments from officials, FIFA’s latest position makes it clear that Iran remain firmly part of the tournament plans.
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