FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently confirmed that the Iranian national football team is set to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Iran is scheduled to play its group stage matches on United States soil as originally planned. This statement was reported by AFP following the FIFA President’s activities.
Infantino, the 56-year-old Swiss head of global football, conveyed this information after a direct meeting with the Iranian squad in Antalya, Turkey. The team was present in Antalya for friendly matches as part of their preparation. This encounter marked Infantino’s first direct communication with the Iranian team since reported aerial attacks targeting Iran by the United States and Israel in late February.
Speaking during the halftime interval of a friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica, Infantino reiterated the confirmation. “Iran will participate in the World Cup, and that is why we are here,” he stated. “We are very happy because they are a very strong team.” He added, “I have seen the Iranian team, I have spoken with the players and the coach, so everything is fine.” Emphasizing the continuity of plans, he further stressed, “Iran’s matches will be played in the stadiums where they should play according to the results of the draw.”
Earlier in March, the Iranian Football Federation had reportedly been in discussions with FIFA, seeking a potential relocation of their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico. These discussions arose after former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed security concerns regarding Iran’s presence. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had publicly declared Mexico’s readiness to host Iran’s matches if necessary.
However, FIFA is maintaining its commitment to the initial plans established after the official draw conducted in December. Infantino strongly believes that football holds a crucial role in fostering reconciliation in a fragmented world. On his official website, he underscored FIFA’s continued support for Iran’s preparations for the tournament. He also reaffirmed his firm stance on the West Asian team’s inclusion. In a separate interview conducted in Mexico, Infantino made it clear that FIFA is fully committed to Iran’s participation, stating there is “no Plan B, C, or D; only Plan A.” This indicates that all arrangements are proceeding as initially scheduled, without any proposed alterations.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to commence on June 11 and conclude on July 19, with the United States, Mexico, and Canada serving as co-hosts. According to the current schedule, Iran is slated to compete in Group G, facing New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, before proceeding to play Egypt in Seattle, both venues located within the United States.
