FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions that have raised questions about the team’s involvement.
Addressing the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, on Thursday, Infantino acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation following recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel against Iran late last month.
“Let me confirm right away… that Iran will, of course, participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And, of course, Iran will play in the United States… because we must unite. We must bring people together,”
Infantino stated, eliciting applause from the delegates present.
According to CNN, Iran was the only one of FIFA’s 211 member associations not represented at the Congress. Delegates from Iran opted not to attend after reports indicated that one of their group members had been denied entry into Canada.
Shortly after Infantino’s remarks, U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the situation.
“If Infantino from FIFA said that, I have no problem with it. I think let them play,”
Trump stated, although he had previously remarked that it would be “inappropriate” for Iranians to compete “for their lives and safety.”
Iran is scheduled to play two group stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle. Their first match is set against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.
While Iran is not in the same group as the United States, the two teams could potentially meet in the knockout stage if both finish second in their respective groups. The earliest possible encounter could take place on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, just one day before the U.S. Independence Day.
In related developments, it was reported last week that U.S. Special Representative Paolo Zampolli had approached FIFA with a request to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup. This suggestion was also communicated directly to President Trump, despite Italy not qualifying for the tournament.
Subsequently, the Italian government condemned the initiative as disgraceful, asserting that the national team should not be included in the World Cup in violation of sporting principles. Italian authorities emphasized the need for FIFA regulations to be upheld.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later commented on the situation, stating that Washington had not prohibited Iran’s participation in the World Cup. However, he noted that the U.S. might deny entry to certain individuals associated with the Iranian team, particularly those linked to the IRGC. He characterized the idea of replacing Iran as mere speculation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., despite geopolitical tensions. The announcement follows discussions regarding potential changes to the tournament's participant list, including proposals to replace Iran with Italy, which did not qualify.