Gianni Infantino says Middle Eastern nation will participate “in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect” at the tournament
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup despite ongoing conflict with the US and Israel in the Middle East, although he failed to specify if they will play their group matches in the US as scheduled.
“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino said while attending Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey. “That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.”
He added: “I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” and stressed that Iran’s matches “will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”.
The statement follows earlier discussions between Iran’s football federation and Fifa over potentially relocating matches to Mexico due to tensions involving the United States and Israel. Claudia Sheinbaum had indicated Mexico would be willing to host Iran’s games if required.
Iran qualified early for the tournament after topping their Asian qualifying group and will be appearing at their fourth consecutive World Cup. They are yet to progress beyond the group stage in recent editions.
The 2026 tournament, hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, begins on 11 June. Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand on 15 June in Los Angeles, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt.
Their participation had been uncertain after the outbreak of conflict on 28 February. Donald Trump had previously suggested Iran should not travel “for their own life and safety,” a claim rejected by Iranian authorities, who insisted their team could not be excluded.
Infantino reiterated Fifa’s stance earlier in March, saying the organisation intends for the tournament to proceed with all qualified teams. “Fifa is looking forward to all teams participating at the World Cup to compete in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect,” he said. “Fifa can’t solve geopolitical conflicts, but we are committed to using the power of football and the World Cup to build bridges and promote peace as our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a consequence of the ongoing wars.”
Iran’s players have also marked the conflict during recent fixtures. In a friendly against Nigeria, they wore black armbands and paid tribute to victims of a reported airstrike on a school in Minab.
