FIFA president Gianni Infantino insists Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and security concerns.
Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking at an economic conference, Infantino made it clear that Iran’s qualification guarantees their place in the tournament, stressing that the players deserve to compete on the global stage. He expressed hope that the geopolitical situation will stabilise before the tournament begins, noting that a peaceful environment would benefit everyone involved.
Iran are scheduled to play their Group G matches in the United States, with games planned in Los Angeles and Seattle, while their base camp is set to be in Arizona. Concerns had been raised about their participation following the escalation of conflict involving the United States and Israel earlier this year, which created uncertainty around security and logistics.
At one stage, Iranian officials even considered boycotting the tournament and requested that their matches be moved to Mexico, a proposal that was ultimately rejected by FIFA. Although a fragile truce has since come into effect, tensions remain high in the region, with ongoing restrictions affecting trade routes and international relations.
Infantino reiterated his belief that football should remain separate from politics, emphasizing FIFA’s role in promoting unity and ensuring that the World Cup continues to bring nations together.
