Iran will play in the USA at the 2026 FIFA World Cup - FIFA President

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will play football matches in the United States, despite geopolitical tensions that had cast doubt on the team's participation, UNN reports, citing CNN.

Details

Speaking Thursday at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia, Infantino addressed the uncertainty that arose following the start of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in late February.

"Let me start by immediately confirming... that, of course, Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup," Infantino said, drawing applause from delegates. "And, of course, Iran will play in the United States of America… because we must unite. We must bring people together."

Context

Iran was the only one of FIFA's 211 member associations not represented at the event, after its delegates chose not to attend following reports that one member of their group had been denied entry to Canada.

US President Donald Trump issued a statement shortly after these remarks. "If FIFA's Infantino said so, I don't mind," he stated. "I think, let them play."

Earlier, Trump had suggested it would be "inappropriate" for the Iranians to participate in the competition "for their own lives and safety."

Iran is scheduled to play two group stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle, with the first match against New Zealand taking place on June 15 in Los Angeles. Although Iran is not in the same group as the US team, the two teams could meet in the knockout stage if they finish second in their respective groups. The earliest possible meeting would take place on Friday, July 3, the day before US Independence Day, in Arlington, Texas.