WASHINGTON: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the team will compete despite ongoing tensions.
Speaking at an economic forum organised by CNBC, Infantino said Iran’s qualification guarantees its place in the tournament. He expressed hope that the regional situation would stabilise by the time the competition begins.
“Iran is coming for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help,” he said.
Infantino stressed that the Iranian team has earned its spot through qualification and should be allowed to participate. “But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play,” he added.
Political disputes
The issue of Iran’s participation had been uncertain following the outbreak of conflict involving the United States and Israel earlier this year. At one stage, Tehran hinted at a possible boycott and requested that its matches be relocated from the United States to Mexico, but FIFA declined the proposal.
Iran is scheduled to play its Group G matches in the United States, including games in Los Angeles and Seattle, with Tucson, Arizona designated as the team’s base.
Infantino reiterated FIFA’s stance that football should remain independent of political disputes. “Sports should be outside of politics,” he said, adding that the organisation seeks to promote unity through the game.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to begin on June 11 and will feature an expanded 48-team format.
