FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has confirmed that Iran will play its matches in the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite concerns about the country’s participation.
Speaking at the opening of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s position amid uncertainty stemming from tensions in the Middle East.
“Let me start by the outset, confirming straightaway that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Infantino said.
“And of course, Iran will play (in) the United States of America.”
Uncertainty over participation
Iran’s place at the tournament had been under scrutiny following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East earlier this year.
The situation raised questions over logistics and security, particularly with matches scheduled across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
There had been suggestions from Iranian officials to move their group matches to Mexico, but FIFA had already rejected the proposal, maintaining its original tournament plan.
Political undertones
The issue took another turn when US special envoy Paolo Zampolli reportedly suggested that Italy could replace Iran at the tournament. The idea was later dismissed by US authorities.
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, clarified that Iran’s players would be allowed to participate, easing some of the concerns surrounding their involvement.
Congress absence
Tensions were also evident ahead of the FIFA Congress, with Iran absent from the meeting in Canada.
Officials from the Iranian football federation returned home after an incident with immigration authorities in Toronto.
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Iranian media reported that federation president Mehdi Taj and two others left the country after being “insulted” by officials at the airport.
Canadian authorities maintained that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were not admissible under the country’s regulations.
Group stage fixtures
Iran are scheduled to be based in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament. They will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G.
Their opening match is set for June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand, as the team prepares to take part in the expanded 48-team competition.
