Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran’s national football team will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and their matches in the United States will go ahead as planned.
There was some uncertainty about Iran’s participation because of tensions related to the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Earlier this month, the Iranian Football Federation said it was talking with FIFA about possibly moving the team’s matches to Mexico.
Infantino dismissed those concerns, saying that Iran will compete as planned and the matches will follow the official schedule. Iran is set to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, then face Egypt in Seattle.
Infantino, who recently watched Iran’s friendly win over Costa Rica in Turkey, said he spoke with the players and staff and confirmed that everything is on track.
Iran FA vice president Mahdi Mohammadnabi said the federation will abide by FIFA’s decision and stressed that host countries must honor their commitments to the governing body.
