FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America amid reports of uncertainty about the country’s participation following the war with the United States.
Mr Infantino disclosed this in his opening remarks at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, on Thursday. He noted that he wanted to set the record straight on the situation.
“Let me start at the outset, confirming, straight away, for those who want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” the football administrator stated.
The United States is set to host Iran’s three group games at this summer’s tournament, with the Islamic republic playing its opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before traveling before facing Belgium in the same venue six days later.
Meanwhile, Iran will face Egypt in their last group game in Seattle on June 26.
Despite Iran being on President Donald Trump’s travel ban list, exceptions have been made for players and officials from participating nations.
Mr Trump had last month warned members of Iran’s national football team against coming to the United States for the World Cup in the height of the military standoff between Tehran and Washington.
