Infantino insists Iran ‘will be at the World Cup’ despite US war
Iranian football federation previously asked for World Cup games to be moved away from the US
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran will participate in the World Cup, despite ongoing conflict with tournament co-hosts the United States. The confirmation comes amid recent hostilities, including US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on 28 February, and subsequent Iranian retaliation against Israel and Middle Eastern nations hosting American military bases. These tensions had raised questions over Iran’s participation, especially as their group games are scheduled in the US.
Mr Infantino, however, remains positive. "We want Iran to play, and Iran will play at the World Cup," he is reported to have told Univision. He dismissed a request from the Iranian football federation to move matches to Mexico , stating: "There is no plan B, C or D – there is only plan A.
" He added: "Iran represent their people – both those living in Iran and those living abroad. " FIFA president Gianni Infantino remains positive that Iran will be able to compete at the World Cup (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Infantino previously said US president Donald Trump would welcome Iran at the World Cup, but Trump said earlier this month he did not think it would be “appropriate” for Iran to take part “for their own life and safety”.
Iran are scheduled to play two World Cup games in Los Angeles and another in Seattle. They will face New Zealand and Belgium in LA on 15 June and 21 June, followed by the match against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. Iran and the US could meet in the last 32 in Dallas on July 3 if both sides finish runners-up in their groups.