Will Iran play in World Cup? FIFA boss now says team is 'coming for sure'
FIFA President Gianni Infantino says Iran will be at the 2026 World Cup despite concerns the team will pull out from the U.S.-hosted tournament amidst tensions caused by war between the countries.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is confident Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup despite geopolitical tensions putting the team's participation in doubt. "The Iranian team is coming, for sure. Yes.
We hope that by then of course the situation will be a peaceful situation. That would definitely help. But Iran has to come," Infantino said this week at the Invest in America Forum.
Iran earned its place in the tournament by topping its group in the third round of Asian qualification, the fourth consecutive time Team Melli has earned a place at the top tournament in the men's game. But the U. S.
and Israel's war on Iran, which started with airstrikes Feb. 28, has brought up questions about whether or not Iran will send its team - and if it will be welcomed into the U. S.