Iran to play World Cup 2026 games in United States as planned, Fifa president Infantino says
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran will play their World Cup matches in the United States this summer. His comments follow recent uncertainty stemming from US and Israeli airstrikes on 28 February. Further concerns arose as Iran’s football association was the sole absentee from Thursday’s FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
It is understood two delegates, with Canadian visas, chose not to attend after a group member was denied entry in Toronto. Infantino, however, opened his Congress address by insisting the Iranian team would indeed participate at the North American finals “Let me start at the outset by confirming straight away, for those who maybe want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026 ,” the Swiss said, to cheers from the assembled delegates. “And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America.
The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together. ” Iran will kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
If they and the US finish second in their respective groups, the sides will meet in the last 32. US president Donald Trump has previously stated it would be “inappropriate” for Iran to compete “for their own life and safety”. Iran will kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
If they and the US finish second in their respective groups, the sides will meet in the last 32 (WANA) Infantino added: “There are enough problems around the world. There are enough people who try to divide all over the world. If nobody tries to unite, what will happen to our world?