Will Iran be at the World Cup? FIFA and Donald Trump’s stance explained
Photo by Tasos Katopodis - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images Iran are still expected to play at the 2026 World Cup, despite the political tension surrounding their matches in the United States. FIFA’s position is now firm. Gianni Infantino said Iran are “coming for sure”, adding that they have qualified, the players want to play, and the team “has to come”.
That was the clearest answer yet to suggestions Iran could withdraw or be removed. FIFA has not announced any plan to replace them or move their fixtures away from the United States, and that is unlikely to change. How the Iran World Cup issue developed Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images Iran qualified in March 2025, after a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan in Tehran.
Mehdi Taremi scored twice, confirming another World Cup place for Team Melli. The December draw then placed Iran in Group G. They are scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The situation became political when Donald Trump said Iran were welcome to play, but also suggested it may not be appropriate for them to attend “for their own life and safety”, due to the geopolitical conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran in the Middle East. The US president later said he had no objection to Iran taking part. The situation surrounding visas is one of the most sensitive topics.
Iran’s players, coaches and necessary support staff are expected to receive exemptions, but officials with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps face greater scrutiny. What FIFA and Mehdi Taj have said now The latest flashpoint came before the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Iranian FA chief Mehdi Taj was among a delegation that turned back from Canada after what Iran described as disrespectful treatment.