FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as scheduled, with all group-stage matches taking place in the United States despite the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Speaking to AFP during halftime of Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey on Tuesday, Infantino said: “Iran will be at the World Cup. That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.”
Infantino, whose presence at the friendly was unannounced, added that he had met with the players and coaching staff and that “everything is fine.” He stressed that Iran’s matches “will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”
Iran is scheduled to play their Group G fixtures against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
The country’s participation had been uncertain following the outbreak of war with the US and Israel on February 28. Earlier this month, the Iranian Football Federation said it was “negotiating” with FIFA to potentially relocate matches to Mexico, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirming readiness to host if needed.
Infantino noted that US President Donald Trump had initially assured Iran’s participation, though Trump later suggested the team should not travel “for their own life and safety.” Iran responded by insisting that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup.”
On March 19, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s commitment to holding the tournament “as scheduled” with “all teams” participating, emphasizing the organisation’s role in promoting peace and fair play amid geopolitical tensions.
During Tuesday’s friendly, Iran’s players wore black armbands and held school rucksacks to commemorate victims of a February 28 airstrike on a primary school in Minab, which killed at least 170 people, including students and teachers. Preliminary US military findings suggest the strike was caused by a targeting error involving a Tomahawk missile.
