FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms that Iran will compete in their 2026 World Cup matches in the United States, emphasizing that “everything is fine” after discussions with the players and head coach Amir Ghalenoei.
Assurances Amid Regional Tensions
Iran’s involvement in the tournament faces scrutiny following the armed conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran that erupted in late February. Infantino attended Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica in Antalya on Tuesday, where he dismissed concerns over potential schedule changes or withdrawal.
“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino stated. “That’s what we’re here for. The matches will be where they are supposed to be, according to the draw. Iran will be at the FIFA World Cup, and we’re excited because they’re a very, very strong team right now. So, I’m very happy.”
He added, “I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach. So, everything’s fine. We’re delighted because they are a very, very strong team. I’m very happy.”
Iran’s Group Stage Schedule
Iran kicks off their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt. The team has qualified for six prior World Cups, including the 2022 edition in Qatar, but has never advanced beyond the group stage.
Contrasting Views from Officials
Former US President Donald Trump remarked earlier this month that Iran would be “welcome,” but later posted on social media that participation would not be “appropriate … for their own life and safety.”
Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali declared that the team “do not have the possibility for participation” due to ongoing war. “Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup,” he stated. “Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist.”
Donyamali further noted that “over the past eight or nine months, two wars have been imposed on us and several thousand of our people have been killed and martyred. Therefore, we definitely do not have the possibility for participation.”
