FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup despite ongoing Middle East conflict. “Iran is coming for sure,” Infantino stated at a CNBC economic conference.
Infantino had previously expressed similar sentiments in March during an Iran-Costa Rica friendly match in Antalya, Turkey, when US President Donald Trump suggested Iranian players might not be safe in the United States. The tournament will see Iran play three Group G matches in the U.S., with its base in Tucson, Arizona.
Iran’s involvement was initially questioned due to the conflict launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28. Iran proposed a boycott of the competition and requested FIFA move matches to Mexico, which was rejected. Despite ongoing air strikes and US-imposed blockades, Infantino emphasized that “Sports should be outside of politics.”