Infantino Confirms Iran Will Feature At 2026 World Cup

Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking at an economic forum organised by CNBC, the FIFA president was unequivocal: “Iran is coming for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be peaceful—that would definitely help.”

Iran’s involvement had been cast into doubt following escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel earlier this year. The situation raised concerns over logistics, security and diplomatic relations, particularly given that several of Iran’s matches are scheduled to take place on American soil.

The team is set to play its Group G fixtures in cities including Los Angeles and Seattle, with a tournament base planned in Tucson, Arizona. Earlier suggestions that Iran might boycott the competition—or request relocation of its matches to Mexico—were ultimately dismissed by FIFA.

Infantino reiterated that qualification should remain the overriding principle. “They represent their people, they have qualified, and the players want to play,” he said, underlining FIFA’s stance that sport should remain separate from political disputes.

The conflict, which began in late February, led to weeks of military exchanges before a fragile ceasefire was reached in early April. Nevertheless, tensions remain high, with ongoing economic and strategic measures continuing to affect the region.

Infantino maintained that football has a unique role in fostering unity. “Sport should be outside politics. If nobody else is building bridges, then we are doing that job,” he said.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first to feature an expanded 48-team format and is scheduled to kick off on 11 June.