Infantino insists Iran will play World Cup despite war concerns

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup, pushing back against uncertainty created by the country’s war with the United States and Israel.

Speaking on Wednesday, Infantino made clear that, from FIFA’s perspective, Iran’s participation is not in doubt. “The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” he told CNBC.

The statement comes despite growing concerns from Iranian officials and Washington. Iran’s sports minister has suggested the team may not be able to compete under current conditions, while US President Donald Trump has raised questions about the players’ “life and safety”.

For now, the situation remains tied to a fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, which is set to run through April 22. Against that backdrop, Iranian officials have asked for their matches to be moved out of the United States to Mexico, another host nation.

FIFA has rejected that request, pointing to logistical constraints and maintaining that it can guarantee security for the team.

Infantino framed the issue in broader terms, emphasising both the players’ qualification and the principle of participation. “Iran has to come,” he said, adding that the team represents its country and has earned its place in the tournament.

“We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation,” he said. “As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”

He also pointed to direct engagement with the squad, noting that he had recently visited the team during a training camp in Antalya, Turkiye, where players expressed their intention to compete.

“They [Iran’s players] should play – sports should be outside of politics,” Infantino said.

“Now, OK – we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth, but if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them intact and together, well, we [FIFA] are doing that.”

Iran, among the earliest teams to qualify, is scheduled to play all its group-stage matches on the US West Coast, starting with New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

If the team advances, all subsequent matches would also take place in the United States.