World Cup 2026: Iran's participation, Gianni Infantino confirms

World Cup 2026 16 April 2026 at 08:14

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup was closely discussed last month by Gianni Infantino. Now, the FIFA president is certain.

Iran will indeed travel to North America to take part in the 2026 World Cup. During an economic conference hosted by CNBC in Washington, the FIFA president confirmed the squad's attendance yesterday.

"Iran will come, that's for sure. We hope that by the start of the tournament (June 11), the situation will be calm, which would really help. Iran must come, they represent their people, they've qualified, the players want to play," he stated.

Infantino also tried to ease tensions: "Sport must be outside of politics. Okay, we don't live on the Moon, we live on planet Earth. But if no one else believes in building bridges and keeping them intact and united, then we're the ones who do this work."

Iran will play all three of its group matches in the United States. In Los Angeles, they will face New Zealand (June 16) and Belgium (June 21). Egypt will be their final opponent in Seattle (June 27).