FIFA president Gianni Infantino declared on Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup “with complete security” despite the war it has with the United States.
Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America forum, Infantino said it is important for Iran to participate in the World Cup, even though its participation has been in doubt since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against the country.
“The Iranian team will come, without a doubt,” Infantino said. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be peaceful. As I already said, that would help a lot. But Iran has to come. Of course they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”
Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Türkiye, two weeks ago and said Wednesday that he was impressed.
“I went to see them. The truth is that they are a very good team,” Infantino said. “They really want to play and they should. Sport should be outside of politics.”
Infantino recognized that it is not always possible to achieve the separation between sport and politics.
“Okay, we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said. “But if there is no one else who believes in building bridges and keeping them intact and united, then we will take care of it.”
The United States will co-host the World Cup along with Canada and Mexico.
Iran is scheduled to play two group stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.
The war has raised questions about Iran’s participation in the World Cup. There have been conflicting public statements from the Iranian government and soccer officials. US President Donald Trump advised against the Iranian team’s participation in the tournament, citing security concerns.
