FIFA President Gianni Infantino has cleared up doubts about the participation of Iran’s national soccer team in the 2026 World Cup, making it clear that the team will participate in the tournament and play its matches in the United States.
Speaking at the FIFA Congress in VancouverCanada, Infantino emphasized:
– I want to confirm right away that Iran will certainly play in the World Cup in 2026 and that it will play in the United States of America. We must unite people. Football unites the world, FIFA unites the world – said Infantino.
Iran will play its group stage matches against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, before playing Egypt in Seattle five days later.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addresses the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
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— FIFA (@FIFAcom) April 30, 2026
Political tensions lead to uncertainty
Iran’s participation has been largely questioned due to strained relations with the United States. In early 2026, Iran was placed on the US President Donald Trump administration’s travel ban list, and strict visa restrictions further complicated the situation. The problems continued later – some members of the delegation were refused visas for the draw, although they were later given permission to come. Iranian officials were also recently denied entry to Canada, which prevented them from attending the FIFA congress.
The situation further escalated after attacks on Iran by the US and Israel in late February, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, leading to a new conflict. In the circumstances, Donald Trump said he was not interested in whether Iran would play in the championship, while Iranian officials at one point said the national team would not participate “under any circumstances”.
Attempts at a solution and final decision
During the spring, numerous talks and attempts at a compromise were held. Iran considered the option of playing the matches in Mexico, and the idea of Italy replacing Iran at the tournament was even mooted, which was quickly dismissed.
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