16 April 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, despite the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.
Infantino told CNBC on the sidelines of the Invest in America forum that participation in this major event is important for the Islamic Republic, adding, "Iran will definitely participate."
He continued, "Of course, Iran has to be there. They represent their people. They qualified. The players want to play." He noted, "They should play—sport should be separate from politics. Well, 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, then we are doing that."
US President Donald Trump had previously stated that he considered Iran's participation in the tournament "inappropriate for their lives and safety." Iran requested that its group stage matches be moved from the United States to Mexico, but FIFA rejected the request, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The Iranian national team is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and then Egypt in Seattle, in the group stage of the tournament, which will be held from June 11 to July 19.
