VANCOUVER – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has definitively confirmed Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in North America, ending speculation that the Islamic republic could be excluded due to ongoing hostilities with the United States.
Addressing the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, Infantino moved swiftly to silence any doubts.
“Let me start at the outset, confirming straight away, for those who want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said. “And of course Iran will play in the United States of America.”
Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group-stage matches on US soil this summer. They open against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, face Belgium at the same venue six days later, and conclude against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Travel ban exemption
Although Iran remains on President Donald Trump’s travel ban list, exceptions have been made for players and officials from competing nations. Last month, Mr Trump warned members of Iran’s national team against travelling to the United States for the tournament at the height of the military standoff between Tehran and Washington.
Infantino’s clarification removes any lingering uncertainty over Iran’s involvement in the 48-team tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.