Iran will compete in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. despite tensions
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that the Iranian national team will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play its matches in the United States, despite the complex geopolitical situation.
CNN reported this.
Speaking at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, he emphasized that sports should bring people together even during periods of international tension.
“Let me confirm right away... that Iran will, of course, participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And, of course, Iran will play in the United States... because we must come together. We must bring people together,” Infantino said.
Uncertainty regarding Iran’s participation arose amid escalating tensions following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory in late February. Additionally, the Iranian delegation was not present at the congress due to issues with entering Canada.
U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed his position, stating that he has no objection to the Iranian team’s participation.
“If Infantino from FIFA said so, I’m not against it. I think they should play,” he noted, although he had previously expressed doubts about security.
According to the preliminary schedule, Iran will play its group stage matches in Inglewood (California) and Seattle. The first match is scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles.
Currently, the Iranian and U.S. national teams are not in the same group, but they could face each other in the playoffs. Such a match could potentially take place on July 3 in Arlington, on the eve of U.S. Independence Day.
Despite political disagreements, FIFA emphasizes that the tournament must remain a platform for dialogue and unity through sports.
As a reminder, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has reached an agreement in principle to increase the prize money and bonuses for participants in the 2026 World Cup. The decision is linked to the expansion of the tournament and the growth in revenue from commercial and television rights.
The European Commission commented on FIFA’s desire to reinstate Russian soccer teams to the competition.
