Key Takeaways:
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino affirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup
- Iran are scheduled for three Group G fixtures in the United States – two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle – with their tournament base in Tucson, Arizona
- The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to begin on June 11 with 48 teams participating
Infantino’s Assurance Amid Middle East Conflict
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reiterated that Iran will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, despite the ongoing war in the Middle East. Speaking on Wednesday at an economic conference hosted by CNBC, Infantino stated unequivocally, “Iran is coming for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help.”
He emphasised Iran’s role in representing its people and mentioned that the national squad has qualified and that the players are keen to compete in the tournament’s upcoming fixtures, which are scheduled to take place in the United States this June.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite the Middle East war.
"Iran is coming for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help"https://t.co/ORzWJPbP3Z pic.twitter.com/TuFGsSwUZo
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) April 16, 2026
Route to Participation and Political Challenges
Infantino’s comments follow earlier statements made in March during his attendance of the Iran-Costa Rica friendly in Antalya, Turkey. The context for his assurance stems from heightened uncertainty after US President Donald Trump previously questioned whether Iranian players would be “safe” on US soil.
Iran is drawn to play its three Group G matches on American ground, scheduled for two games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Their base for the duration of the tournament is set in Tucson, Arizona.
Diplomatic Barriers and Boycott Threats
The possibility of Iran’s participation was cast into doubt after conflict erupted on 28 February, with the United States and Israel launching military operations. In response, Iran signalled the potential for a boycott and formally requested FIFA relocate its fixtures from the United States to Mexico, a proposal which governing authorities declined.
A fraught ceasefire was reached on 8 April after weeks of escalated regional hostilities and reciprocal strikes. In the aftermath, Tehran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and as of Monday, the United States has imposed a maritime blockade targeting Iranian shipping routes.
FIFA Maintains Sporting Neutrality
Infantino reiterated FIFA’s stance that, “Sports should be outside of politics,” and underscored the organisation’s commitment to fostering unity among nations through football. As he remarked on Wednesday, “If there’s nobody else that believes in building bridges and keeping them intact and together, we are doing the job.”
Iran’s Group G Fixtures and World Cup Overview
The 2026 World Cup, set to be the first edition expanded to 48 teams, will kick off on 11 June and be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran’s Group G campaign will see the team play three fixtures in the United States. Their requested match relocation was dismissed by FIFA, confirming Iran’s original schedule.
