FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran will compete in the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, playing their matches in the United States as scheduled.
In his opening address at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, Infantino stated: “I should say, confirming straight away for those who maybe want to say something else or want to write something else, that of course Iran will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America.” He emphasised football’s role in uniting a divided world: “We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility, it is our responsibility. Football unites the world, FIFA unites the world.”
US President Donald Trump endorsed the decision, telling Oval Office reporters: “If Gianni said it, I’m OK. You know what? Let them play.”
Iran’s involvement faced uncertainty amid the US-Israel conflict since February and their initial threat to boycott US games. However, Infantino rejected proposals to shift their group matches to Mexico, affirming their US venues.
Iran’s absence from the 211-member congress heightened tensions—Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj and delegates turned back at Canadian immigration in Toronto, citing “insults”. Canada, which designated the IRGC (Taj’s former affiliation) a terrorist group in 2024, barred their entry.
(With inputs from IANS)