FIFA chief confirms Iran's World Cup participation amid US tensions

Washington: FIFA President Gianni Infantino affirmed on Wednesday that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup "for sure", despite ongoing conflict with the United States.

Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum on 15 April, Infantino emphasised the importance of Iran's involvement, even as doubts lingered following US and Israeli airstrikes on the country. "The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes," he said. "We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play."

Infantino, who met Iran's national team in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks ago, praised their quality. "I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well," he noted. "And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now."

He acknowledged the challenges in separating sport from geopolitics, adding: "OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth. But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job."

The United States will co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico, with Iran slated to play two group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle. The war has sparked uncertainty, including conflicting statements from Iranian officials and US President Donald Trump's advice against their attendance over safety fears.