FIFA president Gianni Infantino has issued a major update on Iran’s participation at the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Since the US-Israeli offensive against Iran began in late February, which killed then–supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as well as several members of his inner circle, conflict has continued across the Middle East, with several other Gulf nations – including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Lebanon – also impacted by strikes.
Thousands have been killed, with many others displaced across the region. Meanwhile, sport has also been heavily affected, with the Saudi and Bahrain Grands Prix cancelled due to the conflict.
Concerns remain over whether Iran will take part in the World Cup this summer, with all three of the nation’s group games – against New Zealand, Egypt and Belgium – set to take place in the US.
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Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) has already requested FIFA move its matches to co-hosts Mexico.
However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed FIFA has turned down the request.
Now, FIFA president Infantino has made it clear that Iran will be taking part in the tournament despite previous concerns.
“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” Infantino said while speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum on Wednesday (April 15).
“We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful one. 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.”
This comes just two weeks after Infantino met the Iran national team in Turkey.
He added: “They really want to play, and they should play. Sport should be outside of politics now.”
When addressing the issue of politics crossing over into sport, the Italian explained: “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 intact and together, well, we are doing that job.”
US President Donald Trump previously stated that Iran were “welcome” to attend the World Cup, while also advising them to stay at home “for their own life and safety”.
The World Cup gets underway on June 11, when co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa.
Topics: FIFA, Gianni Infantino, Football
Luke Davies