FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 [1] World Cup and play its matches in the U.S.
The announcement settles questions regarding the Iranian national team's presence in the tournament. Because the 2026 event is hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the placement of specific teams is a matter of both logistical planning and international diplomacy.
Infantino made the announcement on April 30 during the 76th FIFA Congress held in Vancouver, Canada [2]. He said that football serves as a tool to unite the world, using the Iranian qualification as an example of the sport's global reach [4].
"Permettetmi di iniziare confermando fin da subito che, naturalmente, l'Iran parteciperà ai Mondiali FIFA del 2026," Infantino said during the session [3]. He further specified the location of the team's fixtures, stating, "E, naturalmente, l'Iran giocherà negli Stati Uniti d'America" [3].
Other reports from the Congress reiterated that the Iranian national team will specifically play its matches within the U.S. borders [2]. The decision follows the established framework for the expanded tournament, which requires precise scheduling across the three host nations to manage travel and security, a complex task for a tournament of this scale [2].
Infantino's confirmation came as a direct response to inquiries regarding the team's status and the logistics of their participation. He said that the decision to place Iran in the U.S. is a natural part of the tournament's organization [3].
"Posso confermare che l'Iran parteciperà alla Coppa del Mondo FIFA 2026 e che naturalmente giocherà negli Stati Uniti d'America," Infantino said [3].
“"The Iranian national team will play its matches in the United States."”
The confirmation that Iran will play its matches in the U.S. underscores FIFA's commitment to maintaining a neutral sporting environment despite complex diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington. By designating the U.S. as the venue, FIFA is navigating the logistical requirements of a three-nation hosting agreement while ensuring that geopolitical tensions do not prevent a qualified team from competing.
