FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the Iran national football team will compete in the 2026 [1] World Cup and play in the U.S. [2].
The confirmation addresses concerns regarding whether the Iranian squad would be permitted to enter the U.S. or choose to participate given the strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Infantino made the announcement during the 76th [3] FIFA Congress held in Vancouver, Canada. The event brought together 210 [4] member associations to discuss the governance and future of the sport.
"Of course Iran will play in the United States of America," Infantino said [5]. He said the Iranian team is coming, for sure [6].
FIFA maintains that sports should remain separate from geopolitical conflicts. The organization said that Iran's participation in the tournament helps unite the world through football [7].
This decision ensures that the tournament structure remains intact as the U.S. prepares to host the global event. The organization's stance reinforces the principle of neutrality in international athletics, a core tenet of the FIFA charter.
“"Of course Iran will play in the United States of America."”
By confirming Iran's participation, FIFA is attempting to shield the 2026 World Cup from the volatility of U.S.-Iran diplomatic relations. This move signals that the governing body will prioritize the inclusivity of the tournament over political pressures, potentially setting a precedent for how other nations in conflict are handled during the event's hosting period.
