FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, playing their matches in the United States as scheduled.
"Iran will be at the World Cup," Infantino said during Iran's friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey. He emphasized matches will be played "where they are supposed to be, according to the draw."
Iran's participation faced uncertainty due to the Middle East war that began February 28th. The team is scheduled to play Group G games in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15, then Belgium in LA on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
President Trump initially assured Iran's team would be welcome, then reversed course saying they shouldn't travel "for their own life and safety." Iran rejected any potential exclusion, stating "no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup."
Infantino stressed FIFA cannot solve geopolitical conflicts but remains committed to using football to "build bridges and promote peace."