Infantino insists Iran will compete at 2026 World Cup despite regional tensions

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will “for sure” take part in the 2026 World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at an economic conference hosted by CNBC, Infantino said he hoped the situation would stabilise by June but stressed that Iran had qualified and its players deserved to compete. His comments echo remarks made in March during an Iran–Costa Rica friendly, amid earlier concerns after statements from US officials about safety.

Iran are scheduled to play all three Group G matches in the United States, with two games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle, and will be based in Tucson, Arizona. Their participation had been cast into doubt following the conflict launched on February 28th, with Iran briefly raising the possibility of a boycott and requesting to move matches to Mexico, a proposal FIFA rejected. Infantino reiterated that sport should remain outside politics as preparations continue.