FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will play its originally scheduled World Cup matches this summer in the United States.
Infantino made the announcement during his opening remarks Thursday at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, B.C., one day after members of Iran’s delegation to the congress were denied entry into Canada.
“Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” Infantino said. “The reason for that is very simple, dear friends, is because we have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility.”
Iran’s delegation was noted as being “absent” from Thursday’s roll call of delegates. According to ESPN, two of Iran’s delegates were allowed into Canada but opted not to attend after another member of the party was turned away by immigration.
Iran’s participation in this summer’s tournament in North America has been clouded in controversy since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes against the nation on Feb. 28.
Leaders of both Iran and the U.S. have engaged in hostile rhetoric since, with President Donald Trump posting on social media, “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Iran is in Group G and is scheduled to play New Zealand (June 15) and Belgium (June 21) in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle (June 26).
Infantino previously ruled out the possibility of replacing Iran or moving Iran’s group-stage games to one of the other World Cup co-hosts, Canada or Mexico.
–Field Level Media
