Kathmandu. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has clarified that Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is guaranteed despite the ongoing tensions and conflict in West Asia. According to him, sports must be kept separate from political conflicts, and Iran’s participation based on merit is mandatory.
Speaking at an economic conference organized by CNBC, Infantino stated that there is no uncertainty regarding Iran’s participation. “Iran will definitely be at the World Cup. We hope that the situation will be calm by then, which will make it easier for everyone,” he said. He also expressed the view that since the Iranian team represents its citizens, they should not be prevented from playing.
Previously, he had expressed similar views during a friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, in March. However, U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed concerns about the safety of Iranian players, hinting that they might not be safe visiting the United States.
According to the schedule, Iran will play its three matches under Group ‘G’ in the United States, with two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. The team’s base camp is set to be in Tucson, Arizona.
Iran’s participation in this World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was thrown into uncertainty due to the conflict between the U.S.-Israel and Iran that began on February 28. During that time, Iran had requested to move its matches from the U.S. to Mexico, but FIFA rejected the proposal.
As regional tensions escalated, incidents of airstrikes and retaliation between Iran and Israel and other countries continued for several weeks. Eventually, a fragile ceasefire was implemented on April 8. However, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. has begun imposing restrictions on ships associated with Iranian ports.
Despite this complex situation, Infantino emphasized that sports should act as a bridge. “Sports must be beyond politics. If no one else is building bridges to connect relationships, we are striving to do so,” he stressed.
The World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, is set to begin on June 11, with teams from around the world preparing to compete.
