FIFA President Gianni Infantino Confirms Iran's Participation in 2026 World Cup
Iran to Participate in 2026 World Cup, Matches to be Held in the United States as Scheduled
"Fallow me to start with the beginning. Of course, Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup. And of course, Iran will play its matches in the United States of America," said Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, on Thursday during the organization's congress in Vancouver, Canada.
"And the reason is very simple: we must come together. It's my responsibility, our responsibility."
Iran has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) had requested in recent weeks that its three group stage matches be relocated from the United States to Mexico, citing ongoing conflict in the region.
However, Iran is still set to play all its group stage matches on American soil: against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle to conclude the group stage.
This decision comes as a relief to fans and organizers, as it ensures that the Iranian national team will indeed participate in the 2026 World Cup as scheduled.
