FIFA president Gianni Infantino says Iran will take part in the next World Cup, even as tensions and military strikes raise concerns about the team’s participation. Looking back, Iran announced withdrawer from the world cup earlier this year. Have they really agreed to play this year world cup that will be held in North America?
Speaking on April 15, 2026, during the CNBC Invest in America Forum, Infantino made it clear that Iran’s place in the tournament is not in question. He said the national team has already qualified and should be allowed to compete regardless of the political situation.
His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions following recent airstrikes involving United States and Israel targeting Iran, raising uncertainty over travel, security, and diplomatic relations ahead of the tournament.
“Iran will come, of course,” Infantino said. “We hope that by then, the situation will be peaceful, which would help a lot. But they must participate. They represent their country, they have qualified, and the players want to play.”
Infantino also revealed that he met the Iranian national team two weeks ago in Antalya, where he observed their preparations and praised their quality.
“I went to see them. They are a very good team. They want to play, and they should play,” he said. “Sport must remain outside of politics.”
The upcoming World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to the match schedule, Iran is set to play two of its group-stage matches in Inglewood and one in Seattle, placing the team directly inside the United States despite the ongoing tensions.
