FIFA has confirmed that Iran’s national football team will take part in the 2026 World Cup and play all their group-stage fixtures on American soil, rebuffing suggestions that the escalating political friction between Tehran and Washington could lead to a venue change or withdrawal.
Infantino confirms Iran’s participation in the US
The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has officially announced that Iran will compete in the 2026 World Cup, with their group-stage matches to be held in the United States. The statement came during the governing body’s congress in Vancouver.
According to Infantino, the decision remains unchanged despite the political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation. He stressed that football ought to play a unifying role and must not be turned into a tool of isolation.
“Iran will take part in the World Cup. Of course, the national team will play in the United States. The reason is very simple: we must come together so that people can be united. That is our responsibility. Football brings the world together,” Infantino said.
Iran have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and have been drawn in Group G, alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, as confirmed by FIFA’s official website.
According to the schedule, Iran will play their opening match against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles. They will then face Belgium, before concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle.
Uncertainty over withdrawal and venue change
Until recently, there had been uncertainty over Iran’s involvement in the tournament. Against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East and the fraught relationship between Iran and the United States, it was rumoured that the Iranian side might withdraw or request that their matches be moved outside the US.
There were also reports of visa difficulties for members of Iran’s football delegation ahead of FIFA events in Canada. The Associated Press quoted Canadian authorities confirming that several Iranian football officials had faced entry problems prior to the congress in Vancouver.
One of the options discussed was relocating Iran’s matches to Mexico or Canada. However, judging by Infantino’s comments, FIFA has no intention of altering the published schedule.
As a result, Iran are expected to travel to the United States and play in the World Cup as originally planned. For FIFA, the decision carries symbolic weight as well: the organisation is keen to uphold the principle that all qualified teams should be able to participate, regardless of political disagreements.
A historic World Cup for Iran and the tournament
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico and will, for the first time, feature 48 teams. For Iran, this represents another appearance at the global tournament, and a group featuring Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand promises to be one of the most closely watched in the competition.
