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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup and play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Infantino made the announcement Tuesday during a friendly match in southern Turkey, where Iran beat Costa Rica 5-0.
“Iran will be at the World Cup,” he said, adding that he had spoken to the players and coach and everything was in order.
“That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.”
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine.”
Infantino went on to stress that Iran’s “matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”.
The World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, starts on June 11. Iran is set to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Iran’s participation had been uncertain after the war with the US, and Israel began on February 28.
Earlier this month, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) said it was negotiating with FIFA to move matches from the US to Mexico.
“For us, what matters most are FIFA’s rules and regulations. We will comply with whatever FIFA decides. Every host country has made commitments to FIFA and must honour them,” Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, FFIRI’s vice president, told AFP at the match.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered to host the matches if needed.
FIFA officials and Iranian representatives described Tuesday’s meeting as “fruitful”. Nabi said Infantino had been en route from Mexico to Qatar.
“Having learnt that we were organising friendly matches here, he came to see us in person, and we had a fruitful discussion,” Mohammad Nabi said.
“Given our history in this competition, it is only natural that FIFA should support the Iranian team. Mr Infantino is providing the necessary support to our national team and has given our players a great boost.”
Backup striker Dennis Eckert Ayensa told AFP prior to the match that Iran would attend the World Cup “inshallah” (god willing).
