FIFA President Gianni Infantino has unequivocally reiterated that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, with their group stage matches proceeding as planned in the United States, despite the ongoing Middle East conflict. Infantino made these remarks during an unannounced visit to a friendly match in southern Turkey, where Iran secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Costa Rica.
Infantino's Assurance on Iran's World Cup Role
At half-time of the match, Infantino declared, "Iran will be at the World Cup. That's why we're here. We're delighted because they're a very, very strong team, I'm very happy." He further emphasised that he had personally observed the team, spoken with players and the coach, and confirmed that "everything is fine." Infantino stressed that Iran's matches "will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw," dismissing any speculation about relocation.
Schedule and Geopolitical Context
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to commence on June 11. Iran is scheduled to play their first Group G match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by a game against Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and a final group stage match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iran's participation had been cast into doubt due to the war involving the US and Israel that erupted on February 28, raising concerns about safety and diplomatic tensions.
Iranian Football Federation's Stance
Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, vice president of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), addressed the situation, stating, "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." Earlier this month, the FFIRI had indicated it was "negotiating" with FIFA to potentially move Iran's matches from the US to Mexico, a proposal that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country was prepared to accommodate if necessary.
Political Reactions and Support
Infantino initially cited assurances from US President Donald Trump that the Iranian team would be welcome, but Trump later contradicted this, suggesting Iran should not travel "for their own life and safety." Iran responded defiantly, asserting that "no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup." Mohammad Nabi noted that Infantino, en route from Mexico to Qatar, had taken the initiative to visit the team in Turkey, leading to a "fruitful discussion." He added, "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."
Match Details and Symbolic Gestures
In the friendly match, Iran dominated Costa Rica, who have not qualified for the World Cup, with goals from Mehdi Taremi (two penalties), Ali Gholizadeh, Mohammad Mohebbi, and Mehdi Ghayedi. Before the game, Iran's players wore black armbands and posed with photos of young victims of the conflict, including those killed in an airstrike on a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, on February 28, which resulted in at least 170 casualties. The New York Times reported that a US military investigation preliminarily indicated a US Tomahawk cruise missile struck the school due to a targeting error. When asked about Iran's World Cup chances, back-up striker Dennis Eckert Ayensa responded, "Inshallah" (god willing), reflecting the team's hopeful outlook amidst uncertainty.
