FIFA President Gianni Infantino Asserts Iran's World Cup Participation Amidst US War
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has firmly declared that Iran will "for sure" participate in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, despite the ongoing military conflict between Iran and the United States. Speaking at CNBC's Invest in America Forum, Infantino addressed the uncertainty surrounding Iran's involvement, which had been heightened by recent US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory.
Infantino's Unwavering Stance on Iran's Inclusion
Infantino emphasized the critical importance of Iran's presence at the tournament, stating, "The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes. We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play." He revealed that he met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks ago, expressing admiration for their dedication and skill.
"I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well," Infantino remarked. "And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now." However, he acknowledged the practical challenges of separating sport from geopolitical realities, adding, "OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth. But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job."
Political Tensions and Safety Concerns
The United States is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, with Iran's schedule including two group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle. Doubts about Iran's participation had intensified due to the conflict, exacerbated by conflicting statements from Iranian government and football officials. Last month, US President Donald Trump publicly discouraged the Iranian team from attending, citing safety concerns.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" This statement added to the geopolitical friction surrounding the event, highlighting the delicate balance between international sport and diplomatic tensions.
Infantino's comments underscore FIFA's commitment to maintaining the World Cup as a platform for unity, even amidst global conflicts. The organization faces the complex task of ensuring security and fairness while navigating the political landscape, with Iran's participation now confirmed but likely to remain a focal point of discussion as the tournament approaches.
