FIFA President Gianni Infantino.Image: keystone
April 30, 2026, 9:25 p.mApril 30, 2026, 9:32 p.m
FIFA President Gianni Infantino assured at the start of his speech at the world football governing body’s congress on Thursday that Iran would take part in this summer’s World Cup.
«We have to unite, we have to bring people together. Football unites the world,” said the Swiss in Vancouver. He has no doubt. «Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup. And of course Iran will play in the USA,” said Infantino. Two weeks ago he confirmed that Iran would “definitely” take part in the World Cup despite the war with the USA.
«Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup. And of course Iran will play in the USA.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino
US President Donald Trump only advised Iran against participating in March, citing security concerns. The American Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that the decision about whether to participate in the World Cup rests with Iran. At the same time, he also said: “The problem with Iran would not be the athletes. It would be some of the other people they want to bring with them.”
Iran will play in Group G against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. The games are scheduled to take place near Los Angeles and in Seattle. In the meantime, Iran had explored the possibility of playing its games in co-host country Mexico.
A rejection or exclusion is out of the question for Infantino. “There are enough problems, enough people dividing people,” he said about the world situation. Football, on the other hand, has “power” and “magic”. “Together we are unbeatable,” said the FIFA boss. (sda/dpa)