Infantino makes final call on Iran’s 2026 World Cup spot
Months of speculation, political pressure and logistical concerns force FIFA’s president to address one of the tournament’s most sensitive questions.
After months of speculation over whether Iran’s national team would ultimately take part in the 2026 World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has put the issue to rest.
There had been growing talk about a potential replacement if Iran were absent, with most projections pointing to another Asian nation stepping in. Iraq was widely seen as the logical successor, while some even floated the idea of an unlikely European alternative.
Infantino, however, made it clear that Iran’s place is not in doubt.
“Sports should be kept separate from politics,” he said during a conference organized by CNBC.
The comments follow earlier remarks made roughly three weeks ago, when Infantino insisted there was “no Plan B or C” regarding Iran.
Infantino backs Iran’s qualification
Speaking again to Univision, Infantino doubled down, laying out why Iran deserves to be part of the tournament. He pointed to the team’s performances in qualifying, where they battled past opponents such as North Korea, Uzbekistan and Qatar.
“Iran has to come. They represent their people, they’ve qualified, and the players want to be there,” Infantino said.
He also expressed hope that the broader geopolitical situation will stabilize before the tournament begins.
“Iran will be there for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be peaceful. That would definitely help,” he added.
U.S. schedule set amid ongoing tensions
As it stands, Iran is scheduled to play its Group G matches in the United States, with games set for Los Angeles and Seattle. The team’s base camp is expected to be near Tucson, Arizona.
The decision comes against the backdrop of a complicated geopolitical landscape, shaped by ongoing regional conflict and its ripple effects. The situation has even sparked calls for boycotts, with several former players and public figures using their platforms to highlight conditions inside Iran.
There was also a proposal, ultimately rejected by FIFA, to move Iran’s matches to Mexico. That idea never gained traction.
Despite the pressure, Infantino struck a firm tone.
“If we don’t build bridges, no one else will,” he said.
World Cup 2026 schedule taking shape
With Iran’s participation now confirmed, planning for the 2026 World Cup, the first edition to feature 48 teams, continues to move forward ahead of its June 11 kickoff.
Iran’s group-stage schedule is already in place:
- June 5: vs. New Zealand at SoFi stadium in Los Angeles (designated Los Angeles Stadium by FIFA for the tournament).
- June 21: vs. Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle (designated Seattle Stadium by FIFA for the tournament).
- June 26: vs. Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle in what organizers have designated as an LGBTQ+ Pride match
Barring any unforeseen developments, Iran will be part of the expanded tournament, adding another layer of complexity and global attention to a World Cup already set to break new ground.
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