FIFA president Gianni Infantino has insisted World Cup 2026 will go ahead as planned for Iran, despite earlier suggestions the nation could refuse to play group-stage games in the United States amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Iran is due to play two games in Los Angeles (against New Zealand on June 15 and versus Belgium on June 21), as well as a third in Seattle (against Egypt on June 25) after being drawn in Group G.

However, their participation had appeared to be in doubt.

Iran’s shifting stance

Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, initially ruled out the possibility of the national team taking part in the World Cup before Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, later said the team would only boycott the United States, not the tournament itself.

That position became clearer after comments from President Donald Trump, who suggested the Iranian team should not travel to the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.

Iran subsequently requested that FIFA allow it to play all three group-stage matches in Mexico, a proposal supported by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. FIFA, however, rejected the request and repeatedly insisted matches would remain in the original host cities.

Infantino doubles down

Attending Iran’s 5-0 win over Costa Rica in a friendly in Antalya, Turkey, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s position.

“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino stated. “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. Matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”.

A “fruitful discussion” with FIFA

According to Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, vice president of the Iranian Football Federation, talks with Infantino were positive.

“‘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.”

Iran’s apparent change of position, along with the conclusion of World Cup qualification on Tuesday, means all 48 participants for the tournament are now known, with the full schedule now defined.

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