Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, has confirmed that Iran will take part in the upcoming World Cup, despite the federation being the only one absent from FIFA’s congress held in Vancouver, Canada.

Iran confirmed for World Cup matches in the United States

“Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” Infantino said. “The reason for that is very simple: we have to unite, we have to bring people together. It is my responsibility, it is our responsibility – football unites the world, FIFA unites the world, you unite the world, we unite the world."

Infantino, who has not yet officially confirmed whether he will run for re-election next year, also reflected on FIFA’s current direction and global standing.

“I’m now completing ten years,” he said. “I’ve felt the responsibility of representing football. FIFA has become a respected organization at the most important tables in the world. It is in the best moment of its history.”

FIFA outlines stricter in-game rule enforcement

He also addressed upcoming rule changes set to be implemented at the World Cup, focusing on player behavior and referee authority.

“We are trying to bring the rules of the game to where they should be,” Infantino said. “We don’t want anyone leaving the field without referee authorization, or players covering their mouths and saying something to an opponent. That will be a red card.”

“If you want to say something, say it openly. There is nothing to hide. We are trying to make life easier for referees.”

Ticket demand surges despite pricing debate

Another topic of discussion has been ticket pricing for the tournament, with Infantino pushing back on criticism.

“A lot has been said about this. But we have received 500,000 ticket requests,” he said. “And we have sold 100 percent of what we have released so far. There are also cheap tickets, not just expensive ones.”

Club World Cup declared a major success

Infantino also highlighted the expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup, which launched in its new format last year.

“It was a resounding success,” he said. “We had an average of 40,000 fans per match, 2.7 million viewers worldwide, and generated $2 billion in revenue. Now we have to see how it develops going forward.”

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