FIFA Prez confirms Iran to play World Cup in US

Speaking at FIFA’s global summit in Vancouver, Infantino opened his address by making the governing body’s position clear.

“Let me start by confirming straightaway that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” he said. “And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America.”

Iran’s involvement in the tournament — co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States — has faced uncertainty since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East in February, following strikes involving the US and Israel.

Iranian officials had suggested moving their group-stage matches to Mexico, but Infantino had already rejected the proposal. Reports also emerged last week that US special envoy Paolo Zampolli floated the idea of replacing Iran with Italy — a suggestion later dismissed by Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iranian players would be welcome to compete.

Tensions nevertheless spilled into the build-up to FIFA’s Congress, where Iran was the only one of the 211 member associations absent.

Officials from the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran left Canada shortly after arriving in Toronto, abandoning their trip to Vancouver following a dispute with border authorities. Iranian media reported that FFIRI president Mehdi Taj and colleagues returned home after being “insulted” by immigration officers.

Canada, which designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation in 2024, said individuals linked to the force are inadmissible.

“Iranian officials linked to the IRGC have no place in our country,” Canada’s immigration agency said, declining to comment on specific cases.

Iran are set to base themselves in Tucson during the tournament and will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G. Their opening match is scheduled against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.