Zurich/Antalya, Mar 31: FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as scheduled despite the ongoing conflict in West Asia, asserting that there was “no Plan B” regarding the team’s inclusion.
Speaking during half-time of Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey, Infantino said the team’s Group G fixtures would be played as per the original draw in the United States, one of the three co-hosts along with Canada and Mexico.
“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino said, adding that he had met the players and coaching staff and that “everything is fine”.
The 48-team tournament is set to begin on June 11, with Iran scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
Iran’s participation had come under doubt after the outbreak of war involving the US and Israel on February 28, prompting the Iranian Football Federation to explore shifting its group-stage matches to Mexico over security concerns.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had also said that her country was prepared to host Iran’s first-round matches if necessary.
The issue also sparked diplomatic friction after Donald Trump initially assured Iran’s welcome before later suggesting that the team should avoid travelling for “their own life and safety”. Iran responded by stating that no one could exclude its national side from the World Cup.
Reiterating FIFA’s position, Infantino said the governing body remained committed to ensuring that the tournament proceeds as scheduled with all qualified teams participating, and stressed football’s role in promoting peace and unity amid geopolitical tensions.
The Iranian team had earlier paid tribute to victims of the conflict by wearing black armbands and holding school backpacks during a friendly match, in a symbolic gesture of solidarity with civilians affected by the war.
