FIFA Confirms Iran's Participation in 2026 World Cup

On Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Infantino expressed hope that the situation would improve, stating that "nobody else believes" in building bridges through the World Cup.

He made similar remarks in March during a friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey. Infantino's comments come in light of U.S.

President Donald Trump's previous suggestions that Iranian players might not be safe in the United States. Iran is scheduled to play three group matches in the U.S., specifically in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Tucson, Arizona.

The backdrop of Iran's participation includes a fragile truce following airstrikes and regional tensions, with Iran previously raising the prospect of boycotting the tournament. FIFA rejected Iran's request to move matches to Mexico, affirming the importance of the World Cup as a unifying event.