Iran will compete at the 2026 World Cup, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed last month. The tournament, meanwhile, will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first edition hosted by three nations. Organizers have, in addition, scheduled three group-stage matches for Iran, including two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Iran’s national team has not requested withdrawal, and its football federation has, likewise, taken no steps to alter participation. Officials continue to support full involvement in the tournament, while the team, at the same time, advances its preparation program. Players have already entered training camps and are working under the national coaching staff to build match fitness and tactical cohesion. The squad will also compete in Group D and will face opponents determined through the official draw.
Paolo Zampolli, an envoy associated with Donald Trump, suggested replacing Iran with Italy. He, in particular, pointed to Italy’s football history as justification for inclusion. Football authorities, however, did not support the suggestion, and it did not align with established qualification rules.
Iran secured its place through the Asian Football Confederation qualification pathway, and the team therefore earned its position through consistent performances in competitive matches. Andrea Abodi also rejected the replacement idea and emphasized that teams must qualify on the pitch. His position, in turn, reinforced the principle that results in official competitions determine participation.
FIFA has not received any formal request to replace Iran and continues to recognize the team as a qualified participant. The governing body has, moreover, maintained a clear stance on preserving sporting integrity in the tournament structure.
Iran has participated in multiple World Cup editions and continues to build its international record. The team achieved, for example, a notable victory against Morocco during the 2018 tournament in Russia. The squad, as a result, aims to progress beyond the group stage and deliver a stronger performance.
The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded 48-team format, which in turn offers more opportunities for competition. Iran remains part of that lineup and will begin its campaign when the tournament opens in June 2026.