Iran will play at the 2026 World Cup in the United States as originally scheduled, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed. The announcement ends uncertainty surrounding their participation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Infantino attended Iran’s 5‑0 friendly victory over Costa Rica in Turkey and said the team is in excellent form. He confirmed that Iran will play against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the U.S., following the draw.
Iran will play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, face Belgium there on June 21, and meet Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament begins on June 11 and spans the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran’s football federation had explored relocating their matches to Mexico due to security concerns. Mexico expressed willingness to host, but FIFA confirmed the original schedule would remain. Infantino stressed that host nations must honor their commitments and provide a safe environment.
Iran’s vice president of the football federation emphasized compliance with FIFA’s decisions. He said the visit from FIFA’s president boosted the team’s confidence and morale. The players and coach met with Infantino to discuss preparations before the tournament.
Tensions around Iran’s participation increased after comments from U.S. leadership about safety concerns. Iranian officials countered by insisting the team should compete and maintain its World Cup spot.
Iran will play amid global attention, highlighting the intersection of sport and diplomacy. Supporters see their participation as a symbol of football transcending political conflicts, while organizers focus on ensuring security for all teams.
FIFA’s confirmation provides clarity for travel, training, and logistics. All stakeholders now prepare for a smooth tournament in North America. The team will continue rigorous training to maintain its strong performance and readiness.
With the group stage approaching, Iran will play in front of millions of fans in Los Angeles and Seattle. Their matches will be closely watched for both athletic skill and international significance. Iran will play with both national pride and global attention on the world stage.