FIFA Confirms Iran in 2026 World Cup Amid Global Tensions

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

He emphasized that football should remain independent of political conflicts and that qualification based on sporting merit must be respected.

Sports Must Stay Separate from Politics

Speaking at an economic conference organized by CNBC, Infantino stated that there is no uncertainty regarding Iran’s participation in the tournament.

He said Iran’s national team represents its people and should not be excluded due to political disputes. According to him, sport should serve as a bridge between nations rather than a source of division.

Tensions Around Participation

Earlier, similar comments were made during a friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica in Turkey. However, concerns were raised after Donald Trump questioned the safety of Iranian players traveling to the United States, one of the host nations.

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play group-stage matches in the U.S., including fixtures in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Tournament Schedule and Logistics

Iran has been placed in Group G, with its training base expected to be in Arizona. Earlier reports suggested relocation requests due to regional tensions, but FIFA rejected any changes to the official schedule.

Despite diplomatic concerns, preparations for the tournament continue as planned.

Background: Regional Tensions

The situation became more complicated after escalating conflicts between Iran, Israel, and the United States earlier in the year. A temporary ceasefire was reached on April 8, but tensions remain high in parts of the region, including restrictions on maritime activity in key trade routes.

Despite global political pressure, FIFA continues to maintain its stance that football must remain neutral. The organization aims to ensure that the 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams for the first time, proceeds as a global celebration of sport.