FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the Iranian national team will participate in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran had threatened to withdraw from the tournament several times over the past month following the US-Israeli war that began on its territory on February 28.
US President Donald Trump had advised Iran to withdraw from the World Cup, sparking considerable controversy and further strengthening Iran’s resolve to participate in the competition, which kicks off next June.
Infantino appeared at the friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica in Antalya, Turkey, where he spoke to the media about the future of Mehdi Taremi and his teammates in the tournament.
The FIFA president said, “Iran will participate in the World Cup… and that’s why we are here. We are very happy because they are a very strong team, and I am happy to be here.”
Iran had attempted to persuade FIFA to move its group stage matches to Mexico, but no results have been announced yet.
Iran is scheduled to face Belgium and New Zealand in Los Angeles, then travel to Seattle to play Egypt. The Iranian national team will be based in Tucson, Arizona.
