ANTALYA, Turkey – FIFA President Gianni Infantino affirmed on Tuesday that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will play its group stage matches as scheduled in the United States, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. The confirmation came during a visit to Turkey where Infantino witnessed Iran’s dominant 5-0 victory over Costa Rica in a friendly match.
“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino told AFP at halftime of the match near Antalya. “That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted due to the fact that they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.” He added, “I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine.”
The assurance from FIFA’s president comes after the Iranian Football Federation had reportedly been in negotiations to relocate their World Cup matches from the U.S. To Mexico, citing concerns related to the current conflict in the Middle East. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, had previously indicated her country was prepared to host Iran’s first-round matches if needed. However, Infantino stressed that the matches will proceed as per the original draw.
According to the official tournament schedule, Iran is slated to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 16th in Los Angeles, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21st, also in Los Angeles, and concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 27th. These matches are part of the expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The situation surrounding Iran’s participation had been subject to uncertainty following the outbreak of conflict on February 28th. The Iranian federation, led by president Mehdi Taj, had actively sought discussions with FIFA regarding a potential venue change. Infantino’s presence at the friendly against Costa Rica, an unannounced visit, underscored FIFA’s commitment to addressing these concerns directly.
The “Team Melli,” as the Iranian national team is known, demonstrated strong form in Tuesday’s friendly, rebounding from a 2-1 loss to Nigeria last Friday, also played in Turkey. They dominated Costa Rica, taking a commanding 4-0 lead into halftime thanks to two penalty conversions. The convincing win provided a positive signal ahead of the World Cup, showcasing their capabilities on the field.
This confirmation from Infantino provides clarity for fans and organizers alike, solidifying Iran’s place in the tournament and ensuring the logistical planning can proceed without further disruption. The 2026 World Cup is already generating significant excitement as the first edition to feature 48 teams, promising a broader range of competition and increased global representation.
For those unfamiliar, the FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious association football tournament in the world, contested by the senior men’s national teams of the members of FIFA. The quadrennial event draws billions of viewers worldwide and represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. The expansion to 48 teams in 2026 is designed to provide more opportunities for nations to participate and further grow the global reach of the game.
Infantino’s visit to Turkey and subsequent statements highlight FIFA’s proactive approach to navigating complex geopolitical issues surrounding the tournament. The organization is balancing the need to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participating teams while upholding the integrity of the sporting competition. The decision to maintain the original schedule reflects a commitment to the established plans and a confidence in the ability to host the tournament successfully across all three host nations.
The Iranian national team qualified for the 2026 World Cup by finishing atop their group in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying tournament. Their participation represents a significant moment for Iranian football and its passionate fanbase. The team will undoubtedly be looking to make a strong impression on the world stage in the United States next summer.
Looking ahead, Iran will continue its preparations for the World Cup with further friendly matches and training camps. The focus will be on refining their squad and tactical approach as they aim to compete at the highest level. Fans can follow official updates and announcements from the Iranian Football Federation and FIFA for the latest news and information regarding the team’s preparations.
What’s Next: The official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., where the final group stage matchups will be determined. FIFA recently unveiled a new Peace Prize to be awarded ahead of the draw, further emphasizing the organization’s commitment to promoting unity and understanding through football. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the 2026 World Cup as we approach the tournament.
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