🚨 Iran will play in US at 2026 World Cup, FIFA chief says 🚨
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play soccer matches in the United States, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions that have cast doubt over the team’s participation.
Speaking at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday, Infantino addressed uncertainty that emerged after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran began in late February.
“Let me start at the outset by confirming straight away … that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026,” Infantino said, drawing applause from delegates. “And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America … because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.”
Iran was the only one of FIFA’s 211 member associations not represented at the event, after its delegates chose not to attend following reports that one member of their group was denied entry into Canada.
US President Donald Trump spoke out shortly after the remarks. “If FIFA’s Infantino said it, I’m okay with it,” he said. “I think let them play.”
Trump had previously suggested it would be “inappropriate” for the Iranians to compete “for their own life and safety.”
Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle, with its opener against New Zealand set for June 15 in Los Angeles. Although Iran is not in the same group as the US team, the two teams could face each other in the knockout stage of the competition if they both finish second in their respective groups. The earliest possible matchup would be Friday, July 3, a day before the American Independence Day holiday, in Arlington, Texas.
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