Fifa President Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will play World Cup games in USA
Head of world football also confirmed that he will seek re-election, with the Asian and African confederations supporting his bid
Fifa President Gianni Infantino reiterated that Iran will play their World Cup games in the United States as scheduled as football’s power-brokers met in Vancouver on Thursday.
Iran’s participation at this year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States has been shrouded in uncertainty since the eruption of war in the Middle East in February following strikes by the United States and Israel.
Infantino, who has repeatedly stated that Iran will be at the World Cup, underscored that stance at the start of his address to delegates as Fifa’s 76th Congress got under way in western Canada.
“Let me start by the outset, confirming straightaway that of course Iran will be participating at the Fifa World Cup 2026,” Infantino said. “And of course, Iran will play [in] the United States of America.”
Infantino’s remarks drew swift support from close ally US President Donald Trump, who told reporters in the Oval Office he was “OK” with Iran’s participation.
“Well, if Gianni said it, I’m OK,” Trump said. “I think let ‘em play.”