FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated that Iran will play their World Cup matches in the United States as scheduled during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as football’s top officials met in Vancouver on Thursday.
Iran’s participation in the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States has been under scrutiny following rising geopolitical tensions linked to conflict in the Middle East earlier this year after strikes by the United States and Israel.
Opening the FIFA 76th Congress, Infantino firmly restated Iran’s place in the tournament, saying the country will not only participate but also play matches on US soil.
“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.”
Trump Reacts to FIFA Decision
His remarks were welcomed by US President Donald Trump, a close ally of the FIFA boss, who expressed support for Iran’s participation.
“Well, if Gianni said it, I’m OK. I think let ’em play,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
Iran had reportedly explored the possibility of relocating their group-stage matches away from the United States, but FIFA rejected the proposal. In another twist, reports also suggested proposals to replace Iran in the tournament, though US officials later dismissed such claims, stating Iranian players would be welcome.
Tensions surrounding Iran’s participation were further highlighted after the country’s football federation delegation was absent from the Congress in Vancouver. Iranian officials reportedly left Canada following a dispute with border authorities after landing in Toronto.
Iranian media claimed that officials from the Iran Football Federation, including president Mehdi Taj, were “insulted” during immigration procedures, prompting their return home. Canada, which has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, maintained that individuals linked to the group are inadmissible.
Despite the controversy, Iran is set to compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. The team is expected to be based in Tucson, Arizona, and will open their campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.
FIFA Defends Ticket Pricing
Elsewhere, Infantino also addressed growing criticism over FIFA’s ticket pricing structure for the World Cup, defending the organisation’s revenue model.
“There are expensive tickets, yes, there are also affordable tickets,” he said, adding that all revenue generated would be reinvested into global football development.
The FIFA president also received a significant boost ahead of his expected bid for re-election in 2027, after securing backing from both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which together hold over 100 votes.
BY EMMANUEL
