FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly pledged that Iran will play in the 2026 World Cup and that the governing body will fully support the team’s preparations, amid intense geopolitical tensions over the tournament’s host countries. Infantino met the Iranian national side in Antalya, Turkey, and said FIFA will work to ensure Iran competes under the best possible conditions at the 48‑team finals co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“Only Plan A” for Iran
Infantino has repeatedly stressed there is “only Plan A” and no alternative plan for Iran’s participation, insisting the World Cup schedule announced in December 2025 will stand. Iran is scheduled to play all three group‑stage matches in the U.S. (two in Los Angeles/Inglewood and one in Seattle), but Iranian officials had pushed to move those games to Mexico over security concerns following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
Tensions and risks of withdrawal
Iran’s sports leadership has said the team “cannot participate” under current circumstances, while football federation chief Mehdi Taj has declared Iran will “boycott the United States, but not the World Cup,” creating a diplomatic standoff. FIFA warns that any unilateral withdrawal could trigger sanctions, including substantial fines and possible exclusion from future tournaments, reinforcing the organization’s determination to keep Iran in the 2026 finals.
