US Edition
Infantino promises FIFA backing for Iran to play at World Cup
FIFA insists Iran will play all 2026 World Cup group matches in US venues despite geopolitical tensions, with no alternative plans announced, FIFA president said.
- On Tuesday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran "will play at the World Cup" despite the ongoing conflict with tournament co-host the United States.
- President Donald Trump recently deemed it not "appropriate" for Iran to attend "for their own life and safety," while Iran's sports ministry previously banned travel to nations deemed "hostile."
- Rejecting calls to move matches to Mexico, Infantino stated "there is no plan B, C or D," adding that "Iran represent their people- both those living in Iran and those living abroad."
- With all three group games scheduled in the United States, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj stated, "We will boycott America, but we will not boycott the World Cup."
- FIFA intends to proceed as planned with the schedule announced in December 2025, maintaining the organization cannot resolve geopolitical conflicts but expects all teams to compete in mutual respect.
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73 Articles
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will attend the World Cup as planned, without any changes to the schedule or adjustments to the logistics of the tournament, which begins on June 11 in Mexico City.
Infantino promises FIFA backing for Iran to play at World Cup
FIFA president Gianni Infantino threw his support behind Iran's World Cup preparations on Tuesday, attending their 5-0 friendly win over Costa Rica in Turkey even as their tournament participation is in limbo due to Middle East tensions.
According to the official calendar of the 2026 World Championship, Iran has to play its three group games in the United States, co-organizers of the tournament with Mexico and Canada. But since the outbreak of the war on February 28, Tehran has shown its desire to play its games in Mexico.
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