FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will play 2026 World Cup matches in USA

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play its scheduled matches in the United States.

Speaking during FIFA's 76th Congress in Vancouver, Infantino stressed that the tournament must serve as a platform for unity.

“Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course, Iran will play in the United States of America,” he said. “We have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility.”

The comments come amid off-field tensions after Iran’s delegation faced issues entering Canada for the Congress. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand described the denial of entry to part of the delegation as unintentional.

Sources indicated that while two Iranian delegates were eventually allowed entry, the delegation chose not to attend after one member was turned away. Iran was subsequently marked absent during the official roll call.

Despite the situation, Infantino made it clear there are no plans to exclude Iran from the tournament, noting that no member association is currently suspended or facing expulsion.

Iran are set to open their campaign against New Zealand before facing Egypt and Belgium in Group G, with matches scheduled to be played in the United States.