The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran said that Iran’s players will participate in the FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States next month, but added that “the host country must take our concerns into consideration.”
Amidst the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, reports had emerged suggesting that Iran might not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as all matches of the tournament are scheduled to take place in the U.S. However, Gianni Infantino had already confirmed that Iran would travel to the United States for the tournament, and it is now clear that Iran will indeed participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the Iranian news agency IRNA, the federation is emphasizing that Iran’s team will participate in the FIFA World Cup and that no external pressure can stop it. At the same time, it also stressed the need for the host country to take Iran’s concerns into consideration.
The federation also said that “Iran will participate in the tournament while respecting its beliefs and culture." The real competition is on the football field.”
The matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Photo: @Alex Wong/Getty Images and @The White House
A few days ago, Donald Trump said that Iran’s team would be welcome to participate in the FIFA World Cup.
However, he also said that “he does not think it would be appropriate for the team to participate in the tournament.”
Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino had earlier said that Iran’s team is coming to the United States to play its FIFA World Cup matches.
The Iranian team is in Group G and is scheduled to play its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt on June 15, 21, and 26 in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Photo: @FIFA
