FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made one thing crystal clear: Iran will be on the pitch when the 2026 World Cup kicks off this summer, despite ongoing tensions between the country and the United States.
"Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course Iran will play in the United States of America," Infantino declared during his opening remarks at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. "The reason for that is very simple, dear friends, is because we have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility."
Among the 211-member FIFA congress, Iran was the only absentee—a telling sign of the diplomatic hurdles at play. But on the field, the focus remains on competition, not conflict.
President Donald Trump echoed Infantino's sentiment when asked about Iran's participation. In a brief exchange with reporters, Trump said, "Well if Gianni said it, I'm okay." When pressed about the possibility of an Iranian victory, he added with a shrug, "I'll have to worry about that one. You know what? Let them play. I told Gianni he could do whatever he..."
Iran has been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand—a group that promises high-stakes drama from the opening whistle. Their World Cup journey begins June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand, with additional group stage matches scheduled at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and Lumen Field in Seattle. The team has set up a training base in Tucson, Arizona, to prepare for the challenge.
Infantino's stance, which he has repeated multiple times since the U.S.-Iran conflict escalated in March, comes amid logistical complications. Just a day before his speech, Iran's delegation was denied entry into Canada to attend the congress. According to ESPN, two delegates were allowed into the country but chose not to attend after a third member was turned away by Canadian immigration officials.
In a bid to remain part of the 48-nation World Cup field, Iran had explored shifting its three group games to Mexico. However, FIFA rejected that proposal, keeping the team firmly on U.S. soil for the tournament.
For soccer fans, this is a reminder that the World Cup has always been more than just a game—it's a stage where nations come together, even when politics tries to keep them apart. And for those of us who love the sport, seeing Iran take the field in their iconic white and green kits is exactly what the beautiful game is all about.