Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will play at US World Cup amid conflict
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will compete at this summer’s World Cup in the United States despite the ongoing military conflict between the two nations.
The head of world football’s governing body made the definitive declaration during an investment forum in Washington D.C. on Tuesday.
Doubts had heavily surfaced regarding the Asian nation’s participation following the outbreak of war in late February.
Request to relocate fixtures rejected
Iranian government officials previously suggested their national team could not safely travel to American soil.
Requests were subsequently made to move their group-stage matches south of the border to co-host nation Mexico.
However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed last week that those appeals were firmly rejected by Fifa.
“The Iranian team is coming, for sure. Yes.”
Infantino stated while speaking to delegates at the Invest in America Forum.
“We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come, of course. They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”
Building bridges through sport
Prospects of the squad fulfilling their tournament obligations improved after a recent visit to their training camp in Antalya, Turkey.
The 54-year-old Swiss executive met with the players and stressed his belief that sport must remain entirely separate from geopolitical matters.
“If there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them intact and together, well we are doing that.”
Infantino added, reiterating his commitment to global sporting unity.
Tournament schedule and logistics
The Iranian team secured their qualification for the expanded global showpiece in March 2025.
Their delegation is strictly expected to arrive at a designated base camp in Tucson, Arizona, no later than 10 June.
The squad will open their campaign against New Zealand at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, five days later.
Subsequent group fixtures will see them face Belgium at the same venue on 21 June before travelling to Seattle to play Egypt.
United States President Donald Trump has offered mixed messages regarding the team’s arrival, fluctuating between welcoming the players and questioning their safety.
