Infantino insists Iran must play at World Cup despite tensions

Gianni Infantino holds the World Cup trophy during a tour in Mexico.

MEXICO CITY, March 31: Gianni Infantino, head of FIFA, has stressed that Iran will take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Speaking to a Mexican TV channel, Infantino said there is no alternative scenario, emphasizing: “We want Iran to play, and Iran will play in the World Cup.”

He noted that Iran represents its people both at home and abroad, underlining the importance of its participation on the global stage.

Reports indicate that the Iranian national team prefers not to play its group-stage matches in the United States, and instead hopes to stage them in Mexico due to rising tensions in the Middle East.

FIFA has yet to clarify whether it will approve such a request, with Infantino acknowledging that the situation remains “very complicated,” while reaffirming the organization’s commitment to ensuring Iran’s participation under the best possible conditions.

According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, said the team would boycott matches in the United States but would not withdraw from the World Cup.

Iranian media also reported, citing the Ministry of Sports, that national teams and clubs have been banned from traveling to countries considered “hostile” until further notice, citing safety concerns for athletes.

The ministry added that federations and clubs must coordinate with the Asian football authorities to seek changes in match venues if necessary.