The President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play their matches in the United States.

He stated that discussions had been held with various authorities and stakeholders, resulting in an agreement that Iran will play its matches in the US, despite earlier pleas to move them to other host countries.

He emphasized that this clarification was necessary to dispel rumors suggesting Iran could be compelled to boycott the tournament due to strained relations with US President Donald Trump amid the ongoing war, which is currently on hold following a ceasefire deal.

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“Let me start by confirming straightaway, for those who may want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said at the FIFA World Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The World Cup, which runs from June 11 through July 19, 2026, will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, and Belgium on June 21, before traveling to Seattle for a June 26 matchup against Egypt.

Meanwhile, Iran’s football leadership withdrew from a scheduled FIFA meeting in Canada following what officials described as “inappropriate behavior” by immigration officers at Toronto airport, according to Iranian news agency Tasnim.

SB/AE

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