FIFA President Gianni Infantino put an end to months of speculation on Thursday, confirming that Iran will indeed play their 2026 World Cup matches in the United States as originally scheduled. The announcement came during FIFA's 76th Congress in Vancouver, where football's top leaders gathered to shape the future of the game.
"Let me start by confirming straightaway that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026," Infantino declared at the outset of his address. "And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America."
The statement carries significant weight given the geopolitical tensions that have cast a shadow over Iran's participation. Uncertainty has swirled since the eruption of conflict in the Middle East in February, following strikes by the United States and Israel. Many wondered whether the tournament—co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States—would see Iran take the field on American soil.
Infantino's firm stance won immediate backing from US President Donald Trump. When asked about Iran's inclusion, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, "Well, if Gianni said it, I'm OK. I think let 'em play."
This clarity comes after weeks of behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Iranian officials had floated the idea of moving their group-stage games to Mexico, but Infantino had already rejected that proposal. Adding to the drama, Italy-born US special envoy Paolo Zampolli reportedly suggested Italy could take Iran's World Cup spot—a notion the US government quickly distanced itself from, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirming that Iran's footballers would be welcome.
Yet tensions lingered right up to Thursday's summit. Iran's delegation was the only one absent from the 211-member congress after a clash with Canadian border officials earlier in the week. Officials from the Iranian football federation abruptly left Canada upon landing in Toronto, abandoning their onward journey to Vancouver. Iranian media reported that FFIRI president Mehdi Taj—a former member of Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—and two colleagues departed the country rather than face potential complications.
For fans and players alike, Infantino's confirmation brings much-needed certainty. Iran now knows exactly where they'll be competing when the world's biggest sporting event kicks off in North America. Whether you're stocking up on team gear or planning your match-day outfit, one thing's for sure: the World Cup stage is set for an unforgettable tournament.