FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Wednesday that Iran will “definitely” participate in this summer’s World Cup, despite the ongoing conflict with the United States.
The conflict, which began on February 28, raised concerns about Iran’s capacity and desire to compete in the World Cup, having qualified in March 2025 as one of the top teams in Asia.
This year’s World Cup is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches in the U.S.
Earlier in March, Iranian officials hinted that the team might face challenges, with some stating they would be unable to participate or travel to the U.S., even suggesting a relocation of Iran’s matches to Mexico.
However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed last week that FIFA declined this request, affirming that the World Cup will go ahead as planned.
“The Iranian team is definitely coming,” Infantino stated during CNBC’s Invest in America Forum in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
“We are hopeful that by then, the situation will be peaceful, which would certainly help. But Iran must participate; they represent their people and have qualified. The players want to compete.”
Iran’s chances of playing in the World Cup improved as Infantino visited the team during a training camp in Antalya, Türkiye, at the end of last month.
“I visited them two weeks ago while they were training in Antalya,” Infantino recounted. “They are eager to play, and they absolutely should. Sports should transcend politics.”
“We are not living in isolation; we are all part of the same world. If no one is committed to building and maintaining bridges, then that’s a responsibility we gladly take on.”
The Iranian squad is expected to arrive at their training camp in Tucson, Arizona, no later than June 10, ahead of the tournament running from June 11 to July 19. Their first match is on June 15 against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. They will also face Belgium at the same venue on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
If Iran progresses in the tournament, their knockout stage matches would likely take place in the U.S. as well.
Despite FIFA’s optimistic stance, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed mixed feelings, saying he “doesn’t really care” if the Iranian team comes, indicating they would be welcomed and treated as stars, while also raising concerns about the safety of the players.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.