Iran is set to participate in the World Cup, and there are currently no alternate plans in place despite the ongoing tensions with the tournament co-hosts, the United States. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed this in an interview with Univision on Monday.
“We want them to compete; they will be playing in the World Cup. There are no alternative plans—Plan A is the only plan we have,” Infantino stated. “We operate in a complex geopolitical environment… but our mission is to foster unity. We recognize the challenges involved, but we will ensure that Iran competes in this World Cup under the best possible conditions.”
Iranian officials have previously expressed that it is FIFA’s responsibility, along with the U.S., to ensure the team’s safety throughout the World Cup.
Recently, the Iranian ambassador in Mexico City mentioned that negotiations are underway with FIFA to relocate Iran’s three group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump raised concerns about the team’s safety amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which begins June 11, when the tournament takes place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Trump indicated that while the Iran team is welcomed at the World Cup, he expressed doubts about the appropriateness of their attendance “for their own life and safety.”
Regarding the possibility of shifting Iran’s matches to Mexico, Infantino emphasized that FIFA aims for the tournament to proceed as originally planned.
During his recent visit to Mexico, he reiterated his position in an interview with Univision, stating, “Iran represents its people, both those in Iran and those abroad. They earned their place in this World Cup through sporting merit, qualifying early on. It is a nation with a rich footballing tradition. Our goal is to bring countries together in the spirit of peace. While divisions exist in the world, our role is to unite and serve as a bridge for all.”
Last week, Iranian state television reported that the government had prohibited its sports teams from traveling to any countries deemed “hostile,” ahead of Traktor Sazi FC’s upcoming match in Saudi Arabia. This ban, issued by the Ministry of Sports in Tehran, did not reference the World Cup.
Officials from both the Iranian government and soccer domain have indicated their opposition to a boycott of the World Cup; however, they contend that sending the national team to the U.S. is unfeasible due to military actions against Iran by Israel and the U.S. since February 28.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.