Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), clearly confirmed that the Iranian national team will participate in the 2026 World Cup and compete in the United States as originally scheduled, despite earlier concerns arising from Iran-U.S. relations.
On 1 May 2026, Infantino spoke during the 76th FIFA Congress held in Vancouver, Canada, on 30 April, stating:
"Certainly, Iran will play in the United States because football's role is to bring people together."
Earlier reports stated that the Iranian Football Federation delegation, led by Mehdi Taj, was denied entry into Canada at Toronto Airport, preventing them from attending the FIFA meeting. Iran viewed this as inappropriate treatment by immigration officials.
This situation heightened uncertainty about Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, since the United States is one of the co-hosts amid ongoing political tensions between the two countries, despite a recent ceasefire.
Reports indicate that Iran had requested FIFA to relocate their matches to Canada or Mexico, but this request was denied.
For the 2026 World Cup, Iran is placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt, and will use Tucson, Arizona, as their training base during the tournament.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump later expressed support, saying:
"If Gianni says so, then I’m okay with it. Let them play."
The 2026 World Cup will begin on 11 June and conclude with the final on 19 July, hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.