Iran to play World Cup matches in US: FIFA president

The head of international football body FIFA confirmed on Thursday that Iran will take part in this summer’s 2026 World Cup and play its scheduled matches on US soil, despite the ongoing war.

“Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup, 2026, and of course, Iran will play in the United States of America,” Gianni Infantino said at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada.

He argued that the decision is rooted in the responsibility to "bring people together," saying that football remains a unique force that "unites the world" amid global divisions.

Iran qualified for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11 across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The team is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Iran's request to move its matches to Mexico, a co-host, was denied by FIFA.

The path to participation remains deeply uncertain. Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's sports minister, said the country could not take part "under any circumstances," citing the Feb. 28 killing of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the start of the US-Israeli offensive. "This corrupt regime has assassinated our leader," he said.

US President Donald Trump said in March that while Iran's team would be welcome at the World Cup, he did not think it was appropriate for them to attend "for their own life and safety."