Field Level Media
01 May 2026, 02:10 GMT+10
(Photo credit: Brian Snyder-Reuters via Imagn Images)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will play its originally scheduled World Cup matches this summer in the United States.
Infantino made the announcement during his opening remarks Thursday at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, B.C., one day after members of Iran's delegation to the congress were denied entry into Canada.
'Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course Iran will play in the United States of America,' Infantino said. 'The reason for that is very simple, dear friends, is because we have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility.'
Iran's delegation was noted as being 'absent' from Thursday's roll call of delegates. According to ESPN, two of Iran's delegates were allowed into Canada but opted not to attend after another member of the party was turned away by immigration.
Iran's participation in this summer's tournament in North America has been clouded in controversy since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes against the nation on Feb. 28.
Leaders of both Iran and the U.S. have engaged in hostile rhetoric since, with President Donald Trump posting on social media, 'The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.'
Iran is in Group G and is scheduled to play New Zealand (June 15) and Belgium (June 21) in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle (June 26).
Infantino previously ruled out the possibility of replacing Iran or moving Iran's group-stage games to one of the other World Cup co-hosts, Canada or Mexico.
--Field Level Media
Get a daily dose of Illinois Intelligencer news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Illinois Intelligencer.
More InformationNew Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): The US Embassy in India on Thursday shared a picture of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with External...
The US president has ordered the release of materials on unidentified flying objects and possible alien life US President Donald...
(Photo credit: Brian Snyder-Reuters via Imagn Images) FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will play its originally...
(Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images) Assistant coach Jessica Campbell will not return to the Seattle Kraken next season, the...
(Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images) MLS commissioner Don Garber said his X account was 'compromised' after a since-deleted...
New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): The Patiala House Court on Thursday formally framed charges against Kala Jatheri and others. All...
ZURICH, Switzerland: An upcoming referendum that would limit Switzerland's population to 10 million is gaining support from a slim...
LONDON, U.K.: Prime Minister Keir Starmer managed to avert a parliamentary inquiry over his choice of Peter Mandelson as British ambassador...
LAS VEGAS, Nevada: Nathan Chasing Horse, who acted in Dances With Wolves, was sentenced this week by a Nevada judge to life in prison...
DUBAI, U.A.E.: Iran's Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaei-Nik said on April 28 that his country is ready to share its defensive weapons...
MONTERREY, Mexico: Mexico announced that its special forces arrested Audias Flores, one of the top commanders of the powerful Jalisco...
LIMA, Peru: As Peru's vote count drags on amid fraud allegations and a razor-thin battle for second place, right-wing candidate Keiko...
