FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and calls for the nation’s exclusion from the tournament. Infantino made the pledge during a meeting with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday, emphasizing FIFA’s commitment to supporting their preparations for the competition, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning June 11.
The assurance comes amid heightened scrutiny following recent airstrikes and escalating conflict in the Middle East. Concerns over Iran’s participation have been fueled by statements from both Iranian officials and external actors, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously discouraged the team from attending. Infantino’s visit and subsequent statements aim to quell those doubts and solidify Iran’s place in the tournament.
“FIFA will continue to support the team to ensure the best possible conditions as they prepare for the World Cup,” Infantino wrote in an Instagram post following his departure from Turkey. The FIFA President reiterated that there is “Plan A” and no alternatives for Iran’s participation, a sentiment he previously expressed in Mexico City last weekend during an interview with N+ Univision. Infantino stated, “We want them to play. they are going to play in the World Cup. There are no Plans B or C or D; Plan A is the only plan.”
Players’ Protest and Geopolitical Context
The Iranian team recently demonstrated a symbolic gesture of protest during a friendly match against Costa Rica on Tuesday, winning 5-0 in a game played without spectators. As the Iranian anthem played, players and officials, including coach Amir Ghalenoei and federation vice president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, displayed pictures of children allegedly killed in airstrikes since February 28. This followed a similar demonstration during a previous warmup match against Nigeria, where players held small backpacks to honor victims of a missile strike on an elementary school in southern Iran on February 28, according to reports.
More than 165 people, primarily children, were reportedly killed in the February 28 strike. While the U.S. Military is investigating the incident, neither the United States nor Israel has accepted responsibility for the attack, which has drawn criticism from the United Nations and human rights organizations. The U.S. Military has stated it would never intentionally target civilians.
World Cup Schedule and Potential Opponents
Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and Seattle. Earlier, Iranian officials had suggested exploring the possibility of relocating their games to Mexico following comments from former President Trump raising safety concerns. However, Infantino has consistently maintained that Iran will adhere to the original tournament schedule.
Iran is grouped with New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the first round. If they advance, they could potentially face the United States in the round of 32. Iran is considered a strong contender to progress from its group, given its established soccer program in Asia.
FIFA’s Stance on Political Neutrality
Infantino emphasized FIFA’s role in uniting countries through sport, stating, “We live in a complex geopolitical situation…but our operate is to unite. We realize it is a complicated situation but we will work to be sure that Iran plays in this World Cup in the best conditions.” He added that Iran represents its people both within and outside the country, having qualified for the tournament on sporting merit. FIFA’s position reflects its long-standing policy of political neutrality, aiming to keep the focus on the sporting competition itself.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments in the Middle East could impact the tournament. However, as of now, FIFA is committed to ensuring Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. The coming weeks will be crucial in monitoring the geopolitical landscape and ensuring the safety and security of all participating teams and fans.
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