FIFA confirmed Iran will play in the 2026 World Cup despite tensions with the U.S. Officials rejected relocation or replacement ideas. Iran missed the FIFA Congress after a Canada entry issue but remains set to compete in Group G.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed that Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, dismissing any possibility of replacement despite ongoing diplomatic tensions with the United States. Speaking during a gathering in Vancouver, Infantino stated that Iran would compete as scheduled, including matches hosted in the United States, one of the tournament’s co-host nations.
Infantino emphasized that sporting commitments would not be altered by political developments, reiterating that Iran’s qualification ensures its place in the competition. The comments follow speculation triggered by strained relations between Iran and United States, with some Iranian officials previously suggesting relocating their matches to Mexico. That proposal had already been rejected by FIFA.
Additional uncertainty emerged when Paolo Zampolli reportedly floated the idea of Italy replacing Iran in the tournament. However, the U.S. government distanced itself from the suggestion, with Marco Rubio indicating that Iranian players would be allowed to participate.
Tensions also surfaced ahead of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Iran was notably absent from the 211-member assembly after officials from the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran departed Canada following an incident with border authorities earlier in the week. Reports indicated that FFIRI President Mehdi Taj and colleagues returned to Tehran after facing scrutiny from Canadian immigration officials.
Canada has classified the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, and authorities stated that individuals associated with the group are not permitted entry. Officials declined to comment on specific cases but reiterated that such individuals are considered inadmissible.
Iran is scheduled to be based in Tucson during the tournament and will compete in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Their opening match is set to take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 15, 2026.
