2026 World Cup: FIFA Confirms Iran to Play in United States

Saturday, 2 May 2026 | 08:00

Author: Arif S

Bendera FIFA.
Source: FIFA

Summary

1. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup matches hosted by the United States, despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

2. FIFA has rejected Iran’s request to relocate their matches, emphasizing the importance of unity and neutrality in global sports as fundamental principles.

3. The United States maintains strict conditions for Iran’s entry, requiring clear disassociation from the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) for all participating players and officials.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino affirmed that the Iranian national Football team will still play their matches in the United States during the FIFA World Cup 2026, despite diplomatic tensions overshadowing the tournament.

Infantino made this declaration at the opening of the FIFA Congress in Canada. Iranian delegates were absent from the Congress due to Visa restrictions and escalating geopolitical tensions. However, FIFA remains firm on its stance regarding Iran's participation in the U.S. territory.

"Let me start from the beginning. Of course Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States," stated Infantino as quoted by The Guardian.

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He emphasized that this decision isn't merely technical but symbolizes unity in global Sports.

"The reason is very simple: we must unite. This is my responsibility, our shared responsibility," he added.

Iran's absence from the official FIFA forum highlights the complexities of organizing the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This situation relates to the background of Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj's connections with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an organization designated as a terrorist entity by the Canadian government since 2024.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated his country's policy banning entry to individuals affiliated with IRGC.

"I can provide this assurance and fact: As you know, IRGC and all its members have been listed as a terrorist organization for several years," stated Carney.

"Members are prohibited from entering. We have screening protocols and take action. No members have entered this country."

Amid this controversy, Iran had requested relocation of their matches from U.S. territory. FIFA rejected this request, confirming schedules and venues would proceed as planned.

From Washington, Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled openness to the Iranian National Team's presence, with strict conditions regarding individuals linked to IRGC.

With the new 48-team format requiring extensive cross-country mobility, FIFA's decision becomes a real test of international football's ability to maintain neutrality amid global political pressures.

Quick Answer

FIFA Confirms Iran to Play in US for 2026 World Cup Despite Diplomatic Tensions

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran's national football team will participate in the 2026 World Cup matches hosted in the United States, despite diplomatic tensions. FIFA rejected Iran's venue relocation requests, emphasizing sports' unifying role. The US will permit Iran's participation under strict secu...

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran will play World Cup matches in the US despite diplomatic tensions
FIFA rejected venue relocation requests, stressing sports should transcend geopolitical issues
US participation requires strict vetting of Iranian delegates for IRGC affiliations

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed Iran's national football team will compete in the United States during the 2026 World Cup, despite significant diplomatic tensions between the nations. The announcement came during FIFA Congress proceedings in Canada, where Iranian delegates were notably absent due to visa restrictions linked to geopolitical conflicts.

FIFA's Commitment to Unity

Infantino emphasized this decision transcends logistical considerations, framing it as a symbol of global sports unity. "We must unite. This is my responsibility, our collective responsibility," he stated, rejecting any suggestion that political disputes should influence tournament organization. FIFA maintains that sports should serve as a unifying platform above geopolitical divisions.

Security Conditions and Challenges

The United States will permit Iran's participation under specific security protocols, including thorough vetting of all delegates for connections to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This condition follows Canada's designation of IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2024, which prevented Iranian football officials from attending the FIFA Congress in Canada. Canadian authorities confirmed their policy: "No IRGC members enter this country."

With the expanded 48-team format requiring cross-border coordination, FIFA's decision represents a significant test of international football's ability to navigate complex political landscapes while maintaining sporting integrity.

FAQ

Will Iran play in the United States during the 2026 World Cup?

Yes, FIFA President Gianni Infantino explicitly confirmed Iran will play their matches in the US despite ongoing diplomatic tensions.

Did FIFA approve Iran's request to relocate their matches?

No, FIFA rejected Iran's appeal for venue relocation and maintained the original schedule in US locations.

What security measures apply to Iran's participation?

The US requires vetting all Iranian participants for ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), designated a terrorist organization in Canada.