FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated this Tuesday (31) that, despite the current “complex” geopolitical context, the Iranian team will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada, as there is no alternative plan.
Although Iran’s Sports Minister, Ahmad Donyamali, declared a few days ago that the team would not participate in the tournament in protest against attacks by the US and Israel, Infantino stated that FIFA wants them to play in the World Cup and will work to make this happen, as he stated in an interview with the television channel N+ Univision.
“We know what the situation is; it is very complicated. We are working to ensure that Iran plays in this World Cup in the best possible conditions. The Iranian team, like all the others, represents the people. People can be for or against the government of any country, but Iran represents its people, and they qualified on the field. It is a nation that is passionate about football, and we want them to play, and they will play in the World Cup. There are no plans B, C or D. It is plan A,” he said.
After US President Donald Trump acknowledged that he could not guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team on American soil, the Iranian Football Federation (FIRI) began negotiating with FIFA to move its 2026 World Cup games to Mexico, although FIFA is not considering changes to already confirmed venues.
“We live in a very complex geopolitical scenario. We do not have the power to resolve these conflicts, but we have the opportunity to unite the world. Forty-eight countries, with millions of fans, will come in a spirit of peace and celebration. Our goal and our work is unity, building bridges for all”, reiterated Infantino.
Iran is in Group G of the World Cup, which will be held in the USA. The team will face New Zealand and Belgium (both in Inglewood, California) and Egypt (in Seattle).
