US EditionIran to Play World Cup Games in United States: FIFA President
Infantino said Iran will participate despite war-related uncertainty and visa disputes, as FIFA keeps the team on schedule for its World Cup opener against New Zealand.
- On Thursday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup in the United States this summer, insisting the team would play at the finals in North America.
- US president Donald Trump has previously stated it would be "inappropriate" for Iran to compete "for their own life and safety," as participation remained uncertain following United States and Israel airstrikes on the Asian nation on February 28, 2026.
- Addressing the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Infantino said "We must unite" through soccer while the Iranian team is scheduled to begin their tournament against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
- Iranian football association officials were the only group absent from the Vancouver meeting after the head of the nation's soccer body, Mehdi Taj, reportedly had his visa revoked due to ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- Iran is in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, and if the team and the United States finish second in their respective groups, the sides will meet in the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup.
106 Articles
106 Articles
Gianni Infantino doubles down on Iran World Cup participation during FIFA Congress meeting
FIFA President Gianni Infantino opened his address at Thursday’s FIFA Congress by affirming that Iran will participate in the World Cup and that the team will play in the United States despite the conflict between the two nations.
Iran will be at the World Cup and will play in the US, FIFA boss says
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, speaks during the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Rich Lam – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) (NEW YORK) — Iran will be participating in the 2026 World Cup and will play in the United States, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in remarks Thursday. “Of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” he said. “And the reason for that is very simple, dear frie…
Iran will play World Cup games in US, FIFA president says
The Iranian men’s soccer team is set to play in the World Cup in the United States this summer, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed on Thursday as the war in the Middle East remains unresolved. Infantino made the announcement in Canada at the FIFA Congress. Iran was the only nation out of the sports body’s 211 member associations not represented at the annual meeting. “Let me start at the outset, confirming, straight away, for those who wa…
World Cup 2026: FIFA confirms final decision on Iran's participation
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has reiterated his conviction that Iran will participate in the World Cup this summer, despite the federation’s absence from the congress in Vancouver. A three-member delegation from the Iranian Football Federation arrived in Toronto on Tuesday; however, one member was denied entry into Canada, while the other two chose not to attend the congress in what appeared to be a protest. Earlier this week, Iranian media r…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
