Recently, Gianni Infantino attended the CNBC U.S. Investment Forum in Washington, D.C., where he addressed one of the most pressing questions: Will Iran appear at the World Cup?
Infantino gave a clear and affirmative answer. He said the Iranian national team qualified through the Asian qualifiers and deserves its place.
“Iran will certainly come. They represent their people, and the players are eager to perform on the World Cup stage.” He emphasized that football should serve players and fans, not be influenced by political tensions.
A World Cup Under the Shadow of Conflict
Despite FIFA’s firm stance, the global situation remains complicated. Recent tensions between Iran and the United States have introduced new uncertainties for the tournament. Iran, at one point, even considered playing its matches in Mexico rather than the U.S. due to security concerns.
According to the official schedule, Iran has been drawn into Group G with Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. The team will play its first two matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The third match will be at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Iran would still need to enter the United States to compete, making this one of the key uncertainties at present.
FIFA and Stakeholders Working to Ensure Tournament Stability
In response to these challenges, FIFA has initiated extensive communication and coordination efforts. Infantino revealed that he had met with Donald Trump to discuss World Cup preparations and received a positive signal that Iran would be welcomed to participate.
Additionally, Asian football authorities have confirmed they have not received any official notice from Iran of its withdrawal from the tournament. This further reinforces expectations that Iran intends to compete as planned.
Infantino also mentioned that he recently met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, and that they reaffirmed their strong desire to participate. “Iran is a highly competitive team. They are eager to play, and that spirit represents the true essence of football,” he said.
FIFA’s Position: Separating Sport from Politics
Throughout his remarks, Infantino repeatedly stressed that “sport must be separated from politics.” However, he also acknowledged that this ideal is not easily achieved in reality. “We live on Earth, not on the Moon,” he noted, highlighting the complexities of the current global environment.
He further used the metaphor of a “bridge,” explaining that FIFA’s role goes beyond organizing competitions; it also involves building connections between nations and cultures. If no one is willing to maintain the strength and integrity of that bridge, then FIFA must take on that responsibility.
Beyond the Game: The Deeper Meaning of the World Cup
Amid global instability, the 2026 World Cup represents more than just a sporting event. It carries deeper symbolic significance. Whether Iran can participate smoothly is no longer just a matter of competition, but a reflection of how sport can play a constructive role in a complex international landscape.
In summary, FIFA’s commitment remains strong, and all sides seek a solution. Although the situation is fluid, football endures as a means of building bridges globally.
