FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has affirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, effectively dismissing any possibility of a late inclusion for Italy.
Uncertainty had surrounded Iran’s participation due to the country’s ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel, as well as the complication of their group-stage fixtures being scheduled on American soil.
Adding to the situation, Iran was notably absent from Thursday’s FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
However, Infantino used the moment to clarify FIFA’s position.
“Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America,” Infantino said (via Football Italia). “The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.”
Speculation had emerged that, in the event of Iran’s withdrawal or exclusion, FIFA might turn to a replacement nation, potentially Italy, who are the highest-ranked team to miss out on qualification.
That narrative gained traction after Donald Trump’s special envoy, Paolo Zampolli, suggested earlier this week that Italy had “more than a 50 per cent chance” of being recalled for the tournament.
However, several figures within Italian football have reportedly downplayed the idea, indicating they would not favour entry under such circumstances.
The tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 11, with Iran set to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21 respectively, before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
