FIFA President Confirms Iran’s Participation in This Summer’s World Cup

“Iran will be there for sure. We are hopeful that the circumstances will be peaceful by then, as that would certainly be beneficial,” Infantino remarked at an economic conference hosted by CNBC.

“But it’s essential for Iran to participate; they represent their nation, they have qualified, and the players are eager to compete,” he added, referring to the team’s upcoming matches in the United States this June.

Infantino had previously made similar affirmations in March while attending an Iran-Costa Rica friendly match in Antalya, Turkey, even after US President Donald Trump suggested that it might not be “safe” for Iranian players in the United States.

Iran’s schedule includes three Group G matches in the United States—two set for Los Angeles and one for Seattle—with their tournament base located in Tucson, Arizona.

‘Beyond Political Boundaries’

The prospect of Iran’s participation in the global tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico became uncertain due to the conflict initiated by the US and Israel on February 28.

Iran hinted at a potential “boycott” of the event before requesting FIFA to relocate its matches from the United States to Mexico, a proposal that was ultimately declined by the football governing body.

After several weeks of aerial assaults on Iran and retaliatory actions against Israel and other regional nations, a tenuous ceasefire was established on April 8.

However, Tehran has since blocked access to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and Washington has enforced a blockade on vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports.

“Sports ought to remain separate from politics,” Infantino reiterated on Wednesday.

“If no one else is committed to building bridges and maintaining them, then we are taking the lead in that regard,” he emphasised.

The World Cup, which will be the first to feature 48 teams, is set to commence on June 11.