FIFA president Gianni Infantino gives final verdict on Iran football’s 2026 World Cup participation
TL;DR
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran's qualification for the 2026 World Cup will be based solely on sporting merit, not political factors. This statement comes amid rising tensions and concerns about the team's participation due to U.S.-Iran relations.
Key points
- Gianni Infantino confirms Iran's qualification is based on merit
- Political tensions between the U.S. and Iran raise concerns
- FIFA's stance remains consistent amid rising uncertainties
Mentioned in this story
Photo by Tasos Katopodis - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Gianni Infantino has delivered a firm stance on Iran’s place in the 2026 World Cup, making it clear that qualification, not politics, will ultimately decide who takes the field.
The situation has been building for months, with rising tensions between the United States and Iran casting doubt over whether the team would even be allowed to participate in a tournament largely hosted on American soil.
That uncertainty only grew after political warnings and visa concerns entered the conversation, but FIFA’s position has remained consistent throughout.
Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images
Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will play at 2026 World Cup
Speaking in an interview during CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino left little room for doubt.
“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes. We hope that by then, of course the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help,” Infantino said.
He added, “But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”
Iran secured qualification by finishing top of their group in the AFC qualifiers, earning their place on merit rather than circumstance.
FIFA’s stance is rooted in its long-standing principle of political neutrality, which ensures that teams who qualify cannot be excluded due to geopolitical tensions.
Political tensions and Donald Trump’s warning add a layer of uncertainty
Infantino also addressed the broader context, emphasizing that football should remain separate from global conflict.
“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well. And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now,” the FIFA boss stated.
That message comes against a tense backdrop. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly warned that while Iran would be allowed to participate, it might not be appropriate for them to do so “for their own life and safety.”
The warning followed a period of escalating conflict involving U.S. and Iranian forces, which has raised concerns about player safety, travel permissions, and the broader optics of hosting matches on American soil.
There are also practical complications. While players and staff are expected to receive exemptions to enter the United States, Iranian fans remain largely restricted due to ongoing travel bans, creating an uneven World Cup experience around the team.
Despite those challenges, FIFA has rejected any proposal to move Iran’s matches outside the United States, reinforcing that the tournament will proceed as scheduled.
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Q&A
What did Gianni Infantino say about Iran's World Cup participation?
Gianni Infantino stated that Iran's qualification for the 2026 World Cup will depend on sporting merit rather than political issues.
How might U.S.-Iran relations affect Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup?
Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran have raised concerns about visa issues and the team's ability to participate in a tournament hosted largely in the U.S.
What has been FIFA's stance on Iran's qualification for the World Cup?
FIFA has maintained a consistent position that qualification will be determined by sporting performance, not political considerations.
