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Will Iran be at the World Cup? FIFA and Donald Trump’s stance explained
TL;DR
Iran is confirmed to participate in the 2026 World Cup despite political tensions. FIFA's Gianni Infantino stated that the team has qualified and will play in the U.S.
Key points
- Iran is expected to play at the 2026 World Cup
- FIFA's Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran's participation
- No plans to move Iran's fixtures from the U.S.
Mentioned in this story
FIFA
Photo by Tasos Katopodis - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Iran are still expected to play at the 2026 World Cup, despite the political tension surrounding their matches in the United States.
FIFA’s position is now firm. Gianni Infantino said Iran are “coming for sure”, adding that they have qualified, the players want to play, and the team “has to come”.
That was the clearest answer yet to suggestions Iran could withdraw or be removed. FIFA has not announced any plan to replace them or move their fixtures away from the United States, and that is unlikely to change.
How the Iran World Cup issue developed
Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Iran qualified in March 2025, after a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan in Tehran. Mehdi Taremi scored twice, confirming another World Cup place for Team Melli.
The December draw then placed Iran in Group G. They are scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The situation became political when Donald Trump said Iran were welcome to play, but also suggested it may not be appropriate for them to attend “for their own life and safety”, due to the geopolitical conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran in the Middle East.
The US president later said he had no objection to Iran taking part.
The situation surrounding visas is one of the most sensitive topics. Iran’s players, coaches and necessary support staff are expected to receive exemptions, but officials with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps face greater scrutiny.
What FIFA and Mehdi Taj have said now
The latest flashpoint came before the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Iranian FA chief Mehdi Taj was among a delegation that turned back from Canada after what Iran described as disrespectful treatment.
Canadian officials said Taj’s visa had been cancelled because of his links to the IRGC, which is listed as a terrorist organisation in Canada and the United States.
FIFA has since invited Iranian FA officials to Zurich on May 20 to discuss World Cup preparations. Taj said Iran’s host is FIFA, “not Mr Trump or America”.
He also asked for guarantees that the United States will respect the symbols of Iran’s system, especially the IRGC.
For now, the answer remains clear: Iran are due to play, but the visa dispute is not settled.
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Q&A
What did FIFA say about Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, with Gianni Infantino stating they are 'coming for sure.'
Why is there political tension regarding Iran's matches in the U.S.?
The political tension stems from ongoing issues between Iran and the United States, which may affect the atmosphere surrounding Iran's matches.
Will Iran's World Cup fixtures be moved from the United States?
FIFA has not announced any plans to move Iran's fixtures away from the United States, indicating they will play as scheduled.
