Gianni Infantino doubles down on Iran World Cup participation during FIFA Congress meeting
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup during the FIFA Congress, emphasizing football's role in uniting people despite geopolitical tensions. He confirmed Iran will play its matches in the United States, even as diplomatic issues persist, including the denial of entry to Iranian officials in Canada. The Iranian soccer federation's request to move its games to Mexico was rejected, and the issue was not discussed at the Asian soccer federation’s congress in Vancouver.
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Soccer Gianni Infantino doubles down on Iran World Cup participation during FIFA Congress meeting By Associated Press Published April 30, 2026, 5:41 p.m. ET FIFA President Gianni Infantino opened his address at Thursday’s FIFA Congress by affirming that Iran will participate in the World Cup and that the team will play in the United States despite the conflict between the two nations. “And the reason for that is very simple, dear friends, is because we have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility. It is our responsibility,” Infantino said. “Football unites the world. FIFA unites the world. You unite the world. We unite the world.” Infantino affirmed that Iran will be playing in the U.S. despite the rising tensions between the two countries.
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