FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will play in the 2026 World Cup. He stated that FIFA will work to ensure that Iran competes in the best possible conditions. "Iran represents its people and qualified for the tournament through sporting means. Our goal and work is unity, building bridges for everyone," Infantino recalled. Iran is placed in Group G, where they will face New Zealand, Belgium (both in Inglewood, California), and Egypt (in Seattle). "There are no plans B, C, or D. This is plan A," he assured. After the President of the United States, Donald Trump, acknowledged that he could not guarantee the safety of the Iranian team on US soil, the Iranian Football Federation began negotiating with FIFA to move their matches to Mexico, although FIFA does not contemplate changes to the confirmed venues. "We live in a very complex geopolitical situation. It is a football country, we want it to play, and it will play in the World Cup. We do not have the possibility to resolve these conflicts, but we do have the opportunity to unite the world," Infantino emphasized.
