FIFA President Infantino confirms Iran participation in 2026 World Cup
April 16 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada despite a U.S.-led war against the country.
Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino stressed the importance of Iran’s participation in the tournament that the trio of North American countries will co-host this summer. The participation has been in doubt after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran.
“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” said Infantino. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”
Two weeks ago, Infantino travelled to Antalya, Turkey where Iran staged a friendly against Costa Rica, in a bid to address the unprecedented situation of a World Cup host bombing a World Cup finalist country. Iran are scheduled to play Belgium, New Zealand an Egypt in the U.S.
“I went to see them,” said Infantino. “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.”
Infantino admitted that sports and politics can’t always be separated. The dogma is cornerstone of FIFA’s policies. He said: “OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” said Infantino. “But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job.”
Last December, Infantino awarded U.S. President Donald Trump with the maiden FIFA peace prize. Trump, however, has since attacked Iran and has given conflicting statements about Iran’s participation in the World Cup, which is due to kick off on 11 June.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at power.l1776334037labto1776334037ofdlr1776334037late1776334037sni@i1776334037tnuk.1776334037ardni1776334037but1776334037
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