FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup despite escalating regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking at FIFA's Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, Infantino said Iran's participation was assured, adding that the team would also face the United States during the tournament.
"Let me start by confirming straightaway that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026," he said. The announcement comes amid heightened geopolitical strain involving Iran, including a US naval blockade of Iranian ports and continued military tensions involving Israel and its regional allies.
Earlier on Thursday, Iran's president Masoud Pezeshkian described the US blockade as "intolerable", warning it amounted to an extension of military operations against the country. Meanwhile, fighting has intensified along Israel's northern front, with Israeli forces reporting deeper incursions into southern Lebanon and continued strikes targeting Hezbollah positions.
Despite the volatile security situation, FIFA has signalled that preparations for the expanded 2026 tournament to be hosted across North America remain on track, with all qualified teams expected to participate.
