The head of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has indicated that the organization possesses no alternative scenarios regarding the participation of the Iranian national team in the World Cup to be held across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
This follows a prior declaration by Iran’s Minister of Sport, Ahmad Donya-Malek, expressing that the country’s team could not feature in the 2026 World Cup given the existing geopolitical climate. After remarks from then-US President Donald Trump suggesting Iranian presence at the tournament was inappropriate, Donya-Malek insisted that FIFA revoke its decision to host the competition in the United States. Subsequently, AFC General Secretary Windsor John asserted that Iran’s squad still fully intended to take part in the World Cup.
Infantino, as quoted by El Financiero, referencing the Mexican channel N+, stated, “We are operating within the real world and we acknowledge the complexity surrounding the Iranian team, yet we are working diligently to ensure they participate in their World Cup matches under the most favorable circumstances.”
The FIFA President further emphasized that the organization holds great respect for the fact that Iran secured its qualification for the event “early and strictly on sporting merit.”
Infantino added, “There is no Plan B, C, or D—only Plan A exists. We exist within a challenging geopolitical setting, and these issues are beyond our power to resolve, but we do have the capability to unite people and create the environment for the world to convene in an atmosphere of peace and celebration.”
Information circulating on X via the Iranian Embassy in Mexico suggested that the country’s football federation was in discussions with FIFA concerning a potential relocation of its 2026 World Cup fixtures from the US to Mexico. According to the tournament schedule, in the group stage, the Iranian side is slated to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand (June 16th) and Belgium (June 21st), before facing Egypt in Seattle (June 27th).
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