Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup and will play their group-stage matches in the United States as scheduled, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Infantino made the statement on Tuesday while speaking at half-time during Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica in Turkey, saying he was satisfied with the team’s preparations and participation.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. Their matches will be played where they are supposed to be according to the draw,” he said.
He added that he had met with members of the team and coaching staff, stressing that preparations were on track and the tournament schedule remains unchanged.
Iran had earlier raised concerns over the location of their matches due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel, with their football federation reportedly engaging FIFA in discussions about potentially relocating fixtures to Mexico.
Despite those concerns, FIFA maintains that all teams will compete according to the original World Cup draw, which places Iran in Group G.
Iran are set to open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is scheduled to begin on June 11.
