Iran will play in the 2026 World Cup in the United States: Infantino officially confirmed the team's participation

Iran’s national football team will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will play its group-stage matches in the United States. FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially announced this at the organization’s congress in Vancouver.

According to the FIFA chief, the decision remains unchanged despite the political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. Infantino emphasized that football should serve a unifying role and should not become a tool of isolation.

“Iran will take part in the World Cup. Of course, Iran’s national team will play in the United States. The reason is very simple: we must unite so that people are together. This is our responsibility. Football unites the world,” Infantino said.

Iran will play in Group G

Iran’s national team has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup and has been placed in Group G. Iran’s opponents will be Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. FIFA’s official website also lists Group G as Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.

According to the schedule, Iran will play its first match against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles. The team is then set to face Belgium, before playing its final group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle.

Why Iran’s participation raised questions

Earlier, uncertainty had emerged around Iran’s appearance at the 2026 World Cup. Against the backdrop of the escalating situation in the Middle East and the complex relations between Iran and the United States, the possibility was discussed that Iran’s national team might withdraw from the tournament or request that its matches be moved outside the United States.

There were also reports of visa difficulties for representatives of the Iranian football delegation ahead of FIFA events in Canada. According to the Associated Press, Canadian authorities confirmed entry-related problems for several Iranian football officials before the congress in Vancouver.

FIFA will not change the match venues

One of the options discussed was moving Iran’s matches to Mexico or Canada. However, judging by Infantino’s statement, FIFA does not plan to alter the approved schedule.

Thus, Iran’s national team is expected to arrive in the United States and compete at the World Cup in accordance with the original calendar. For FIFA, this decision carries not only sporting but also symbolic significance: the organization aims to preserve the principle of participation for all qualified teams despite political disagreements.

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico and, for the first time in history, will feature 48 national teams. For Iran, this will be another appearance at the world championship, while a group with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand promises to become one of the most discussed at the tournament.