FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the upcoming 2026 World Cup and will play its group stage in the United States, despite the request of the Iranian Football Federation to move their matches to Mexico. Infantino made the statement this Tuesday in Antalya, Turkey, where he attended a friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica and met with leaders, coaching staff and players of the Asian national team. "We congratulate because it is a very, very strong team. I am very happy," he said at halftime of the match, also highlighting the level of the Iranian squad. Infantino added: "I have seen the team, I have spoken with the players, with the coach, so everything is fine," and emphasized that "the matches will be played where they have to be played, according to the draw." This decision came after Iran requested to play its first-round matches in Mexico, within the framework of the tournament that will take place from June 11 to July 19. However, FIFA confirmed the original plan and ruled out any changes to the venue assigned for their matches.
