FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed on May 1 that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and play their group matches in the United States as scheduled. "Let me start by the outset, confirming straightaway that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course, Iran will play (in) the United States of America," Infantino said at FIFA’s 76th Congress in Vancouver, which was attended by representatives from 211 FIFA member associations [1].
Iran will compete in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Their campaign opens on June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand [1]. This confirms earlier decisions against moving Iran’s group matches to Mexico, despite some proposals to relocate the fixtures there [1].
The announcement followed a diplomatic incident in late April when the Iranian delegation abruptly left Canada after clashing with Canadian border officials. Iranian football officials reportedly felt "insulted" by immigration officers due to their alleged connections with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designated as a terrorist entity in 2024 [1]. This dispute prevented Iran’s officials from attending the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for Iran’s World Cup participation, stating, "Well, if Gianni said it, I’m OK. I think let ‘em play." [1]
Earlier discussions in April included a suggestion by U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli that Italy could replace Iran at the tournament, but the U.S. government distanced itself from that proposal [1]. The official confirmation at the FIFA Congress cleared up any doubt about Iran’s place in the competition.
Iran’s next scheduled match is against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, marking the start of their 2026 tournament run [1].