FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing recent speculation about a potential suspension. His comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Iran's football federation by FIFA's governance committee.
Infantino made the statement during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 15, 2026, ahead of the FIFA Congress. He was quoted as saying, "Iran will come, for sure," directly addressing rumors that political tensions or governance issues could lead to the team's exclusion from the tournament.
The Iranian football federation has faced internal disputes and external pressure, including calls from some groups for suspension due to the country's policies. However, FIFA's stance, as articulated by Infantino, indicates that sporting criteria for qualification will be upheld. Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup by securing a top spot in its Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying group.
The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams. Iran's participation adds to the competitive field of qualified nations from the Asian confederation.
