INFANTINO CONFIRMS IRAN WILL PLAY WORLD CUP MATCHES IN UNITED STATES DESPITE WAR

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Agency Report

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup and play its matches in the United States as originally scheduled, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Speaking during Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica in Turkey, Infantino expressed confidence that all arrangements remain intact. “Iran will be at the World Cup… everything is fine,” he said, adding that the team’s fixtures would take place according to the official draw.

The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to kick off on June 11. Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the group stage, with matches planned for Los Angeles and Seattle.

Iran’s participation had been uncertain following the outbreak of conflict involving the United States and Israel on February 28. The Iranian football federation had explored relocating matches to Mexico, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum indicating readiness to host if necessary.

However, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s stance that the tournament will proceed as planned, emphasizing football’s role in promoting unity. He stated that while FIFA cannot resolve geopolitical conflicts, it remains committed to ensuring that all qualified teams compete “in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect.”

The situation had drawn mixed reactions, including comments from former US President Donald Trump, who raised concerns about the safety of Iran’s participation. Iranian authorities, however, insisted that no country has the right to exclude their national team from the competition.

Iran’s team has also used recent matches to honour victims of the conflict, wearing black armbands during a friendly in Turkey to commemorate those killed in a deadly airstrike in the southern city of Minab.

Despite tensions, FIFA maintains that the World Cup will go ahead with full participation, reinforcing its message of unity through sport.