Iran to Play at World Cup Amid Conflict with US

FIFA President confirms Iranian team will compete despite tensions with the US.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:35am

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Despite ongoing military conflict between Iran and the United States, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the Iranian men's national soccer team will participate in the 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. The Iranian team is scheduled to play its first two group stage matches in Los Angeles and its final group game against Egypt in Seattle.

Why it matters

The decision to allow Iran to compete in the World Cup despite the current geopolitical tensions between the country and the US is a significant move that highlights FIFA's commitment to keeping politics out of international sports competitions. This decision could have broader implications for US-Iran relations and the ability of Iranian athletes to participate in major sporting events held in the US.

The details

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that 'Iran will be at the World Cup' and that the team's 'matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.' This comes after US President Trump said he did not think it would be 'appropriate' for the Iranian team to attend the World Cup due to safety concerns amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries. However, athletes and coaches from Iran are exempt from the US travel ban, allowing the Iranian team to enter the country for the tournament.

  • The Iranian men's national soccer team qualified for the 2026 World Cup prior to the current military conflict with the US.
  • The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 13, 2026.
  • Iran is scheduled to play its first two group stage matches in Los Angeles on June 15 and 20, and its final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 25.

The players

Gianni Infantino

The current President of FIFA, the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who expressed his opinion that it would not be 'appropriate' for the Iranian team to attend the World Cup due to safety concerns.

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What they’re saying

“'Iran will be at the World Cup. Their matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.'”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

“'The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.'”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

The draw for the 2026 World Cup groups will take place in early 2026, at which point the full schedule and matchups for the Iranian team will be determined.

The takeaway

The decision to allow Iran to participate in the 2026 World Cup despite the ongoing conflict with the US highlights FIFA's commitment to keeping politics out of international sports competitions. This move could have broader implications for US-Iran relations and the ability of Iranian athletes to compete in major events held in the US.