FIFA Chief Confirms Iran's Participation in US-Hosted World Cup

Iran set to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in group stage matches across the country.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a football match, with players and the ball fragmented into overlapping planes of color and shape.The 2026 World Cup will feature a diverse lineup of international teams, including Iran, as the global tournament comes to the United States.Los Angeles Today

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which is set to be hosted across the United States. Iran is scheduled to play three group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in venues including Los Angeles and Seattle.

Why it matters

Iran's inclusion in the World Cup is significant, as the country has faced geopolitical tensions with the US in recent years. Infantino's announcement helps ensure the tournament will feature a diverse lineup of international teams, despite any potential political obstacles.

The details

According to Infantino, Iran will definitely be part of the 2026 World Cup, which will be the first time the global football championship is hosted entirely in the United States. Iran's group stage matches will take place in Los Angeles and Seattle, two major US cities.

  • The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to kick off in June.
  • Iran is set to play its three group stage matches during the initial rounds of the tournament.

The players

Gianni Infantino

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

Iran

The national football team of Iran, which has qualified for the 2026 World Cup and will participate in group stage matches across the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Iran will definitely participate in the U.S.-hosted World Cup football championship, which is set to kick off in June.”

— Gianni Infantino, FIFA President

What’s next

The 2026 World Cup draw, which will determine the specific matchups for the group stage, is scheduled to take place in the coming months.

The takeaway

The inclusion of Iran in the 2026 World Cup, despite recent geopolitical tensions with the United States, demonstrates FIFA's commitment to hosting a truly global tournament that brings together teams from around the world.