FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence that Iran will take part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns raised by Iranian officials over player safety.
Speaking on Wednesday, Infantino said Iran’s national team is expected to travel to the United States for the tournament, stressing that the players have earned their place and should be allowed to compete.
“The Iranian team is coming for sure,” Infantino said in an interview with CNBC. “Iran has to come. They represent their people, they have qualified, and the players want to play.”
His remarks come as uncertainty continues over Iran’s participation following recent military conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Although a Pakistan-brokered two-week ceasefire is currently in place, tensions remain high as the truce approaches its April 22 deadline.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly called for the relocation of the country’s World Cup matches away from the United States, citing security concerns. Officials proposed that Iran’s fixtures be moved to Mexico, one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside the United States and Canada.
However, FIFA has rejected those requests, saying that altering match venues would create major logistical challenges. The governing body has also stated that adequate security arrangements will be in place to protect all participating teams, including Iran.
Infantino reiterated that position, saying FIFA remains committed to ensuring a safe and successful tournament for every nation involved.
“We hope that by then the situation will be peaceful,” he said, referring to the regional conflict. “That would definitely help.”
The FIFA president also revealed that he recently visited the Iranian squad during a training camp in Antalya, Türkiye. According to Infantino, the players expressed a clear desire to participate in the competition despite the uncertainty surrounding the political situation.
He emphasized that football should remain separate from political disputes and international conflicts.
“They should play. Sports should be outside of politics,” Infantino said. “We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth. But if there is nobody else who believes in building bridges and keeping them intact, then FIFA is doing that.”
Iran was among the earliest teams to secure qualification for the World Cup and is scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches on the United States West Coast.
Team Melli are set to open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face Belgium, also in Los Angeles, on June 21. Their final group-stage match is scheduled against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
If Iran advances to the knockout rounds, all subsequent matches would also be played in the United States under the current tournament structure.
Infantino’s comments reflect FIFA’s broader effort to maintain the tournament schedule while presenting football as a platform for unity amid global tensions. His close relationship with US President Donald Trump has also drawn attention as FIFA works closely with host governments to deliver the expanded World Cup across three countries.
The situation surrounding Iran’s participation has become one of the most politically sensitive issues ahead of the tournament. While FIFA insists sport should remain neutral, critics argue that security realities and diplomatic tensions cannot be ignored.
For now, FIFA’s position remains clear: Iran has qualified on merit and is expected to participate. Whether regional stability holds and diplomatic concerns ease before kickoff may determine how smoothly that process unfolds.
As preparations continue, attention will remain focused on both the sporting challenge ahead for Iran and the wider geopolitical context surrounding one of the most anticipated World Cups in history.
