Iran's men's national football team will travel to the US to compete in the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Gianni Infantino, who reaffirmed the arrangement on April 30 at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada.
"Let me start at the outset confirming straightaway for those who maybe want to say something else or want to write something else that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026...and of course Iran will play in the United States of America," Infantino said.
Responding to the announcement at a recent press conference, US President Donald Trump said, "Well if Gianni said it, I'm OK." When asked what he would do if Iran were to win, Trump added, "If they win we'll have to worry about that. I'm going to have to worry about that one."
Earlier, Iran had proposed relocating its group-stage matches from the US to Mexico, but the request was rejected by FIFA. The US government has recently expressed its position of welcoming Iranian players to participate in the tournament.
According to the official schedule for the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, Iran national football team has been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium national football team, New Zealand national football team, and Egypt national football team.
All three of Iran's group-stage matches will be held on US soil.
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