Fifa President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will "for sure" participate in the upcoming World Cup, despite the ongoing war with the United States.
Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino stressed the importance of Iran's involvement, which had been uncertain following US and Israeli airstrikes on the country.
"The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes," Infantino stated. "We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play."
Infantino revealed he met with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, a fortnight ago, and expressed his admiration for the players.
"I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well," he remarked. "And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now."
Acknowledging the challenge of separating sport from political realities, Infantino added: "OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth. But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job."
The United States is set to co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico. Iran's schedule includes two group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.
Doubts surrounding Iran’s participation had intensified due to the conflict, compounded by conflicting public statements from Iranian government and football officials.
Last month, US president Donald Trump discouraged the Iranian team from attending, citing safety concerns.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
