By Our Reporter
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has insisted that Iran will participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup despite rising geopolitical tensions involving the United States.
The assurance comes amid ongoing hostilities, following air strikes launched by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, and Iran’s subsequent retaliation targeting Israel and countries in the Middle East hosting US military bases.
The situation had cast doubt over Iran’s involvement in the tournament, particularly as the team is scheduled to play all its group-stage matches in the United States.
However, Infantino expressed confidence that Iran’s participation will not be affected. Speaking to Univision, he stated: “We want Iran to play, and Iran will play at the World Cup.”
Reports indicate that Iranian football officials had proposed relocating their matches to Mexico due to safety concerns. Infantino dismissed the suggestion, emphasizing that there is no alternative arrangement.
“There is no plan B, C or D — only plan A,” he said, adding that Iran represents its people both at home and abroad.
While Infantino previously suggested that US President Donald Trump would welcome Iran’s participation, Trump recently expressed reservations, saying it might not be “appropriate” for Iran to compete due to safety concerns.
There is also a possibility that Iran and the United States could face each other in the knockout stage, with a potential round-of-32 clash scheduled in Dallas on July 3, should both teams finish second in their respective groups.
Infantino made the remarks while attending Iran’s international friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey.