Iran 'will be participating' at World Cup, including games in U.S., FIFA chief says
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup as scheduled, despite earlier concerns about the team's security.
- Iran is set to play matches in Inglewood, California, and Seattle during the tournament hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
- Earlier tensions arose after U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader, leading Iranian officials to question participation due to security fears.
- Infantino lobbied U.S. leadership to ensure Iran's participation, while discussions about possibly replacing Iran with Italy were dismissed as inappropriate.
- U.S. officials, including former President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stated Iran's team is welcome but emphasized that individuals linked to Iran's military would be denied entry.
