Vancouver, 01 May (H.S.): FIFA President Gianni Infantino clarified on Thursday that the Iran national football team will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and play its matches in the United States. He made this announcement during the global football federation's congress held in Vancouver.
Infantino began his address by stating, I want to confirm at the outset that Iran will definitely participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and play its matches in the United States.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. This edition features 48 teams, requiring teams and officials to travel frequently across borders, which may pose challenges related to visas and diplomatic relations.
Iran topped Group A in the third round of Asian qualifiers to secure its spot for the fourth consecutive World Cup. However, Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj expressed concerns over tense relations with the United States and Israel.
Iran has been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Its matches will be held in Los Angeles and Seattle in the USA.
Should both the USA and Iran finish second in their respective groups, they could face off in a knockout match in Dallas on July 3.
Alternative Venue Request Rejected
Iran had requested an alternative venue instead of playing in the USA, but FIFA rejected it, affirming no changes to the scheduled fixtures.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iranian players will be permitted to participate in the World Cup, but individuals linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will not be allowed entry.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
