Gianni Infantino attended Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday and reiterated that the Asian nation will play at this summer’s World Cup despite its ongoing war with co-hosts the United States.
The FIFA president, who arrived in Turkey on the day of the match, said he also met with the national team’s coach and players, insisting that “everything is fine.”
World football’s governing body has long maintained that it has no intention of altering the World Cup schedule that was set at the draw in December. Mexico and Canada will co-host the tournament with the U.S.
“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino told French news agency AFP in Antalya on Tuesday. “That’s what we’re here for. The matches will be where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.
“Iran will be at the FIFA World Cup, and we’re excited because they’re a very, very strong team, in my opinion, right now. So, I’m very happy.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach. So, everything’s fine. We’re delighted because they are a very, very strong team. I’m very happy.”
Later on Instagram, Infantino’s official Instagram account indicated he also had met with Iranian soccer officials during his visit.
“I congratulated Team Melli once again on their qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and for making millions of people in IR Iran and around the world proud,” the post added. “Representing a nation comes with great responsibility, and I encouraged the players to continue inspiring their fans and making their people dream on the global stage.
“Football brings unity and hope, even in the most challenging circumstances, and FIFA will continue to support the team to ensure the best possible conditions as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup. I look forward to seeing them deliver a positive message of humanity and togetherness to the world.”
Earlier this month, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, stated that the men’s side will not travel to America this summer after U.S. president Donald Trump said he could not guarantee the team’s safety, according to a message posted by the Iranian Embassy on X. The post added that Iran is “negotiating with FIFA” to hold its “matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
“FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” a FIFA spokesperson said in response to the social media post. “FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025.”
Iran are due to play group-stage matches in Los Angeles — against Belgium and New Zealand — and in Seattle, where they will face Egypt.
At the end of February, the U.S. and Israel launched military attacks on Iran, killing Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The American-Israeli air assault triggered retaliatory strikes by Iran across the Middle East and the war is ongoing.
