FIFA confirms Iran’s participation in 2026 World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America amid reports of uncertainty about the country’s participation following the war with the United States.
Mr Infantino disclosed this in his opening remarks at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, on Thursday. He noted that he wanted to set the record straight on the situation.
“Let me start at the outset, confirming, straight away, for those who want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America,” the football administrator stated.
The United States is set to host Iran’s three group games at this summer’s tournament, with the Islamic republic playing its opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before traveling before facing Belgium in the same venue six days later.
Meanwhile, Iran will face Egypt in their last group game in Seattle on June 26.
Despite Iran being on President Donald Trump’s travel ban list, exceptions have been made for players and officials from participating nations.
Mr Trump had last month warned members of Iran’s national football team against coming to the United States for the World Cup in the height of the military standoff between Tehran and Washington.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Tinubu directs minister of justice to coordinate affairs of dissolved PIC
Mr Onanuga said the Attorney General of the Federation was directed to coordinated the PIC activities with effect from November 5, 2025.
Africa
Nigeria restates commitment to South Sudan peace, electoral process
Mr Enikanolaiye reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to support efforts aimed at creating conditions for a credible electoral process.
World
European countries to boycott FIFA competitions over plan to sell stake in World Cup to Trump-linked investors
UEFA said, “Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy.”
States
NDLEA uncovers three drug warehouses in Edo, seizes 2,596kg narcotics
Mr Ofoyeju noted that 49 suspected drug traffickers were also arrested in a major crackdown across the state within the period.
Hot news Home top
FG destroys 2,809 illegal small arms, vows to curb proliferation
The NSA urged Nigerians to support security agencies by reporting illegal possession, manufacture, trafficking and movement of arms.
NationWide
Army committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty: GOC
Ms Alowolodu tasked the students to be problem-solvers.
