Iran or Italy at the World Cup? FIFA boss Gianni Infantino gave the CLEAR answer this evening
Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Thursday, April 30, 2026 10:17 p.m. / Updated Thursday, April 30, 2026 10:30 p.m.
A controversial idea has gripped the world of football in recent weeks: will Iran participate in the 2026 World Cup or will it be replaced by Italy, as proposed by those close to Donald Trump? In the context of geopolitical tensions and visa issues, the scenario of a last-minute change was discussed intensively, but the official answer came from FIFA management itself.
Italy were knocked out in the World Cup play-off final by Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Iran secured qualification as winners of their qualifying group.
Infantino closes all discussions: Iran participates in the World Cup, without a doubt!
FIFA president Gianni Infantino put an end to the speculation at the annual congress held in Vancouver. The official made it clear that Iran will take part in the final tournament and play its matches in the United States of America as originally scheduled.
“Of course, Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and of course, Iran will play in the United States of America”, said Gianni Infantino in his opening speech at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.
“The reason is very simple, dear friends: we must be united. We need to bring people together. It is my responsibility“, concluded the head of FIFA, according to The Guardian.
The statement comes after a tense period in which Iran's participation has been called into question for a number of reasons, including travel restrictions on Iranian citizens and recent geopolitical conflicts.
Political and logistical issues before the tournament
The situation was complicated by strained relations between Iran and the US, one of the tournament's host countries, along with Canada and Mexico. There were also diplomatic incidents, such as the initial refusal of visas for Iranian officials or the absence of the delegation at the FIFA congress.
Moreover, the international context amplified the uncertainty. Recent events in the region have raised questions about safety and the organization of matches, but FIFA said there were no reasons to exclude Iran from the competition.
In this context, Italy, one of the big absentees from the last editions of the World Cup, will not benefit from a possible invitation or replacement, after being eliminated by Bosnia in the final of the qualification play-off at the final tournament. FIFA has clearly ruled out this option, stressing that there is no legal basis for such a decision.
Iran's World Cup schedule
Iran will play in Group G at the World Cup, with matches against New Zealand in Los Angeles, Belgium and Egypt in Seattle.
