Sri Lanka, April 16 -- FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed on April 15, 2026, that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup, with group matches scheduled in the United States despite tighter entry rules for Iranian nationals and an elevated security backdrop around the tournament.

Gianni Infantino delivered the remarks in Washington during a CNBC forum appearance, describing Iran's participation as settled and linking delivery to operational planning across host cities. Iran qualified for the tournament in March 2025 and remains assigned to play two group fixtures in Inglewood, California, and a third in Seattle, according to published match allocations.

Mexican officials also confirmed FIFA rejected a request to shift Iran's gam...