The President of the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, reaffirmed on Thursday that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup and will play its matches in the United States.

He made this statement during his speech at the congress of the global football governing body held in Vancouver.

Infantino said at the beginning of his address to the delegates: “Let me start from the beginning by clearly and immediately confirming that Iran will of course participate in the 2026 World Cup.”

He added: “And of course, Iran will play in the United States,” which is co-hosting the finals with Canada and Mexico.

Gianni Infantino. (Websites)

The Iranian delegation canceled its participation in the FIFA Congress on Wednesday, citing what Iranian media described as “humiliating behavior” by immigration police upon their arrival at Toronto airport.

Iran’s participation in this year’s tournament had been surrounded by uncertainty since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East in February, following strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

Iranian officials had previously suggested relocating Team Melli’s group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico, but Infantino rejected the proposal earlier.

In a further development last week, reports indicated that the US special envoy Paolo Zampolli had raised the idea of Italy replacing Iran in the World Cup.

However, the US government later distanced itself from this proposal, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Iranian football players would be welcome.

According to the official schedule, Iran is set to play its three Group G matches on US soil: against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, against Belgium on June 21, and against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The national team is also expected to hold its tournament training camp in Tucson, Arizona.