Iran will play their World Cup matches in the United States this summer, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has insisted.
Their participation has been the subject of uncertainty since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on the Asian nation on February 28.
The country’s football association officials were the only one of FIFA‘s 211 member nations absent from Thursday’s congress in Vancouver.
The Press Association reports that two delegates who had been granted visas by the Canadian authorities to attend chose not to after another member of their group was denied entry in Toronto.
However, Infantino opened his Congress address by insisting the Iranian team would participate at the finals in North America.
He said: “Let me start at the outset by confirming straight away, for those who maybe want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“And of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.”
Iran will kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
If they and the USMNT finish second in their respective groups, the sides will meet in the last 32 in Dallas on July 3.
US president Donald Trump has previously stated it would be “inappropriate” for Iran to compete “for their own life and safety”.
Infantino added: “There are enough problems around the world. There are enough people who try to divide all over the world.
“If nobody tries to unite, what will happen to our world? We have to do it, and we have this opportunity.”
Despite some senior figures in Iran claiming that talks over moving fixtures to Mexico were ongoing in March, Infantino has remained steadfast in his stance.
At the start of April he said: “We want Iran to play – and Iran will play at the World Cup.
He went on: “There is no plan B, C or D – there is only plan A.
“Iran represent their people – both those living in Iran and those living abroad.”
Iran will also face Belgium in LA on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
