FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is not yet assured, emphasizing that the world football governing body does not operate in a vacuum from global events.
Infantino’s comments came during a press conference in Bangkok on Friday, May 17, 2024, where he was asked about the potential inclusion of the Iranian national team in the upcoming global tournament.
“We do not live on the moon,” Infantino said, clarifying FIFA’s position. “We live in our world, and we look at the conditions and the situation everywhere, including in Iran.”
The FIFA chief confirmed that a decision regarding Iran’s place at the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has not been made. He indicated that the situation remains under ongoing assessment.
“We are monitoring everything, and we will make the decisions when the time is right,” Infantino added, without providing a specific timeline for the final ruling.
Iran, known as Team Melli, has been a regular contender in recent World Cups, having qualified for the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions. Their potential absence would mark a significant shift in the Asian football landscape.
The statement from the FIFA president leaves the door open for further deliberation, placing Iran’s World Cup future under a cloud of uncertainty as the qualification process for the expanded 48-team tournament progresses.
