Iran is guaranteed to qualify for the World Cup.

The FIFA president has affirmed that Iran will compete in the 2026 World Cup despite escalating geopolitical tensions.

FIFA President Infantino wants Iran to participate in the World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has affirmed that Iran will still participate in the 2026 World Cup as planned, amid doubts raised by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Infantino met in person with the Iranian national team in Antalya, Turkey, where they were preparing for the tournament. This was his first contact with the team since the US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran in late February.

On his personal page, the head of FIFA emphasized that the organization will continue to support Iran in preparing for the tournament. He also reaffirmed his unwavering stance on the West Asian team's participation in the competition.

"We want them to play and they will play. There is no Plan B, C, or D. Only Plan A," Infantino declared in an earlier interview in Mexico City.

According to the schedule, Iran was to play two group stage matches in Inglewood (California) and one in Seattle. However, Iran had previously proposed moving the venue to Mexico after US President Donald Trump expressed security concerns.

Despite the controversy, FIFA is sticking to the plan agreed upon after the draw in December. Infantino believes that football needs to play a connecting role in a divided world .

On the pitch, Iran showed their focus by winning 5-0 against Costa Rica in a closed-door friendly. Prior to that, the players and coaching staff, including coach Amir Ghalenoei, had paid tribute to the victims of recent airstrikes.

Iran is considered one of Asia's strong contenders. They are in the same group as New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, and are expected to go far in the tournament.

World Cup 2026 - When time is not on the side of the big teams. The preparations for the biggest tournament of the year vary greatly among the national teams. Some teams feel reassured and expectant, but this is accompanied by endless worries.

Source: https://znews.vn/iran-chac-chan-du-world-cup-post1639854.html