FIFA President Gianni Infantino Assures Iran's Presence at World Cup with Matches in the US
"Iran will be at the World Cup," FIFA president Gianni Infantino declared during the break of Iran's preparatory match versus Costa Rica held in Turkey.
"Our presence here underscores that. We are thrilled as they form a remarkably capable squad, and it brings me great joy."
"I have observed the players in action, conversed with the athletes and their manager, and all appears to be in order," Infantino continued, noting that his visit to the Tuesday fixture had not been publicised beforehand.
Infantino further emphasised that Iran's fixtures would proceed in the designated venues as per the tournament bracket.
The global event, co-hosted by the United States alongside Mexico and Canada, kicks off on June 11.
Iran is slated to commence their Group G campaign facing New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by a clash with Belgium in the same city on June 21, and then Egypt in Seattle on June 27.
Uncertainty surrounded Iran's involvement due to the conflict involving the US and Israel that erupted on February 28.
Earlier this month, Iran's football governing body indicated it was in discussions with FIFA regarding the potential shift of the nation's World Cup games away from the United States to Mexico.
Mexico's leader, Claudia Sheinbaum, expressed readiness to accommodate Iran's group stage encounters should the situation demand it.
Infantino had previously mentioned receiving guarantees from US President Donald Trump that the Iranian squad remained invited.
Trump later countered, advising that the team avoid attending for reasons of personal security.
In response, Iran asserted that no entity could bar their representatives from the competition.
During a virtual FIFA Council session on March 19 from Zurich, Infantino reaffirmed the organisation's dedication to proceeding with the tournament on time, including every qualified side.
"FIFA anticipates every participating nation engaging in the event with principles of equity and camaraderie," he stated.
"While we cannot resolve international disputes, football and this World Cup hold the potential to foster connections and encourage harmony, especially as we keep those impacted by current hostilities in our considerations," Infantino elaborated.
Last Friday, Iran also featured in a warm-up game against Nigeria in the Turkish resort of Belek.
The players donned black bands on their arms and held school bags during the anthem to honour those lost in an attack on an Iranian elementary school at the onset of the regional hostilities.
The strike on the facility in the southern city of Minab on February 28 resulted in over 170 fatalities, among them pupils and educators.
According to reports from The New York Times, initial results from a US armed forces probe suggest a Tomahawk missile struck the site owing to an error in target selection.