Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, has unequivocally stated that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This statement effectively eliminates any possibility of Italy being recalled to the tournament.
Recent events had cast considerable doubt on Iran’s ability to compete in the upcoming World Cup, particularly given the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the USA and Israel. The situation was further complicated by Iran’s placement in a group with matches scheduled to take place in the United States.
Although Iran was the only nation not represented at the FIFA congress in Vancouver, Infantino seized the opportunity to make a clear declaration regarding their participation.
Infantino dismisses the idea of Italy’s recall
«Naturally, Iran will compete in the United States of America,» Infantino stated. «The reason is simple: we must foster unity and bring people together.»
Had Iran withdrawn or faced exclusion from the tournament, FIFA would have been obligated to find a replacement. Italy, as the highest-ranked nation that failed to qualify, was considered a strong candidate for such a replacement.
This potential recall was reportedly championed by Paolo Zampolli, the special envoy of Donald Trump and an Italian-American, who had recently claimed that Italy had «more than a 50 percent chance» of being invited to the World Cup.
However, many figures within Italian football have voiced their preference against joining the tournament under such circumstances.
The 2026 World Cup is set to commence on June 11. Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, respectively, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
