FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said Iran will take part in the upcoming World Cup in the United States despite concerns raised amid the ongoing conflict involving the country, reports Al Jazeera.
Infantino expressed confidence in Iran’s participation, even after the country’s sports minister suggested the team might not travel due to the war and security concerns. He reiterated on Wednesday that the Iranian team would come to the US “for sure”.
Iranian officials have requested relocating their matches to Mexico, one of the three host nations alongside the United States and Canada. However, FIFA has ruled out any relocation, citing logistical challenges and assuring safety for Iranian players and staff.
“The Iranian team is coming for sure,” Infantino told CNBC, adding that Iran has qualified and represents its people. He expressed hope that the situation would remain peaceful ahead of the tournament.
Infantino also said he recently visited the Iranian team during its training camp in Antalya, Turkiye, and that the players are eager to participate. He stressed that sports should remain separate from politics and serve as a bridge during difficult times.
Iran, among the first teams to qualify for the tournament, are scheduled to play all three of their group-stage matches on the US West Coast. They are set to face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, before playing Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. Any knockout-stage matches for Iran would also be held in the United States.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
