WANA (Mar 30) – As political tensions and security concerns surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue to grow, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has taken a firm stance on Iran’s participation, dismissing any uncertainty.

 

Infantino emphasised that Iran will take part in the tournament without question, highlighting the team’s sporting merit. He described Iran as a legitimate representative of its people, noting that the team qualified early and earned its place in the competition.

 

Calling Iran a “football-crazy country,” he stated: “We want them to play, they will play in the World Cup, and there is no Plan B, C, or D—only Plan A, which is their participation.”

 

His remarks come after Donald Trump previously stated that the United States would not guarantee Iran’s security—an issue that raises concerns, given that the U.S. is one of the host nations. Ensuring the safety of all participating teams is a fundamental requirement for hosting the World Cup, yet FIFA’s position suggests this will not hinder Iran’s presence.

 

Within Iran, officials have also stressed the importance of taking part in the tournament. Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian Football Federation, described the World Cup as an opportunity rather than something to boycott. He emphasised the need for a strong and confident presence and revealed that Iran has been in communication with other Asian teams, with results expected soon.

 

Meanwhile, concerns extend beyond politics. Amnesty International has warned about potential human rights risks for fans attending the 2026 tournament, particularly in the United States. The organisation cited issues such as mass deportations, strict security measures, and possible arbitrary detentions.

 

According to the report, more than 500,000 people were deported from the U.S. in the past year alone, raising alarms about the broader security environment. Amnesty International has urged FIFA to obtain guarantees from U.S. authorities that immigration enforcement operations will not take place in or around stadiums, ensuring a safe and open environment for fans.

 

These developments highlight how the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be more than just a sporting event—emerging as a complex intersection of sports, politics, security, and human rights.