Iran will take part in the World Cup and their games will be played in the United States as scheduled, says Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
There has been ungoing uncertainty over their participation in the tournament because of the US-Israel war with Iran.
And the Iranian football federation said earlier this month it was “negotiating” with Fifa to relocate the country’s World Cup matches from the US to Mexico.
“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino told AFP. “We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”
Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively, and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
The tournament, which begins on 11 June, is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country was prepared to host Iran’s matches if needed but Infantino, who attended Iran’s 5-0 friendly win against Costa Rica in Turkey on Tuesday, insisted they would participate in the tournament as planned.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” he insisted.
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Iran players held photos of children killed in war as well as pictures of damaged hospitals and historical buildings before Tuesday’s friendly
Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, the vice president of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), added: “For us, what matters most are Fifa’s rules and regulations. We will comply with whatever Fifa decides.
“Every host country has made commitments to Fifa and must honour them.”
He said Infantino had come to the game in Turkey while en route from Mexico to Qatar.
“Having learned that we were organising friendly matches here, he came to see us in person, and we had a fruitful discussion,” he explained.
“Given our history in this competition, it is only natural that Fifa should support the Iranian team. Mr Infantino is providing the necessary support to our national team and has given our players a great boost.”
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump said in a post on social media that Iran would be “welcome to the World Cup” before signalling he felt they should not be involved “for their own life and safety”.
In response, Iran said it was the US which should forefeit their place in the tournament.
Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali also said his country was not in a position to participate in the tournament.
