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Topics: Iran, Donald Trump, Football, World News, Sport
Niamh Shackleton
Topics: Iran, Donald Trump, Football, World News, Sport
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has given an update on Iran's future at the World Cup amid the ongoing conflict between the country, the US, and Iran.
The upcoming World Cup will be hosted in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and involves a whopping 48 nations this year — one being Iran.
Iran was actually one of the first countries to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and finished top their group in the qualifying tournament for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This marks their fourth successive FIFA World Cup edition.
But, as there's currently a war with Iran going on, many have wondered if the country's national team would still be allowed to play this summer.
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Donald Trump has been asked for his thoughts on the matter a handful of times. On one occasion he said that he didn't care if Iran took part or not, then he insisted they were 'welcome' to play but questioned if it was 'appropriate' for the team to do so.
Now the head of FIFA, Infantino, has weighed it on it all and said that he'd spoken with the Iranian team, telling them that FIFA supports them in competing at the World Cup.
"Iran will be at the World Cup," he confirmed to AFP. "That’s what we’re here for. The matches will be where they are supposed to be, according to the draw. Iran will be at the FIFA World Cup, and we’re excited because they’re a very, very strong team, in my opinion, right now. So, I’m very happy."
Infantino continued: "I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach. So, everything’s fine. We’re delighted because they are a very, very strong team. I’m very happy."
Iran seems to have made a U-turn on its stance on competing in the World Cup as just last month its sports minister said that there was no way that the country would compete.
"Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," Ahmad Donyamali said last month.
"Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.
"Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence."
However, if Iran pulled out of the competition they would be fined thousands of dollars.
Per FIFA rules, if a team pulls out before 30 days from their first game, they'll be made to cough up at least 250,000 Swiss francs ($320,581).
If a team pulls out within 30 days of their first match, the fine increases to 500,000 Swiss Francs ($641,047).