FIFA president Gianni Infantino has insisted that Iran will participate in the World Cup, dismissing any alternative plans.
Infantino promised to “continue to support” Iran’s preparations for the tournament. He met with the Iranian national team for the first time since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on the country a month ago.
Infantino’s Visit and Assurances
Infantino spoke with Iran’s players and soccer federation officials in Antalya, Turkey. The team played a warmup game there, ahead of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“FIFA will continue to support the team to ensure the best possible conditions as they prepare for the World Cup,” Infantino stated in an Instagram post.
Prior to a friendly against Costa Rica, Iranian players and officials, including coach Amir Ghalenoei and federation vice president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, posed with images of children allegedly killed by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
Doubts and Conflicting Comments
The ongoing conflict has raised questions about Iran’s participation in the World Cup. There have been conflicting public statements from Iranian government and soccer officials, as well as U.S. President Donald Trump.
Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.
Iranian officials had proposed moving the team’s group stage games to Mexico after Trump expressed safety concerns.
FIFA’s Firm Stance
Infantino has repeatedly affirmed Iran will adhere to the World Cup schedule. He stated that there is only “Plan A” and no back-up options for Iran to play its games as agreed in December.
“We want them to play; they are going to play in the World Cup. There are no Plans B or C or D; Plan A is the only plan,” Infantino said. “We live in a complex geopolitical situation…but our work is to unite.
“We know it is a complicated situation but we will work to be sure that Iran plays in this World Cup in the best conditions.
“Iran represents its people, those living in Iran, and those living abroad. They qualified on sporting merit for this World Cup; it was a national team that qualified very early on. It is a footballing country. We are going to unite countries in a spirit of peace. In the world there are divisions, but our work is to unite, to be a bridge to all.”
Geopolitical Backdrop and Potential Matchups
The discussions occur against a backdrop of escalating conflict in the Middle East. This conflict has impacted global diplomacy and economies.
Iran is considered a soccer power in Asia and may advance to the knockout rounds after their group stage games against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. A potential match against the United States could occur in the round of 32.
On Tuesday, Iran’s players easily
All the crosstalk and leverage plays have been against a backdrop of escalating conflict in the Middle East that has roiled global diplomacy and economies.