FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced at the annual congress in Vancouver, Canada that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with their matches taking place in the United States. Iran's group games include matches against New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26. Despite previous uncertainties due to strained relations between Iran and the U.S., including visa issues and geopolitical tensions following attacks on Iran, Infantino reaffirmed that football serves as a unifying force. He stated, 'Football unites the world,' highlighting FIFA's commitment to inclusivity. The announcement comes after Iran's delegation faced entry issues to Canada, and discussions about relocating their matches to Mexico had taken place. Infantino's remarks aim to reassure fans and stakeholders of Iran's confirmed participation in the tournament.